Congratulations!

[Valid RSS] This is a valid RSS feed.

Recommendations

This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.

Source: https://www.nysdra.org//feed/rss2

  1. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
  2. <rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:g-custom="http://base.google.com/cns/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0">
  3.  <channel>
  4.    <title>NYSDRA News and Updates</title>
  5.    <link>https://www.nysdra.org</link>
  6.    <description />
  7.    <atom:link href="https://www.nysdra.org/feed/rss2" type="application/rss+xml" rel="self" />
  8.    <item>
  9.      <title>Center for Dispute Settlement Hosts 50th Anniversary Gala</title>
  10.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/center-for-dispute-settlement-hosts-50th-anniversary-gala</link>
  11.      <description />
  12.      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  13.  &lt;a href="https://foxrochester.com/news/good-day-rochester/center-for-dispute-settlement-hosts-50th-anniversary-gala" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
  14.    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/Center+for+Dispute+Settlement+50th+Anniversary+Gala.webp"/&gt;&#xD;
  15.  &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  16. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  17. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  18.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  19.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  20.      
  21.           On August 10, the non-profit organization Center for Dispute Settlement is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a Gala event!
  22.          &#xD;
  23.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  24.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  25.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  26.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  27.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  28.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  29.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  30.      
  31.           The Gala will be an opportunity for staff (past and present), volunteers, and community members to celebrate CDS’ tradition of community building and dispute resolution for individuals, families, and organizations.
  32.          &#xD;
  33.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  34.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  35.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  36.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  37.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  38.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  39.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  40.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  41.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  42.      
  43.           The Gala will feature keynote speaker Andrew Thomas as well as a Proclamation from Mayor Malik Evans.
  44.          &#xD;
  45.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  46.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  47.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  48.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  49.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  50.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  51.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  52.      
  53.           This morning on GDR, we were joined by President and CEO of the Center for Dispute Settlement, Dr. Shira May to learn more about the organization as well as the upcoming Gala.
  54.          &#xD;
  55.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  56.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  57.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  58.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  59.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  60.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  61.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  62.      
  63.           For more information visit 
  64.          &#xD;
  65.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  66.    &lt;a href="https://cdsadr.org/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  67.      
  68.           cdsadr.org
  69.          &#xD;
  70.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  71.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  72.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  73.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  74.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  75.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  76.    &lt;a href="https://foxrochester.com/news/good-day-rochester/center-for-dispute-settlement-hosts-50th-anniversary-gala" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
  77.      
  78.           Watch the Full Interview Here
  79.          &#xD;
  80.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  81.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  82. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  83.      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:23:39 GMT</pubDate>
  84.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/center-for-dispute-settlement-hosts-50th-anniversary-gala</guid>
  85.      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
  86.    </item>
  87.    <item>
  88.      <title>Interview with Donna Ramlow: Conflict Resolution for All</title>
  89.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/interview-with-donna-ramlow-conflict-resolution-for-all</link>
  90.      <description />
  91.      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  92.  &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGrw72tK4LY" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
  93.    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/Donna+Ramlow+-+DRC+Interview+Picture.png"/&gt;&#xD;
  94.  &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  95. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  96. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  97.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  98.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  99.      
  100.           Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) is an organization that specializes in conflict resolution and mediation services. Donna Ramlow, the Executive Director of DRC, has been a driving force in the field of alternative dispute resolution for many years. Her unwavering commitment to helping individuals, organizations, and communities find peaceful resolutions to their conflicts has earned her widespread recognition and respect.
  101.          &#xD;
  102.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  103.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  104.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  105.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  106.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  107.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  108.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  109.      
  110.           Donna explains that DRC's mission is to provide accessible and effective mediation services to all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. The organization offers a wide range of mediation services, including family and divorce mediation, workplace mediation, community mediation, Special Education, and more. DRC's team of trained volunteer mediators, who come from diverse professional backgrounds, work tirelessly to create a safe and neutral environment where parties can express their concerns and interests freely.
  111.          &#xD;
  112.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  113.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  114.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  115.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  116.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  117.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  118.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  119.      
  120.           Donna also highlights DRC's commitment to education and outreach. She outlines the details of the Parents Apart educational class, as well as DRC's robust and active CASA program, where volunteers are assigned to help children and their families who are going through the foster care system. The organization also offers comprehensive training programs for aspiring mediators and conducts workshops and presentations on conflict resolution in schools, businesses, and communities.
  121.          &#xD;
  122.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  123.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  124.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  125.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  126.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  127.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  128.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  129.      
  130.           In the discussion about the impact of DRC's work, Donna shares heartwarming stories of people that have been able to resolve their disputes amicably and strengthen their relationships and communication skills, including how improved communication skills have helped her and her family in their personal lives.
  131.          &#xD;
  132.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  133.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  134.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  135.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  136.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  137.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  138.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  139.      
  140.           Donna Ramlow's passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to conflict resolution, and the wellbeing of children and their families, are truly inspiring. With her leadership, Donna is paving the way for a more peaceful and harmonious world, one mediated resolution at a time.
  141.          &#xD;
  142.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  143.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  144.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  145.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  146.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  147.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  148.    &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGrw72tK4LY" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
  149.      
  150.           Watch the Full Interview Here
  151.          &#xD;
  152.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  153.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  154. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  155.      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 13:05:01 GMT</pubDate>
  156.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/interview-with-donna-ramlow-conflict-resolution-for-all</guid>
  157.      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
  158.    </item>
  159.    <item>
  160.      <title>Mediation Matters nonprofit eases conflict resolution</title>
  161.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/mediation-matters-nonprofit-eases-conflict-resolution</link>
  162.      <description />
  163.      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  164.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/Mediation+Matters+nonprofit+eases+conflict+resolution.jpg"/&gt;&#xD;
  165. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  166. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  167.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  168.    &lt;span style="display: inline-block;"&gt;&#xD;
  169.      
  170.           Sarah Rudgers-Tysz, executive director of Mediation Matters, works in one of the mediation rooms at the organization's office on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Albany, N.Y.
  171.          &#xD;
  172.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  173.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  174.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  175.    &lt;span style="display: inline-block;"&gt;&#xD;
  176.      
  177.           Paul Buckowski/Times Union
  178.          &#xD;
  179.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  180.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  181.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  182.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  183.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  184.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  185.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  186.      
  187.           Conflict — an inescapable gremlin that follows us to work, home and into our dreams — is difficult to navigate but necessary, so much so that the state has a dedicated association for it.
  188.          &#xD;
  189.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  190.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  191.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  192.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  193.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  194.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  195.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  196.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  197.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  198.      
  199.           New York is home to 62 conflict resolution centers, which are tasked with helping communities sort through everyday matters that may grow tense. Mediation Matters is the Capital Region’s go-to mass of centers for such matters.
  200.          &#xD;
  201.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  202.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  203.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  204.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  205.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  206.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  207.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  208.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  209.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  210.      
  211.           The nonprofit, first opened in 1979, houses three offices in the Capital Region and offers services to all residents, organizations and companies in six counties — Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington.
  212.          &#xD;
  213.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  214.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  215.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  216.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  217.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  218.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  219.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  220.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  221.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  222.      
  223.           “All of our processes and our purpose in life is to support our fellow community members ... to find constructive ways to manage either conflict or difficult conversations in their lives,” Sarah Rudgers-Tysz, Mediation Matters’ executive director, said.
  224.          &#xD;
  225.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  226.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  227.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  228.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  229.      
  230.           While you can be referred to Mediation Matters by a court, locals of all ages can freely and confidentially use their services as well. The organization is available to assist mitigating family disputes, small claims or even just facilitate difficult conversations with others, she explained.
  231.          &#xD;
  232.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  233.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  234.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  235.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  236.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  237.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  238.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  239.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  240.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  241.      
  242.           While you can be referred to Mediation Matters by a court, locals of all ages can freely and confidentially use their services as well. The organization is available to assist mitigating family disputes, small claims or even just facilitate difficult conversations with others, she explained.
  243.          &#xD;
  244.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  245.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  246.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  247.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  248.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  249.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  250.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  251.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  252.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  253.      
  254.           On any given day, mediators can resolve disputes between landlords and tenants, over family childcare schedules, farm loans or special education disputes at schools.
  255.          &#xD;
  256.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  257.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  258.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  259.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  260.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  261.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  262.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  263.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  264.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  265.      
  266.           “The range of types of situations that we involved in are as diverse as the community itself,” Rudgers-Tysz said. The Capital Region centers employ 12 staff members and has about 30 volunteers. Mediators are required to take 30 hours of basic training and cycle through additional specialized learning for conflict resolution, teaching volunteers how to be objective, confidential and empathetic.
  267.          &#xD;
  268.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  269.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  270.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  271.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  272.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  273.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  274.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  275.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  276.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  277.      
  278.           The center mediates between five and 10 individual conflicts weekly and thousands a year. Mediation Matters also has programs to train companies and organizations alongside youth programs it hosts at schools. In some cases, a Mediation Matters staffer is directly embedded in the schools. For others, the agency partners with a school.
  279.          &#xD;
  280.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  281.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  282.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  283.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  284.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  285.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  286.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  287.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  288.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  289.      
  290.           Community members can access the nonprofit’s services at little or no cost given it is funded by the New York State Unified Court System, among other sources. Mediation Matters bills organizations it provides training for, but only charges about $25 per person for individual sessions, and waives the fee for those who cannot pay it.
  291.          &#xD;
  292.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  293.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  294.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  295.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  296.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  297.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  298.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  299.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  300.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  301.      
  302.           One program trains students to become mediators, aiming to help students resolve conflict without violence. The organization has coordinated programs at Schenectady High and Mt. Pleasant Middle School, for example. Some peer mediators who started with the organization while in school have gone on to become staff members, Rudgers-Tysz said. “I think the biggest challenge is the empathy that's required, but it is such gratifying work,” she said. “Just watching the light bulb go on and (someone) feel like ‘Oh, I can do this.’ It's a really powerful thing. We all just embrace the idea that we know people have those strengths to work through and make decisions for their lives.”
  303.          &#xD;
  304.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  305.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  306.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  307.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  308.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  309.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  310.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  311.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  312.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  313.      
  314.           Beatriz Roman started volunteering in 2016, after moving to the region two years before. When a friend asked if she wanted to be a mediator, she said she was “floored.” She had always admired her friend’s work and it hadn’t occurred to her that she, too, could get involved.
  315.          &#xD;
  316.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  317.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  318.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  319.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  320.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  321.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  322.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  323.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  324.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  325.      
  326.           “I come from a very dysfunctional family ... (one) where there was no talking, there was no listening. I really admired that you could create enough trust in two sparring parties for them to understand this is a serious attempt at listening to each other,” she said.
  327.          &#xD;
  328.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  329.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  330.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  331.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  332.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  333.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  334.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  335.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  336.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  337.      
  338.           So, when given the chance, her answer was a sure yes. Working in family and small claims mediation, Roman learned how to remain neutral during conflicts and facilitate conversations in a respectful manner that is open-ended and allows all parties to listen and feel heard.
  339.          &#xD;
  340.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  341.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  342.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  343.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  344.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  345.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  346.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  347.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  348.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  349.      
  350.           “They're in charge of the negotiation. They're in charge of the outcome. And it's OK if they don't come to an agreement, but that they've listened to each other and heard each other's understanding of the problem,” Roman said.
  351.          &#xD;
  352.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  353.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  354.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  355.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  356.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  357.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  358.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  359.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.6;"&gt;&#xD;
  360.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  361.      
  362.           And in time, she said she believes acting as a community mediator has changed her life.
  363.          &#xD;
  364.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  365.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  366.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  367.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  368.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  369.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  370.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  371.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  372.    &lt;a href="https://www.timesunion.com/womenatwork/article/mediation-matters-offers-conflict-resolution-17826915.php#photo-21644898" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  373.      
  374.           Read The Article on The Times Union Website
  375.          &#xD;
  376.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  377.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  378. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  379.      <pubDate>Sat, 11 Mar 2023 18:30:59 GMT</pubDate>
  380.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/mediation-matters-nonprofit-eases-conflict-resolution</guid>
  381.      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
  382.    </item>
  383.    <item>
  384.      <title>2022 Advocacy Update</title>
  385.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/600976</link>
  386.      <description />
  387.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  388.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  389.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  390.      
  391.            
  392.          &#xD;
  393.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  394.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  395. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  396. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  397.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  398.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  399.      
  400.           The Legislative Session 
  401.          &#xD;
  402.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  403.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  404.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  405.    
  406.          The New York State Legislature convenes from January 5, 2022 through June 2, 2022. During this six-month period, legislators hear from constituents and advocacy groups about various policy priorities
  407.    and vote on bills. The legislature also reviews the Executive Budget Proposal by the Governor that was released on January 18, 2022. Once the Executive Budget is released, advocates schedule meetings with legislators to gain support for funding and
  408.    for key policy issues. From January through March, both houses in the legislature (the Assembly and the Senate) make adjustments to the Executive Budget Proposal and include their budget priorities in their
  409.          &#xD;
  410.    &lt;a href="https://nyassembly.gov/2022budget/?sec=assembly&amp;amp;fbclid=IwAR1pTIF-KQiftY_6-ClnU1sDYLQnIr_kC1NgvGAbsliDaEd8829dPrUO2Hg"&gt;&#xD;
  411.      
  412.           One-House Budget Proposals
  413.          &#xD;
  414.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  415.    
  416.          .
  417.    Once those one-house budget proposals are released by the Assembly and the Senate, negotiations occur to reach a final state budget to be passed by April 1st for the start of the State’s fiscal year. (
  418.          &#xD;
  419.    &lt;a href="https://www.budget.ny.gov/citizen/process/process.html"&gt;&#xD;
  420.      
  421.           Learn more about the budget process here)
  422.          &#xD;
  423.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  424.    
  425.          .
  426.          &#xD;
  427.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  428.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  429.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  430.      
  431.           NYSDRA Advocacy
  432.          &#xD;
  433.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  434.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  435.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  436.    &lt;em&gt;&#xD;
  437.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  438.        
  439.            $1.5 Million Budget Request – Funding for CDRC Staffing 
  440.           &#xD;
  441.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  442.    &lt;/em&gt;&#xD;
  443.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  444.    
  445.          This legislative session, NYSDRA and Community Dispute Resolution Center staff have been busy advocating for
  446.    additional funding for the statewide network to enhance capacity and reach of services. NYSDRA hosted two advocacy days on January 27th, and February 8th. Over the course of the legislative session, approximately 60 meetings were held with legislators
  447.    to support our budget request of $1.5 million to fund 20 full-time equivalent positions across the state to increase staff capacity and community engagement. 
  448.          &#xD;
  449.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  450.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  451.    
  452.          NYSDRA was successful for gaining the support of Senator Hoylman, Chair of the
  453.    Judiciary Committee and Assemblymember Lavine, Chair of the Judiciary Committee to support our budget request through sign-on letters.  With the support of Senator Hoylman, we secured 12 Senators who signed-on to our supporting our budget request
  454.    in the Senate. With the support of Assemblymember Lavine, we secured 16 signatures supporting our budget request in the Assembly. This support materialized into the Community Dispute Resolution Centers being specifically named in the Assembly’s One-House
  455.    Budget Priorities!  We are hopeful that this will result in our budget request being included in the final State budget. 
  456.          &#xD;
  457.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  458.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  459.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  460.      &lt;em&gt;&#xD;
  461.        
  462.            Juvenile Justice Services – Raise the Age 
  463.           &#xD;
  464.      &lt;/em&gt;&#xD;
  465.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  466.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  467.    
  468.          Raise the Age implementation funding available
  469.    in the Governor’s proposed executive budget, and both one house bills, is $250 million. In mid-March, the Governor quietly released her public safety plan to several members of the legislature in hopes that they would be included in the final budget.
  470.    The Governor’s proposed public safety plan rolled back portions of the Raise the Age statute which prevents 16-and 17 year olds from being prosecuted as adults, serving youth in Family Court and placed in youth justice programs and facilities. In
  471.    response to the Governor’s proposed public safety plan to reduce gun violence, NYSDRA penned letters to the Governor, Majority Leader, Speaker, and every member of the legislature providing information about existing services and sought funding for
  472.    Raise the Age implementation be carved out for centers. 
  473.          &#xD;
  474.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  475.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  476.    
  477.          An excerpt of the letter is below:
  478.          &#xD;
  479.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  480.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  481.    &lt;em&gt;&#xD;
  482.      
  483.           “The centers cover every county and have provided critical de-escalation and dispute resolution services in courts and communities for more than 40 years. The centers are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution by continuing to provide preventative and responsive juvenile justice related programming with an existing statewide infrastructure of service providers... Now more than ever, young people need the skills and resources to effectively respond to conflict. By investing in public safety solutions, we can directly benefit young people and families by building resilient communities.”
  484.          &#xD;
  485.    &lt;/em&gt;&#xD;
  486.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  487.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  488.    
  489.          As the budget negotiations come to a close, NYSDRA will provide updates on where the Community Dispute Resolution Centers stand in the final State budget.  
  490.         &#xD;
  491.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  492. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  493. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  494.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/picture1.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  495.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  496.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  497. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  498. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  499.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  500.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  501.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  502.    &lt;em style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  503.      &lt;span style="font-size: 14px;"&gt;&#xD;
  504.        
  505.            Pictured: Community Dispute Resolution Center Staff and NYSDRA Staff convene on February 8th for Lobby Day 2022 Meetings!
  506.           &#xD;
  507.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  508.    &lt;/em&gt;&#xD;
  509.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  510.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  511.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  512. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  513.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/advocacy-update_58308730__1_.png" length="1027692" type="image/png" />
  514.      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
  515.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/600976</guid>
  516.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Featured News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  517.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/advocacy-update_58308730__1_.png" />
  518.    </item>
  519.    <item>
  520.      <title>2021 Board of Directors</title>
  521.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/573672</link>
  522.      <description />
  523.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  524.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  525.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  526.  &lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&#xD;
  527.    
  528.          As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, NYSDRA strives to make strategic use of limited funding and staffing resources. Developing and being supported by a robust Board of Directors -- a group of individuals who generously share their time and expertise
  529.    to strengthen the NYSDRA network -- is of paramount importance. NYSDRA's work would not be possible without their dedication, experience, and professionalism, and we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the team.
  530.         &#xD;
  531.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  532.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  533.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  534. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  535. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  536.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.8.2._board_new.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  537.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  538.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  539. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  540. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  541.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  542.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  543.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  544.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  545.      &lt;u&gt;&#xD;
  546.        
  547.            New Board Members 
  548.           &#xD;
  549.      &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  550.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  551.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  552.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  553.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  554. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  555. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  556.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  557.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  558.      
  559.           Love Odih Kumuyi
  560.          &#xD;
  561.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  562.    
  563.          is a peacebuilding and conflict transformation practitioner. Prior to launching the global consulting firm, Unsiloed, she was the inaugural Associate Dean of Conflict Resolution at Cornell University where she developed policies
  564.    and programs that use ADR tools and bias monitoring data to respond to bias incidents and community crisis. Prior, she trained hundreds of Peace Corps volunteers pre-deployment and consulted with the United Nations Development Programs in Africa,
  565.    the Middle East, and the United States. Leading with extensive interdisciplinary experiences, Love is passionate about driving systemic change, foster learning, facilitating dialogue, that redefines human relations, and promotes inclusion. A mediation
  566.    professor at NYU, Love serves on several boards and initiatives.
  567.          &#xD;
  568.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  569.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  570.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  571.      
  572.           Chris Kwok
  573.          &#xD;
  574.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  575.    
  576.          is a mediator and arbitrator with JAMS, specializing in Labor &amp;amp; Employment law. Formerly, he was the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Coordinator at the U.S. Equal Employment Commission in the New York District
  577.    office. Mr. Kwok managed mediators in the New York, Newark, Buffalo and Boston offices. He has personally mediated thousands of cases over the course of his career. Mr. Kwok is active in the field as a trainer, lecturer and writer. He was the founding
  578.    Co-Chair of the Labor &amp;amp; Employment Committee at the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY). Currently, Mr. Kwok is Co Chair of the Asia Practice Committee and Issues Committee at AABANY. He is also the founding Co Chair of the Dispute
  579.    Resolution Committee at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). Mr. Kwok received his B.A from Cornell University and his J.D. from UCLA Law School.
  580.          &#xD;
  581.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  582.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  583.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  584.      
  585.           Matthew Lattimer
  586.          &#xD;
  587.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  588.    
  589.          is a graduate of Columbia University in
  590.    the City of New York with an AB in history and holds a law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. While in law school, in addition to being part of a mediation clinic at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, he also had held internships
  591.    at the United Nations with the Economic and Social Council and with Robert P. Patterson, Senior U.S.D.J. in the Southern District of New York. Matthew is a Senior Conciliation Specialist and has been with the United States Department of Justice Community
  592.    Relations Service since 2008.
  593.          &#xD;
  594.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  595.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  596. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  597.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.8.2._board_new.png" length="406797" type="image/png" />
  598.      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2021 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
  599.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/573672</guid>
  600.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Featured News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  601.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.8.2._board_new.png" />
  602.    </item>
  603.    <item>
  604.      <title>2021 Summer Reads</title>
  605.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/575667</link>
  606.      <description />
  607.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  608.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  609.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  610.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  611.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 24px; color: #bd10e0;"&gt;&#xD;
  612.      
  613.                      
  614.      
  615.    Summer Reads
  616.  
  617.    
  618.                    &#xD;
  619.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  620.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  621.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  622.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  623. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  624. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  625.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  626.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  627.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  628.    &lt;span style="font-size: 20px; color: #e044ff;"&gt;&#xD;
  629.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  630.        
  631.                        
  632.        
  633.      NYSDRA Asked - You Answered!
  634.  
  635.    
  636.      
  637.                      &#xD;
  638.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  639.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  640.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  641.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  642.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  643. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  644. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  645.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  646.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  647.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  648.    &lt;span style="font-size: 20px;"&gt;&#xD;
  649.      &lt;span style="font-size: 20px;"&gt;&#xD;
  650.        
  651.                        
  652.        
  653.      
  654.    This July, we asked the NYSDRA Community to share their favorite
  655.    
  656.      
  657.                      &#xD;
  658.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  659.      
  660.                      
  661.      
  662.    reads of 2021 (so far) with us. Check out what your ADR neighbors and colleagues are reading this year— there’s still time to add to your Summer Reading List!
  663.  
  664.    
  665.                    &#xD;
  666.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  667.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  668.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  669.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  670. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  671. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  672.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  673.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  674.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  675.    
  676.                    
  677.    
  678.   
  679.  
  680.  
  681.                  &#xD;
  682.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  683.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  684.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  685. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  686.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.8.3._book1.jpg" length="4663" type="image/jpeg" />
  687.      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Aug 2021 16:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
  688.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/575667</guid>
  689.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Featured News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  690.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.8.3._book1.jpg" />
  691.    </item>
  692.    <item>
  693.      <title>CDRC Spotlight: Dispute Resolution Center</title>
  694.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/574577</link>
  695.      <description />
  696.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  697.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/drc_max_logo.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  698.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  699.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  700. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  701. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  702.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  703.    &lt;span style="font-size: 16px;"&gt;&#xD;
  704.      &lt;span style="font-size: 18px;"&gt;&#xD;
  705.        
  706.            "We began planning in late April 2020, and virtual mediations took place in the latter part of May 2020. Jolynn Dunn, ADR Regional Coordinator polled the panel of mediators to see who would be interested in mediating virtually.
  707.            &#xD;
  708.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  709.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  710.        
  711.            The next
  712.    step was changing all of the forms to reflect virtual mediations and the new guidelines needed. The Admin team went to work. The decision was also made to have agreements typed and no longer hand written, as going through scanning made them very hard
  713.    to read.
  714.            &#xD;
  715.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  716.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  717.        
  718.            Once all of the changes were in place, the next step was getting the volunteers ready to mediate virtually. Nancy Kanan, Finance &amp;amp; Contract coordinator worked initially in groups and then individually with each volunteer that
  719.    agreed to do virtual mediations. They were instructed on all aspects of providing mediation through Zoom. Once the mediators were comfortable with the process and were able to install the DRC background or a green screen that was provided on their
  720.    computer, they were ready to once again mediate."
  721.           &#xD;
  722.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  723.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  724.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  725. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  726. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  727.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  728.    &lt;span style="font-size: 16px;"&gt;&#xD;
  729.      &lt;span style="font-size: 18px;"&gt;&#xD;
  730.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  731.        
  732.            "DRC has now been providing zoom virtual mediation only for the past year. Changes had to be made as issues came up, but virtual mediations have been working very well. One of the advantages of virtual is that all of our mediators can be utilized in all
  733.    of our counties no matter where they reside. In the past the volunteers would only do mediations in the county where they resided.
  734.            &#xD;
  735.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  736.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  737.        
  738.            Over the past year, the DRC ADR staff:
  739.            &#xD;
  740.        &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  741.          
  742.             Nancy Kanan, Jolynn Dunn, Miriam Frankl, Brenda Jobe, Marie Perry-Edwards
  743.    &amp;amp; Hans Schlange
  744.            &#xD;
  745.        &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  746.        
  747.            have done an awesome job. With the traumatic past year and all the changes that the agency has gone through because of COVID they were all very willing to adjust to all the constant changes needed to continue to provide services
  748.    to all of our communities.
  749.            &#xD;
  750.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  751.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  752.        
  753.            While we may offer in person mediations again in September for clients who prefer not to use zoom, DRC’s future plan, even as New York returns to “normal,” is to continue providing mediations virtually. Mediators
  754.    like it, we are able to provide more mediations in any particular day, weather is no longer a problem, and the clients are happy with the process." 
  755.            &#xD;
  756.        &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  757.          
  758.             – Donna Ramlow, June 2021
  759.            &#xD;
  760.        &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  761.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  762.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  763.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  764.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  765.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  766. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  767.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/drc_max_logo.png" length="45460" type="image/png" />
  768.      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 17:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
  769.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/574577</guid>
  770.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  771.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/drc_max_logo.png" />
  772.    </item>
  773.    <item>
  774.      <title>An Interview with Lewis Bernstein</title>
  775.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/573651</link>
  776.      <description />
  777.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  778.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  779.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  780.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  781.    &lt;span style="font-size: 18px;"&gt;&#xD;
  782.      
  783.                      
  784.      
  785.     
  786.  
  787.    
  788.                    &#xD;
  789.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  790.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  791.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  792.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  793. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  794. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  795.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  796.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  797.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  798.    &lt;span style="font-size: 18px;"&gt;&#xD;
  799.      &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  800.        
  801.                        
  802.        
  803.      This arbitrator works with the
  804.      
  805.        
  806.                        &#xD;
  807.        &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  808.          
  809.                          
  810.          
  811.        EAC Network Long Island Dispute Resolution Centers (LIDRC)
  812.      
  813.        
  814.                        &#xD;
  815.        &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  816.        
  817.                        
  818.        
  819.      , one of New York State's 20 Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs). Read more about this work in the words of EAC staff following this interview or
  820.      
  821.        
  822.                        &#xD;
  823.        &lt;a href="https://eac-network.org/li-dispute-resolution-centers/"&gt;&#xD;
  824.          
  825.                          
  826.          
  827.        learn more about EAC now
  828.      
  829.        
  830.                        &#xD;
  831.        &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  832.        
  833.                        
  834.        
  835.      .
  836.    
  837.      
  838.                      &#xD;
  839.      &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  840.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  841.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  842.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  843.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  844. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  845. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  846.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  847.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  848.      
  849.                      
  850.    
  851.    Joe Gorman:
  852.  
  853.  
  854.                    &#xD;
  855.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  856.    
  857.                    
  858.  
  859.  Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
  860.  
  861.  
  862.                    &#xD;
  863.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  864.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  865.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  866.      
  867.                      
  868.    
  869.    Lewis Bernstein:
  870.  
  871.  
  872.                    &#xD;
  873.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  874.    
  875.                    
  876.  
  877.  My background is that I was a manufacturer for 40 years. I manufactured children’s and women’s coats. My offices were on 7th avenue and 34th
  878.    street. During that time I was also an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association (AAA). I arbitrated with AAA for about 25 years and my cases were initially mostly garment industry cases. And then I grew within the Association and this was
  879.    maybe about 12 cases a year. I gradually moved from cases in the textiles and garment trades into a broader selection of cases that were commercial. I developed a niche where I became known for doing partnership disputes and did many of those kinds
  880.    of cases.
  881.  
  882.  
  883.                    &#xD;
  884.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  885.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  886.    
  887.                    
  888.  
  889.  I retired about five or six years ago and during retirement I decided that I wanted to get back into something that interested me. Arbitration really interested me and it was a way of giving back to my community. Through the EAC
  890.    Network Long Island Dispute Resolution Centers (EAC), I started to mediate in small claims, and I was presented with the opportunity to arbitrate Lemon Law. I took the Lemon Law training and five years ago or so and here I am today— with I don’t even
  891.    know how many cases under my belt, but I have three or four boxes of case files over the five years so there are probably hundreds.
  892.  
  893.  
  894.                    &#xD;
  895.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  896.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  897.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  898.      
  899.                      
  900.    
  901.    Gorman:
  902.  
  903.  
  904.                    &#xD;
  905.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  906.    
  907.                    
  908.  
  909.  What goes into your preparation prior to a case?
  910.  
  911.  
  912.                    &#xD;
  913.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  914.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  915.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  916.      
  917.                      
  918.    
  919.    Bernstein:
  920.  
  921.  
  922.                    &#xD;
  923.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  924.    
  925.                    
  926.  
  927.   Preparation
  928.    for a virtual hearing involves making sure I have all the documents that I, as an arbitrator want to review prior to a case.
  929.  
  930.  
  931.                    &#xD;
  932.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  933.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  934.    
  935.                    
  936.  
  937.  Very often if you are dealing with a two-party cases (consumer &amp;amp; auto manufacturer) most often the company
  938.    will have an attorney who will list out everything that they want to see. I will look at that and see if that list includes everything I want to see and I’ll make sure I’m copied on that. If I need additional documents, especially the lease agreement,
  939.    and any repair orders, I make sure that I have all of the before the case. In a virtual hearing, we are very often not driving the automobile, so we will want to get detailed photographs, front, back, both sides, inside odometer reading, very close
  940.    to the hearing date.
  941.  
  942.  
  943.                    &#xD;
  944.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  945.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  946.    
  947.                    
  948.  
  949.  I’ll review those documents, wait to hear the case, then I will tell the parties that I will rule on whether or not I’m going to do a test drive.
  950.  
  951.  
  952.                    &#xD;
  953.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  954.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  955.    
  956.                    
  957.  
  958.  If I want to test drive, I schedule in a convenient place
  959.    somewhere between all of the parties and I’ll do a test drive of the vehicle. It was harder during the beginning of the coronavirus because a lot of people didn’t want to interface with other people in a small, contained environment, like a vehicle.
  960.    But sometimes it is important to validate the issues with the vehicle with a test drive. So you can’t just shy away from it. It’s a decision that as an arbitrator you have to make. And you can’t just set it aside just because you are doing virtual.
  961.    
  962.  
  963.  
  964.                    &#xD;
  965.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  966.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  967.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  968.      
  969.                      
  970.    
  971.    Gorman:
  972.  
  973.  
  974.                    &#xD;
  975.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  976.    
  977.                    
  978.  
  979.  Is the preparation a lot more extensive when preparing for a virtual vs. an in-person hearing?
  980.  
  981.  
  982.                    &#xD;
  983.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  984.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  985.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  986.      
  987.                      
  988.    
  989.    Bernstein:
  990.  
  991.  
  992.                    &#xD;
  993.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  994.    
  995.                    
  996.  
  997.   It’s actually not. Anything that I would want in a virtual hearing, I would have wanted prior to
  998.    an in-person hearing. Being organized before a hearing, having all your documents before you, and being able to review them before you get into a hearing makes that case go much more smoothly.
  999.  
  1000.  
  1001.                    &#xD;
  1002.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1003.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1004.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1005.      
  1006.                      
  1007.    
  1008.    Gorman:
  1009.  
  1010.  
  1011.                    &#xD;
  1012.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1013.    
  1014.                    
  1015.  
  1016.  What advantages have you seen
  1017.    by holding the virtual hearings?
  1018.  
  1019.  
  1020.                    &#xD;
  1021.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1022.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1023.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1024.      
  1025.                      
  1026.    
  1027.    Bernstein:
  1028.  
  1029.  
  1030.                    &#xD;
  1031.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1032.    
  1033.                    
  1034.  
  1035.  Oh the advantages are numerous and, if I had my way, virtual hearings would be the way we would do our hearings from now on. First of all, the parties can be very far apart. The attorney
  1036.    can be in Albany, the consumer can be in Islip, and I’m out here in Oyster Bay—which is a lot of distance between the parties.
  1037.  
  1038.  
  1039.                    &#xD;
  1040.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1041.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1042.    
  1043.                    
  1044.  
  1045.  If you went to do that in person, it would take a lot more resources and time of all the parties to get there;
  1046.    you are eliminating all of that and making it easier for the parties.
  1047.  
  1048.  
  1049.                    &#xD;
  1050.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1051.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1052.    
  1053.                    
  1054.  
  1055.  And that is exactly why I’m starting to think that we are getting many more settlements prior to the hearing now than we were then when we were in person. Most of the
  1056.    manufacturers have attorneys and it’s less costly when an attorney doesn’t have to give a day or day and half of time. So, it may influence their decision as to whether they settle, because if they settle, they are saving a lot of money on a virtual,
  1057.    so I think that may be influencing it.
  1058.  
  1059.  
  1060.                    &#xD;
  1061.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1062.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1063.    
  1064.                    
  1065.  
  1066.  I’ve also become much more diligent in terms of making sure that I’m very organized before a hearing, so by asking the questions that I ask and requiring the documents that I require before a hearing,
  1067.    might indicate that I’m a very serious arbitrator and that I’m going to handle the matter very seriously. I then find both parties are more organized, preparing themselves for the hearing.
  1068.  
  1069.  
  1070.                    &#xD;
  1071.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1072.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1073.    
  1074.                    
  1075.  
  1076.  The only downside that I’ve seen to virtual is
  1077.    where you get into situations where we have witnesses, such as outside witnesses that may be at the dealership, they are not often as good at preparing themselves in advance. Not with documents, but with bandwidth and an appropriate location for them
  1078.    to sit at a computer and be able to navigate the virtual environment.
  1079.  
  1080.  
  1081.                    &#xD;
  1082.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1083.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1084.    
  1085.                    
  1086.  
  1087.  Sometimes the individual parties also may not have the bandwidth they need or are not so familiar with the virtual interface. But once we get it going, it usually goes
  1088.    very smoothly. Sometimes they lose their bandwidth, sometimes they are in a place of business and people are moving around behind them. So I always try to prepare them and I have a notification document that describes everything they need to do before
  1089.    the hearing.
  1090.  
  1091.  
  1092.                    &#xD;
  1093.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1094.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1095.    
  1096.                    
  1097.  
  1098.  I have found that sometimes we must subpoena more witnesses in the virtual environment. Usually, the manufacturer will drag their witnesses with them, but in a virtual environment, often I have to issue subpoenas. And most
  1099.    of the time they are taken seriously, but I’ve found I’ve had to do it much more at the request of the parties before a virtual hearing.
  1100.  
  1101.  
  1102.                    &#xD;
  1103.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1104.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1105.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1106.      
  1107.                      
  1108.    
  1109.    Gorman:
  1110.  
  1111.  
  1112.                    &#xD;
  1113.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1114.    
  1115.                    
  1116.  
  1117.  It sounds like the challenges of the virtual hearings have to do more with the technical
  1118.    side of things than with the hearings themselves.
  1119.  
  1120.  
  1121.                    &#xD;
  1122.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1123.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1124.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1125.      
  1126.                      
  1127.    
  1128.    Bernstein:
  1129.  
  1130.  
  1131.                    &#xD;
  1132.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1133.    
  1134.                    
  1135.  
  1136.  Absolutely. And as people have gotten more used to using Zoom (most people use Zoom, we’re using WebEx), it’s not that much different of an interface. Getting used to the
  1137.    interface can take a couple of minutes, but once they’re on, they’re on, and that works very well.
  1138.  
  1139.  
  1140.                    &#xD;
  1141.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1142.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1143.    
  1144.                    
  1145.  
  1146.  My administrator stays on the call with me in the background, when we’re doing a hearing so if there’s something that I need from her, she
  1147.    is available to help. I’ve also asked her to caption all of my documents with regards to a particular case a very certain way. Captioning a case properly is the easiest way to get your documents. If you’re using Outlook for example, you click on the
  1148.    name of a case, and then you sort all of the cases and all of the documents are there in order. You can add to the caption what that document is as well, which also makes it a lot easier for me to go to my email and find any document that I may not
  1149.    have printed out, because I don’t print out everything, I can easily look at it and find it pre-hearing, during the hearing, and post-hearing.
  1150.  
  1151.  
  1152.                    &#xD;
  1153.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1154.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1155.    
  1156.                    
  1157.  
  1158.  When you get a lot of documents—sometimes the manufacturer will send you hundreds of pages of
  1159.    technical things— you can’t print that out. So I tell them, if you are going to present this, please print this out and send to us anything you want me to review before the hearing.
  1160.  
  1161.  
  1162.                    &#xD;
  1163.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1164.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1165.    
  1166.                    
  1167.  
  1168.  That way, they’re going to take 100-page technical book
  1169.    and pull out the page they want me to read. I’ve learned how to work with them so I get what I need in the simplest fashion.
  1170.  
  1171.  
  1172.                    &#xD;
  1173.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1174.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1175.    
  1176.                    
  1177.  
  1178.  Those types of organization are very important in a virtual hearing.
  1179.  
  1180.  
  1181.                    &#xD;
  1182.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1183.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1184.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1185.      
  1186.                      
  1187.    
  1188.    Gorman:
  1189.  
  1190.  
  1191.                    &#xD;
  1192.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1193.    
  1194.                    
  1195.  
  1196.  It sounds like the
  1197.    preparation is huge for this. Have you seen a big difference in the length that the hearings last?
  1198.  
  1199.  
  1200.                    &#xD;
  1201.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1202.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1203.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1204.      
  1205.                      
  1206.    
  1207.    Bernstein:
  1208.  
  1209.  
  1210.                    &#xD;
  1211.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1212.    
  1213.                    
  1214.  
  1215.  I’ve found them to last a lot less time virtually, because of the pre-hearing preparation. Also, people don’t need to
  1216.    take a break as often. They are prepared before they are online.
  1217.  
  1218.  
  1219.                    &#xD;
  1220.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1221.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1222.    
  1223.                    
  1224.  
  1225.  And the environment is better. Some of the hearing rooms that we have are just not the most conducive to meetings. They can be very hot. They can be very noisy. There’s not
  1226.    enough air flow. When you are in your home environment, or your own office, it’s much more comfortable. When I’m home, I have my file, I have everything laid out, I have my rules and regulations for arbitration in case I need to refer to that, I can
  1227.    number and label everything while I am my desk much easier than if I was in a hearing room. It is a very productive and efficient way of handling a lemon law case.
  1228.  
  1229.  
  1230.                    &#xD;
  1231.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1232.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1233.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1234.      
  1235.                      
  1236.    
  1237.    Gorman:
  1238.  
  1239.  
  1240.                    &#xD;
  1241.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1242.    
  1243.                    
  1244.  
  1245.  Especially when you are talking about consumers who aren’t
  1246.    represented, do you get a sense that they may be a little more comfortable in this setting versus sitting in a room across from an attorney?
  1247.  
  1248.  
  1249.                    &#xD;
  1250.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1251.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1252.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1253.      
  1254.                      
  1255.    
  1256.    Bernstein:
  1257.  
  1258.  
  1259.                    &#xD;
  1260.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1261.    
  1262.                    
  1263.  
  1264.  I absolutely do. I think that there is a comfort level that they don’t have
  1265.    when they are face to face with an attorney in a hearing room. Also, as an arbitrator you want to make sure that the playing field is level.
  1266.  
  1267.  
  1268.                    &#xD;
  1269.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1270.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1271.    
  1272.                    
  1273.  
  1274.  What we do as an arbitrator prior to the case is just as important as well as what we do in the
  1275.    hearing and then what we do post hearing.
  1276.  
  1277.  
  1278.                    &#xD;
  1279.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1280.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1281.    
  1282.                    
  1283.  
  1284.  The preparation that you do before a case creates a much more level environment and that’s why I think that a lot of these cases go to settlement. When both parties see that the arbitrator is committed
  1285.    to creating a very fair environment, I think it leads them to believe that they might be better off settling this on their own rather than having an arbitrator decide the case for them.
  1286.  
  1287.  
  1288.                    &#xD;
  1289.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1290.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1291.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1292.      
  1293.                      
  1294.    
  1295.    Gorman:
  1296.  
  1297.  
  1298.                    &#xD;
  1299.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1300.    
  1301.                    
  1302.  
  1303.   I think that is an advantage for both
  1304.    sides because you’re not taking the time for the hearing and we’re also getting to what the purpose of the arbitration is in the first place.
  1305.  
  1306.  
  1307.                    &#xD;
  1308.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1309.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1310.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1311.      
  1312.                      
  1313.    
  1314.    Bernstein:
  1315.  
  1316.  
  1317.                    &#xD;
  1318.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1319.    
  1320.                    
  1321.  
  1322.  I’m also a mediator. So leveling the playing field is done very often in both
  1323.    situations, especially in small claims. And in small claims we want to get to a lot of cases in the course of day. So that is one tool that I learned in mediation that I do in arbitration. When both parties see that the arbitrator is committed to
  1324.    creating a very fair environment, I think it leads them to believe that they might be better off settling this on their own rather than having an arbitrator decide the case for them.
  1325.  
  1326.  
  1327.                    &#xD;
  1328.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1329.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1330.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1331.      
  1332.                      
  1333.    
  1334.    Gorman:
  1335.  
  1336.  
  1337.                    &#xD;
  1338.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1339.    
  1340.                    
  1341.  
  1342.  You’ve been able to move through an incredible
  1343.    caseload in a short amount of time. Is there anything in the virtual process that you would improve upon?
  1344.  
  1345.  
  1346.                    &#xD;
  1347.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1348.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1349.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1350.      
  1351.                      
  1352.    
  1353.    Bernstein:
  1354.  
  1355.  
  1356.                    &#xD;
  1357.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1358.    
  1359.                    
  1360.  
  1361.   It depends if you mean just Lemon Law or more generally.
  1362.  
  1363.  
  1364.                    &#xD;
  1365.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1366.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1367.    
  1368.                    
  1369.  
  1370.  For Lemon Law, you know my thoughts about used
  1371.    car cases. That law must be updated to make us more effective with the current design of vehicles for today. It’s very outdated.
  1372.  
  1373.  
  1374.                    &#xD;
  1375.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1376.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1377.    
  1378.                    
  1379.  
  1380.  If you’re talking about what we could do to improve the virtual method, I don’t know how other arbitrators
  1381.    or other Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) work, but I am lucky to work with Stephanie Miller who is one of the most effective administrators I have ever seen. She knows my style and anticipates my needs. Having an effective administrator
  1382.    makes these cases go much more efficiently. Stephanie is phenomenal at what she does. That has made my ability to handle the load of cases so much better and I’m able to schedule more cases in a short time. There was one period where I had three cases
  1383.    a week for four or five weeks, because I want to get them into the hearing room within no more than 30 days.
  1384.  
  1385.  
  1386.                    &#xD;
  1387.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1388.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1389.    
  1390.                    
  1391.  
  1392.  One of the things I think we could improve, which does not just involve virtual, is getting to the attorney or the party at the
  1393.    manufacturer level that’s going to handle their case- getting it to them soon enough so that when I create a date, it goes to the right person who can accept it, confirm it, and help us move the process forward.
  1394.  
  1395.  
  1396.                    &#xD;
  1397.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1398.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1399.    
  1400.                    
  1401.  
  1402.  Keeping the database of
  1403.    who to contact up to date for the administrators is very important. Post hearing, whether virtual or in person, is the lease transaction sheet. Very often, it is very time consuming and difficult for the administrator to get that lease transaction
  1404.    sheet filled out. We as arbitrators cannot assume those numbers. Certain numbers on those sheets are not available on documents we can get from the actual lease itself. And I like to review the lease transaction sheet with the parties to validate
  1405.    the numbers before I make my decision and I want to do that during the hearing, not after.
  1406.  
  1407.  
  1408.                    &#xD;
  1409.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1410.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1411.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1412.      
  1413.                      
  1414.    
  1415.    Gorman:
  1416.  
  1417.  
  1418.                    &#xD;
  1419.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1420.    
  1421.                    
  1422.  
  1423.  Is it safe to say that you would like to continue holding virtual hearings?
  1424.  
  1425.  
  1426.                    &#xD;
  1427.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1428.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1429.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1430.      
  1431.                      
  1432.    
  1433.    Bernstein:
  1434.  
  1435.  
  1436.                    &#xD;
  1437.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1438.    
  1439.                    
  1440.  
  1441.  Absolutely. I think that
  1442.    virtual hearings in these cases is the way to go for all parties. I think it creates the most level playing field. I think that it is the most productive and efficient. Sometimes, simply getting all the parties to be able to commute to wherever the
  1443.    hearing is can easily add another 30 days, maybe even 60 days, to a case. Doing it virtually, creates the most immediate way to arbitrate a case, and get a decision out to the parties—whether that means getting it off the manufacturers table or getting
  1444.    a decision in favor of the consumer so that they can get out of a lemon and into a nice car that they can drive.
  1445.  
  1446.  
  1447.                    &#xD;
  1448.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1449.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1450.    
  1451.                    
  1452.  
  1453.  There are many times that the situation for the consumer is very serious and can be very dangerous. Especially used car cases—very
  1454.    often in used car cases I see cars that don’t belong on the road. Getting these cases into a hearing creates a safer environment for the consumer.
  1455.  
  1456.  
  1457.                    &#xD;
  1458.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1459.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1460.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1461.      
  1462.                      
  1463.    
  1464.    Gorman:
  1465.  
  1466.  
  1467.                    &#xD;
  1468.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1469.    
  1470.                    
  1471.  
  1472.  Do you have any lessons or suggestions you would pass on to new arbitrators?
  1473.  
  1474.  
  1475.                    &#xD;
  1476.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1477.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1478.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1479.      
  1480.                      
  1481.    
  1482.    Bernstein:
  1483.  
  1484.  
  1485.                    &#xD;
  1486.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1487.    
  1488.                    
  1489.  
  1490.   I would tell them to log on to any of an experienced arbitrator’s cases and to watch them. A new car case, a used car case, a case with a lease, a case that is finance, a case that is all cash— and watch how the arbitrator
  1491.    handles it at each stage (prehearing, during the hearing, and post hearing). I’m happy to have people watch me when I do this and I think it helped me a lot as well.
  1492.  
  1493.  
  1494.                    &#xD;
  1495.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1496.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1497.    
  1498.                    
  1499.  
  1500.  And I would emphasize fairness. Creating an environment that fosters a
  1501.    level playing field is very important and will make the case go a lot more efficiently. I love working with NYSDRA. I love doing this because I think this is a very important right that a manufacturer and a consumer has, to adjudicate their cases.
  1502.    I love what you have done in terms of dealing with the Attorney General’s office in making more materials available for us.
  1503.  
  1504.  
  1505.                    &#xD;
  1506.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1507.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1508.    
  1509.                    
  1510.  
  1511.  I would love to see how these cases move on post-decision, just because I’m curious. If consumers get a [favorable]
  1512.    decision, how does that go in terms of turning back the car, getting their payment, getting their taxes back? Does it all work post hearing? Once we make a decision, do these cases go as smoothly after the hearing as during the hearing? Is there anything
  1513.    we can do as arbitrators that would make post-decision matters go smoother? If I could learn what happens, it might make my pre-hearing and facilitation better for both parties.
  1514.  
  1515.  
  1516.                    &#xD;
  1517.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1518.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1519.    
  1520.                    
  1521.  
  1522.  I love working with NYSDRA and EAC. I love doing this because
  1523.    I think this is a very important right that a manufacturer and a consumer have, to adjudicate their cases in a fair and impartial manner. I also appreciate being able to give back to my community.
  1524.                  &#xD;
  1525.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1526. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1527. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1528.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1529.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1530.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  1531.    
  1532.                    
  1533.    
  1534.  ______________________________________
  1535.  
  1536.    
  1537.                    &#xD;
  1538.    &lt;span style="text-align: left;"&gt;&#xD;
  1539.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1540.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1541.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  1542.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1543. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1544. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  1545.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/eac._lidrc_logo.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  1546.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  1547.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1548. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1549. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1550.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1551.    &lt;a href="http://https//eac-network.org/li-dispute-resolution-centers/" style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  1552.      
  1553.                      
  1554.    
  1555.  Learn more about the EAC Network Long Island Dispute Resolution Centers (LIDRC)
  1556.  
  1557.  
  1558.                    &#xD;
  1559.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  1560.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1561. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  1562.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/bernstein-_lewis._headshot._.png" length="304114" type="image/png" />
  1563.      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 14:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
  1564.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/573651</guid>
  1565.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  1566.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/bernstein-_lewis._headshot._.png" />
  1567.    </item>
  1568.    <item>
  1569.      <title>Now Accepting Applications!</title>
  1570.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/566210</link>
  1571.      <description />
  1572.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1573.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1574.    &lt;span style="font-size: 16px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1575.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1576.        
  1577.                        
  1578.      
  1579.      OPENINGS: 
  1580.    
  1581.    
  1582.                      &#xD;
  1583.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1584.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1585.    &lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&#xD;
  1586.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1587.      
  1588.                      
  1589.    
  1590.    Positions are available throughout New York in the following areas (click through to learn about a specific posting):
  1591.  
  1592.  
  1593.                    &#xD;
  1594.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1595.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1596. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  1597.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/cmsc_logo.iii._2021.jpg" length="20594" type="image/jpeg" />
  1598.      <pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 20:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
  1599.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/566210</guid>
  1600.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  1601.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/cmsc_logo.iii._2021.jpg" />
  1602.    </item>
  1603.    <item>
  1604.      <title>Volunteer Appreciation Week 2021</title>
  1605.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/561824</link>
  1606.      <description />
  1607.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1608.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1609.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/page/FindYourCDRC"&gt;&#xD;
  1610.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1611.        
  1612.                        
  1613.      
  1614.    find your local center
  1615.  
  1616.    
  1617.                      &#xD;
  1618.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1619.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  1620.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1621. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1622. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1623.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1624.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1625.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  1626.    
  1627.                    
  1628.    
  1629.   
  1630.  
  1631.  
  1632.                  &#xD;
  1633.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1634.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  1635.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1636. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1637. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  1638.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4.22_vol_week.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  1639.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  1640.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1641. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1642. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1643.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1644.    
  1645.                     
  1646.                  &#xD;
  1647.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1648. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  1649.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4.22_vol_week.png" length="7700" type="image/png" />
  1650.      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2021 15:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
  1651.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/561824</guid>
  1652.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  1653.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4.22_vol_week.png" />
  1654.    </item>
  1655.    <item>
  1656.      <title>A Special Thanks!</title>
  1657.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/561521</link>
  1658.      <description>Volunteer Week 2021
  1659.  2020-2021 Cohort CMSC AmeriCorps Members
  1660. Thank You for Your Service!
  1661. Meet the MembersThis year, as part of Volunteer Appreciation Week, NYSDRA would like to recognize the incomparable contributions of the CMSC AmeriCorps members who are dedicating their time this year to supporting host site CDRCs and
  1662.    their local community members, while continuing to deepen their skills as ADR practitioners. This year’s cohort has already completed over 150 hours of training and will perform over 6,000 hours of service by the completion of their 1 year service
  1663.    term.
  1664. 2020-2021 Members
  1665.  
  1666.  About CMSC AmeriCorpsThe Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC), formerly Community Mediation School Corps, established in 2016, is a partnership between the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) and several Community
  1667.    Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs), nonprofit NYSDRA members, across the state of New York. Programming is made possible through funding by the Corporation for State and National Community Service via AmeriCorps. Our goal is to help foster supportive
  1668.    local communities for youth by delivering high quality dispute resolution services to youth and families. CMSC Members serve in one of the following three specialties: School Based Conflict Resolution, CDRC Based Youth Services, or Family and Custody
  1669.    Visitation Services.
  1670. Learn more about CMSC and receive monthly updates by subscribing here.</description>
  1671.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1672.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1673.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1674.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  1675.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  1676.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1677.        
  1678.                        
  1679.        
  1680.      Volunteer Week 2021
  1681.    
  1682.      
  1683.                      &#xD;
  1684.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1685.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  1686.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1687.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  1688.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1689. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1690. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1691.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1692.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1693.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  1694.    &lt;span style="font-size: 18px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1695.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1696.        
  1697.                        
  1698.        
  1699.       2020-2021 Cohort CMSC AmeriCorps Members
  1700.    
  1701.      
  1702.                      &#xD;
  1703.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1704.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1705.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1706.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  1707.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1708. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1709. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1710.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1711.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1712.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  1713.    &lt;span style="font-size: 18px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1714.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1715.        &lt;b style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  1716.          
  1717.                          
  1718.          
  1719.        Thank You for Your Service!
  1720.      
  1721.        
  1722.                        &#xD;
  1723.        &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1724.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1725.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1726.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1727.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  1728.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1729. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1730. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1731.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1732.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1733.      
  1734.                      
  1735.    
  1736.    Meet the Members
  1737.  
  1738.  
  1739.                    &#xD;
  1740.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1741.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1742.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1743.    
  1744.                    
  1745.  
  1746.  This year, as part of Volunteer Appreciation Week, NYSDRA would like to recognize the incomparable contributions of the CMSC AmeriCorps members who are dedicating their time this year to supporting host site CDRCs and
  1747.    their local community members, while continuing to deepen their skills as ADR practitioners. This year’s cohort has already completed over 150 hours of training and will perform over 6,000 hours of service by the completion of their 1 year service
  1748.    term.
  1749.  
  1750.  
  1751.                    &#xD;
  1752.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1753.    &lt;u&gt;&#xD;
  1754.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1755.    &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  1756.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1757. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1758. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  1759.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4._spring_snip.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  1760.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  1761.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1762. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1763. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1764.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1765.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1766.      
  1767.                      
  1768.    
  1769.     
  1770.  
  1771.  
  1772.                    &#xD;
  1773.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1774.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1775. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1776. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1777.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1778.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1779.      
  1780.                      
  1781.    
  1782.    About CMSC AmeriCorps
  1783.    
  1784.    
  1785.                      &#xD;
  1786.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1787.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1788.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1789.    
  1790.                    
  1791.  
  1792.  The Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC), formerly Community Mediation School Corps, established in 2016, is a partnership between the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) and several Community
  1793.    Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs), nonprofit NYSDRA members, across the state of New York. Programming is made possible through funding by the Corporation for State and National Community Service via AmeriCorps. Our goal is to help foster supportive
  1794.    local communities for youth by delivering high quality dispute resolution services to youth and families. CMSC Members serve in one of the following three specialties: School Based Conflict Resolution, CDRC Based Youth Services, or Family and Custody
  1795.    Visitation Services.
  1796.                  &#xD;
  1797.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1798. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1799. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1800.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1801.    
  1802.                    Learn more about CMSC and receive monthly updates by
  1803.  
  1804.  
  1805.                    &#xD;
  1806.    &lt;a href="https://nysdra.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=94cc35b62582b9826fd766c51&amp;amp;id=1898ad15b1"&gt;&#xD;
  1807.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1808.        
  1809.                        
  1810.      
  1811.      subscribing here
  1812.    
  1813.    
  1814.                      &#xD;
  1815.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1816.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  1817.    
  1818.                    
  1819.  
  1820.  .
  1821.  
  1822.  
  1823.                    &#xD;
  1824.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1825.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1826. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  1827.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4._spring_snip.png" length="370540" type="image/png" />
  1828.      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
  1829.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/561521</guid>
  1830.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  1831.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4._spring_snip.png" />
  1832.    </item>
  1833.    <item>
  1834.      <title>Spring 2021 Advocacy Update</title>
  1835.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/561007</link>
  1836.      <description />
  1837.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1838.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1839.    
  1840.                    In 2020, Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) responded to the evolving public health crisis by adeptly shifting to remote or hybrid operations to keep dispute resolution services available to all New Yorkers, especially as other dispute resolution options
  1841.    were suspended or experienced interruptions. Compounding the instability, New York State faced deep cuts to the 2021-2022 State Budget— with potentially devastating consequences for CDRCs and their communities.
  1842.  
  1843.  
  1844.                    &#xD;
  1845.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1846.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1847.    
  1848.                    
  1849.  
  1850.  In the months approaching
  1851.    the new fiscal year, NYSDRA intensified its advocacy efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for CDRCs. In February 2021, Regina Ritcey, NYSDRA’s Executive Director, testified during the NYS Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Public Protection
  1852.    while NYSDRA coordinated with CDRCs and Malkin &amp;amp; Ross, our advocacy partners in Albany, to prepare for NYSDRA’s Annual CDRC Lobby Day.
  1853.                  &#xD;
  1854.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1855. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1856. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1857.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1858.    &lt;span style="font-size: 16px; color: #008693;"&gt;&#xD;
  1859.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1860.        
  1861.                        
  1862.      
  1863.      CDRC Lobby Day 2021
  1864.    
  1865.    
  1866.                      &#xD;
  1867.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1868.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1869.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1870. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1871. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1872.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1873.    
  1874.                    Prior to this year, Lobby Day meant a full day in Albany, connecting with colleagues, meeting with legislators and being in the mix of the live legislative activity. The ongoing pandemic restrictions required some adjustments for 2021, but the work
  1875.    continued! During Lobby Day 2021--NYSDRA's first ever Virtual Lobby Day--NYSDRA and the Community Dispute Resolution Centers requested that the Legislature support the following items as part of the Final FY 2021-22 State Budget:
  1876.  
  1877.  
  1878.                    &#xD;
  1879.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1880.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1881. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1882. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1883.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1884.    &lt;b style="font-size: 16px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1885.      &lt;span style="color: #008693;"&gt;&#xD;
  1886.        
  1887.                        
  1888.      
  1889.      Outcomes
  1890.    
  1891.    
  1892.                      &#xD;
  1893.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  1894.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1895.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1896. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1897. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1898.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1899.    
  1900.                    Over
  1901.  
  1902.  
  1903.                    &#xD;
  1904.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1905.      &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  1906.        
  1907.                        
  1908.      
  1909.      60
  1910.    
  1911.    
  1912.                      &#xD;
  1913.      &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  1914.      
  1915.                      
  1916.    
  1917.    CDRC staff and volunteer mediators
  1918.  
  1919.  
  1920.                    &#xD;
  1921.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1922.    
  1923.                    
  1924.  
  1925.   from nearly all of the 20 CDRCs, along with NYSDRA staff and our Malkin &amp;amp; Ross partners, participated in over
  1926.  
  1927.  
  1928.                    &#xD;
  1929.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1930.      &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  1931.        
  1932.                        
  1933.      
  1934.      50
  1935.    
  1936.    
  1937.                      &#xD;
  1938.      &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  1939.      
  1940.                      
  1941.    
  1942.    legislator meetings
  1943.  
  1944.  
  1945.                    &#xD;
  1946.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  1947.    
  1948.                    
  1949.  
  1950.   to promote the work of the CDRCs and to advocate
  1951.    for full budget funding in the critical 2021-22 state budget. CDRC turnout was fantastic making 2021 NYSDRA’s most well attended Lobby Day to date!
  1952.  
  1953.  
  1954.                    &#xD;
  1955.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1956.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1957.    
  1958.                    
  1959.  
  1960.  CDRCs reporting back the individual legislator meetings clearly show that legislator familiarity
  1961.    with the CDRCs and recognition of the utility of mediation and the value the CDRCs bring to their constituents. This is a marked increase in recognition and understanding since the CDRC advocacy efforts were initiated.
  1962.  
  1963.  
  1964.                    &#xD;
  1965.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1966.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1967.    
  1968.                    
  1969.  
  1970.  The NYS Legislature
  1971.    passed the 2021 -2022 budget, and the court budget was fully funded—at the pre-pandemic budget cut level. While the funding allocation for CDRCs is not yet known the approved funding level is cause for cautious optimism.
  1972.  
  1973.  
  1974.                    &#xD;
  1975.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1976.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1977.    
  1978.                    
  1979.  
  1980.  Also included
  1981.    in the state budget was the appropriation of the $10 million DCJS (Division of Criminal Justice Services) Aid to Localities budget, a great opportunity for CDRCs to pursue youth justice programming.
  1982.  
  1983.  
  1984.                    &#xD;
  1985.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1986.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  1987.    
  1988.                    
  1989.  
  1990.  The outcome of the 2021-22 budget process
  1991.    sets the CDRCs in a good position to continue at current levels and look towards program developments that are so needed in these challenging times. The services of the Community Dispute Resolution Services are needed now more than ever before.
  1992.                  &#xD;
  1993.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  1994. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  1995. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  1996.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  1997.    &lt;span style="font-size: 16px; color: #008693;"&gt;&#xD;
  1998.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  1999.        
  2000.                        
  2001.      
  2002.      The Work Continues!
  2003.    
  2004.    
  2005.                      &#xD;
  2006.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2007.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2008.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2009. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2010. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2011.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2012.    
  2013.                    Advocacy efforts are ongoing. As a new fiscal year begins, policy aims and funding needs will continue to be championed and supported so the CDRCs and their volunteer mediators can continue serving their communities.
  2014.  
  2015.  
  2016.                    &#xD;
  2017.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2018.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2019.    
  2020.                    
  2021.  
  2022.  The support of NYSDRA’s
  2023.    members and donors is integral to sustaining both our advocacy efforts and resources that support CDRCs’ missions-- 
  2024.  
  2025.  
  2026.                    &#xD;
  2027.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2028.      &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/donations/donate.asp?id=10158"&gt;&#xD;
  2029.        
  2030.                        
  2031.      
  2032.      please consider making a contribution today
  2033.    
  2034.    
  2035.                      &#xD;
  2036.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  2037.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2038.    
  2039.                    
  2040.  
  2041.  .
  2042.    The amount of your contribution is secondary to the connection and support it shows for community mediation and the dedicated volunteer mediators who make the work possible. Your generosity will help ensure that mediation, restorative justice, and
  2043.    more remain available to all communities throughout New York.
  2044.                  &#xD;
  2045.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2046. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  2047.      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
  2048.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/561007</guid>
  2049.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  2050.    </item>
  2051.    <item>
  2052.      <title>NYSDRA Community Mobilization</title>
  2053.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/560565</link>
  2054.      <description />
  2055.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2056.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2057.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2058.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2059.      
  2060.                      
  2061.    
  2062.    NYSDRA’S COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION FOR ACCESS TO JUSTICE &amp;amp; EQUITY INITIATIVE  
  2063.  
  2064.  
  2065.                    &#xD;
  2066.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2067.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2068.    
  2069.                    
  2070.  
  2071.  (September 2018-Present)
  2072.  
  2073.  
  2074.                    &#xD;
  2075.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2076.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2077.    
  2078.                    
  2079.  
  2080.  How can CDRCs become the trusted, go-to community resource for dialogue, mediation, and restorative justice in their
  2081.    communities?
  2082.                  &#xD;
  2083.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2084. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2085. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2086.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2087.    
  2088.                    Since September 2018, NYSDRA has been working on a Community Mobilization Initiative, with funding from The IOLA (Interest on Lawyer Account Fund) Grant.
  2089.                  &#xD;
  2090.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2091. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2092. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2093.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2094.    
  2095.                    Through this initiative, NYSDRA has been working closely with the New
  2096.    York statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) to support their community engagement and dialogue skills. The initiative helps CDRCs tailor their strategies and strengthen their responsiveness to emerging community needs.
  2097.  
  2098.  
  2099.                    &#xD;
  2100.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2101.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2102.    
  2103.                    
  2104.  
  2105.  To date, NYSDRA has held twelve intensive Community Mobilization Initiative training events, available to all CDRCs-staff and volunteers. Through this initiative, CDRCs are offered training tailored to meet the needs of the individual CDRC,
  2106.    with options ranging from single day 4-hour trainings to multi-day trainings. For most CDRCs, their communities have prioritized conflicts associated with the pandemic and racial justice. To this end, the Community Mobilization for Access to Justice
  2107.    &amp;amp; Equity Initiative has engaged CDRCs in a series of applications focused on racial and social justice, aligning with the social justice foundation of many CDRCs.
  2108.  
  2109.  
  2110.                    &#xD;
  2111.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2112.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2113.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2114.      
  2115.                      
  2116.    
  2117.    LOOKING AHEAD
  2118.  
  2119.  
  2120.                    &#xD;
  2121.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2122.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2123.    
  2124.                    
  2125.  
  2126.  (April 2021 – April 2023)
  2127.                  &#xD;
  2128.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2129. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2130. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2131.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2132.    
  2133.                    In March 2021, NYSDRA was again selected as an IOLA Administration of Justice grantee. This award funds the next phase of our Community Mobilization Initiative, which provides direct funding and technical assistance to CDRCs who want support and training
  2134.    so that they can engage in Community Mobilization or further their already established efforts.
  2135.  
  2136.  
  2137.                    &#xD;
  2138.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2139.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2140. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2141. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2142.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2143.    
  2144.                    The training and technical assistance will include an advanced training speaker series for members to learn from innovators who have mobilized communities with advanced ADR applications, such as those that address families of persons who are incarcerated,
  2145.    rural youth, and others whose needs are not currently addressed through traditional models of dispute resolution. Additionally, CDRCs with advanced experience in this area can apply to NYSDRA to become Community Mobilization Technical Assistance providers,
  2146.    so that they can share their knowledge, skills and experience with other CDRCs in a truly collaborative effort.
  2147.  
  2148.  
  2149.                    &#xD;
  2150.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2151.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2152.    
  2153.                    
  2154.  
  2155.  Our aim is to support community-based program innovations. NYSDRA's Community Mobilization Initiative's subgrant program will
  2156.    fund member programs crafting ADR innovations to address needs identified by the community. For example, where safety and community connections emerge as the greatest needs related to the movement towards racial equity and equal access to justice,
  2157.    member programs who have been trained to skillfully engage in sensitive and fraught content can apply for subgrantee funds to craft a responsive community Alternative Dispute Resolution program.
  2158.  
  2159.  
  2160.                    &#xD;
  2161.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2162.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2163.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2164.      
  2165.                      
  2166.    
  2167.    The application for the CDRC Community Mobilization subgrants will open on July 1, 2021.
  2168.  
  2169.  
  2170.                    &#xD;
  2171.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2172.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2173.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2174. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  2175.      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
  2176.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/560565</guid>
  2177.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  2178.    </item>
  2179.    <item>
  2180.      <title>An Interview with Frank Liberti</title>
  2181.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/560473</link>
  2182.      <description />
  2183.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2184.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2185.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2186.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  2187.    &lt;span style="color: #000000;"&gt;&#xD;
  2188.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2189.        &lt;span style="text-align: left;"&gt;&#xD;
  2190.          
  2191.                        
  2192.        
  2193.      On March 31, 2021,  Frank Liberti stepped down as CEO of Center for Dispute Settlement (CDS), the Community Dispute Resolution Center serving Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties.
  2194.    
  2195.      
  2196.                      &#xD;
  2197.        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2198.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2199.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2200.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2201.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  2202.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2203. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2204. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2205.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2206.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2207.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  2208.    &lt;span style="color: #000000;"&gt;&#xD;
  2209.      &lt;span style="text-align: left;"&gt;&#xD;
  2210.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2211.      &lt;span style="text-align: left;"&gt;&#xD;
  2212.        
  2213.                        
  2214.        
  2215.      Frank’s long association with CDS spanned over 25 years during which Frank served in various roles, from volunteer mediator to his most recent leadership role.  This is Frank’s second retirement, having previously retired after long and fulling career with the United States Postal Service—where Frank first got connected with mediation through the Postal Service REDRESS Program.
  2216.    
  2217.      
  2218.                      &#xD;
  2219.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2220.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2221.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2222.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  2223.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2224. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2225. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2226.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2227.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2228.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  2229.    &lt;span style="text-align: left; color: #000000;"&gt;&#xD;
  2230.      
  2231.                      
  2232.      
  2233.     NYSDRA Executive Director Regina Ritcey sat down with Frank in March to talk about his work, the power of mediation, and what comes next. Hear a bit about Frank’s story, the value of being in the right place at the right time—and building on one’s natural gifts and abilities to not only help others, but help transform lives.
  2234.  
  2235.    
  2236.                    &#xD;
  2237.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2238.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2239.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  2240.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2241. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2242. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2243.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2244.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2245.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  2246.    &lt;span style="text-align: left; color: #205867;"&gt;&#xD;
  2247.      
  2248.                      
  2249.      
  2250.     
  2251.  
  2252.    
  2253.                    &#xD;
  2254.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2255.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2256.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  2257.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2258. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2259. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  2260.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4.1_newsletter_liberti.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  2261.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  2262.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2263. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2264. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2265.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2266.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2267.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  2268.    &lt;span style="font-size: 10px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2269.      &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2270.        
  2271.                        
  2272.        
  2273.      Photo c/o Frank Liberti. House on Fire ruins, Mule Canyon, Utah. 
  2274.    
  2275.      
  2276.                      &#xD;
  2277.      &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2278.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2279.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2280.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  2281.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2282. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2283. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2284.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2285.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2286.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2287.      
  2288.                      
  2289.    
  2290.    Ritcey:
  2291.  
  2292.  
  2293.                    &#xD;
  2294.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2295.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2296.      
  2297.                      
  2298.    
  2299.     What part of your experience with CDS has been especially meaningful for you?
  2300.  
  2301.  
  2302.                    &#xD;
  2303.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2304.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2305. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2306. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2307.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2308.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2309.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2310.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2311.      
  2312.                      
  2313.    
  2314.    Liberti:
  2315.  
  2316.  
  2317.                    &#xD;
  2318.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2319.    
  2320.                    
  2321.  
  2322.  The most exciting aspect of the past four years in this role has been taking this work that we do in the mediation rooms
  2323.    with two people, or maybe four people, and bringing that into the broader community under restorative practice and restorative justice in harm situations. And that’s what I find to be most exciting … and the way that CDS practices under the transformative
  2324.    model, in lieu of a facilitative model of mediation. I see clear, distinct differences in those two models. Working under that transformative model--the premise being that we embrace conflict as an opportunity for personal growth--practicing in that
  2325.    model really gives people self-efficacy. So, taking that work and transitioning it out into the broader community under the umbrella of restorative practices is really what has been most exciting--and I see a huge potential for that to only continue
  2326.    to expand.
  2327.                  &#xD;
  2328.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2329. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2330. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2331.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2332.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2333.      
  2334.                      
  2335.    
  2336.    Ritcey:
  2337.    
  2338.    
  2339.                      &#xD;
  2340.      &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2341.      &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2342.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2343.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2344.      
  2345.                      
  2346.    
  2347.    How did you first get involved with mediation?
  2348.  
  2349.  
  2350.                    &#xD;
  2351.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2352.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2353. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2354. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2355.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2356.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2357.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2358.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2359.      
  2360.                      
  2361.    
  2362.    Liberti:
  2363.  
  2364.  
  2365.                    &#xD;
  2366.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2367.    
  2368.                    
  2369.  
  2370.  Through the Postal Service’s REDRESS Program. I started as a letter carrier. Actually, I started as a chemist. I studied
  2371.    chemistry and math as an undergraduate, then later labor relations on the graduate level, but yes, I started as a chemist. Then, for 14 years I carried mail—oh, that was a great job! Outdoors all the time. I always felt they were paying me to stay
  2372.    in shape. I’d walk to work-I worked in a small village in New York. I was the local union president for most of the time, and then I went into postal management and spent the rest of my career in human resources, and most of that time in labor relations.
  2373.    So then I was working on the other side, but working closely in collaboration with the unions. We were on different sides of issues but I always enjoyed a close working relationship—and I remain a strong union supporter.
  2374.                  &#xD;
  2375.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2376. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2377. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2378.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2379.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2380.      
  2381.                      
  2382.    
  2383.    Ritcey:
  2384.  
  2385.  
  2386.                    &#xD;
  2387.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2388.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2389.      
  2390.                      
  2391.    
  2392.    How did you get connected with the Center for Dispute Settlement?
  2393.  
  2394.  
  2395.                    &#xD;
  2396.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2397.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2398. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2399. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2400.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2401.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2402.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2403.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2404.      
  2405.                      
  2406.    
  2407.    Liberti: 
  2408.  
  2409.  
  2410.                    &#xD;
  2411.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2412.    
  2413.                    
  2414.  
  2415.  When the Postal Service in the 90s embraced the REDRESS Program, which was under the transformative mediation model, one of my colleagues coordinated those mediation opportunities, and she was a volunteer mediator with CDS. So I trained
  2416.    in the early-90s as a facilitative mediator with the center, and then in my work with the Postal Service, as a labor relations person, we represented the agency in those EEOC complaints. Through the Postal Service REDRESS Program, I was trained by
  2417.    Baruch Busch in transformative mediation. My predecessor, in my role as CDS Executive Director, was one of the Postal Service trainers, and she trained folks throughout the country in transformative mediation while at the center.
  2418.                  &#xD;
  2419.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2420. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2421. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2422.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2423.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2424.      
  2425.                      
  2426.    
  2427.    Ritcey:
  2428.  
  2429.  
  2430.                    &#xD;
  2431.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2432.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2433.      
  2434.                      
  2435.    
  2436.     So that was national but out of
  2437.                Rochester, and you just happened to be in Rochester—just the right place at the right time.
  2438.  
  2439.  
  2440.                    &#xD;
  2441.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2442.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2443. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2444. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2445.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2446.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2447.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2448.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2449.      
  2450.                      
  2451.    
  2452.    Liberti:
  2453.  
  2454.  
  2455.                    &#xD;
  2456.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2457.    
  2458.                    
  2459.  
  2460.   Yes, that’s right. Right place at the right time.
  2461.                  &#xD;
  2462.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2463. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2464. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2465.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2466.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2467.      
  2468.                      
  2469.    
  2470.    Ritcey:
  2471.  
  2472.  
  2473.                    &#xD;
  2474.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2475.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2476.      
  2477.                      
  2478.    
  2479.    Frank, you spoke about the importance
  2480.                and potential of transitioning restorative practice and restorative justice into the broader community. I know you’re retiring, but you’re not exactly a retiring person, so where do you see that interest leading you for your
  2481.                next stage?
  2482.  
  2483.  
  2484.                    &#xD;
  2485.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2486.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2487. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2488. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2489.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2490.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2491.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2492.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2493.      
  2494.                      
  2495.    
  2496.    Liberti:
  2497.  
  2498.  
  2499.                    &#xD;
  2500.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2501.    
  2502.                    
  2503.  
  2504.   Consulting, I suppose. I’m committed to taking a six-week hiatus to regroup and to reevaluate. I can envision consulting in some ways. If nothing else, promoting what I believe to be the next
  2505.    step in mediation, which is really to promote and introduce people to this transformative approach. The rationale for that, and how it shows itself as a very productive way of doing this work. And it’s evidence based. My introduction to that goes
  2506.    way back to my original career with the Postal Service and that work in the REDRESS Program with mediations that were conducted strictly transformatively. That’s been well researched, over a 15-year period or more, and the results are pretty dramatic.
  2507.    So I see continuing to promote that idea and those concepts and this way of doing restorative work.
  2508.                  &#xD;
  2509.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2510. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2511. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2512.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2513.    
  2514.                    There’s as much of a distinction in the way you practice mediation which carries over into the restorative work. Not to get too deep into it, but people
  2515.    who are drawn to this mediation work, you know …we’re helpers. We’re fixers. We want help people, to fix people. It’s the distinction between helping people and supporting people. The analogy would be, you give a fish to a hungry person you feed him
  2516.    for the day. You teach him to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. The concern I have with that is the is the idea that we have to “help” people. It can put you in a deficit-based mindset as opposed to an asset-based mindset, and I think that distinction
  2517.    parallels the distinction between facilitative mediation and facilitative restorative work and transformative mediation and restorative work—where you’re really empowering people looking at their underlying strengths and assets. And that’s what I
  2518.    find so exciting.
  2519.                  &#xD;
  2520.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2521. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2522. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2523.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2524.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2525.      
  2526.                      
  2527.    
  2528.    Ritcey:
  2529.  
  2530.  
  2531.                    &#xD;
  2532.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2533.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2534.      
  2535.                      
  2536.    
  2537.    Tell us about an experience that has helped shaped the way you approach a dispute.
  2538.  
  2539.  
  2540.                    &#xD;
  2541.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2542.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2543. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2544. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2545.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2546.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2547.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2548.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2549.      
  2550.                      
  2551.    
  2552.    Liberti:
  2553.  
  2554.  
  2555.                    &#xD;
  2556.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2557.    
  2558.                    
  2559.  
  2560.   When I didn’t get a settlement. One time, I remember walking out of a mediation that didn’t settle and thinking to myself, “Now, why did I not get a settlement?” After all, as this uninvolved third party, I can see the solution. So I subtly
  2561.    lay it out for the parties, because after all, I’m pretty subtle, pretty persuasive (chuckle). This case involved two young people. It didn’t settle and as I thought about the situation it made me think that maybe that I don’t know what the solution
  2562.    should be, what’s right for them. It made me think about what we tell people about going to mediation with self-determination and it made me rethink what mediation could be. That was right when the Baruch Bush’s
  2563.  
  2564.  
  2565.                    &#xD;
  2566.    &lt;u&gt;&#xD;
  2567.      
  2568.                      
  2569.    
  2570.    The Promise of Mediation
  2571.  
  2572.  
  2573.                    &#xD;
  2574.    &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  2575.    
  2576.                    
  2577.  
  2578.   came out.
  2579.    I read that and thought, “Yes! That’s exactly what I’m talking about.” It was really a lightning bolt moment.
  2580.                  &#xD;
  2581.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2582. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2583. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2584.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2585.    
  2586.                    The last thing I tell myself before I go into a mediation is, “ I trust that the parties know what’s best for them.” And, as
  2587.    a practicing transformative mediator, if you are thinking about a solution … you’ve now strayed from the concept. So that’s a reminder too, because I’m a helper, so when I start to think, “Oh, I can see the solution,” I have to pull myself back in
  2588.    and support the parties-wherever they are. So, that’s it. It was just coincidental that I was in the right place at the right time, and these events coalesced in the mid-90s, and I’ve been enamored with this work for over 25 years.
  2589.                  &#xD;
  2590.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2591. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2592. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2593.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2594.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2595.      
  2596.                      
  2597.    
  2598.    Ritcey:
  2599.    
  2600.    
  2601.                      &#xD;
  2602.      &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2603.      &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2604.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2605.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2606.      
  2607.                      
  2608.    
  2609.    CDS, like the other CDRCs and most other community-based mediation programs, relies on volunteers. What are three words that describe your mediators or your experience
  2610.                with mediators?
  2611.  
  2612.  
  2613.                    &#xD;
  2614.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2615.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2616. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2617. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2618.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2619.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2620.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2621.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2622.      
  2623.                      
  2624.    
  2625.    Liberti:
  2626.  
  2627.  
  2628.                    &#xD;
  2629.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2630.    
  2631.                    
  2632.  
  2633.   Passion for other people. People are drawn to this because they have a passion for it. It’s a way of fulfilling this underlying need that we all have for connection. We have this basic human need for connection-and this is a way of fulfilling
  2634.    it. We have many mediators trained as facilitative mediators. For the past 25 years the agency has been training in the transformative model, but CDS doesn’t insist on it. We appreciate and acknowledge the work our volunteers do and the way they do
  2635.    it. We make the distinction between the two models, not to convert anyone to transformative mediation, but to make the distinction.
  2636.                  &#xD;
  2637.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2638. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2639. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2640.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2641.    
  2642.                    I’m an arbitrator too and I like to arbitrate too. But I want people to know what they’re getting in to. And the mediator
  2643.    in any setting, under any model is not making a decision. Now, if you want someone to make a decision, you can arbitrate. If you give me the authority, I’ll make the decision. But I really want to make sure that people know the process that they’re
  2644.    engaged in. So as much as I’m a strong, strong advocate for transformative mediation, if you want me to be the arbitrator, I’m good with that, but it’s a different mindset. But I think for many attorneys having limited exposure to a collaborative
  2645.    approach, they see the roles and process as being adversarial.
  2646.                  &#xD;
  2647.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2648. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2649. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2650.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2651.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2652.      
  2653.                      
  2654.    
  2655.    Ritcey: 
  2656.  
  2657.  
  2658.                    &#xD;
  2659.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2660.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2661.      
  2662.                      
  2663.    
  2664.    What would you say to someone considering mediation?
  2665.  
  2666.  
  2667.                    &#xD;
  2668.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2669.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2670. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2671. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2672.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2673.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2674.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2675.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2676.      
  2677.                      
  2678.    
  2679.    Liberti:
  2680.  
  2681.  
  2682.                    &#xD;
  2683.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2684.    
  2685.                    
  2686.  
  2687.   People will often say that if they could have talked it out, they would have! The response to that is that the reality of the situation is that that conversation you have over the backyard fence can go South real quick. In the mediation
  2688.    it’s a different environment, and what we find is when people take the opportunity to have a facilitated discussion with a neutral mediator, when they embrace that opportunity, if nothing else they learn something, or come away with a better understanding
  2689.    of the dispute. And, in most cases—come up with a settlement. The other thing is, you have nothing to lose! You can still continue to take an adversarial process if it didn’t work for you.
  2690.                  &#xD;
  2691.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2692. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2693. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2694.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2695.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2696.      
  2697.                      
  2698.    
  2699.    Ritcey: 
  2700.  
  2701.  
  2702.                    &#xD;
  2703.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2704.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2705.      
  2706.                      
  2707.    
  2708.    Tell us something unique about yourself that would surprise people.
  2709.  
  2710.  
  2711.                    &#xD;
  2712.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2713.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2714. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2715. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2716.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2717.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2718.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2719.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2720.      
  2721.                      
  2722.    
  2723.    Frank Liberti:
  2724.  
  2725.  
  2726.                    &#xD;
  2727.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2728.    
  2729.                    
  2730.  
  2731.  I’m an avid amateur wine maker. I got dragged 28 years ago into wine making by my brother-in-law. Coming from a chemistry background that appealed to me. We get ¾ of a ton of California red grapes shipped in each year—and the wine
  2732.    is pretty good. There are three of us now, my brother-in-law, a friend, and me. That's why it’s called Tre Amici.
  2733.                  &#xD;
  2734.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2735. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2736. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2737.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2738.    
  2739.                    I’m also a photographer and an amateur glass blower.
  2740.                  &#xD;
  2741.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2742. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2743. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2744.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2745.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2746.      
  2747.                      
  2748.    
  2749.    Ritcey:
  2750.  
  2751.  
  2752.                    &#xD;
  2753.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2754.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2755.      
  2756.                      
  2757.    
  2758.    Frank, you’re a Renaissance Man.
  2759.  
  2760.  
  2761.                    &#xD;
  2762.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2763.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2764. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2765. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2766.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2767.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2768.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2769.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2770.      
  2771.                      
  2772.    
  2773.    Liberti:
  2774.  
  2775.  
  2776.                    &#xD;
  2777.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2778.    
  2779.                    
  2780.  
  2781.   Well, I’m a very amateur glass blower. I love developing a craft that demands and commands your attention. What I like about glass blowing particularly is, you’re working with material that 2,300 degrees—your mind cannot be anywhere else.
  2782.    You have to be solely focused on what you’re doing. And I find that really intriguing.
  2783.                  &#xD;
  2784.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2785. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2786. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2787.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2788.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2789.      
  2790.                      
  2791.    
  2792.    Ritcey:
  2793.  
  2794.  
  2795.                    &#xD;
  2796.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2797.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2798.      
  2799.                      
  2800.    
  2801.    A bit like mediation.
  2802.  
  2803.  
  2804.                    &#xD;
  2805.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2806.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2807. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2808. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2809.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2810.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2811.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2812.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2813.      
  2814.                      
  2815.    
  2816.    Liberti:
  2817.  
  2818.  
  2819.                    &#xD;
  2820.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2821.    
  2822.                    
  2823.  
  2824.  Yes, it is in a way--a skill and an art that requires great focus and attention.
  2825.                  &#xD;
  2826.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2827. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2828. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2829.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2830.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2831.      
  2832.                      
  2833.    
  2834.    Ritcey:
  2835.  
  2836.  
  2837.                    &#xD;
  2838.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2839.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2840.      
  2841.                      
  2842.    
  2843.     Can you share with us something that is special about your area of New York State?
  2844.  
  2845.  
  2846.                    &#xD;
  2847.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2848.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2849. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2850. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2851.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2852.    &lt;i&gt;&#xD;
  2853.    &lt;/i&gt;&#xD;
  2854.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2855.      
  2856.                      
  2857.    
  2858.    Liberti:
  2859.  
  2860.  
  2861.                    &#xD;
  2862.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2863.    
  2864.                    
  2865.  
  2866.  Well, I'm a Rochestarian by birth and by choice, so I might be biased, but Rochester is really a hidden jewel, and Rochester’s High Falls are right in the heart of the city. Really spectacular.
  2867.                  &#xD;
  2868.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2869. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2870. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2871.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2872.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2873.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2874.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2875. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2876. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2877.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2878.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2879.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2880.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2881.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2882.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  2883.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2884. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  2885.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4.1_newsletter_liberti.jpg" length="465852" type="image/jpeg" />
  2886.      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2021 19:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
  2887.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/560473</guid>
  2888.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  2889.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/2021.4.1_newsletter_liberti.jpg" />
  2890.    </item>
  2891.    <item>
  2892.      <title>NYSDRA Statement on Violence toward Asian Americans</title>
  2893.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/557229</link>
  2894.      <description>NYSDRA condemns the ongoing and increasing violence and vitriol against Asian-Americans.We remain committed to increasing equitable access to justice for all, strengthening communities through peaceful dispute resolution, encouraging collaborative problem solving, and engaging in restorative justice practices and dialogues across differences.  </description>
  2895.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2896.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2897.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2898.  &lt;p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 14pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  2899.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  2900.      
  2901.                      
  2902.      
  2903.     
  2904.  
  2905.    
  2906.                    &#xD;
  2907.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  2908.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2909.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  2910.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  2911. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  2912. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  2913.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/my-visual_53307527__1_.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  2914.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  2915.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2916. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  2917.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/my-visual_53307527__1_.png" length="275626" type="image/png" />
  2918.      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2021 20:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
  2919.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/557229</guid>
  2920.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  2921.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/my-visual_53307527__1_.png" />
  2922.    </item>
  2923.    <item>
  2924.      <title>NYSDRA Executive Director Regina Ritcey Testifies at Joint Legislative Hearing on Public Protection</title>
  2925.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/554447</link>
  2926.      <description>NYSDRA Executive Director Regina Ritcey Testifies at NYS Joint Legislative Hearing on Public Protection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_8N8OJ2NhM Read her testimony here</description>
  2927.      <content:encoded>&lt;h1 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  2928.  
  2929.                  
  2930.  NYSDRA Executive Director Regina Ritcey Testifies at NYS Joint Legislative Hearing on Public Protection
  2931.  
  2932.                &#xD;
  2933. &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
  2934. &lt;h3 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  2935.  
  2936.                  
  2937.   
  2938.  
  2939.                &#xD;
  2940. &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  2941. &lt;h3 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  2942.  
  2943.                  
  2944.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_8N8OJ2NhM
  2945.  
  2946.                &#xD;
  2947. &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  2948. &lt;h3 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  2949.  
  2950.                  
  2951.   
  2952.  
  2953.                &#xD;
  2954. &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  2955. &lt;h3 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  2956.  
  2957.                  
  2958.  Read her testimony here
  2959.  
  2960.                &#xD;
  2961. &lt;/h3&gt;</content:encoded>
  2962.      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
  2963.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/554447</guid>
  2964.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  2965.    </item>
  2966.    <item>
  2967.      <title>Support Community Connections! NYSDRA GivingTuesday 2020</title>
  2968.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/541452</link>
  2969.      <description />
  2970.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  2971.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/74c0f4da-99ee-4f1a-bd0d-d1950ffb1628.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  2972.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  2973.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  2974. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  2975.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/GivingTuesday2020.png" length="29021" type="image/png" />
  2976.      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2020 20:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
  2977.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/541452</guid>
  2978.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  2979.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/GivingTuesday2020.png" />
  2980.    </item>
  2981.    <item>
  2982.      <title>Claudia Kenny Speaks at "Farm Leasing and Conservation Practices" CLE Program</title>
  2983.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/539909</link>
  2984.      <description />
  2985.      <content:encoded>&lt;h2 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  2986.  
  2987.                  
  2988.  Our colleague Claudia Kenny is a speaker at today's "Farm Leasing and Conservation Practices: Incentivizing Secure Tenure and Climate Resilience" CLE program hosted by the PACE-NRDC Food Law Initiative and American Farmland Trust!
  2989.  
  2990.                &#xD;
  2991. &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  2992. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  2993.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  2994.    &lt;span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-family: "&gt;&#xD;
  2995.      &lt;a href="https://law.pace.edu/farm-leasing-and-conservation-practices-incentivizing-secure-tenure-and-climate-resilience "&gt;&#xD;
  2996.        
  2997.                        
  2998.      
  2999.      https://law.pace.edu/farm-leasing-and-conservation-practices-incentivizing-secure-tenure-and-climate-resilience
  3000.    
  3001.    
  3002.                      &#xD;
  3003.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3004.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  3005.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3006. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3007. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3008.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3009.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3010.  &lt;p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"&gt;&#xD;
  3011.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  3012.      
  3013.                      
  3014.      
  3015.    Conservation practices on farms provide numerous benefits, including sequestration of carbon in soil, increased resiliency to extreme weather events, reduced soil erosion and nutrient pollution runoff, and improved soil health and long term productivity
  3016.        of land. However, due to obstacles presented by the nature of rental relationships, conservation practices are used far less frequently on leased land, which accounts for nearly 40% of U.S. farmland. This program will address tools and strategies
  3017.        for farmers, landowners, attorneys, and agricultural service providers to overcome barriers to implementing conservation practices on leased farmland.
  3018.    
  3019.      
  3020.                      &#xD;
  3021.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3022.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3023.      
  3024.                      
  3025.      
  3026.    Join us for an in-depth
  3027.        and comprehensive program led by experts in the field, including attorneys, conservation specialists and a farmer/landowner pair.
  3028.    
  3029.  
  3030.    
  3031.                    &#xD;
  3032.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  3033.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3034.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3035.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3036. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3037. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3038.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3039.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3040.  &lt;p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"&gt;&#xD;
  3041.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  3042.      &lt;u style="box-sizing: border-box;"&gt;&#xD;
  3043.        &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3044.          
  3045.                          
  3046.          
  3047.        When:
  3048.      
  3049.    
  3050.        
  3051.                        &#xD;
  3052.        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3053.      &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  3054.      &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3055.        
  3056.                        
  3057.        
  3058.     November 19, 2020
  3059.    
  3060.        
  3061.                        &#xD;
  3062.        &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3063.        &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3064.        &lt;u style="box-sizing: border-box;"&gt;&#xD;
  3065.          &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3066.            
  3067.                            
  3068.            
  3069.        Time
  3070.      
  3071.    
  3072.          
  3073.                          &#xD;
  3074.          &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3075.        &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  3076.        &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3077.          
  3078.                          
  3079.          
  3080.    :
  3081.            10:00 am - 2:55 pm
  3082.    
  3083.          
  3084.                          &#xD;
  3085.          &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3086.          &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3087.          &lt;u style="box-sizing: border-box;"&gt;&#xD;
  3088.            &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3089.              
  3090.                              
  3091.              
  3092.        Where:
  3093.      
  3094.    
  3095.            
  3096.                            &#xD;
  3097.            &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3098.          &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  3099.          &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3100.            
  3101.                            
  3102.            
  3103.     Webinar - Please click 
  3104.    
  3105.            
  3106.                            &#xD;
  3107.            &lt;a href="https://pace.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwldOiurTkpHd07osYy9LnKdJL6NQAl35Mn" target="_blank" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(27, 105, 196); text-decoration-line: none; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3108.              
  3109.                              
  3110.              
  3111.      here
  3112.    
  3113.            
  3114.                            &#xD;
  3115.            &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3116.            
  3117.                            
  3118.            
  3119.     to register. 
  3120.    
  3121.            
  3122.                            &#xD;
  3123.            &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3124.            &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3125.            &lt;u style="box-sizing: border-box;"&gt;&#xD;
  3126.              &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3127.                
  3128.                                
  3129.                
  3130.        Agenda:
  3131.      
  3132.    
  3133.              
  3134.                              &#xD;
  3135.              &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3136.            &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  3137.            &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3138.            &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3139.          &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3140.        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3141.      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3142.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  3143.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3144.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3145.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3146. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3147. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3148.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3149.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3150.  &lt;p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"&gt;&#xD;
  3151.    &lt;u style="box-sizing: border-box;"&gt;&#xD;
  3152.      &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3153.        &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  3154.          
  3155.                          
  3156.          
  3157.        Speakers:
  3158.      
  3159.        
  3160.                        &#xD;
  3161.        &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  3162.      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3163.    &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  3164.    &lt;strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3165.    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  3166.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3167.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3168.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3169. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3170. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3171.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3172.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3173.  &lt;p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"&gt;&#xD;
  3174.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  3175.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3176.      
  3177.                      
  3178.      
  3179.    All are welcome, including attorneys, farmers, agricultural service providers, students, and others. There is no registration fee for this event.
  3180.    
  3181.      
  3182.                      &#xD;
  3183.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3184.      
  3185.                      
  3186.      
  3187.     
  3188.    
  3189.  
  3190.    
  3191.                    &#xD;
  3192.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  3193.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3194.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3195.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3196. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3197. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  3198.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/4f25fbe2-d1e6-4a0f-bcc1-e39a5617f840.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3199.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  3200.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  3201. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3202. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  3203.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/31f51e48-9d66-4eab-9e79-121433171e27.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3204.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  3205.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  3206. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3207. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  3208.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/a9e2749d-0315-487b-a759-3762abb7d4f5.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3209.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  3210.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  3211. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3212. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3213.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3214.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3215.  &lt;p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  3216.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  3217.      
  3218.                      
  3219.      
  3220.    The Pace-NRDC Food Law Initiative trains lawyers and law students on the emerging field of food law, and provides direct pro bono legal services to farmers, food and beverage entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations – all towards the mission
  3221.            of empowering a more just and sustainable food system. Learn more at 
  3222.    
  3223.      
  3224.                      &#xD;
  3225.      &lt;a href="https://law.pace.edu/pace-nrdc-food-law-initiative" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(27, 105, 196); text-decoration-line: none; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3226.        
  3227.                        
  3228.        
  3229.      https://law.pace.edu/pace-nrdc-food-law-initiative
  3230.    
  3231.      
  3232.                      &#xD;
  3233.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3234.      
  3235.                      
  3236.      
  3237.    .
  3238.    
  3239.  
  3240.    
  3241.                    &#xD;
  3242.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  3243.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3244.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3245.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3246. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3247. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3248.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3249.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3250.  &lt;p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  3251.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  3252.      
  3253.                      
  3254.      
  3255.    American Farmland Trust launched the conservation agriculture movement and has been bringing agriculture and the environment together since 1980. We take a holistic approach to farmland and ranchland, protecting it from development, promoting
  3256.            environmentally sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on it. Agriculture offers the most promising solutions in our fight against climate change—but only when we support farming can it fulfill its promise to feed us and heal our planet. Learn
  3257.            more at 
  3258.    
  3259.      
  3260.                      &#xD;
  3261.      &lt;a href="https://law.pace.edu/www.farmland.org" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(27, 105, 196); text-decoration-line: none; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3262.        
  3263.                        
  3264.        
  3265.      www.farmland.org
  3266.    
  3267.      
  3268.                      &#xD;
  3269.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3270.      
  3271.                      
  3272.      
  3273.    .
  3274.    
  3275.      
  3276.                      &#xD;
  3277.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3278.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3279.      
  3280.                      
  3281.      
  3282.    The
  3283.            Pace Center for Continuing Legal Education has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education. Application for New York accreditation of this program is currently
  3284.            pending.
  3285.    
  3286.      
  3287.                      &#xD;
  3288.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3289.      
  3290.                      
  3291.      
  3292.     
  3293.    
  3294.      
  3295.                      &#xD;
  3296.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3297.      
  3298.                      
  3299.      
  3300.    According to the Regulations &amp;amp; Guidelines of the New York State CLE Board, credit shall be awarded only for attendance at an entire course or program, or for
  3301.            attendance at an entire session of a course or program. No credit shall be awarded for attending a portion of a course or a portion of a session.
  3302.    
  3303.      
  3304.                      &#xD;
  3305.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3306.      
  3307.                      
  3308.      
  3309.     
  3310.    
  3311.      
  3312.                      &#xD;
  3313.      &lt;br style="box-sizing: border-box;"/&gt;&#xD;
  3314.      
  3315.                      
  3316.      
  3317.    The Pace Center for Continuing
  3318.            Legal Education has a financial hardship policy. For information on this policy, see 
  3319.    
  3320.      
  3321.                      &#xD;
  3322.      &lt;a href="https://law.pace.edu/continuing-legal-education" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(27, 105, 196); text-decoration-line: none; line-height: inherit;"&gt;&#xD;
  3323.        
  3324.                        
  3325.        
  3326.      https://law.pace.edu/continuing-legal-education
  3327.    
  3328.      
  3329.                      &#xD;
  3330.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3331.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  3332.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3333.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3334.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3335. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  3336.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/4f25fbe2-d1e6-4a0f-bcc1-e39a5617f840.png" length="12876" type="image/png" />
  3337.      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
  3338.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/539909</guid>
  3339.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  3340.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/4f25fbe2-d1e6-4a0f-bcc1-e39a5617f840.png" />
  3341.    </item>
  3342.    <item>
  3343.      <title>Dominick J. Brancato Honored with the  2020 Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award</title>
  3344.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/531229</link>
  3345.      <description />
  3346.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3347.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3348.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3349.  &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  3350.    
  3351.                    
  3352.    
  3353.   
  3354.  
  3355.  
  3356.                  &#xD;
  3357.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3358.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3359.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3360. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3361. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3362.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3363.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/page/PeacebuilderAward"&gt;&#xD;
  3364.      
  3365.                      
  3366.    
  3367.  Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award
  3368.  
  3369.  
  3370.                    &#xD;
  3371.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3372.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3373. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3374. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3375.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3376.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/page/2020Conference"&gt;&#xD;
  3377.      
  3378.                      
  3379.    
  3380.  2020 NYSDRA Annual Conference
  3381.  
  3382.  
  3383.                    &#xD;
  3384.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3385.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3386. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  3387.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/dom_photo.png" length="333227" type="image/png" />
  3388.      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2020 19:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
  3389.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/531229</guid>
  3390.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  3391.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/dom_photo.png" />
  3392.    </item>
  3393.    <item>
  3394.      <title>NYSDRA RFP "Impact of Conflict on Individuals with IDD"</title>
  3395.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/521075</link>
  3396.      <description />
  3397.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3398.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3399.    
  3400.                    Educational background, knowledge and skills necessary to perform the literature review. In 
  3401.  
  3402.  
  3403.                    &#xD;
  3404.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3405.    
  3406.                    
  3407.  
  3408.  addition, the researcher must be able to judge the rigor and scientific merit of research 
  3409.  
  3410.  
  3411.                    &#xD;
  3412.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3413.    
  3414.                    
  3415.  
  3416.  publication by evaluating the experiment design, data collection procedure, statistical methods and 
  3417.  
  3418.  
  3419.                    &#xD;
  3420.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3421.    
  3422.                    
  3423.  
  3424.  validity of conclusions drawn. The researcher must be able to understand referenced journals and 
  3425.  
  3426.  
  3427.                    &#xD;
  3428.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3429.    
  3430.                    
  3431.  
  3432.  research articles and assess the value to include in the review.
  3433.  
  3434.  
  3435.                    &#xD;
  3436.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3437.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3438.    
  3439.                    
  3440.  
  3441.  The researcher must have a means for accessing the relevant research and technical publications for appropriate sources, including journals.
  3442.  
  3443.  
  3444.                    &#xD;
  3445.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3446.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3447.    
  3448.                    
  3449.  
  3450.  Communication skills to describe and explain the results of analysis in a well-written manuscript 
  3451.  
  3452.  
  3453.                    &#xD;
  3454.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3455.    
  3456.                    
  3457.  
  3458.  with comprehensive citations. The researcher may also be asked to present a summary of the results to UCS stakeholders and partners.
  3459.  
  3460.  
  3461.                    &#xD;
  3462.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3463.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3464.    
  3465.                    
  3466.  
  3467.  B. 
  3468.  
  3469.  
  3470.                    &#xD;
  3471.    &lt;u&gt;&#xD;
  3472.      
  3473.                      
  3474.    
  3475.    Budget
  3476.  
  3477.  
  3478.                    &#xD;
  3479.    &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  3480.    
  3481.                    
  3482.  
  3483.   for your proposal will account for all costs, including any direct costs and estimated 
  3484.  
  3485.  
  3486.                    &#xD;
  3487.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3488.    
  3489.                    
  3490.  
  3491.  time frame to complete the work. Please consider the following tasks in the budget:
  3492.  
  3493.  
  3494.                    &#xD;
  3495.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3496.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3497. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3498. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3499.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3500.    &lt;u&gt;&#xD;
  3501.      
  3502.                      
  3503.    
  3504.    The exact timeline for each task should be included as part of the submitted proposal. The desired 
  3505.    
  3506.    
  3507.                      &#xD;
  3508.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3509.      
  3510.                      
  3511.    
  3512.    delivery date for a draft is November 6, 2020, pending agreement on the exact format of the 
  3513.    
  3514.    
  3515.                      &#xD;
  3516.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3517.      
  3518.                      
  3519.    
  3520.    literature review, and the final draft review is desired by December 7, 2020.
  3521.  
  3522.  
  3523.                    &#xD;
  3524.    &lt;/u&gt;&#xD;
  3525.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3526.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3527.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  3528.      
  3529.                      
  3530.    
  3531.    Proposals are due August 31, 2020 by 5 pm and should be submitted electronically to: Alice Rudnick, 
  3532.    
  3533.    
  3534.                      &#xD;
  3535.      &lt;a href="arudnick@nycourts.gov"&gt;&#xD;
  3536.        
  3537.                        
  3538.      
  3539.      arudnick@nycourts.gov
  3540.    
  3541.    
  3542.                      &#xD;
  3543.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3544.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3545.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3546.      
  3547.                      
  3548.    
  3549.    Questions about the proposal should be written and sent electronically to: Alice Rudnick, 
  3550.    
  3551.    
  3552.                      &#xD;
  3553.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3554.      &lt;a href="arudnick@nycourts.gov"&gt;&#xD;
  3555.        
  3556.                        
  3557.      
  3558.      arudnick@nycourts.gov
  3559.    
  3560.    
  3561.                      &#xD;
  3562.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3563.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3564.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3565.      
  3566.                      
  3567.    
  3568.    The submitted proposal should include:
  3569.  
  3570.  
  3571.                    &#xD;
  3572.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  3573.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3574.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3575.    
  3576.                    
  3577.  
  3578.  1.  Summary for your approach to compete the literature review and proposed timeline. (Narrative 
  3579.  
  3580.  
  3581.                    &#xD;
  3582.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3583.    
  3584.                    
  3585.  
  3586.  not to exceed three pages)
  3587.  
  3588.  
  3589.                    &#xD;
  3590.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3591.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3592.    
  3593.                    
  3594.  
  3595.  2.  Budget for the project. Budgets should not exceed $20,000.00
  3596.                  &#xD;
  3597.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3598. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3599. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3600.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3601.    
  3602.                    Please use the following table and add additional categories as needed:
  3603.                  &#xD;
  3604.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3605. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3606. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3607.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3608.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3609.    
  3610.                    
  3611.  
  3612.  3.  Current resume or CV. If proposal includes a team approach, qualifications for the primary 
  3613.  
  3614.  
  3615.                    &#xD;
  3616.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3617.    
  3618.                    
  3619.  
  3620.  members of team
  3621.  
  3622.  
  3623.                    &#xD;
  3624.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3625.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3626.    
  3627.                    
  3628.  
  3629.  4.  Up to two writing samples written with in the last 5 years. Preference will be given to 
  3630.  
  3631.  
  3632.                    &#xD;
  3633.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3634.    
  3635.                    
  3636.  
  3637.  articles published in peer review journals and/or literature reviews compiled for other purposes.
  3638.  
  3639.  
  3640.                    &#xD;
  3641.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3642.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3643.    
  3644.                    
  3645.  
  3646.  We will evaluate the qualifications and proposals submitted, arrange for interviews and negotiate 
  3647.  
  3648.  
  3649.                    &#xD;
  3650.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3651.    
  3652.                    
  3653.  
  3654.  the detailed scope of work and final budget. Compensation may be based a fixed price or time and materials, depending on the final negotiated scope of the work and budget.
  3655.  
  3656.  
  3657.                    &#xD;
  3658.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3659.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3660.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  3661.      
  3662.                      
  3663.    
  3664.    Background of the ADR CONNECTS Project
  3665.    
  3666.    
  3667.                      &#xD;
  3668.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3669.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  3670.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3671.    
  3672.                    
  3673.  
  3674.  This program will reduce barriers to community involvement by supporting promising approaches that better enable individuals with ID/DD and their families to participate in community life. Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services have been shown to be effective processes to improve communication and resolve various types of interpersonal disputes.  These processes empower individuals to express their personal feelings and needs; explore possible resolution on the terms of the parties involved; and have been found to reduce court involvement and maintain integrity of the relationship between the parties involved in the conflict
  3675.  
  3676.  
  3677.                    &#xD;
  3678.    &lt;sup&gt;&#xD;
  3679.      
  3680.                      
  3681.    
  3682.    1
  3683.  
  3684.  
  3685.                    &#xD;
  3686.    &lt;/sup&gt;&#xD;
  3687.    
  3688.                    
  3689.  
  3690.  . Typically, people who have used ADR processes to resolve a dispute have expressed high rates of satisfaction with the process and outcomes, including feelings of empowerment and a sense of achieving their desired outcome(s)
  3691.  
  3692.  
  3693.                    &#xD;
  3694.    &lt;sup&gt;&#xD;
  3695.      
  3696.                      
  3697.    
  3698.    2
  3699.  
  3700.  
  3701.                    &#xD;
  3702.    &lt;/sup&gt;&#xD;
  3703.    
  3704.                    
  3705.  
  3706.  .
  3707.  
  3708.  
  3709.                    &#xD;
  3710.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3711.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3712.    
  3713.                    
  3714.  
  3715.  The key strengths of this approach are the focus on individual empowerment, relationships, and 
  3716.  
  3717.  
  3718.                    &#xD;
  3719.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3720.    
  3721.                    
  3722.  
  3723.  community building.
  3724.  
  3725.  
  3726.                    &#xD;
  3727.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3728.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3729.    
  3730.                    
  3731.  
  3732.  Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families face 
  3733.  
  3734.  
  3735.                    &#xD;
  3736.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3737.    
  3738.                    
  3739.  
  3740.  complex barriers when seeking supports, obtaining employment opportunities, finding and sustaining adequate housing, seeking greater engagement in the community, practicing effective self-advocacy, among other challenges.  Likewise, these difficult scenarios may also lead to conflicts between individuals, their families, and/or other members of the community.
  3741.  
  3742.  
  3743.                    &#xD;
  3744.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3745.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3746.    
  3747.                    
  3748.  
  3749.  ADR processes support self-determination, human rights, and quality of life, to meet the needs of 
  3750.  
  3751.  
  3752.                    &#xD;
  3753.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3754.    
  3755.                    
  3756.  
  3757.  individuals with ID/DD with skills in managing conflict, maintaining relationships, and decision-making. While ADR services are employed within special education
  3758.  
  3759.  
  3760.                    &#xD;
  3761.    &lt;sup&gt;&#xD;
  3762.      
  3763.                      
  3764.    
  3765.    3
  3766.  
  3767.  
  3768.                    &#xD;
  3769.    &lt;/sup&gt;&#xD;
  3770.    
  3771.                    
  3772.  
  3773.  , they have not been 
  3774.  
  3775.  
  3776.                    &#xD;
  3777.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3778.    
  3779.                    
  3780.  
  3781.  readily used by the disability community in other life areas.
  3782.  
  3783.  
  3784.                    &#xD;
  3785.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3786.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3787.    
  3788.                    
  3789.  
  3790.  In order to meet the above objective, this grant will build capacity to respond to the unique needs 
  3791.  
  3792.  
  3793.                    &#xD;
  3794.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3795.    
  3796.                    
  3797.  
  3798.  of those with ID/DD, and to support individuals to more fully participate in their decision-making 
  3799.  
  3800.  
  3801.                    &#xD;
  3802.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3803.    
  3804.                    
  3805.  
  3806.  processes.  NYS currently has a network of 62 Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs), serving residents throughout the state.  The CDRCs are overseen by the court system, and form a network called the NYS Dispute Resolution Association.  The CDRCs provide valuable alternative dispute resolution services to residents of all ages in their local communities.  While some CDRCs have done local outreach to individuals with ID/DD, and some center staff have previous experience working in the ID/DD field, this grant will develop consistent education or training on disability awareness for CDRC staff and volunteers.  The grant will support research, development, and implementation for CDRC Disability Awareness Training.
  3807.                  &#xD;
  3808.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3809. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3810. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3811.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3812.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/resource/resmgr/docs/RFP_DDPC_Literature_Research.pdf"&gt;&#xD;
  3813.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  3814.        
  3815.                        
  3816.      
  3817.      Find the RFP Document Here 
  3818.    
  3819.    
  3820.                      &#xD;
  3821.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  3822.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3823.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3824. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3825. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3826.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3827.    
  3828.                     
  3829.                  &#xD;
  3830.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3831. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  3832.      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
  3833.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/521075</guid>
  3834.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  3835.    </item>
  3836.    <item>
  3837.      <title>Introducing the NYSDRA Webinar Archive</title>
  3838.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/514064</link>
  3839.      <description>The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is pleased to expand its membership resources and benefits with the launch of the NYSDRA Webinar Archive. This archive makes webinar recordings, including CLE programs available to members 24/7. In addition to the records, corresponding program resources such as PowerPoints and reading materials are cataloged and accessible. 
  3840.  
  3841. The archive’s listings –which range from CLE programs, dispute resolution trainings, and informative overviews— currently include: 
  3842.  
  3843.  
  3844.  
  3845.     Mediation in the Era of Polarization (CLE credit Available) – recorded 4/24/20
  3846.    
  3847.      CMSC Alumni Webinar – recorded 3/20/20
  3848.    
  3849.      Lemon Law Program Procedures – recorded on 7/11/19
  3850.  
  3851.  
  3852. We are thrilled to offer this resource to NYSDRA members and will continue to expand the archive as recordings become available. 
  3853.  
  3854.  
  3855.  
  3856.  
  3857.  
  3858. Not a Member Yet? Access to the Webinar Archive is just one of the great benefits of membership! Learn more on our website here or inquire today at info@nysdra.org.
  3859.  
  3860.  </description>
  3861.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3862.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3863.    
  3864.          The
  3865.          &#xD;
  3866.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  3867.      
  3868.           New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA)
  3869.          &#xD;
  3870.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  3871.    
  3872.          is pleased to expand its membership resources and benefits with the launch of the NYSDRA Webinar Archive. This archive makes webinar recordings, including CLE programs available to members 24/7. In addition to the records, corresponding program resources such as PowerPoints and reading materials are cataloged and accessible. 
  3873.          &#xD;
  3874.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3875.    
  3876.           
  3877.          &#xD;
  3878.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3879.    
  3880.          The archive’s listings –which range from CLE programs, dispute resolution trainings, and informative overviews— currently include: 
  3881.          &#xD;
  3882.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3883.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  3884.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3885. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3886. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3887.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3888.    
  3889.          We are thrilled to offer this resource to NYSDRA members and will continue to expand the archive as recordings become available. 
  3890.         &#xD;
  3891.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3892. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3893. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3894.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3895.    
  3896.           
  3897.         &#xD;
  3898.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3899. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3900. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3901.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3902.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/page/Membership"&gt;&#xD;
  3903.      
  3904.           on our website here
  3905.          &#xD;
  3906.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3907.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3908. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3909. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3910.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3911.    &lt;a href="mailto:info@nysdra.org?subject=NYSDRA%20Membership%20Inquiry"&gt;&#xD;
  3912.      
  3913.           info@nysdra.org
  3914.          &#xD;
  3915.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  3916.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3917. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3918. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3919.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3920.    
  3921.           
  3922.         &#xD;
  3923.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3924. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  3925.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/button_visit-the-archive.png" length="2313" type="image/png" />
  3926.      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2020 21:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
  3927.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/514064</guid>
  3928.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  3929.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/button_visit-the-archive.png" />
  3930.    </item>
  3931.    <item>
  3932.      <title>NYSDRA Statement</title>
  3933.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/511841</link>
  3934.      <description>NYSDRA Statement
  3935.  
  3936. We join our voices with all those who speak out against the ongoing racial injustice, violence and the structural inequities embedded in our society.  Protests and demonstrations on our streets are cries from the heart for justice.  Now is the time to join together, to oppose oppression and further division.
  3937.  
  3938. The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is committed to equitable access to justice, strengthening communities through peaceful dispute resolution, collaborative problem solving, and restorative justice practices. 
  3939.  
  3940. NYSDRA stands with those seeking peace and equity.  We take our place among the many working to heal the divisions in our communities.  Together we can and must use our abilities, skills and community relationships to address the racism that degrades our bonds to one another. 
  3941.  
  3942. At this time, where profound progress is not only possible but imperative, the Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) at the heart of NYSDRA are responding.  CDRCs are the key conflict resolution resource in every county in New York state.  Along with independent mediators, supporters, and the wider community of conflict resolvers, NYSDRA links individuals, communities, and organizations with CDRCs and other resources to resolve direct conflicts, provide facilitated discussion, restorative justice circles, and other means of helping individuals and communities address conflict, and together build a more just and equitable future.    
  3943.  
  3944.  Find your local CDRC
  3945.  
  3946.  
  3947.  
  3948.  
  3949.  
  3950.  
  3951.  </description>
  3952.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3953.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3954.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3955.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  3956.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  3957.      &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  3958.        
  3959.                        
  3960.        
  3961.      NYSDRA Statement
  3962.    
  3963.      
  3964.                      &#xD;
  3965.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  3966.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  3967.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3968.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3969.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3970. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3971. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3972.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3973.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3974.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  3975.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  3976.      &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  3977.        
  3978.                        
  3979.        
  3980.       
  3981.    
  3982.      
  3983.                      &#xD;
  3984.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  3985.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  3986.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3987.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  3988.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3989. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  3990. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  3991.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  3992.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  3993.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  3994.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  3995.      
  3996.                      
  3997.      
  3998.    We join our voices with all those who speak out against the ongoing racial injustice, violence and the structural inequities embedded in our society.  Protests and demonstrations on our streets are cries from the heart for justice.  Now is the time to join together, to oppose oppression and further division.
  3999.  
  4000.    
  4001.                    &#xD;
  4002.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4003.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4004.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4005.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4006. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4007. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4008.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4009.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4010.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  4011.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4012.      
  4013.                      
  4014.      
  4015.     
  4016.  
  4017.    
  4018.                    &#xD;
  4019.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4020.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4021.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4022.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4023. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4024. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4025.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4026.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4027.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  4028.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4029.      
  4030.                      
  4031.      
  4032.    The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is committed to equitable access to justice, strengthening communities through peaceful dispute resolution, collaborative problem solving, and restorative justice practices. 
  4033.  
  4034.    
  4035.                    &#xD;
  4036.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4037.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4038.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4039.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4040. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4041. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4042.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4043.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4044.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  4045.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4046.      
  4047.                      
  4048.      
  4049.     
  4050.  
  4051.    
  4052.                    &#xD;
  4053.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4054.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4055.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4056.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4057. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4058. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4059.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4060.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4061.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  4062.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4063.      
  4064.                      
  4065.      
  4066.    NYSDRA stands with those seeking peace and equity.  We take our place among the many working to heal the divisions in our communities.  Together we can and must use our abilities, skills and community relationships to address the racism that degrades our bonds to one another. 
  4067.  
  4068.    
  4069.                    &#xD;
  4070.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4071.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4072.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4073.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4074. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4075. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4076.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4077.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4078.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  4079.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4080.      
  4081.                      
  4082.      
  4083.     
  4084.  
  4085.    
  4086.                    &#xD;
  4087.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4088.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4089.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4090.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4091. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4092. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4093.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4094.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4095.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  4096.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4097.      
  4098.                      
  4099.      
  4100.    At this time, where profound progress is not only possible but imperative, the Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) at the heart of NYSDRA are responding.  CDRCs are the key conflict resolution resource in every county in New York state.  Along with independent mediators, supporters, and the wider community of conflict resolvers, NYSDRA links individuals, communities, and organizations with CDRCs and other resources to resolve direct conflicts, provide facilitated discussion, restorative justice circles, and other means of helping individuals and communities address conflict, and together build a more just and equitable future.    
  4101.  
  4102.    
  4103.                    &#xD;
  4104.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4105.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4106.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4107.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4108. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4109. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4110.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4111.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4112.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"&gt;&#xD;
  4113.    &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4114.      
  4115.                      
  4116.      
  4117.     
  4118.  
  4119.    
  4120.                    &#xD;
  4121.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4122.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4123.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4124.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4125. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4126. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4127.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4128.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4129.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  4130.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4131.      &lt;span style="color: #1c1e21;"&gt;&#xD;
  4132.        &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4133.          
  4134.                          
  4135.          
  4136.         
  4137.      
  4138.        
  4139.                        &#xD;
  4140.        &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4141.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4142.      &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/page/CDRCs%E2%80%8B%20%20%E2%80%8B"&gt;&#xD;
  4143.        &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4144.          
  4145.                          
  4146.          
  4147.        Find your local CDRC
  4148.      
  4149.        
  4150.                        &#xD;
  4151.        &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4152.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  4153.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4154.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4155.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4156.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4157. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4158. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4159.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4160.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4161.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  4162.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4163.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4164.        
  4165.                        
  4166.        
  4167.       
  4168.    
  4169.      
  4170.                      &#xD;
  4171.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4172.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4173.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4174.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4175.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4176. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4177. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  4178.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/branch_only_web_transparent.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  4179.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  4180.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4181. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4182. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4183.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4184.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4185.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  4186.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4187.      &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4188.        
  4189.                        
  4190.        
  4191.       
  4192.    
  4193.      
  4194.                      &#xD;
  4195.      &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4196.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4197.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4198.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4199.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4200. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4201. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4202.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4203.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4204.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  4205.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4206.      &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4207.        
  4208.                        
  4209.        
  4210.       
  4211.    
  4212.      
  4213.                      &#xD;
  4214.      &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4215.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4216.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4217.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4218.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4219. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4220. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4221.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4222.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4223.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  4224.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4225.      
  4226.                      
  4227.      
  4228.     
  4229.  
  4230.    
  4231.                    &#xD;
  4232.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4233.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4234.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4235.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4236. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4237. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4238.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4239.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4240.  &lt;p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&#xD;
  4241.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4242.      
  4243.                      
  4244.      
  4245.     
  4246.  
  4247.    
  4248.                    &#xD;
  4249.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4250.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4251.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4252.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4253. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4254.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/branch_only_web_transparent.png" length="6665" type="image/png" />
  4255.      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2020 20:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
  4256.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/511841</guid>
  4257.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4258.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/branch_only_web_transparent.png" />
  4259.    </item>
  4260.    <item>
  4261.      <title>Giving Tuesday: Donate Today to Support NYSDRA &amp; the NYS CDRC Network</title>
  4262.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/505641</link>
  4263.      <description>The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is committed to better outcomes through better conversations for all New Yorkers. The statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) provide invaluable community services as individuals, families, and communities contend with conflict and stress--now more than ever. CDRCs strengthen communities. Be part of the solution: please support NYSDRA and the network of CDRCs by giving today.
  4264.  </description>
  4265.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4266.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4267.    &lt;span style="color: #201f1e;"&gt;&#xD;
  4268.      
  4269.                      
  4270.    
  4271.    The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is committed to better outcomes through better conversations for all New Yorkers. The statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) provide invaluable community services as individuals, families, and communities contend with conflict and stress--now more than ever. CDRCs strengthen communities. Be part of the solution: please support NYSDRA and the network of CDRCs by giving today.
  4272.  
  4273.  
  4274.                    &#xD;
  4275.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4276.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4277. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4278. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4279.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4280.    &lt;span style="color: #201f1e;"&gt;&#xD;
  4281.      
  4282.                      
  4283.    
  4284.     
  4285.  
  4286.  
  4287.                    &#xD;
  4288.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4289.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4290. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4291. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  4292.  &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/donations/donate.asp?id=10158" target="_top" style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4293.    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/button_donate.png" alt="" title=""/&gt;&#xD;
  4294.  &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  4295.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  4296.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4297. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4298. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  4299.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/5-5-20-givingtu_46318799.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  4300.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  4301.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4302. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4303.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/button_donate.png" length="1857" type="image/png" />
  4304.      <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2020 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
  4305.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/505641</guid>
  4306.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4307.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/button_donate.png" />
  4308.    </item>
  4309.    <item>
  4310.      <title>UPDATE: NYSDRA's Response to COVID-19</title>
  4311.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/497387</link>
  4312.      <description>The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is committed to serving our members, partners, and communities throughout New York State, particularly in these turbulent times. 
  4313.  
  4314. The NYSDRA Team is now working remotely, in compliance with health and government directives.  We are fully connected, operational, and our work supporting the Community Dispute Resolution Centers, independent members, and promoting quality conflict management continues.
  4315.  
  4316. The need for skillful and effective response to conflict is acute.  NYSDRA will continue managing its statewide contract programs, and is working with the network of practitioners, partners, and the Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) as they adapt to remote service. 
  4317.  
  4318. CDRCs are adjusting quickly to maintain service continuity and respond to emerging needs, such as critical changes to parenting plans and family care/decision-making conflicts, through mediation and a range of conflict resolution services through video/phone access.  
  4319.  
  4320. The CDRCs--always an important community resource--are now vital, as communities across the state respond to conflicts and issues that the current health crisis presents. 
  4321.  
  4322. The ideal, “Think globally, act locally,” once aspirational, is now essential.  Together we can meet this challenge. 
  4323.  
  4324. For services, referrals, or questions please contact:
  4325. Regina Ritcey
  4326. NYSDRA Executive Director
  4327. regina@nysdra.org.
  4328.  
  4329.  
  4330.  
  4331.  
  4332.  
  4333.  
  4334.  </description>
  4335.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4336.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4337.    
  4338.                    The
  4339.  
  4340.  
  4341.                    &#xD;
  4342.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4343.      
  4344.                      
  4345.    
  4346.     New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA)
  4347.  
  4348.  
  4349.                    &#xD;
  4350.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4351.    
  4352.                    
  4353.  
  4354.   is committed to serving our members, partners, and communities throughout New York State, particularly in these turbulent times. 
  4355.                  &#xD;
  4356.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4357. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4358. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4359.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4360.    
  4361.                    The NYSDRA Team is now working remotely, in compliance with health and government directives.  We are fully connected, operational, and our work supporting the Community Dispute Resolution Centers, independent members, and promoting quality conflict management continues.
  4362.  
  4363.  
  4364.                    &#xD;
  4365.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4366.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4367.    
  4368.                    
  4369.  
  4370.  
  4371. The need for skillful and effective response to conflict is acute.  NYSDRA will continue managing its statewide contract programs, and is working with the network of practitioners, partners, and the Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) as they adapt to remote service. 
  4372.  
  4373.  
  4374.                    &#xD;
  4375.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4376.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4377.    
  4378.                    
  4379.  
  4380.  
  4381. CDRCs are adjusting quickly to maintain service continuity and respond to emerging needs, such as critical changes to parenting plans and family care/decision-making conflicts, through mediation and a range of conflict resolution services through video/phone access.  
  4382.  
  4383.  
  4384.                    &#xD;
  4385.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4386.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4387.    
  4388.                    
  4389.  
  4390.  
  4391. The CDRCs--always an important community resource--are now vital, as communities across the state respond to conflicts and issues that the current health crisis presents. 
  4392.  
  4393.  
  4394.                    &#xD;
  4395.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4396.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4397.    
  4398.                    
  4399.  
  4400.  
  4401. The ideal, “Think globally, act locally,” once aspirational, is now essential.  Together we can meet this challenge. 
  4402.  
  4403.  
  4404.                    &#xD;
  4405.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4406.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4407. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4408. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4409.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4410.    
  4411.                    For services, referrals, or questions please contact:
  4412.                  &#xD;
  4413.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4414. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4415. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4416.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4417.    &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4418.      &lt;span style="color: #339999;"&gt;&#xD;
  4419.        
  4420.                        
  4421.      
  4422.      Regina Ritcey
  4423.    
  4424.    
  4425.                      &#xD;
  4426.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4427.    &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4428.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4429.    &lt;span style="color: #666666;"&gt;&#xD;
  4430.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4431.        
  4432.                        
  4433.      
  4434.      NYSDRA Executive Director
  4435.    
  4436.    
  4437.                      &#xD;
  4438.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4439.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4440.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4441.    
  4442.                    
  4443.  
  4444.  
  4445. regina@nysdra.org.
  4446.                  &#xD;
  4447.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4448. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4449. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4450.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4451.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4452.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4453.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4454. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4455. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4456.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4457.    
  4458.                     
  4459.                  &#xD;
  4460.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4461. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4462.      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
  4463.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/497387</guid>
  4464.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4465.    </item>
  4466.    <item>
  4467.      <title>Winter 2019 Issue: Conflict Resolution Quarterly</title>
  4468.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/480328</link>
  4469.      <description>The Winter 2019 Issue of the Conflict Resolution Quarterly is now available! 
  4470. All Conflict Resolution Quarterly Journals are available to NYSDRA members under the Main Menu (Members---Member Benefits---CRQ). Not a member? Join today! </description>
  4471.      <content:encoded>&lt;h1 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  4472.  
  4473.                  
  4474.  The Winter 2019 Issue of the Conflict Resolution Quarterly is now available! 
  4475.  
  4476.                &#xD;
  4477. &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
  4478. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4479.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4480.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4481.      
  4482.                      
  4483.    
  4484.    All Conflict Resolution Quarterly Journals are available to NYSDRA members under the Main Menu (Members---Member Benefits---CRQ). Not a member?
  4485.    
  4486.    
  4487.                      &#xD;
  4488.      &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/general/register_member_type.asp?"&gt;&#xD;
  4489.        
  4490.                        
  4491.      
  4492.      Join today
  4493.    
  4494.    
  4495.                      &#xD;
  4496.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  4497.      
  4498.                      
  4499.    
  4500.    ! 
  4501.  
  4502.  
  4503.                    &#xD;
  4504.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4505.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4506. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4507. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  4508.  &lt;img src="https://www.nysdra.org/resource/resmgr/crq.21251.fp.png" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  4509.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  4510.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4511. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4512.      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2019 20:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
  4513.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/480328</guid>
  4514.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4515.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://www.nysdra.org/resource/resmgr/crq.21251.fp.png" />
  4516.    </item>
  4517.    <item>
  4518.      <title>ACCORD to Host Basic Mediation Training</title>
  4519.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/471815</link>
  4520.      <description />
  4521.      <content:encoded>&lt;h5 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  4522.  
  4523.                  
  4524.  ACCORD to Host Basic Mediation Training
  4525.  
  4526.                &#xD;
  4527. &lt;/h5&gt;&#xD;
  4528. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; display:block;"&gt;&#xD;
  4529.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/ACCORD.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin:0px;"/&gt;&#xD;
  4530.  &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  4531.  &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4532. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4533.      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/ACCORD.jpg" length="8669" type="image/jpeg" />
  4534.      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Sep 2019 20:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
  4535.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/471815</guid>
  4536.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4537.      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/ACCORD.jpg" />
  4538.    </item>
  4539.    <item>
  4540.      <title>Introducing NYSDRA News!</title>
  4541.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/471044</link>
  4542.      <description>Introducing NYSDRA News! 
  4543. A Monthly Update Highlighting NYSDRA Activities and Advocacy! 
  4544. Find the September 2019 Issue Here</description>
  4545.      <content:encoded>&lt;h2 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  4546.  
  4547.         Introducing NYSDRA News! 
  4548.        &#xD;
  4549. &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  4550. &lt;h4 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  4551.  
  4552.         A Monthly Update Highlighting NYSDRA Activities and Advocacy! 
  4553.        &#xD;
  4554. &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
  4555. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4556.  &lt;h6&gt;&#xD;
  4557.    &lt;a href="https://mailchi.mp/78d8bcbea050/introducing-nysdra-news-the-nysdra-newsletter-561007?fbclid=IwAR1s2GRopZiMbxptkhKBC9QQvIS3ec2fvlhgQgbgf7S1avO8csZ-CqzOsxs" style="display: initial;" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
  4558.      
  4559.           Find the September 2019 Issue Here
  4560.          &#xD;
  4561.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  4562.  &lt;/h6&gt;&#xD;
  4563. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4564.      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Sep 2019 21:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
  4565.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/471044</guid>
  4566.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4567.    </item>
  4568.    <item>
  4569.      <title>NYSDRA Conference 2019 Presentation/Workshop Proposal</title>
  4570.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/466963</link>
  4571.      <description />
  4572.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4573.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4574.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4575.      
  4576.                      
  4577.    
  4578.    The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) invites you to submit a presentation or workshop proposal for the
  4579.    
  4580.    
  4581.                      &#xD;
  4582.      &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  4583.        &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4584.          
  4585.                          
  4586.        
  4587.        2019 NYSDRA Annual Conference, October 27-29, 2019 in Saratoga Springs, New York
  4588.      
  4589.      
  4590.                        &#xD;
  4591.        &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4592.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4593.      
  4594.                      
  4595.    
  4596.     (Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn; 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY).  This opportunity, open to all, is a great way to connect with colleagues, practitioners, organizations, key leaders, and conflict resolution professionals and partners from all disciplines interested in advancing the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution.   
  4597.  
  4598.  
  4599.                    &#xD;
  4600.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4601.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4602. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4603. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4604.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4605.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4606.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4607.      
  4608.                      
  4609.    
  4610.    
  4611. This year's conference:
  4612.    
  4613.    
  4614.                      &#xD;
  4615.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4616.        
  4617.                        
  4618.      
  4619.      Breakthrough!  The Age of Presumptive ADR
  4620.    
  4621.    
  4622.                      &#xD;
  4623.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4624.      
  4625.                      
  4626.    
  4627.     will focus on the exciting advances in presumptive ADR, and other emerging trends and developments in Alternative Dispute Resolution.  We welcome presentation submissions on the full range of ADR practice areas and disciplines including community, commercial, restorative justice, peacebuilding, organizational, court-related, governmental, family, youth, schools, interpersonal, ombuds, and other topics.  Practice and skill-based workshops, career development, ethics, and CLE program proposals welcome.
  4628.    
  4629.    
  4630.                      &#xD;
  4631.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4632.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4633.      &lt;em&gt;&#xD;
  4634.        
  4635.                        
  4636.      
  4637.      The 2019 NYSDRA Conference kicks off with an evening event on October 27th, and continues on October 28th with presentations, workshops, conference keynote, Honoree Luncheon, networking, and more, plus a bonus training on October 29th.
  4638.    
  4639.    
  4640.                      &#xD;
  4641.      &lt;/em&gt;&#xD;
  4642.      
  4643.                      
  4644.    
  4645.        
  4646.    
  4647.    
  4648.                      &#xD;
  4649.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4650.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4651.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4652. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4653. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4654.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4655.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4656.      
  4657.                      
  4658.    
  4659.    In addition to presenting, you will be featured in NYSDRA's conference app Whova! Whova has several interactive features for conference participants and presenters. Participants can utilize the app and website to stay up to date on schedule changes, networking opportunities and conference information.
  4660.  
  4661.  
  4662.                    &#xD;
  4663.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4664.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4665. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4666. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4667.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4668.    &lt;font&gt;&#xD;
  4669.      
  4670.                      
  4671.    
  4672.    Join us!  If you have questions about the conference presentation/workshop submission form or any inquiries about the conference (registration, logistics, etc.), please contact us at
  4673.    
  4674.    
  4675.                      &#xD;
  4676.      &lt;a href="conference@nysdra.org"&gt;&#xD;
  4677.        
  4678.                        
  4679.      
  4680.      conference@nysdra.org
  4681.    
  4682.    
  4683.                      &#xD;
  4684.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  4685.      
  4686.                      
  4687.    
  4688.    . To register for the conference, visit 
  4689.    
  4690.    
  4691.                      &#xD;
  4692.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4693.      &lt;a href="www.nysdra.org/page/Conference"&gt;&#xD;
  4694.        
  4695.                        
  4696.      
  4697.      www.nysdra.org/page/Conference
  4698.    
  4699.    
  4700.                      &#xD;
  4701.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  4702.      
  4703.                      
  4704.    
  4705.    .  
  4706.    
  4707.    
  4708.                      &#xD;
  4709.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4710.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4711.      
  4712.                      
  4713.    
  4714.    
  4715. To submit a conference presentation/workshop proposal: complete and return this form by
  4716.    
  4717.    
  4718.                      &#xD;
  4719.      &lt;b&gt;&#xD;
  4720.        
  4721.                        
  4722.      
  4723.      September 12, 2019.
  4724.    
  4725.    
  4726.                      &#xD;
  4727.      &lt;/b&gt;&#xD;
  4728.    &lt;/font&gt;&#xD;
  4729.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4730. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4731. &lt;div style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4732.  &lt;p style="margin:0px;"&gt;&#xD;
  4733.    
  4734.                     
  4735.                  &#xD;
  4736.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4737. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4738. &lt;h2 style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:35px; margin-block-start:1em; margin-block-end:1em;"&gt;&#xD;
  4739.  
  4740.                  
  4741.   Submit your proposal here!
  4742.  
  4743.                &#xD;
  4744. &lt;/h2&gt;</content:encoded>
  4745.      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Aug 2019 18:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
  4746.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/466963</guid>
  4747.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4748.    </item>
  4749.    <item>
  4750.      <title>My Downstairs Neighbor Is Driving Me Crazy</title>
  4751.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/my-downstairs-neighbor-is-driving-me-crazy</link>
  4752.      <description />
  4753.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4754.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  4755.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4756.      
  4757.           My Downstairs Neighbor Is Driving Me Crazy
  4758.          &#xD;
  4759.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4760.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  4761. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4762. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4763.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4764.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  4765.      
  4766.           Tuesday, August 13, 2019
  4767.          &#xD;
  4768.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4769.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4770.      
  4771.            
  4772.           &#xD;
  4773.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4774.      
  4775.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  4776.          &#xD;
  4777.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4778.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4779.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4780.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4781.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4782.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4783.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4784.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4785.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4786.      
  4787.           Have a noisy neighbor? Try mediation! 
  4788.          &#xD;
  4789.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4790.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4791.  &lt;h6 style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  4792.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4793.  &lt;/h6&gt;&#xD;
  4794.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4795.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4796.      
  4797.           Babies are noisy. But you know what’s also noisy? Someone banging on your floor and shouting obscenities. Just as your neighbor is entitled to a reasonable amount of quiet, so are you and your family.
  4798.           &#xD;
  4799.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4800.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4801.      
  4802.           New York City’s noise code “prohibits unreasonable noise, and deliberate harassment of somebody would certainly qualify as unreasonable,” said Alan Fierstein, the owner of Acoustilog, a Manhattan noise consultant with clients who have faced eviction proceedings for doing things like banging on ceilings or shouting through walls.
  4803.          &#xD;
  4804.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4805.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4806.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4807.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4808.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4809.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4810.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4811.      
  4812.           File a noise complaint with 311 or reach out to a mediation service, like the 
  4813.          &#xD;
  4814.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4815.    &lt;a href="https://nypeace.org/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4816.      
  4817.           New York Peace Institute
  4818.          &#xD;
  4819.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  4820.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4821.      
  4822.           , which can intervene on your behalf.
  4823.          &#xD;
  4824.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4825.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4826.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4827.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4828.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4829.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4830.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4831.      
  4832.           https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/29/realestate/my-downstairs-neighbor-is-driving-me-crazy.html?fbclid=IwAR3mYVmwxIQXEEAbyxqT5q7q00sAIEwf5RuAQmeRvTUeCZr0HWTHhxMYW_Y
  4833.          &#xD;
  4834.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4835.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4836.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  4837.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4838.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4839.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4840.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4841. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4842.      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:11:20 GMT</pubDate>
  4843.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/my-downstairs-neighbor-is-driving-me-crazy</guid>
  4844.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4845.    </item>
  4846.    <item>
  4847.      <title>2019 Child Permanency Mediation Training Judicial institute White Plains September 17-20, 2019</title>
  4848.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/2019-child-permanency-mediation-training-judicial-institute-white-plains-september-17-20-2019</link>
  4849.      <description />
  4850.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4851.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  4852.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4853.      
  4854.           2019 Child Permanency Mediation Training Judicial institute White Plains September 17-20, 2019
  4855.          &#xD;
  4856.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4857.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  4858. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4859. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4860.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4861.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  4862.      
  4863.           Tuesday, August 13, 2019
  4864.          &#xD;
  4865.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4866.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4867.      
  4868.            
  4869.            &#xD;
  4870.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4871.      
  4872.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  4873.          &#xD;
  4874.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4875.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4876.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4877.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4878.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4879.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4880.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4881.      
  4882.           2019 Child Permanency Mediation Training
  4883.           &#xD;
  4884.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4885.      
  4886.           Judicial institute
  4887.           &#xD;
  4888.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4889.      
  4890.           White Plains September 17-20, 2019
  4891.          &#xD;
  4892.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4893.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4894.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4895.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4896.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4897.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4898.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4899.      
  4900.           https://www.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=DtnSBcjWYhQ%3D&amp;amp;fbclid=IwAR1bQb60kPU8egWkXJMs8RsapLkEvqP-lfZ76j0-hZzgtCmRcBvzJFcC5tA
  4901.          &#xD;
  4902.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4903.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4904.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  4905.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4906.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4907.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4908.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4909. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4910.      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:09:19 GMT</pubDate>
  4911.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/2019-child-permanency-mediation-training-judicial-institute-white-plains-september-17-20-2019</guid>
  4912.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4913.    </item>
  4914.    <item>
  4915.      <title>Buffalo City Court Begins New Mediation Program</title>
  4916.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/buffalo-city-court-begins-new-mediation-program</link>
  4917.      <description />
  4918.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4919.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  4920.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4921.      
  4922.           Buffalo City Court Begins New Mediation Program
  4923.          &#xD;
  4924.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4925.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  4926. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4927. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4928.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4929.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  4930.      
  4931.           Tuesday, August 6, 2019
  4932.          &#xD;
  4933.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4934.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4935.      
  4936.            
  4937.           &#xD;
  4938.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4939.      
  4940.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  4941.          &#xD;
  4942.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4943.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4944.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4945.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4946.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4947.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4948.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4949.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4950.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4951.      
  4952.           "Buffalo City Court's caseload will be reduced thanks to its new Community Dispute Resolution Program.
  4953.           &#xD;
  4954.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4955.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4956.      
  4957.           It allows for cases such as harassment, noise complaints, minor assaults and property damage to be resolved through mediation which will be led by the Child &amp;amp; Family Center for Resolution and Justice.
  4958.           &#xD;
  4959.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4960.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4961.      
  4962.           “This program will now offer important conflict coaching services, which will allow eligible defendants to work with a trained conflict coach one-on-one to explore other people's perspective about the conflict, learn important de-escalation skills, and also communication skills to minimize the chance of being involved in the criminal justice system again,” said Center for Resolution and Justice Director Julie Loesch."
  4963.          &#xD;
  4964.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4965.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4966.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4967.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4968.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4969.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4970.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4971.      
  4972.           https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2019/07/31/buffalo-city-court-begins-new-mediation-program
  4973.          &#xD;
  4974.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4975.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4976.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  4977.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  4978.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  4979. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  4980.      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Aug 2019 23:07:23 GMT</pubDate>
  4981.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/buffalo-city-court-begins-new-mediation-program</guid>
  4982.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  4983.    </item>
  4984.    <item>
  4985.      <title>Dispute Resolution will be moving into the mainstream</title>
  4986.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/dispute-resolution-will-be-moving-into-the-mainstream</link>
  4987.      <description />
  4988.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4989.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  4990.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  4991.      
  4992.           Dispute Resolution will be moving into the mainstream
  4993.          &#xD;
  4994.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  4995.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  4996. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  4997. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  4998.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  4999.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5000.      
  5001.           Wednesday, June 12, 2019
  5002.          &#xD;
  5003.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5004.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5005.      
  5006.            
  5007.           &#xD;
  5008.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5009.      
  5010.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  5011.          &#xD;
  5012.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5013.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5014.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5015.    &lt;a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;amp;pub=yourmembership" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5016.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5017.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  5018.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5019.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5020.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5021.      
  5022.           A statewide initiative to refer civil cases to Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was recently announced by the New York State Unified Court System. Family and Supreme Court cases will be included in this initiative. This will greatly benefit New Yorkers in providing them with a means to settle peacefully at the onset of a case and avoid the time and expense involved in any further litigation. Mediation is a confidential settlement process that occurs with a neutral third party, a mediator, who helps the parties arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement.
  5023.           &#xD;
  5024.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5025.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5026.      
  5027.           This initiative came about as part of the Chief Judge’s Excellence Initiative through Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks. It will increase the need for volunteer mediators at the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC.) For information about becoming a mediator, contact Jolynn Dunn, Regional ADR Coordinator at DRC-8771 ext. 5001 or adrregional@drcservices.org.
  5028.          &#xD;
  5029.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5030.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5031.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5032.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5033.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5034.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5035.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5036.      
  5037.           https://www.recordonline.com/news/20190612/dispute-resolution-will-be-moving-into-mainstream?fbclid=IwAR12Ftox4zd4bqPNnWTBVa-wyBveuYEE566KRlKq8u1KA8QDZVCbe_UFjC0
  5038.          &#xD;
  5039.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5040.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5041.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5042.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5043.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5044.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5045.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5046.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5047. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5048.      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2019 23:05:39 GMT</pubDate>
  5049.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/dispute-resolution-will-be-moving-into-the-mainstream</guid>
  5050.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  5051.    </item>
  5052.    <item>
  5053.      <title>With grant, dispute center looks to future</title>
  5054.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/with-grant-dispute-center-looks-to-future</link>
  5055.      <description />
  5056.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5057.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5058.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5059.      
  5060.           With grant, dispute center looks to future
  5061.          &#xD;
  5062.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5063.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5064. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5065. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5066.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5067.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5068.      
  5069.           Friday, May 31, 2019
  5070.          &#xD;
  5071.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5072.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5073.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5074.      
  5075.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  5076.          &#xD;
  5077.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5078.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5079.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5080.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5081.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5082.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5083.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5084.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5085.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5086.      
  5087.           The Center for Resolution and Justice applied for a grant through the Office of Victim Services and learned this year that the center was awarded $688,573, the third-largest amount disbursed among 61 total organizations statewide. The money will provide free enhanced, holistic services to victims of crimes, including alternative dispute resolution services to the eight counties of Western New York, said Loesch and Gayle Towne Murphy, the center’s lead attorney.
  5088.          &#xD;
  5089.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5090.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5091.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5092.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5093.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5094.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5095.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5096.      
  5097.           Mediation and ADR were found to be effective tools in alleviating court caseloads and were promoted by New York State Chief Judge Janet Marie DiFiore, the attorneys said.
  5098.          &#xD;
  5099.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5100.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5101.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5102.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5103.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5104.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5105.    &lt;a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2019/05/12/with-grant-dispute-center-looks-to-future.html?fbclid=IwAR3CR3zz1bwxTxk7UkBzEKQmQrpVfnPrczKhXxc69iZT7pw1VizLKtxOgI8" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5106.      
  5107.           https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2019/05/12/with-grant-dispute-center-looks-to-future.html?fbclid=IwAR3CR3zz1bwxTxk7UkBzEKQmQrpVfnPrczKhXxc69iZT7pw1VizLKtxOgI8
  5108.          &#xD;
  5109.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  5110.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5111.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5112.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5113.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5114. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5115.      <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2019 23:55:31 GMT</pubDate>
  5116.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/with-grant-dispute-center-looks-to-future</guid>
  5117.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  5118.    </item>
  5119.    <item>
  5120.      <title>NY court system to implement early alternative dispute resolution for civil cases</title>
  5121.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/ny-court-system-to-implement-early-alternative-dispute-resolution-for-civil-cases</link>
  5122.      <description />
  5123.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5124.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5125.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5126.      
  5127.           NY court system to implement early alternative dispute resolution for civil cases
  5128.          &#xD;
  5129.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5130.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5131.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5132.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5133.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5134. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5135. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5136.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5137.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5138.      
  5139.           Friday, May 31, 2019
  5140.          &#xD;
  5141.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5142.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5143.      
  5144.            
  5145.           &#xD;
  5146.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5147.      
  5148.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  5149.          &#xD;
  5150.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5151.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5152.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5153.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5154.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5155.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5156.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5157.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5158.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5159.      
  5160.           "New York’s Unified Court System has introduced a systemwide initiative in which parties in most civil cases will be referred to mediation or some other form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as the initial step in the case proceeding in court.
  5161.          &#xD;
  5162.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5163.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5164.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5165.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5166.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5167.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5168.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5169.      
  5170.           The new model is known as “presumptive ADR” and refers cases routinely to mediation and other forms of ADR earlier in the process.
  5171.          &#xD;
  5172.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5173.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5174.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5175.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5176.      
  5177.           “Making ADR services widely available in civil courts throughout the State ̶ and facilitating the use of such services as early as possible in the case ̶ are major steps toward a more efficient, affordable and meaningful civil justice process,” said Chief Judge Janet DiFiore."
  5178.          &#xD;
  5179.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5180.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5181.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5182.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5183.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5184.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5185.    &lt;a href="https://queenseagle.com/all/ny-court-system-early-alternative-dispute-resolution?fbclid=IwAR0e3vjrERUSFwoHfhQQDQ0jz7wG_9pN4MRF-0U8RUMSK1_TGzJKV7jPAqQ" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5186.      
  5187.           https://queenseagle.com/all/ny-court-system-early-alternative-dispute-resolution?fbclid=IwAR0e3vjrERUSFwoHfhQQDQ0jz7wG_9pN4MRF-0U8RUMSK1_TGzJKV7jPAqQ
  5188.          &#xD;
  5189.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  5190.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5191.      
  5192.           .
  5193.          &#xD;
  5194.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5195.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5196. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5197.      <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2019 23:53:29 GMT</pubDate>
  5198.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/ny-court-system-to-implement-early-alternative-dispute-resolution-for-civil-cases</guid>
  5199.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  5200.    </item>
  5201.    <item>
  5202.      <title>New York Courts to Begin Presumptive Mediation for Civil Cases Later This Year</title>
  5203.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/new-york-courts-to-begin-presumptive-mediation-for-civil-cases-later-this-year</link>
  5204.      <description />
  5205.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5206.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5207.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5208.      
  5209.           New York Courts to Begin Presumptive Mediation for Civil Cases Later This Year
  5210.          &#xD;
  5211.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5212.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5213.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5214.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5215.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5216. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5217. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5218.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5219.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5220.      
  5221.           Friday, May 31, 2019
  5222.          &#xD;
  5223.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5224.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5225.      
  5226.            
  5227.           &#xD;
  5228.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5229.      
  5230.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  5231.          &#xD;
  5232.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5233.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5234.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5235.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5236.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5237.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5238.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5239.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5240.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5241.      
  5242.           Great news for NYS ADR!
  5243.           &#xD;
  5244.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5245.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5246.      
  5247.           By the end of this year, state courts in New York are set to have a system in place to require that civil litigation be resolved through presumptive mediation, rather than in open court, as part of an effort to continue reducing backlogs in the judiciary.
  5248.           &#xD;
  5249.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5250.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5251.      
  5252.           While such systems already exist throughout some state courts in New York, the new initiative will mandate presumptive mediation and alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, statewide.“Court-sponsored ADR has a proven record of success, with high settlement rates and strong user satisfaction among litigants and lawyers,” Marks said
  5253.          &#xD;
  5254.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5255.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5256.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5257.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5258.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5259.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5260.    &lt;a href="https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2019/05/16/new-york-courts-to-begin-presumptive-mediation-for-civil-cases-later-this-year/?fbclid=IwAR28DpgtSRxxBxfiN3zoW7aJ5ELb9h1m-MPBi-RYy3TkbsZF6Rd-BfNSmpg" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5261.      
  5262.           https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2019/05/16/new-york-courts-to-begin-presumptive-mediation-for-civil-cases-later-this-year/?fbclid=IwAR28DpgtSRxxBxfiN3zoW7aJ5ELb9h1m-MPBi-RYy3TkbsZF6Rd-BfNSmpg
  5263.          &#xD;
  5264.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  5265.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5266.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5267.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5268.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5269. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5270.      <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2019 23:51:33 GMT</pubDate>
  5271.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/new-york-courts-to-begin-presumptive-mediation-for-civil-cases-later-this-year</guid>
  5272.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  5273.    </item>
  5274.    <item>
  5275.      <title>LI experts weigh in on how to resolve 7 common neighbor complaints</title>
  5276.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/li-experts-weigh-in-on-how-to-resolve-7-common-neighbor-complaints</link>
  5277.      <description />
  5278.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5279.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5280.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5281.      
  5282.           LI experts weigh in on how to resolve 7 common neighbor complaints
  5283.          &#xD;
  5284.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5285.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5286. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5287. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5288.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5289.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5290.      
  5291.           Friday, May 31, 2019
  5292.          &#xD;
  5293.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5294.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5295.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5296.      
  5297.           Posted by: Elizabeth Vanasdale
  5298.           &#xD;
  5299.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5300.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5301.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5302.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5303.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5304.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5305.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5306.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5307.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5308.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5309.      
  5310.           Executive Director, Regina Ritcey and Judy Axelrod from EAC on Long Island are quoted in an article utilizing mediation in addressing neighbor complaints.
  5311.          &#xD;
  5312.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5313.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5314.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5315.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5316.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5317.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5318.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5319.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5320.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5321.      
  5322.           Everyone has a gripe or two about the people next door. But conflicts like this can turn daily greetings into dagger looks. Options for solving such squabbles range from mediation services through community resolution centers to legal action. The best response, they say, is usually simple, get to know your neighbors and you can often work things out!
  5323.          &#xD;
  5324.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5325.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5326.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5327.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5328.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5329.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5330.    &lt;a href="https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/real-estate/long-island-neighbor-complaints-1.30787039?fbclid=IwAR1GOcGj31E1UCNRb8AkXABZ-XQNv6sTTiEoE_EAVWCKzut7lo73U0vFXao" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5331.      
  5332.           https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/real-estate/long-island-neighbor-complaints-1.30787039?fbclid=IwAR1GOcGj31E1UCNRb8AkXABZ-XQNv6sTTiEoE_EAVWCKzut7lo73U0vFXao
  5333.          &#xD;
  5334.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  5335.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5336.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5337.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5338.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5339.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5340.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5341. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5342.      <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2019 23:03:45 GMT</pubDate>
  5343.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/li-experts-weigh-in-on-how-to-resolve-7-common-neighbor-complaints</guid>
  5344.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  5345.    </item>
  5346.    <item>
  5347.      <title>Negotiation versus Mediation</title>
  5348.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/negotiation-versus-mediation</link>
  5349.      <description />
  5350.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5351.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5352.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5353.      
  5354.           Negotiation versus Mediation
  5355.          &#xD;
  5356.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5357.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5358. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5359. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5360.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5361.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5362.      
  5363.           Posted By 
  5364.          &#xD;
  5365.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5366.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5367.      
  5368.           Shari Greenleaf, Special Education Program Coordinator
  5369.          &#xD;
  5370.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5371.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5372.      
  5373.           , Monday, January 22, 2018
  5374.          &#xD;
  5375.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5376.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5377.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5378.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5379.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5380.      
  5381.           There are some people who believe that mediation is just another form of negotiation; they couldn’t be further from the truth!
  5382.          &#xD;
  5383.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5384.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5385.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5386.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5387.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5388.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5389.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5390.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5391.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5392.      
  5393.           Negotiation
  5394.          &#xD;
  5395.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5396.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5397.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5398.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5399.      
  5400.           Negotiation is the process that two sides use to try to reach an agreement over a dispute. Negotiations can take a lot of different forms: unions and employers pounding out a new contract, haggling with a street vendor over the price of an item to purchase, or coming up with a payment amount to settle a lawsuit. Usually negotiation takes place between the two parties and there is no neutral party to help the parties come up with an agreement. Most importantly, often there is an inherent disadvantage to “showing your cards” or being too honest about the bottom line of your position. Each side in a negotiation is trying to get as much as possible and sharing information may get in the way of “winning” in the negotiations.
  5401.          &#xD;
  5402.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5403.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5404.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5405.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5406.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5407.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5408.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5409.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5410.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5411.      
  5412.           Negotiation is often useful for parties who are clear about their needs and have the capacity to articulate their position. Negotiation is useful for parties who are comfortable with the process and have been trained in how to engage in negotiate.
  5413.          &#xD;
  5414.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5415.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5416.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5417.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5418.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5419.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5420.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5421.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5422.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5423.      
  5424.           Mediation
  5425.          &#xD;
  5426.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5427.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5428.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5429.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5430.      
  5431.           Mediation, on the other hand, is a process that includes the participation of a trained neutral party (the mediator) who role is to provide a forum for the parties to communicate and create the solution to the dispute that exists. 
  5432.          &#xD;
  5433.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5434.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5435.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5436.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5437.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5438.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5439.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5440.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5441.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5442.      
  5443.           A usual precept of mediation is confidentiality; nothing that is said or offered in mediation can be used later in subsequent court hearings or negotiations. Confidentiality gives parties the freedom to be more forthcoming with solutions to the dispute without giving away too much. The open exchange of information and ideas often results in reaching agreement.
  5444.          &#xD;
  5445.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5446.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5447.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5448.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5449.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5450.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5451.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5452.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5453.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5454.      
  5455.           Mediation also benefits from input from the mediator. Mediators can reflect what the parties share and in doing so can ensure that information is heard. Mediators can help conflicted parties by providing a safe space for feelings to be vented and then permit moving beyond emotion. Mediators also can help parties find clarity by breaking down the dispute resolution process into smaller digestible bits; the old adage is you eat an elephant one bite at a time and the same can be true for breaking down a dispute into manageable components.
  5456.          &#xD;
  5457.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5458.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5459.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5460.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5461.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5462.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5463.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5464.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5465.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5466.      
  5467.           Mediation is most useful for parties who are “stuck” or for parties who have a difficult time communicating with each other.
  5468.          &#xD;
  5469.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5470.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5471.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5472.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5473.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5474.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5475.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5476.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5477.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5478.      
  5479.           Negotiation versus Mediation
  5480.          &#xD;
  5481.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5482.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5483.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5484.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5485.      
  5486.           Much like the fictitious battles between Godzilla and Mothra, it is practically impossible to say who wins in a dispute resolution battle between negotiation and mediation. Instead it is best to recognize the inherent strengths of each process and ensure that parties employ the best method of dispute resolution based upon the nature of the dispute, the abilities of the parties, the progress that has been made in resolving the dispute and the availability of a trained mediator.
  5487.          &#xD;
  5488.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5489.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5490.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5491.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5492.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5493.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5494.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5495. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5496.      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jan 2018 02:12:49 GMT</pubDate>
  5497.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/negotiation-versus-mediation</guid>
  5498.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  5499.    </item>
  5500.    <item>
  5501.      <title>Mediation and Marriage</title>
  5502.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/mediation-and-marriage</link>
  5503.      <description />
  5504.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5505.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5506.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5507.      
  5508.           Mediation and Marriage
  5509.          &#xD;
  5510.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5511.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5512. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5513. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5514.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5515.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5516.      
  5517.           Posted By 
  5518.          &#xD;
  5519.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5520.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5521.      
  5522.           Josh Aron
  5523.          &#xD;
  5524.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5525.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5526.      
  5527.           , Monday, January 8, 2018
  5528.          &#xD;
  5529.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5530.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5531.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5532.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5533.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5534.      
  5535.           Marriage is one of the most unique relationships people will experience in their lives. There are distinct challenges that couples deal with in marriage that don’t arise in other types of relationships. Generally, people are not as prepared to deal with marriage as they might be with friends or co-workers because with those types of relationships there are learned experiences to fall back on. Whereas with marriage, we typically only experience it from afar until we are actually married.
  5536.          &#xD;
  5537.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5538.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5539.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5540.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5541.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5542.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5543.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5544.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5545.        
  5546.            Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising when marriage doesn’t reflect the bliss experienced at the wedding or the initial “honeymoon period“. Marriage can and often is a rocky turbulent relationship with many peaks and valleys. This is reflected in the fact that approximately 50% of marriages end in divorce or separation. 
  5547.           &#xD;
  5548.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5549.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5550.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5551.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5552.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5553.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5554.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5555.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5556.      
  5557.           Marital Mediation is a tool that can be used to deal with many issues that arise from marriage. Couples utilize mediators to work through issues to stay married. Including issues dealing with money – prioritizing finances or issues with infidelity, intimacy issues, problems with their children or just communication breakdowns in general. 
  5558.          &#xD;
  5559.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5560.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5561.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5562.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5563.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5564.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5565.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5566.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5567.        
  5568.            Marital Mediation can also be used to follow through with divorce. Hiring an attorney can be an expensive ordeal that not many couples can afford. Using a mediator to facilitate divorce is a cheaper, quicker process where there are no “winners” or “losers”.  It is a less contentious affair and the couple has agency in determining the outcome. 
  5569.           &#xD;
  5570.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5571.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5572.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5573.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5574.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5575.      
  5576.            
  5577.          &#xD;
  5578.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5579.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5580.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5581.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5582.      
  5583.           So the next time you hear about a couple having a conflict, suggest they seek mediation instead of calling their BFF or divorce attorney. 
  5584.          &#xD;
  5585.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5586.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5587.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5588.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5589.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5590. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5591.      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jan 2018 02:11:19 GMT</pubDate>
  5592.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/mediation-and-marriage</guid>
  5593.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  5594.    </item>
  5595.    <item>
  5596.      <title>When Metaphors Meet Manure: Mediation as a Good Agricultural Practice</title>
  5597.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/when-metaphors-meet-manure-mediation-as-a-good-agricultural-practice</link>
  5598.      <description />
  5599.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5600.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5601.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5602.      
  5603.           When Metaphors Meet Manure: Mediation as a Good Agricultural Practice
  5604.          &#xD;
  5605.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5606.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5607. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5608. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5609.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5610.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5611.      
  5612.           Posted By 
  5613.          &#xD;
  5614.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5615.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5616.      
  5617.           Charlotte Carter, Former NYSDRA Executive Director
  5618.          &#xD;
  5619.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5620.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5621.      
  5622.           , Tuesday, January 2, 2018
  5623.          &#xD;
  5624.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5625.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5626.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5627.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5628.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5629.      
  5630.           Published in Country Folks, March 7, 2011
  5631.          &#xD;
  5632.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5633.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5634.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5635.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5636.      
  5637.           Contact information updated, January 2014
  5638.          &#xD;
  5639.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5640.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5641.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5642.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5643.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5644.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5645.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5646.      
  5647.           Conflict and negotiation are part of our everyday life. We usually manage those situations fairly well on our own. Sometimes our usual strategies just don’t work, and the situation escalates. At that point we consider walking away, ending a personal or professional relationship, or giving the problem to lawyers or a judge to resolve. Unfortunately, litigation is costly, at least one side looses, and business or personal relationships are rarely improved. 
  5648.          &#xD;
  5649.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5650.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5651.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5652.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5653.      
  5654.            
  5655.          &#xD;
  5656.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5657.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5658.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5659.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5660.      
  5661.           My work gives me plenty of opportunities to hear about conflict and agriculture. One of the many great things about agriculture is the abundance of metaphors. So, how is conflict like manure? There are more similarities than you might think! 
  5662.          &#xD;
  5663.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5664.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5665.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5666.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5667.      
  5668.            
  5669.          &#xD;
  5670.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5671.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5672.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5673.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5674.      
  5675.           First, conflict is like manure because it happens every day. It seems to be a by-product of everyday life. And, if it is not dealt with promptly and effectively, it accumulates. As one wise farmer told me: “When you are mad at someone, you hate the way he ties his shoes!” We tend to lose our objectivity, and everything the other persons says or does becomes a fresh insult. 
  5676.          &#xD;
  5677.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5678.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5679.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5680.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5681.      
  5682.            
  5683.          &#xD;
  5684.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5685.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5686.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5687.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5688.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5689.        
  5690.            Second, when conflict or manure accumulates it becomes a problem, at first in the barn, and then for the family and business. If those problems are mismanaged they can offend the neighbors, and create a toxic environment. Unresolved conflict uses up a lot of our time, attention and energy; it can pollute our lives and those who live or work with us. 
  5691.           &#xD;
  5692.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5693.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5694.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5695.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5696.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5697.      
  5698.            
  5699.          &#xD;
  5700.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5701.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5702.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5703.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5704.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5705.        
  5706.            On the other hand; when manure is handled well it enriches the environment and produces bountiful crops.  With some expert management and advanced technology, manure can generate clean energy. But if the management or technology fails, and especially if sparks fly -- it can be explosive! 
  5707.           &#xD;
  5708.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5709.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5710.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5711.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5712.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5713.      
  5714.            
  5715.          &#xD;
  5716.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5717.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5718.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5719.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5720.      
  5721.           It is a widely accepted practice to consult nutrient management experts to make plans for the proper handling and application of manure. Similarly, conflict management experts can help manage conflict and differences of opinions about family or business matters. 
  5722.          &#xD;
  5723.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5724.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5725.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5726.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5727.      
  5728.            
  5729.          &#xD;
  5730.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5731.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5732.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5733.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5734.      
  5735.           New York has a great resource to help producers and agribusinesses manage conflict and make plans effectively. More and more people are using mediation to resolve conflicts, to work together to solve a problem, and to collaborate on a plan that will work for everyone. Mediators are trained and experienced experts in conflict management, communication and negotiation. The New York State Agricultural Mediation Program (NYSAMP) provides free or low cost services in every county in New York. 
  5736.          &#xD;
  5737.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5738.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5739.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5740.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5741.      
  5742.            
  5743.          &#xD;
  5744.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5745.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5746.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5747.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5748.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5749.        
  5750.            When is it time to get some expert help with conflict management or tricky business planning? Some of the signs that it is time to ask for help from an expert are that the conflict is escalating, it is interfering with our ability to get our work done, or that it is damaging personal or professional relationships. When we are trapped in an escalating conflict we find ourselves going over and over our own story, blaming the problem on others, loosing perspective and even “demonizing” the other person. 
  5751.           &#xD;
  5752.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5753.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5754.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5755.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5756.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5757.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5758. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5759.      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jan 2018 02:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
  5760.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/when-metaphors-meet-manure-mediation-as-a-good-agricultural-practice</guid>
  5761.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  5762.    </item>
  5763.    <item>
  5764.      <title>Look Out for the Lemon</title>
  5765.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/look-out-for-the-lemon</link>
  5766.      <description />
  5767.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5768.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5769.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5770.      
  5771.           Look Out for the Lemon
  5772.          &#xD;
  5773.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5774.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5775. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5776. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5777.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5778.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5779.      
  5780.           Posted By 
  5781.          &#xD;
  5782.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5783.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5784.      
  5785.           Elise Friello, Lemon Law Arbitration Program, 9/20/16
  5786.          &#xD;
  5787.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5788.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5789.      
  5790.           , Tuesday, December 19, 2017
  5791.          &#xD;
  5792.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5793.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5794.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5795.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5796.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5797.      
  5798.           While many people think the Lemon Law Arbitration Program is a consumer protection program, my position requires me to respond to questions posed by manufacturers, dealers, and leasing companies too. In one recent case, I received a frantic phone call from a dealer who sold a used car. A consumer told the dealer she was planning to file a Lemon Law case. In 35 years of owning the dealership and selling used cars, he prided himself on always being able to resolve consumer complaints directly. He was concerned about his reputation in the community should someone find out, but more importantly, he expressed disappointment that he was not able to help this consumer. I explained a bit to him about the Used Car Lemon Law, including the consumer’s choice between two remedies should she win – full refund of the purchase price or a comparable replacement vehicle. 
  5799.          &#xD;
  5800.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5801.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5802.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5803.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5804.      
  5805.            
  5806.          &#xD;
  5807.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5808.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5809.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5810.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5811.      
  5812.           I also discussed the mediation process with him. I explained the difference between mediation and arbitration, and noted that not all disputes are appropriate for mediation, and that mediation is voluntary (unlike arbitration). I heard back from him a few weeks later indicating that the consumer agreed to mediation. I later heard from the consumer who indicated that she never wanted to file a Lemon Law claim, but felt stuck. She thanked me for speaking to the dealer and giving him enough information to help the parties find a way to resolve their issues. While the Attorney General’s Office may have accepted her case into the program, she explained that she would not have received what she wanted, which was $500 to cover tow costs and an apology from the dealer, who she had known since she was 10 years old.
  5813.          &#xD;
  5814.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5815.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5816.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5817.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5818.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5819. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5820.      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2017 02:08:49 GMT</pubDate>
  5821.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/look-out-for-the-lemon</guid>
  5822.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  5823.    </item>
  5824.    <item>
  5825.      <title>Mediation and the Japanese Art of Kintsugi</title>
  5826.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/mediation-and-the-japanese-art-of-kintsugi</link>
  5827.      <description />
  5828.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5829.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5830.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5831.      
  5832.           Mediation and the Japanese Art of Kintsugi
  5833.          &#xD;
  5834.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5835.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5836. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5837. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5838.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5839.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5840.      
  5841.           Posted By 
  5842.          &#xD;
  5843.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5844.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5845.      
  5846.           Susan Ingram, Esq.
  5847.          &#xD;
  5848.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5849.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5850.      
  5851.           , Thursday, December 14, 2017
  5852.          &#xD;
  5853.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5854.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5855.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5856.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5857.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5858.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5859.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5860.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5861.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5862.      
  5863.           Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese master craft for repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold. If you’ve ever been to a museum exhibit of old Japanese ceramics, you may have noticed the patterns of gold veins that run through some of the pieces. These pieces had been broken at some point, and the gold clearly shows where the repairs had been made as the master craftsman put the piece back together again.
  5864.          &#xD;
  5865.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5866.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5867.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5868.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5869.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5870.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5871.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5872.      
  5873.           In our Western minds, this may seem like an unusual way to repair something that’s broken. We typically would look to make the piece “as good as new” and would expect it to be repaired so that the cracks could not be detected, and the piece would appear to be identical to what it was before.
  5874.          &#xD;
  5875.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5876.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5877.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5878.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5879.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5880.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5881.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5882.      
  5883.           Not so with Kintsugi, which repairs the piece in a way that makes it “better than new.” With the application of the lacquer, it is as strong or stronger than before. But most importantly, it has been transformed into a totally new piece – one whose beauty is further defined by the golden threads that run through it. And, of course, no two repaired pieces are ever alike, as each was originally damaged in its own unique way.
  5884.          &#xD;
  5885.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5886.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5887.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5888.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5889.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5890.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5891.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5892.      
  5893.           What an extraordinary image – and one that I find extremely relevant to the work I do as a divorce and family mediator. Couples going through separation and divorce experience many emotions (including sadness, anger, despair) during the process. They can feel that they will never be able to “repair” their lives and move on to happier times. But this does not have to be so.
  5894.          &#xD;
  5895.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5896.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5897.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5898.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5899.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5900.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5901.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5902.      
  5903.           The beauty of the Japanese Kintsugi pottery is derived from the broken pieces having been repaired so that the pottery is transformed into something different and “better than new.” Like the pottery, relationships often emerge from mediation looking different, but having a stronger foundation, so that the parties can positively move forward with their new lives.
  5904.          &#xD;
  5905.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5906.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5907.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5908.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5909.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5910.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5911.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5912.      
  5913.           Reprinted with permission. Susan Ingram, Esq. is a private practitioner in New York, NY specializing in divorce and family mediation. For more blog posts (including a second Kintsugi-related blog) and information about Susan Ingram, please visit 
  5914.          &#xD;
  5915.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5916.    &lt;a href="http:" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5917.      
  5918.           https://www.susan-ingram.com/
  5919.          &#xD;
  5920.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  5921.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5922.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  5923.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5924.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5925. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  5926.      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2017 02:07:30 GMT</pubDate>
  5927.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/mediation-and-the-japanese-art-of-kintsugi</guid>
  5928.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  5929.    </item>
  5930.    <item>
  5931.      <title>Juvenile Justice in New York: a broken system in search of improvement</title>
  5932.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/juvenile-justice-in-new-york-a-broken-system-in-search-of-improvement</link>
  5933.      <description />
  5934.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5935.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  5936.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5937.      
  5938.           Juvenile Justice in New York: a broken system in search of improvement
  5939.          &#xD;
  5940.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5941.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  5942. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  5943. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  5944.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5945.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5946.      
  5947.           Posted By 
  5948.          &#xD;
  5949.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5950.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  5951.      
  5952.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  5953.          &#xD;
  5954.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5955.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  5956.      
  5957.           , Tuesday, December 5, 2017
  5958.          &#xD;
  5959.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5960.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5961.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5962.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5963.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5964.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5965.        
  5966.            Did you know that juveniles are treated as adults in our criminal justice system? Until April of this year New York was one of only two states (the other is North Carolina) that prosecutes all 16 and 17 year olds as adults. Our legislature finally acknowledged that adolescents are children, and that prosecuting them in the adult system does not work for them – nor does it improve public safety. This shift opens huge potential for expansion and funding for family mediation services and restorative practices. 
  5967.           &#xD;
  5968.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5969.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5970.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5971.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5972.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5973.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5974.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5975.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5976.      
  5977.           The keynote speaker at NYSDRA’s conference was Joseph Popcun, the Assistant Secretary for Public Safety in the Governor's office open the conference. Joes oversees the State's criminal justice, corrections and victim assistance agencies. He also contributes to the development of the Governor’s public safety agenda, maintains contact with stakeholder and constituency groups, and participates in budget negotiations.
  5978.          &#xD;
  5979.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5980.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5981.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5982.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  5983.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5984.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5985.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5986.      
  5987.           Joe has some progressive ideas about the needs for reform in the criminal justice system, particularly in juvenile justice. Since our first meetings in 2014 he has become a champion for mediation and restorative practices, and for the CDRC network. He understands and respects the work we all do. And he is a visionary and incredibly articulate:
  5988.          &#xD;
  5989.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5990.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5991.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5992.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  5993.      
  5994.            
  5995.          &#xD;
  5996.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  5997.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  5998.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  5999.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6000.      
  6001.           First, this year, the Governor succeeded in passing Raise the Age legislation which will raise the age of criminal responsibility to 17 years of age in October 2018 and, then, 18 years of age in October 2019. Between now and then, there is a tremendous amount of work to do and the opportunity to reorient the juvenile justice system. In the past, the criminal justice system was ill-equipped to deal with youth. .  .  .The Raise the Age law is designed to afford more opportunities to intervene with youth before they become entangled in the adult criminal justice system. This effort will require a comprehensive approach at the local level where schools, law enforcement agencies, probation departments, social service departments, and elected officials build the capacity to serve these minors. .  .  .
  6002.          &#xD;
  6003.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6004.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6005.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6006.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6007.      
  6008.            
  6009.          &#xD;
  6010.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6011.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6012.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6013.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6014.      
  6015.           [NYSDRA] and its members should explore ways to support the continuum of service providers and intervene (where appropriate) with youth, justice-involved individuals, and victims. As there is a continued policy focus in these areas, expanding partnerships with these service providers (or potentially becoming a provider yourself) could provide a promising platform to expand and enhance dispute resolution services.
  6016.          &#xD;
  6017.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6018.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6019.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6020.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6021.      
  6022.            
  6023.          &#xD;
  6024.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6025.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6026.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6027.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6028.      
  6029.           Joe Popcun has emerged as a champion in our outreach and advocacy efforts. Connecting emerging juvenile justice needs with the resources offered by NYSDRA and the statewide network of community mediation centers will be a focus for the coming years. Sarah Rudgers-Tysz, NYSDRA Board President Elect and Mediation Matters Executive Director; and Dan Kos, Assistant Coordinator, NYS Unified Court System, Office of ADR, are taking the lead on the Raise the Age and juvenile justice services outreach. There have been some exciting developments in our partnership building with Robert Maccarone, Deputy Commissioner and Director of DCJS, Regional Youth Justice Teams, and other agencies. We understand that DCJS will be issuing an RFP soon, and Dan and Sarah have worked very hard and effectively to be sure the principals understand the structure, capacity and needs of OCA/ADR, the CDRC network and NYSDRA.
  6030.          &#xD;
  6031.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6032.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6033.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6034.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6035.      
  6036.            
  6037.          &#xD;
  6038.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6039.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6040.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6041.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6042.      
  6043.           The Raise the Age advocacy team is receiving very positive feedback, and we are excited about the prospects for our network to help meet emerging needs for statewide services including mediation, conflict coaching, school based programing, and restorative practices in juvenile justice systems.
  6044.          &#xD;
  6045.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6046.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6047.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6048.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6049.      
  6050.            
  6051.          &#xD;
  6052.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6053.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6054.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6055.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6056.      
  6057.           If you are interested in joining these efforts please contact us!
  6058.          &#xD;
  6059.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6060.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6061.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  6062.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6063.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6064. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  6065.      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Dec 2017 02:06:01 GMT</pubDate>
  6066.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/juvenile-justice-in-new-york-a-broken-system-in-search-of-improvement</guid>
  6067.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  6068.    </item>
  6069.    <item>
  6070.      <title>Intuition: What is the Role of Intuition in Dispute Resolution?</title>
  6071.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/intuition-what-is-the-role-of-intuition-in-dispute-resolution</link>
  6072.      <description />
  6073.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6074.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  6075.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6076.      
  6077.           Intuition: What is the Role of Intuition in Dispute Resolution?
  6078.          &#xD;
  6079.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6080.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  6081. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  6082. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6083.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6084.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6085.      
  6086.           Posted By 
  6087.          &#xD;
  6088.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6089.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6090.      
  6091.           Shari Greenleaf, Special Education Program Coordinator
  6092.          &#xD;
  6093.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6094.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6095.      
  6096.           , Thursday, November 30, 2017
  6097.          &#xD;
  6098.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6099.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6100.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6101.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6102.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6103.      
  6104.           Intuition is defined as “the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning” in the Oxford Living Dictionaries.
  6105.          &#xD;
  6106.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6107.    &lt;a href="file:///F:/Blogs/Blog%20Articles%20to%20be%20Posted/Intuition%20Blog%20Article.docx#_edn1" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6108.      
  6109.           [i]
  6110.          &#xD;
  6111.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  6112.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6113.      
  6114.            Thus, intuition is knowing but is distinguished from knowing based upon conscious thought.
  6115.          &#xD;
  6116.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6117.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6118.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6119.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6120.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6121.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6122.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6123.      
  6124.           Anyone serving as a mediator, arbitrator or other roles in dispute resolution practice uses their intuition as a part of their practice. As practitioners, we should consider how we use our intuition during dispute resolution sessions and how we might strengthen our intuition.
  6125.          &#xD;
  6126.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6127.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6128.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6129.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6130.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6131.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6132.    &lt;span style="display: initial; text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  6133.      
  6134.           How We Use Intuition
  6135.          &#xD;
  6136.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6137.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6138.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6139.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6140.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6141.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6142.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6143.      
  6144.           Intuition is used frequently as we engage in dispute resolution. Sometimes we combine our cognitive observations with our unconscious knowing. Arbitrators use intuition to supplement observation to determine whether a witness is credible or “believable.” Mediators observe how a party is acting (body language, eye contact, etc.) and then uses intuition to gauge the emotions that person is expressing.
  6145.          &#xD;
  6146.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6147.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6148.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6149.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6150.      
  6151.           Intuition also guides dispute resolution practitioners when we make decisions about how long to hold silence in a session, when a caucus is needed, when to explore underlying issues expressed by the parties, and many other pivot points during sessions. We are diligently focused on the parties during dispute resolution sessions; with so much of our conscious thinking consumed by being present with the parties, it is no wonder that our intuition is active!
  6152.          &#xD;
  6153.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6154.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6155.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6156.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6157.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6158.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6159.    &lt;span style="display: initial; text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  6160.      
  6161.           How We Strengthen Intuition
  6162.          &#xD;
  6163.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6164.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6165.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6166.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6167.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6168.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6169.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6170.      
  6171.           Our intuition is not static. We can take action to strengthen our intuitive capabilities, for use in both our everyday life as well as for dispute resolution. Try one of the following to strengthen your intuition:
  6172.          &#xD;
  6173.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6174.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6175.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6176.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6177.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6178.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6179.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6180.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6181.        
  6182.            1.   
  6183.           &#xD;
  6184.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6185.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6186.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6187.      
  6188.           Quiet your mind
  6189.          &#xD;
  6190.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6191.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6192.      
  6193.           . Engage in meditation, take a head-clearing walk or sit quietly with your eyes closed. Be aware of what happens during and after these opportunities to open your unconscious up to intuition.
  6194.          &#xD;
  6195.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6196.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6197.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6198.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6199.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6200.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6201.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6202.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6203.        
  6204.            2.   
  6205.           &#xD;
  6206.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6207.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6208.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6209.      
  6210.           People watch
  6211.          &#xD;
  6212.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6213.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6214.      
  6215.           . Spend some time at a shopping mall, train station, library or other location just watching people. What you can tell about relationships when you see people together? Do you think a person is sad or tired or preoccupied? Can you make predictions about what a person might do next?
  6216.          &#xD;
  6217.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6218.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6219.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6220.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6221.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6222.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6223.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6224.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6225.        
  6226.            3.   
  6227.           &#xD;
  6228.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6229.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6230.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6231.      
  6232.           Be aware of your daily moments of inspiration
  6233.          &#xD;
  6234.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6235.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6236.      
  6237.           . We all experience “flashes” of inspiration or clarifying instincts out of the blue. When that happens to you, take inventory of where this happens for you and when. Are you more intuitive when you are very busy and consumed or when you take a breather? What is your energy level and emotions when it happens? What triggered the flash of instinctive knowing (words, a visual cue, etc.)? Use these insights to see if you can replicate these opportunities for intuitive thinking.
  6238.          &#xD;
  6239.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6240.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6241.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6242.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6243.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6244.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6245.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6246.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6247.        
  6248.            4.   
  6249.           &#xD;
  6250.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6251.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6252.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6253.      
  6254.           Explore artwork
  6255.          &#xD;
  6256.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6257.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6258.      
  6259.           . Look at a photograph, painting, sculpture or other piece of art and be aware of your initial, visceral reaction. What are your initial responses to the artwork and does it change if you continue to examine the piece? What thoughts or emotions are triggered in you by looking at the object?
  6260.          &#xD;
  6261.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6262.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6263.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6264.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6265.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6266.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6267.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6268.      
  6269.           Befriend your intuition!
  6270.          &#xD;
  6271.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6272.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6273.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6274.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6275.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6276.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6277.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6278.      
  6279.           Consider your intuition and how it manifests you as you engage in dispute resolution. Although intuition is an instinctive and unconscious knowing, we can become more consciously aware of our intuitive abilities and ensure it supports our dispute resolution practice.
  6280.          &#xD;
  6281.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6282.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6283.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  6284.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6285.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6286. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  6287.      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 02:04:05 GMT</pubDate>
  6288.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/intuition-what-is-the-role-of-intuition-in-dispute-resolution</guid>
  6289.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  6290.    </item>
  6291.    <item>
  6292.      <title>Hats off … and on</title>
  6293.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/hats-off-and-on</link>
  6294.      <description />
  6295.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6296.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  6297.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6298.      
  6299.           Hats off … and on
  6300.          &#xD;
  6301.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6302.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  6303. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  6304. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6305.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6306.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6307.      
  6308.           Posted By 
  6309.          &#xD;
  6310.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6311.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6312.      
  6313.           Shari Greenleaf, Special Education Program Coordinator &amp;amp; Christine Tauzel, NYSAMP Director
  6314.          &#xD;
  6315.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6316.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6317.      
  6318.           , Thursday, November 16, 2017
  6319.          &#xD;
  6320.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6321.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6322.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6323.      
  6324.            
  6325.          &#xD;
  6326.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6327.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6328.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6329.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6330.      
  6331.           Dispute resolution practitioners take many forms: CDRC staff, volunteer mediators, private practitioners, NYSDRA staff and NYSDRA individual members. One thing all of these dispute resolution practitioners share is that they are people who wear many hats!
  6332.          &#xD;
  6333.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6334.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6335.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6336.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6337.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6338.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6339.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6340.      
  6341.           Each of us fill many different roles as we navigate our daily lives. We are mediators and arbitrators; we may also be parents, neighbors, farmers, medical patients, spouses, community members, friends, volunteers, sons and daughters. We often find ourselves struggling to fulfill our obligations to the different constituencies we serve. We juggle competing needs from the many roles we play in our lives and often overlook how much we gain from our many hats.
  6342.          &#xD;
  6343.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6344.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6345.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6346.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6347.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6348.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6349.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6350.      
  6351.           Here are some ways we can benefit from wearing multiple hats:
  6352.          &#xD;
  6353.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6354.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6355.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  6356.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  6357.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6358.        
  6359.            Stretch and grow!
  6360.           &#xD;
  6361.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6362.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6363.        
  6364.             Sometimes we feel we can’t learn a new task or take on a new role. Then we do and learn so much about ourselves! Every new parent is sometimes filled with “I can’t do this” moments – until we realize we can do this and we have done it! Our many hats gift us with these kind of moments of personal growth.
  6365.           &#xD;
  6366.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6367.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  6368.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  6369.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6370.        
  6371.            Help!
  6372.           &#xD;
  6373.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6374.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6375.        
  6376.             It may be hard to keep balance as we juggle our roles; then we realize that we can ask others to help us as we keep those hats intact on our heads! Giving to others gives us great joy; the research of social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn proved that people found greater happiness spending money on others as compared to spending it on themselves. Asking for help may be hard sometimes but we can do it knowing that others may find happiness by giving to us.
  6377.           &#xD;
  6378.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6379.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  6380.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  6381.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6382.        
  6383.            You’re doing great!
  6384.           &#xD;
  6385.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6386.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6387.        
  6388.             As we work hard to take care of all of our hats, we may overlook how skillful we are at getting it all done. Our efforts to take care of every role may leave us feeling that we haven’t done enough. However, those around us are looking for us to be our best selves – not some perfect paragon that exists only in our imaginations. Celebrate how great you are and the beautiful hats you have!
  6389.           &#xD;
  6390.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6391.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  6392.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  6393.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6394.        
  6395.            Let it go!
  6396.           &#xD;
  6397.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6398.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6399.        
  6400.             Sometimes we need to make a shift. Our parents may be aging and need more assistance from us; a new baby in the house leaves us sleepy; a new job may be sapping our usually boundless levels of creativity; or we might have health challenges that limit our energy. As we travel on our life’s path, there may be times that we have to temporarily set aside some hats until we have the strength, energy and time to devote to that role. Those hats we set aside (whether as a food bank volunteer or a budding author) likely will be there when we want to pick it back up again.
  6401.           &#xD;
  6402.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6403.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  6404.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  6405.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6406.        
  6407.            Celebrate the hats of others!
  6408.           &#xD;
  6409.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6410.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6411.        
  6412.             As part of a community, it helps to recognize the multiple hats that other people wear. We can encourage others as they show us their varied hats and we show them ours!
  6413.           &#xD;
  6414.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6415.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  6416.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  6417.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6418.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6419.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6420.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6421.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6422.      
  6423.           So our hats go off to everyone for all the hats they wear! They look so good on you!
  6424.          &#xD;
  6425.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6426.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6427.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  6428.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6429.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6430. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  6431.      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Nov 2017 02:00:58 GMT</pubDate>
  6432.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/hats-off-and-on</guid>
  6433.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  6434.    </item>
  6435.    <item>
  6436.      <title>The Gate's Open</title>
  6437.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/the-gate-s-open</link>
  6438.      <description />
  6439.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6440.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  6441.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6442.      
  6443.           The Gate's Open
  6444.          &#xD;
  6445.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6446.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  6447. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  6448. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6449.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6450.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6451.      
  6452.           Posted By 
  6453.          &#xD;
  6454.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6455.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6456.      
  6457.           Christine Tauzel, New York State Agricultural Mediation Program Director
  6458.          &#xD;
  6459.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6460.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6461.      
  6462.           , Tuesday, October 17, 2017
  6463.           &#xD;
  6464.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6465.      
  6466.           Updated: Monday, October 16, 2017
  6467.          &#xD;
  6468.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6469.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6470.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6471.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6472.      
  6473.            
  6474.          &#xD;
  6475.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6476.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6477.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6478.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6479.      
  6480.           Cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, lamas - what will an animal do when the gate’s left open? The stories; funny, frustrating, heart- warming or sad would fill the page. Most animals think it’s an invitation to go right on through!
  6481.          &#xD;
  6482.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6483.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6484.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6485.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6486.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6487.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6488.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6489.      
  6490.           What happens to a discussion or argument if the “conversation gate” is open? Often more information comes out, feelings, beliefs or values are expressed more clearly and these become the foundation for “going through” to a better understanding and perhaps agreement.
  6491.          &#xD;
  6492.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6493.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6494.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6495.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6496.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6497.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6498.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6499.      
  6500.            So if the gate is jammed and people are stuck saying the same things over and over, how can it be cleared? Try experimenting with a simple tool known as “open ended questions”.
  6501.          &#xD;
  6502.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6503.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6504.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6505.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6506.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6507.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6508.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6509.      
  6510.           In a conversation, an open ended question invites the speaker to provide more information. It encourages the speaker to add details, explain why they think a certain way, describe how they see a situation, correct misunderstandings and to offer their own ideas.
  6511.          &#xD;
  6512.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6513.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6514.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6515.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6516.      
  6517.           In contrast, a closed question can limit an answer to one word or even just a grunt!
  6518.          &#xD;
  6519.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6520.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6521.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6522.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6523.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6524.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6525.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6526.      
  6527.           Can you identify the open ended and closed questions in these pairs? If someone asked you these questions, how would your answers be different?
  6528.          &#xD;
  6529.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6530.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6531.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6532.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6533.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6534.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6535.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6536.      
  6537.           “Who’s going to plow the field on the flat?” OR  “What are the plans for the field on the flat?”
  6538.          &#xD;
  6539.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6540.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6541.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6542.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6543.      
  6544.            
  6545.          &#xD;
  6546.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6547.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6548.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6549.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6550.      
  6551.            “Why did you do that??!!!???” OR  “Can you tell me what happened?”
  6552.          &#xD;
  6553.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6554.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6555.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6556.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6557.      
  6558.            
  6559.          &#xD;
  6560.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6561.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6562.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6563.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6564.      
  6565.            “Did you go to the movies with your friends last night?” OR “What did you decide to do last night?”
  6566.          &#xD;
  6567.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6568.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6569.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6570.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6571.      
  6572.            
  6573.          &#xD;
  6574.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6575.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6576.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6577.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6578.      
  6579.           Are there times and places for questions with simple, direct answers? Absolutely. However, if you want to open the conversation gate and get “unstuck” try using open ended questions. See how far it can take you. 
  6580.          &#xD;
  6581.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6582.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6583.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  6584.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6585.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6586. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  6587.      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:59:27 GMT</pubDate>
  6588.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/the-gate-s-open</guid>
  6589.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  6590.    </item>
  6591.    <item>
  6592.      <title>Farewell and Fairness</title>
  6593.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/farewell-and-fairness</link>
  6594.      <description />
  6595.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6596.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  6597.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6598.      
  6599.           Farewell and Fairness
  6600.          &#xD;
  6601.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6602.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  6603. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  6604. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6605.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6606.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6607.      
  6608.           Posted By 
  6609.          &#xD;
  6610.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6611.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6612.      
  6613.           Robert Stankus, Special Education Mediation Program Manager
  6614.          &#xD;
  6615.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6616.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6617.      
  6618.           , Thursday, October 12, 2017
  6619.          &#xD;
  6620.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6621.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6622.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6623.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6624.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6625.      
  6626.           NYSDRA has begun “Blogging by the Alphabet” by addressing issues relevant to our membership in alphabetical order. I agreed to tackle the letter “F” for two reasons. 
  6627.          &#xD;
  6628.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6629.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6630.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6631.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6632.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6633.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6634.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6635.      
  6636.           First, I have announced my retirement from NYSDRA and a farewell post seems in order. Farewell is “an exclamation used to express good wishes on parting” so it is appropriate that I say farewell as I leave the staff of NYSDRA.
  6637.          &#xD;
  6638.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6639.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6640.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6641.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6642.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6643.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6644.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6645.      
  6646.           Second, fairness is a critical concept to NYSDRA. Fairness can be defined as “impartial and just treatment or behavior without favoritism or discrimination”.
  6647.          &#xD;
  6648.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6649.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6650.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6651.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6652.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6653.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6654.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6655.      
  6656.           We at NYSDRA believe in neutrality of dispute resolution practitioners and in full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, in order to avoid even the appearance of unfairness. We should never abandon those principles. Furthermore, we should strive to expose and weed out those who attempt to corrupt dispute resolution principles in order to avoid litigation or deprive people of their right to due process and justice.
  6657.          &#xD;
  6658.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6659.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6660.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6661.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6662.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6663.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6664.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6665.      
  6666.           Much is being written these days about arbitration and the belief that it is being used in ways that deprive people of their rights, like the right to due process. This is being done in some private contractual relationships that consumers may enter into unwittingly.
  6667.          &#xD;
  6668.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6669.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6670.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6671.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6672.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6673.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6674.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6675.      
  6676.           Some contractual dispute resolution clauses are fair while some others seem to go out of their way to make the processes burdensome and inaccessible. Dispute resolution clauses which waive the customers’ right to proceed in court, their right to a jury trial, and their right to participate in a class action when coupled with burdensome or unfair dispute resolution provisions usually result in consumers who are frustrated and discouraged from accessing dispute resolution to solve disputes. Imagine being a consumer going to an arbitration over a dispute with Company X and finding out the arbitrator is an employee of that very company. Do you think you will believe the dispute resolution process is fair?
  6677.          &#xD;
  6678.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6679.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6680.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6681.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6682.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6683.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6684.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6685.      
  6686.           These draconian consumer contract provisions do deprive people of their right to due process and are inherently unfair. The pursuit of justice by consumers is frustrated and may ultimately be denied.
  6687.          &#xD;
  6688.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6689.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6690.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6691.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6692.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6693.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6694.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6695.      
  6696.           One of my many parting wishes for NYSDRA is for success in its continued commitment to the fairness of the processes in the services we provide. I hope NYSDRA will be able to provide leadership in a struggle to keep our dispute resolution processes (including arbitration and mediation) as fair as fair can be.
  6697.          &#xD;
  6698.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6699.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6700.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6701.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6702.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6703.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6704.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6705.      
  6706.           Farewell!
  6707.          &#xD;
  6708.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6709.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6710.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  6711.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6712.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6713. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  6714.      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Oct 2017 00:57:53 GMT</pubDate>
  6715.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/farewell-and-fairness</guid>
  6716.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  6717.    </item>
  6718.    <item>
  6719.      <title>Empathic Listening</title>
  6720.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/empathic-listening</link>
  6721.      <description />
  6722.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6723.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  6724.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6725.      
  6726.           Empathic Listening
  6727.          &#xD;
  6728.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6729.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  6730. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  6731. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6732.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6733.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6734.      
  6735.           Posted By 
  6736.          &#xD;
  6737.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6738.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6739.      
  6740.           Claudia Kenny, NYSAMP Statewide Director
  6741.          &#xD;
  6742.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6743.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6744.      
  6745.           , Tuesday, September 19, 2017
  6746.          &#xD;
  6747.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6748.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6749.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6750.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6751.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6752.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6753.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6754.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6755.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6756.      
  6757.           Empathic listening - what exactly is this? And how do you do it?
  6758.          &#xD;
  6759.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6760.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6761.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6762.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6763.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6764.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6765.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6766.      
  6767.           When I think of empathy I think of it as an active state, a choice and something of a practice, something we can learn to get good at. There are some different components of empathy that we can practice and that can help us learn to be empathic listeners.
  6768.          &#xD;
  6769.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6770.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6771.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6772.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6773.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6774.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6775.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6776.      
  6777.           Practicing presence- Be present for another person by resting attention on what they are saying. Sometimes this is referred to as listening from the heart. To be able to listen from the heart you need to be present or rest attention with self as well. Resting attention with self and other requires letting go of thinking. 
  6778.          &#xD;
  6779.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6780.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6781.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6782.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6783.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6784.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6785.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6786.      
  6787.           Silent Empathy- This is thinking about and understanding another’s experience from their frame of reference. Sometimes referred to as standing in another’s shoes. You can practice silently guessing some of their values and deeper needs and trying to understand what is most important to them as you listen.
  6788.          &#xD;
  6789.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6790.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6791.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6792.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6793.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6794.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6795.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6796.      
  6797.           Following vs. leading- We listen to where the speaker wants to go with the conversation and try not to lead them to where we think they ought to go. 
  6798.          &#xD;
  6799.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6800.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6801.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6802.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6803.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6804.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6805.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6806.      
  6807.           Focus on connection rather than an outcome - Empathic listening is not about fixing, changing someone or making anyone feel better or solving a problem. It is about understanding and connecting to another’s experience. 
  6808.          &#xD;
  6809.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6810.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6811.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6812.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6813.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6814.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6815.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6816.      
  6817.           Reflecting back understanding and meaning in a way that allows the speaker to feel heard. This could be by using some of the same language they used almost word for word. It could be choosing some of their thoughts or feelings to reflect back. It also could mean guessing some of the needs or values that might be important to them in the situation. You do not need to agree with them to show that you understand and respect their internal frame of reference.
  6818.          &#xD;
  6819.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6820.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6821.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6822.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6823.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6824.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6825.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6826.      
  6827.           Finally we can practice loving kindness by suspending judgement or holding each person in respect- knowing that they are doing the best they can and wishing the best for them. 
  6828.          &#xD;
  6829.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6830.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6831.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6832.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6833.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6834.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6835.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6836.      
  6837.           Any of these skills can be practiced individually and together they form the active state of empathic listening. Try to consciously practice empathic listening in your next mediation or other interaction and see how it changes the interaction for both you and those around you.
  6838.          &#xD;
  6839.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6840.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6841.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  6842.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6843.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6844. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  6845.      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Sep 2017 00:56:21 GMT</pubDate>
  6846.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/empathic-listening</guid>
  6847.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  6848.    </item>
  6849.    <item>
  6850.      <title>Disability Etiquette for Mediators</title>
  6851.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/disability-etiquette-for-mediators</link>
  6852.      <description />
  6853.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6854.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  6855.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6856.      
  6857.           Disability Etiquette for Mediators
  6858.          &#xD;
  6859.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6860.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  6861. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  6862. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  6863.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6864.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6865.      
  6866.           Posted By 
  6867.          &#xD;
  6868.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6869.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6870.      
  6871.           Shari Greenleaf, Special Education Mediation Program Coordinator
  6872.          &#xD;
  6873.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6874.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  6875.      
  6876.           , Tuesday, September 12, 2017
  6877.          &#xD;
  6878.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6879.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6880.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6881.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6882.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6883.      
  6884.              Molly Misinformed is a mediator awaiting the arrival of the parties to a dispute. She is full of anticipation and geared up to help her community members solve an issue causing conflict. As the parties enter the mediation room, Molly sees that one person is sitting in a wheelchair and has a dog with a red vest on. Molly wants to help this person so she stands up and begins pushing the wheelchair to the table. She then reaches down and pats the dog while saying very loudly, “Your dog is so cute.” While still standing Molly decides to engage in small talk and says, “So, why are you in a wheel chair?”
  6885.          &#xD;
  6886.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6887.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6888.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6889.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6890.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6891.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6892.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6893.      
  6894.              Clearly, Molly is indeed misinformed and is need of a lesson on how to respond appropriately to a person with a disability. Community mediation needs to serve all members of the community, including people with disabilities and all mediators should be well-versed in disability etiquette.
  6895.          &#xD;
  6896.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6897.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6898.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6899.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6900.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6901.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6902.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6903.      
  6904.              People with disabilities are people first; they deserve the same dignity and respect as all members of our community. The most important rule in disability etiquette is don’t make any assumptions about the person with a disability and (as much as possible) interact in the same way you would with anyone else.
  6905.          &#xD;
  6906.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6907.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6908.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6909.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6910.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6911.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6912.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  6913.      
  6914.           Basics of Disability Etiquette
  6915.          &#xD;
  6916.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6917.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6918.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6919.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6920.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6921.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6922.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6923.      
  6924.           1.       When you meet a person with a disability, greet them and offer to shake hands as you would with anyone else. A person with a prosthetic limb may shake hands with their left hand instead of their right hand; but they will let you know how they want to shake hands.
  6925.          &#xD;
  6926.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6927.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6928.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6929.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6930.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6931.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6932.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6933.      
  6934.           2.       Offer to help and provide accommodation but wait to hear whether or not the person with a disability needs assistance.  Accept a refusal to help gracefully as each person knows what assistance or accommodation they need or do not need. Pulling a chair out may seem kind but it is not helpful if the person was counting on holding onto that stationary object for balance.
  6935.          &#xD;
  6936.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6937.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6938.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6939.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6940.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6941.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6942.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6943.      
  6944.           3.       Do not speak loudly, more slowly or dumb down your language unless the person with a disability asks you to do so. It is disrespectful to shout at people with disabilities or talk to them like they are children.
  6945.          &#xD;
  6946.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6947.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6948.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6949.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6950.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6951.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6952.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6953.      
  6954.           4.       Be respectful of physical contact with a person with a disability. Do not touch their bodies, their wheelchair or their service dog unless asked to do so. A person using a wheelchair often views their equipment as an extension of themselves. It is intrusive to touch their wheelchair, crutches or cane. A service dog is not a pet but is working companion.
  6955.          &#xD;
  6956.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6957.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6958.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6959.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6960.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6961.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6962.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6963.      
  6964.           5.       Speak to the person with a disability, not to their companion or sign language interpreter. For those who read lips, it is easiest for them if you face them directly.
  6965.          &#xD;
  6966.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6967.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6968.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6969.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6970.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6971.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6972.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6973.      
  6974.           6.       Be patient and do not rush the person with a disability. It may take a person a little more time to enter the mediation room, to sit down at the table or to speak. There is no need to try to hurry the person along or try to finish their sentence. Don’t focus on how quickly the parties move or speak - just relax and pay attention to what is said at the mediation. If you can’t understand what a party says, just ask them to repeat themselves or clarify what they said.
  6975.          &#xD;
  6976.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6977.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6978.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6979.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6980.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6981.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6982.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6983.      
  6984.           7.       If you are sharing a document (such as a proposed agreement to resolve the mediation), please make sure you put it within reach of the person with a disability. Even better, get in the practice of reading the proposed agreement out loud for all parties. This ensures everyone hears the same thing and can eliminate problems for those who have reading disabilities, those who have visual impairments and anyone who can’t read printed text. You can share the draft written agreement after reading it out loud.
  6985.          &#xD;
  6986.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6987.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6988.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6989.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  6990.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6991.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6992.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  6993.      
  6994.           8.       Please do not call attention to the disability. Asking about the nature of the disability, how the person acquired the disability or other intrusive questions are not appropriate. By initially asking if the person needs any assistance or accommodation, you can respectfully acknowledge that you are aware of the disability and are willing to meet the person’s need.
  6995.          &#xD;
  6996.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  6997.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  6998.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  6999.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7000.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7001.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7002.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7003.      
  7004.              The most important thing to remember when a party to a mediation is a person with a disability is this: a person with a disability is a person first and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. A community mediator who is aware of disability etiquette is best able to serve all members of the community, including people with disabilities.
  7005.          &#xD;
  7006.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7007.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7008.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7009.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7010.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7011. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7012.      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Sep 2017 00:54:41 GMT</pubDate>
  7013.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/disability-etiquette-for-mediators</guid>
  7014.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7015.    </item>
  7016.    <item>
  7017.      <title>C is for Confidential</title>
  7018.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/c-is-for-confidential</link>
  7019.      <description />
  7020.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7021.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7022.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7023.      
  7024.           C is for Confidential
  7025.          &#xD;
  7026.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7027.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7028. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7029. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7030.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7031.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7032.      
  7033.           Posted By 
  7034.          &#xD;
  7035.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7036.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7037.      
  7038.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  7039.          &#xD;
  7040.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7041.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7042.      
  7043.           , Wednesday, September 6, 2017
  7044.          &#xD;
  7045.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7046.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7047.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7048.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7049.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7050.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7051.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7052.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7053.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7054.      
  7055.           Confidentiality is fundamental to mediation: Standard V of the 
  7056.          &#xD;
  7057.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7058.    &lt;a href="https://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/Publications/Info_for_Programs/Standards_of_Conduct.pdf" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7059.      
  7060.           Standards of Conduct
  7061.          &#xD;
  7062.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7063.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7064.      
  7065.           , and considered so critical that mediations conducted by community dispute resolution centers are protected by Article 21-A of the NYS Judiciary Law. Confidentiality and privacy are critical to consumers as well; Justin Corbett the big data collector and processor of Advancing Dispute Resolution noted in his keynote address at NYSDRA’s conference two years ago that confidentiality was the most important factor to people who were considering using mediation.
  7066.          &#xD;
  7067.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7068.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7069.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7070.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7071.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7072.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7073.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7074.      
  7075.           It might seem straightforward, but the subject quickly gets complicated. What if a mediator learns something during a mediation session or a caucus that raises serious concerns? (
  7076.          &#xD;
  7077.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7078.    &lt;a href="https://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/meac.shtml" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7079.      
  7080.           Check here for the Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee’s opinion
  7081.          &#xD;
  7082.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7083.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7084.      
  7085.            on what a mediator should/could/may do upon learning during caucus that one participant is secretly recording a mediation.) What do you say to a referral source (a judge, for example) who poses reasonable follow up questions? Is it sufficient just to change the names? (No!) What compelling “stories with wings” (Cynthia Kurtz, NYSDRA workshop) can you tell to legislators, government officials, grantors and other potential referral sources and/or funders to convey the value and potential of mediation to our communities and to social justice causes? How do you tell that story and also demonstrate your commitment to confidentiality? Have you ever caught yourself saying “This is confidential, but. . .”?
  7086.          &#xD;
  7087.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7088.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7089.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7090.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7091.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7092.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7093.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7094.      
  7095.           I’m not going to presume to provide answers; where’s the fun in that? I do hope some of these questions make you uncomfortable, determined to dig deeper, and to raise the bar of mindfulness in our conversations about what we do and why. 
  7096.          &#xD;
  7097.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7098.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7099.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7100.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7101.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7102. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7103.      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:52:16 GMT</pubDate>
  7104.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/c-is-for-confidential</guid>
  7105.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7106.    </item>
  7107.    <item>
  7108.      <title>Beyond Bad Feelings Lies Successful Mediation</title>
  7109.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/beyond-bad-feelings-lies-successful-mediation</link>
  7110.      <description />
  7111.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7112.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7113.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7114.      
  7115.           Beyond Bad Feelings Lies Successful Mediation
  7116.          &#xD;
  7117.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7118.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7119. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7120. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7121.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7122.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7123.      
  7124.           Posted By 
  7125.          &#xD;
  7126.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7127.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7128.      
  7129.           George Mossad
  7130.          &#xD;
  7131.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7132.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7133.      
  7134.           , Tuesday, August 22, 2017
  7135.          &#xD;
  7136.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7137.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7138.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7139.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7140.      
  7141.           Updated: Monday, August 21, 2017
  7142.          &#xD;
  7143.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7144.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7145.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7146.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7147.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7148.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7149.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7150.      
  7151.           You just went through a mediation session with your former landlord, a guy you thought you never could never come to an agreement with. You now sit there surprised and frankly just impressed that a signed agreement sits on the table in front of you both. How did you get from swearing you’d take your landlord to court and sue the pants off of him to now coming to an agreement in mediation?
  7152.          &#xD;
  7153.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7154.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7155.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7156.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7157.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7158.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7159.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7160.      
  7161.           Often times people who participate in mediation start at completely different places with little hope of ever resolving their dispute. However, as many people come to realize, the mediation session enables people to talk with each other in a way that enables them to find the common ground between them. Difficult emotions can be shared in a safe space under the guidance of a trained mediator and those emotions are put aside, temporarily or not, for the sake of reaching an agreement.
  7162.          &#xD;
  7163.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7164.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7165.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7166.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7167.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7168.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7169.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7170.      
  7171.           In a 2014-2015 annual report published by the 
  7172.          &#xD;
  7173.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7174.    &lt;a href="http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/Publications/Annual_Reports/2014-15_CDRCP_AR.pdf" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7175.      
  7176.           New York State Unified Court System
  7177.          &#xD;
  7178.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7179.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7180.      
  7181.           , 74% of all cases conciliated, mediated, and arbitrated at Community Dispute Resolution Centers resulted in mutual agreements or final decisions. More recently, a 
  7182.          &#xD;
  7183.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7184.    &lt;a href="http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/Publications/Statistical_Supplement/2015-2016CDRC_SS.pdf" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7185.      
  7186.           2015-2016 report
  7187.          &#xD;
  7188.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7189.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7190.      
  7191.            shows that that success rate has increased to 75.2%. In matters involving the custody visitation divorce where emotions very often fly high, New York State saw an 81% dispute resolution rate in 2015-2016 alone. Regarding landlord tenant and other housing matters, New York State saw a whopping dispute resolution rate of 83%. Moreover, while there aren’t statistics regarding the emotions of the people involved in mediation, one can only imagine how many of these cases involved bad feelings. Nevertheless, the percentages speak to the fact that when individuals leave aside their personal feelings, temporarily or not, agreements come to fruition.
  7192.          &#xD;
  7193.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7194.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7195.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7196.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7197.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7198.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7199.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7200.      
  7201.           People come into a mediation session not sure what to expect but also holding onto the emotions that resulted in a disagreement. Tempers flare, insults may be thrown, accusations hurled, and everyone is pointing fingers at each other. However, by the end of the mediation session the majority of people, as shown above, walk away with an agreement in their hand and have mended the fences. People who mediate can reach an agreements, but many do so only after being able to leave their troubled emotions behind. So the next time you’re in a conflict with your landlord or anyone else where emotions are high, remember that beyond bad feelings lies successful mediation.
  7202.          &#xD;
  7203.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7204.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7205.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7206.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7207.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7208. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7209.      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2017 00:50:47 GMT</pubDate>
  7210.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/beyond-bad-feelings-lies-successful-mediation</guid>
  7211.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7212.    </item>
  7213.    <item>
  7214.      <title>The Art of Apology</title>
  7215.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/the-art-of-apology</link>
  7216.      <description />
  7217.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7218.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7219.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7220.      
  7221.           The Art of Apology
  7222.          &#xD;
  7223.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7224.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7225. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7226. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7227.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7228.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7229.      
  7230.           Posted By 
  7231.          &#xD;
  7232.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7233.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7234.      
  7235.           Claudia Kenny, NYSAMP Statewide Director
  7236.          &#xD;
  7237.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7238.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7239.      
  7240.           , Wednesday, August 16, 2017
  7241.          &#xD;
  7242.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7243.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7244.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7245.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7246.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7247.      
  7248.           Apologies can restore trust. A thoughtful apology can mend a relationship while a thoughtless one may cause further conflict. Often our attempts to apologize and make peace fall flat. When you are the author of an action that negatively affected someone you care about and you sincerely want to land an apology here are the steps.
  7249.          &#xD;
  7250.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7251.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7252.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7253.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7254.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7255.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7256.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7257.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7258.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7259.      
  7260.           1.       Find out what the impact of your actions were on the other person.
  7261.          &#xD;
  7262.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7263.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7264.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7265.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7266.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7267.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7268.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7269.      
  7270.           Ask how your actions impacted the other person. Then listen. How did they feel at the time of the incident? How are they feeling about everything now?  Invite the individual to fully express in whatever way feels most helpful. 
  7271.          &#xD;
  7272.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7273.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7274.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7275.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7276.      
  7277.           Now is the time to understand their point of view. Resist the temptation to disagree, defend yourself or to rush through this part.  Try to stand in their shoes and really understand their perspective. You may not see things the same way but you can still listen and understand. 
  7278.          &#xD;
  7279.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7280.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7281.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7282.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7283.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7284.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7285.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7286.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7287.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7288.      
  7289.           Give them plenty of time. Ask if there is anything else they want to say. You will notice an energy shift when the person feels fully heard, a softening or sense of calm.
  7290.          &#xD;
  7291.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7292.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7293.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7294.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7295.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7296.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7297.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7298.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7299.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7300.      
  7301.           2.       Ask the person if they are willing to hear from you now. If not they may not feel fully heard yet so cycle back to listening.
  7302.          &#xD;
  7303.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7304.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7305.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7306.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7307.      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  7308.        
  7309.            
  7310.           &#xD;
  7311.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7312.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7313.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7314.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7315.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7316.      
  7317.           If they are willing to listen to you, now it is your time express sadness for the effect of your actions that stimulated or contributed to the pain they experienced. In this situation you don’t have to be either right or wrong. Just a person who made some decisions that had a negative effect on another person. You can mourn that the negative impact your decision had on the other person. Resist explaining, justifying or defending your actions.
  7318.          &#xD;
  7319.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7320.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7321.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7322.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7323.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7324.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7325.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7326.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7327.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7328.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7329.        
  7330.            After you have expressed your mourning or regret, give the other person an opportunity to express how they are feeling after hearing about your sadness. You may have to cycle back to step one with more listening. 
  7331.           &#xD;
  7332.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7333.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7334.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7335.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7336.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7337.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7338.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7339.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7340.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7341.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7342.      
  7343.           3.       You can leave the apology there or go a little further. If things are going well you might ask if the other person would like to know what was going on with you when you did what you did. 
  7344.          &#xD;
  7345.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7346.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7347.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7348.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7349.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7350.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7351.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7352.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7353.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7354.      
  7355.           If the person seems hesitant cycle back to steps one and two (listening and mourning the impact your decision/action had on them). 
  7356.          &#xD;
  7357.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7358.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7359.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7360.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7361.      
  7362.           If they are willing to hear about your experience you will want to express a feeling and a need you were trying to meet rather than what you were thinking. Something like, “at the time, I was so tired and I just needed to relax.” Again steer clear of elaborate explanations.
  7363.          &#xD;
  7364.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7365.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7366.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7367.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7368.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7369.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7370.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7371.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7372.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7373.      
  7374.           4.       Now it is time to find out if there is anything you can offer to make things right. 
  7375.          &#xD;
  7376.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7377.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7378.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7379.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7380.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7381.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7382.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7383.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7384.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7385.      
  7386.           Let the other person know how much you care about and value your relationship. This step is sometimes called restorative action. Look for something you can do that involves an action and is doable. Sometimes just being willing to hear about the other persons experience and expressing sadness over the impact your action had on them is enough but sometimes this extra action is needed. 
  7387.          &#xD;
  7388.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7389.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7390.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7391.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7392.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7393.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7394.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7395. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7396.      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Aug 2017 00:49:10 GMT</pubDate>
  7397.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/the-art-of-apology</guid>
  7398.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7399.    </item>
  7400.    <item>
  7401.      <title>Arbitration Clauses-What are you REALLY getting with your new purchase?</title>
  7402.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/arbitration-clauses-what-are-you-really-getting-with-your-new-purchase</link>
  7403.      <description />
  7404.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7405.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7406.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7407.      
  7408.           Arbitration Clauses-What are you REALLY getting with your new purchase?
  7409.          &#xD;
  7410.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7411.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7412. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7413. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7414.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7415.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7416.      
  7417.           Posted By 
  7418.          &#xD;
  7419.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7420.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7421.      
  7422.           George Mossad
  7423.          &#xD;
  7424.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7425.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7426.      
  7427.           , Wednesday, August 16, 2017
  7428.          &#xD;
  7429.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7430.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7431.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7432.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7433.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7434.      
  7435.           What am I talking about? The fine print. Yes, I’m talking about that small writing you probably didn’t read that came with your credit card or new phone. Have you ever wondered what you’re agreeing to? What if I told you that you were agreeing to shield the company you bought the product from, from any legal claims that could otherwise be rightfully brought in a court of law? I’m talking about one single line in a large stack of small print documents - the arbitration clause. Many companies today have included these clauses in order to avoid individual or class action litigation and media scrutiny. 
  7436.          &#xD;
  7437.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7438.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7439.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7440.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7441.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7442.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7443.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7444.      
  7445.           “What’s wrong with arbitration?” you may ask. Nothing at all! In fact, arbitration can be a very cost effective and time saving way to resolve a dispute. The problem is rooted in the use of questionable arbitration procedures. Many companies today are using arbitration clauses to circumvent the legal system which could benefit the consumer, and are instead subjecting consumers to in-house arbitration, and less than transparent decision making.
  7446.          &#xD;
  7447.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7448.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7449.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7450.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7451.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7452.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7453.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7454.      
  7455.           At the very core of arbitration and other dispute resolution techniques is the principle of neutrality. Without a separate third party source outside the corporation (like NYSDRA or AAA), that neutrality is questionable. On a regular basis, consumers around the world are being required to sign away their constitutional right to sue in a court or law, either individually or as part of class action lawsuits, and instead be subjected to the possibility of an unfair arbitration proceeding. 
  7456.          &#xD;
  7457.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7458.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7459.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7460.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7461.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7462.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7463.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7464.      
  7465.           In the past, many companies like AT&amp;amp;T, McDonald’s, Haliburton, and many others have attempted to enforce their clauses, some of which have been successful. Most recently, SquareTrade filed motions to compel such arbitration against consumer plaintiffs. 
  7466.          &#xD;
  7467.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7468.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7469.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7470.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7471.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7472.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7473.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7474.      
  7475.           While the road might seem long ahead, courts have already begun to refuse to enforce these kinds of proceedings in an effort to safeguard individual constitutional rights. 
  7476.          &#xD;
  7477.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7478.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7479.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7480.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7481.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7482.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7483.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7484.      
  7485.           What can consumers do? Read the fine print. Educate yourself on the topic (
  7486.          &#xD;
  7487.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7488.    &lt;a href="http://legalnewsline.com/stories/511133205-squaretrade-moves-to-compel-arbitration-in-class-action-suit-over-protection-plans" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7489.      
  7490.           SquareTrade moves to compel arbitration in class action suit over protection plans
  7491.          &#xD;
  7492.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7493.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7494.      
  7495.           ; 
  7496.          &#xD;
  7497.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7498.    &lt;a href="https://consumerist.com/2009/09/16/no-arbitration-for-halliburton-sexual-assault-case-court-holds/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7499.      
  7500.           No Arbitration For Halliburton Sexual Assault Case, Court Holds
  7501.          &#xD;
  7502.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7503.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7504.      
  7505.           ; 
  7506.          &#xD;
  7507.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7508.    &lt;a href="http://www.semissourian.com/story/2428361.html" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7509.      
  7510.           Federal regulator moves to mostly ban arbitration clauses
  7511.          &#xD;
  7512.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7513.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7514.      
  7515.           ). Support the use of arbitration and other dispute resolution techniques, but insist the processes are fair. Talk to your representatives. 
  7516.          &#xD;
  7517.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7518.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7519.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7520.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7521.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7522. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7523.      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Aug 2017 00:46:54 GMT</pubDate>
  7524.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/arbitration-clauses-what-are-you-really-getting-with-your-new-purchase</guid>
  7525.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7526.    </item>
  7527.    <item>
  7528.      <title>What Pushes Your Hot Buttons?</title>
  7529.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/what-pushes-your-hot-buttons</link>
  7530.      <description />
  7531.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7532.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7533.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7534.      
  7535.           What Pushes Your Hot Buttons?
  7536.          &#xD;
  7537.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7538.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7539. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7540. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7541.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7542.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7543.      
  7544.           Posted By 
  7545.          &#xD;
  7546.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7547.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7548.      
  7549.           Christine Tauzel, NYSAMP Program Director
  7550.          &#xD;
  7551.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7552.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7553.      
  7554.           , Monday, July 25, 2016
  7555.          &#xD;
  7556.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7557.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7558.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7559.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7560.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7561.      
  7562.           Every year in August, the 
  7563.          &#xD;
  7564.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7565.    &lt;a href="http://nysamp.com/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7566.      
  7567.           New York State Agricultural Mediation Program (NYSAMP)
  7568.          &#xD;
  7569.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7570.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7571.      
  7572.            participates in 
  7573.          &#xD;
  7574.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7575.    &lt;a href="http://empirefarmdays.com/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7576.      
  7577.           Empire Farm Days
  7578.          &#xD;
  7579.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7580.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7581.      
  7582.           . The event is the largest outdoor agricultural trade show in the Northeastern U.S. with an astonishing range of exhibits, seminars, demonstrations, and activities featuring the latest innovations, newest technologies and cutting-edge techniques in agriculture.
  7583.          &#xD;
  7584.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7585.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7586.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7587.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7588.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7589.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7590.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7591.      
  7592.           Last year, NYSAMP asked “On the farm, what pushes your buttons?” And people told us with answers ranging from the predictable: spouses, government, and weather to the surprising: tomato-snatching chickens, cell phones, and arguments over the last piece of pie.
  7593.          &#xD;
  7594.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7595.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7596.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7597.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7598.      
  7599.           When we train people to use mediation or conflict management tools we often stress how important it is to be aware of, and to develop tools for managing, our hot buttons, biases and triggers.
  7600.          &#xD;
  7601.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7602.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7603.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7604.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7605.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7606.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7607.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7608.      
  7609.           As an agricultural mediation program, it is also critical that we keep our finger on the pulse of today’s New York farmer. 
  7610.          &#xD;
  7611.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7612.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7613.      
  7614.           What makes them tick? What really gets to them?
  7615.          &#xD;
  7616.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7617.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7618.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7619.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7620.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7621.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7622.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7623.      
  7624.           This year we will continue our unscientific survey at Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls on August 9th, 10th and 11th. Stop by 
  7625.          &#xD;
  7626.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7627.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7628.      
  7629.           Lot # 502 on West Seneca Acres Avenue
  7630.          &#xD;
  7631.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7632.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7633.      
  7634.            and tell us about what pushes your “hot buttons” on the farm. Claudia Kenny and Chris Tauzel from NYSAMP will be there along with volunteer mediators and staff from local Community Dispute Resolution Centers. It would be great to see and hear from you!
  7635.          &#xD;
  7636.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7637.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7638.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7639.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7640.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7641.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7642.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7643.      
  7644.           New York State Agricultural Mediation Program (NYSAMP) offers confidential, low or no cost mediation to the Agriculture community in every county in New York. (nysamp.com)
  7645.          &#xD;
  7646.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7647.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7648.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7649.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7650.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7651.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7652.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7653.      
  7654.           See the article in 
  7655.          &#xD;
  7656.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7657.    &lt;a href="https://www.morningagclips.com/nysamp-at-empire-farm-days/?utm_content=articles&amp;amp;utm_campaign=NLCampaign&amp;amp;utm_source=Newsletter&amp;amp;utm_term=newsletteredition&amp;amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7658.      
  7659.           Morning Ag Clips
  7660.          &#xD;
  7661.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7662.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7663.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7664.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7665.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7666. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7667.      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2016 00:43:57 GMT</pubDate>
  7668.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/what-pushes-your-hot-buttons</guid>
  7669.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7670.    </item>
  7671.    <item>
  7672.      <title>Pokémon GO to Arbitration … But Only If You Don't Opt Out Within 30 Days!</title>
  7673.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/pokemon-go-to-arbitration-but-only-if-you-don-t-opt-out-within-30-days</link>
  7674.      <description />
  7675.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7676.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7677.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7678.      
  7679.           Pokémon GO to Arbitration …
  7680.            &#xD;
  7681.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7682.      
  7683.           But Only If You Don't Opt Out Within 30 Days!
  7684.          &#xD;
  7685.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7686.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7687. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7688. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7689.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7690.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7691.      
  7692.           Posted By 
  7693.          &#xD;
  7694.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7695.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7696.      
  7697.           Elise Friello, Lemon Law Arbitration Program Manager
  7698.          &#xD;
  7699.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7700.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7701.      
  7702.           , Friday, July 22, 2016
  7703.          &#xD;
  7704.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7705.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7706.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7707.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7708.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7709.      
  7710.           Out with the days of gaming from the convenience of your couch and in with the days of gaming from the comfort of your sneakers. Since Pokémon GO was first released earlier this month many conversations have turned to safety concerns for those using the augmented reality game. Other conversations, however, have turned to legal rights for those agreeing to Pokémon GO’s Terms of Service.
  7711.           &#xD;
  7712.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7713.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7714.      
  7715.           Like most agreements, whether they be for social media and music sites or mobile devices, the consumer must agree to arbitrate their dispute individually rather than bring a lawsuit in court. This means that as soon as a consumer downloads an application or buys a device they must waive their right to sue or give up using that application or device. Unfortunately, a consumer may miss a few important points when they become irritated about this sue-versus-use dilemma.
  7716.          &#xD;
  7717.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7718.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7719.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7720.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7721.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7722.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  7723.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  7724.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7725.        
  7726.            First, even if the consumer retains their right to sue they may still be required to bring a lawsuit in whatever far-away jurisdiction the agreement indicates and be subject to the laws of that state. (Hint: The selected jurisdiction is for the company’s convenience and not the consumer's, unless you live in sunny California.)
  7727.           &#xD;
  7728.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7729.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  7730.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  7731.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7732.        
  7733.            Second, not all agreements have the same effect. It may not be a sue-versus-use situation. In fact, with Pokémon GO, there is a section that allows a consumer to opt out of the arbitration provision of the agreement by writing a letter or sending an e-mail within 30 days. Yes, sending an e-mail! This means that consumers must carefully read the dispute resolution section of every agreement and be proactive in informing themselves of their rights.
  7734.           &#xD;
  7735.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7736.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  7737.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  7738.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7739.        
  7740.            Third, not all alternatives to court strip consumers of their rights. While arbitration is unfamiliar to many, the process can be a cost effective way to resolve disputes in a quicker and less burdensome manner than litigation for the consumer, not just for the company. Additionally, the arbitration hearing is typically held in the county where the consumer resides, not a jurisdiction chosen by the company. For example, 
  7741.           &#xD;
  7742.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7743.      &lt;a href="http://www.nysdra.org/?page=LemonLaw" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7744.        
  7745.            New York State’s Lemon Law Arbitration Program
  7746.           &#xD;
  7747.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7748.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7749.        
  7750.             provides consumers whose new or used motor vehicles turn out to be “lemons” with a fair forum to settle disputes within 45 days of filing. Consumers are often able to avoid many of the disadvantages of going to court, including finding and then paying for an attorney, as well as waiting several months for an opening in the court’s calendar.
  7751.           &#xD;
  7752.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7753.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  7754.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  7755.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7756.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  7757.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  7758.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7759.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7760.      
  7761.           Ultimately, the decision on whether to opt out of Pokémon GO’s arbitration provision lies with the consumer. In the sue-versus-use dilemma many consumers have no alternative if the application or device is essential. With Pokémon GO’s Terms of Service, at least a proactive and informed consumer can make a choice on how to best protect their legal rights.
  7762.          &#xD;
  7763.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7764.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7765.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7766.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7767.      
  7768.           Feel free to contact me at 
  7769.          &#xD;
  7770.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7771.    &lt;a href="mailto:elise@nysdra.org" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7772.      
  7773.           elise@nysdra.org
  7774.          &#xD;
  7775.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7776.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7777.      
  7778.            with any questions.
  7779.          &#xD;
  7780.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7781.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7782.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7783.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7784.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7785. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7786.      <pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2016 00:42:20 GMT</pubDate>
  7787.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/pokemon-go-to-arbitration-but-only-if-you-don-t-opt-out-within-30-days</guid>
  7788.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7789.    </item>
  7790.    <item>
  7791.      <title>Brainstorming--Meh</title>
  7792.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/brainstorming-meh</link>
  7793.      <description />
  7794.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7795.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7796.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7797.      
  7798.           Brainstorming - Meh
  7799.          &#xD;
  7800.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7801.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7802. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7803. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7804.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7805.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7806.      
  7807.           Posted By 
  7808.          &#xD;
  7809.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7810.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7811.      
  7812.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  7813.          &#xD;
  7814.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7815.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7816.      
  7817.           , Friday, July 15, 2016
  7818.          &#xD;
  7819.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7820.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7821.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7822.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7823.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7824.      
  7825.           Updated: Friday, July 15, 2016
  7826.          &#xD;
  7827.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7828.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7829.      
  7830.           Mediators, facilitators, and consensus builders have long held brainstorming in high esteem. We assume that it is fair, inclusive, and productive.
  7831.           &#xD;
  7832.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7833.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7834.      
  7835.           Beth Tener, of 
  7836.          &#xD;
  7837.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7838.    &lt;a href="http://www.ndcollaborative.com/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7839.      
  7840.           New Directions Collaborative
  7841.          &#xD;
  7842.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7843.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7844.      
  7845.           , says it is 
  7846.          &#xD;
  7847.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7848.    &lt;a href="http://www.ndcollaborative.com/brainstorming/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7849.      
  7850.           “Time to Rethink Brainstorming.”
  7851.          &#xD;
  7852.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7853.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7854.      
  7855.            She cites research that shows that we do better when we take a few minutes to think separately and then pool our ideas. Traditional brainstorming actually inhibits participation, especially for introverts, and limits the generation of good ideas.
  7856.           &#xD;
  7857.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7858.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7859.      
  7860.           Ms. Tener has done her due diligence and describes an easy alternative brainstorming process called 1-2- 4-All. I’m eager to try this variation in a mediation setting, or in a staff or board meeting.
  7861.          &#xD;
  7862.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7863.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7864.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7865.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7866.      
  7867.           What applications can you think of?
  7868.          &#xD;
  7869.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7870.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7871.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7872.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7873.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7874. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7875.      <pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2016 00:39:29 GMT</pubDate>
  7876.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/brainstorming-meh</guid>
  7877.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7878.    </item>
  7879.    <item>
  7880.      <title>New Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee Opinion</title>
  7881.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/my-post</link>
  7882.      <description />
  7883.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7884.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7885.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7886.      
  7887.           New Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee Opinion
  7888.          &#xD;
  7889.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7890.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7891. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7892. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7893.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7894.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7895.      
  7896.           Posted By 
  7897.          &#xD;
  7898.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7899.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7900.      
  7901.           Sheila Sproule, J.D., Co-Chair of the Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee
  7902.          &#xD;
  7903.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7904.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7905.      
  7906.           , Friday, July 8, 2016
  7907.          &#xD;
  7908.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7909.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7910.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7911.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7912.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7913.      
  7914.           I am excited to share with you the newest Opinion from the Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee, which can be found on our web page by clicking this link: 
  7915.          &#xD;
  7916.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7917.    &lt;a href="https://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/meac.shtml#Opinions" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7918.      
  7919.           https://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/meac.shtml#Opinions
  7920.          &#xD;
  7921.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7922.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7923.      
  7924.            and then clicking on the link for Opinion 2015-01. The Committee -- comprised of your CDRC, NYSDRA and Dispute Resolution academic colleagues, peers and volunteers -- is copied here, so our office can acknowledge their important contribution to our understanding of mediator ethics. The Quarterly Subcommittee, who provide the full Committee with the written Opinion upon which they vote, was comprised this term of Committee members Sarah Rudgers-Tysz, Ryon Fleming and Alex Carter. We thank them for their thoughtful and informative work! 
  7925.          &#xD;
  7926.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7927.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7928.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7929.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7930.      
  7931.            
  7932.          &#xD;
  7933.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7934.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7935.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7936.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7937.      
  7938.           This Opinion is timely, since it involves a request to video record a mediation at a CDRC. In this particular scenario, the CDRC does not have a policy regarding the recording of mediation sessions. Both of the parties in this custody and visitation case are represented by attorneys, and the husband’s attorney has requested the recording of the session/s with the husband’s consent, since the attorney is unable to participate in the session/s. The wife and her attorney, as well as the attorney for the child, have also consented to this request. After considering the concerns raised by the mediator and the center, including the impact that the video recording might have on the integrity of the process, the parties, and the mediator, and applying the applicable Standards and levels of guidance to those considerations, the Committee concluded that under this scenario the video recording should not be allowed. 
  7939.          &#xD;
  7940.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7941.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7942.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7943.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7944.      
  7945.            
  7946.          &#xD;
  7947.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7948.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7949.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7950.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7951.      
  7952.           Please share this Opinion with who you think might benefit from reading it. As always, if you have any questions, or would like to submit an anonymous inquiry (meaning no identifying information will be provided in the written Opinion) to the Committee on behalf of a staff member or volunteer at your center, please feel free to do so by sending your inquiry by email to 
  7953.          &#xD;
  7954.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7955.    &lt;a href="mailto:cdrcp@courts.state.ny.us" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7956.      
  7957.           cdrcp@courts.state.ny.us
  7958.          &#xD;
  7959.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  7960.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  7961.      
  7962.           .
  7963.          &#xD;
  7964.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7965.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7966.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  7967.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  7968.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  7969. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  7970.      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Jul 2016 00:37:59 GMT</pubDate>
  7971.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/my-post</guid>
  7972.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  7973.    </item>
  7974.    <item>
  7975.      <title>New Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee Opinion</title>
  7976.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/new-mediator-ethics-advisory-committee-opinion</link>
  7977.      <description />
  7978.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7979.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  7980.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"&gt;&#xD;
  7981.      
  7982.           New Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee Opinion
  7983.          &#xD;
  7984.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7985.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  7986. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  7987. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  7988.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  7989.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  7990.      
  7991.           Posted By 
  7992.          &#xD;
  7993.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7994.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  7995.      
  7996.           Sheila Sproule, J.D., Co-Chair of the Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee
  7997.          &#xD;
  7998.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  7999.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8000.      
  8001.           , Friday, July 8, 2016
  8002.          &#xD;
  8003.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8004.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8005.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8006.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8007.      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  8008.        
  8009.            
  8010.           &#xD;
  8011.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8012.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8013.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8014.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8015.      
  8016.           I am excited to share with you the newest Opinion from the Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee, which can be found on our web page by clicking this link: 
  8017.          &#xD;
  8018.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8019.    &lt;a href="https://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/meac.shtml#Opinions" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8020.      
  8021.           https://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/meac.shtml#Opinions
  8022.          &#xD;
  8023.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8024.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8025.      
  8026.            and then clicking on the link for Opinion 2015-01. The Committee -- comprised of your CDRC, NYSDRA and Dispute Resolution academic colleagues, peers and volunteers -- is copied here, so our office can acknowledge their important contribution to our understanding of mediator ethics. The Quarterly Subcommittee, who provide the full Committee with the written Opinion upon which they vote, was comprised this term of Committee members Sarah Rudgers-Tysz, Ryon Fleming and Alex Carter. We thank them for their thoughtful and informative work! 
  8027.          &#xD;
  8028.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8029.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8030.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8031.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8032.      
  8033.            
  8034.          &#xD;
  8035.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8036.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8037.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8038.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8039.      
  8040.           This Opinion is timely, since it involves a request to video record a mediation at a CDRC. In this particular scenario, the CDRC does not have a policy regarding the recording of mediation sessions. Both of the parties in this custody and visitation case are represented by attorneys, and the husband’s attorney has requested the recording of the session/s with the husband’s consent, since the attorney is unable to participate in the session/s. The wife and her attorney, as well as the attorney for the child, have also consented to this request. After considering the concerns raised by the mediator and the center, including the impact that the video recording might have on the integrity of the process, the parties, and the mediator, and applying the applicable Standards and levels of guidance to those considerations, the Committee concluded that under this scenario the video recording should not be allowed. 
  8041.          &#xD;
  8042.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8043.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8044.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8045.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8046.      
  8047.            
  8048.          &#xD;
  8049.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8050.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8051.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8052.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8053.      
  8054.           Please share this Opinion with who you think might benefit from reading it. As always, if you have any questions, or would like to submit an anonymous inquiry (meaning no identifying information will be provided in the written Opinion) to the Committee on behalf of a staff member or volunteer at your center, please feel free to do so by sending your inquiry by email to 
  8055.          &#xD;
  8056.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8057.    &lt;a href="mailto:cdrcp@courts.state.ny.us" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8058.      
  8059.           cdrcp@courts.state.ny.us
  8060.          &#xD;
  8061.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8062.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8063.      
  8064.           .
  8065.          &#xD;
  8066.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8067.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8068.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  8069.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8070.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8071. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  8072.      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2016 23:10:17 GMT</pubDate>
  8073.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/new-mediator-ethics-advisory-committee-opinion</guid>
  8074.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  8075.    </item>
  8076.    <item>
  8077.      <title>The Collaborative Governing Program’s 4 Steps for Conflict Resolution</title>
  8078.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/the-collaborative-governing-programs-4-steps-for-conflict-resolution</link>
  8079.      <description />
  8080.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8081.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  8082.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8083.      
  8084.           The Collaborative Governing Program’s 4 Steps for Conflict Resolution
  8085.          &#xD;
  8086.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8087.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  8088. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  8089. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8090.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8091.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8092.      
  8093.           Posted By 
  8094.          &#xD;
  8095.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8096.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8097.      
  8098.           Carla Schlist, Director of Marketing and Member Services
  8099.          &#xD;
  8100.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8101.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8102.      
  8103.           , Thursday, July 7, 2016
  8104.          &#xD;
  8105.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8106.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8107.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8108.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8109.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8110.      
  8111.           Read all about NYSDRA's board-led initiative that helps politicians cross party lines to find common ground and accomplish shared goals. The program is currently administered in Orange County by the 
  8112.          &#xD;
  8113.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8114.    &lt;a href="http://www.drcservices.org/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8115.      
  8116.           Dispute Resolution Center
  8117.          &#xD;
  8118.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8119.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8120.      
  8121.           .
  8122.          &#xD;
  8123.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8124.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8125.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8126.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8127.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8128.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8129.    &lt;a href="http://govpilot.com/collaborative-governing-program/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8130.      
  8131.           http://govpilot.com/collaborative-governing-program/
  8132.          &#xD;
  8133.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8134.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8135.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  8136.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8137.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8138. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  8139.      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2016 00:35:33 GMT</pubDate>
  8140.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/the-collaborative-governing-programs-4-steps-for-conflict-resolution</guid>
  8141.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  8142.    </item>
  8143.    <item>
  8144.      <title>DIY Farm Fixes: Conflict</title>
  8145.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/diy-farm-fixes-conflict</link>
  8146.      <description />
  8147.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8148.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  8149.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8150.      
  8151.           DIY Farm Fixes: Conflict
  8152.          &#xD;
  8153.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8154.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  8155. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  8156. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8157.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8158.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8159.      
  8160.           Posted By 
  8161.          &#xD;
  8162.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8163.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8164.      
  8165.           Claudia Kenny, NYSAMP Statewide Director
  8166.          &#xD;
  8167.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8168.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8169.      
  8170.           , Wednesday, July 6, 2016
  8171.          &#xD;
  8172.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8173.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8174.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8175.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8176.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8177.      
  8178.           As farmers we are masters of the quick fix. We are good at mending fences on the fly and cobbling together a piece of broken equipment to finish the job before the day ends. Farm conflict, whether with family members, coworkers, employees, or even neighbors, is like any other problem we solve. Having a plan, some awareness, and a few tools can help out with the short term fixes you need to get through the day.
  8179.          &#xD;
  8180.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8181.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8182.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8183.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8184.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8185.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8186.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8187.      
  8188.           Conflict is a normal part of any farm business. Conflicts come often when people have different values, goals, and perspectives. Conflict can be a positive force on the farm, if we manage it well. Conflict can create energy, focus and change. It can also cause us to revisit a decision and consider it more carefully. Conflict can help us understand what is important to us and to others. The way we manage conflict means the difference between the conflict becoming a negative or positive experience.
  8189.          &#xD;
  8190.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8191.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8192.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8193.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8194.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8195.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8196.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8197.      
  8198.           Fight, Flight, Freeze 
  8199.          &#xD;
  8200.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8201.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8202.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8203.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8204.      
  8205.           Most of us are not at our best during a conflict. We say things we don’t really mean, make accusations, and refuse to hear what the other person is saying. We get locked in a narrow mindset feeling like one way is the right way and the only way. There is a biological reason for this “my way or the highway” attitude!
  8206.          &#xD;
  8207.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8208.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8209.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8210.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8211.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8212.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8213.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8214.      
  8215.           According to neuroscience, we actually don’t have our full capacity to see multiple perspectives or make complex decisions, when we are “triggered”, or in fight, flight, freeze mode. When we are “triggered,” stress hormones flood our body and then neural pathways to the prefrontal cortex, shut down.  The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain that helps us sort conflicting thoughts and right from wrong. This is a big deal! We feel tense, irritated and unable to stop thinking in a loop.
  8216.          &#xD;
  8217.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8218.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8219.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8220.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8221.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8222.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8223.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8224.      
  8225.           Below are a few techniques to help you manage conflict on the farm:
  8226.          &#xD;
  8227.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8228.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8229.  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
  8230.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8231.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8232.        
  8233.            Notice when you are triggered and take a break 
  8234.           &#xD;
  8235.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8236.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8237.  &lt;/ol&gt;&#xD;
  8238.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8239.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8240.      
  8241.           Noticing you are triggered helps you begin to shift from reactivity to managing your conflicts productively. Cool off and do nothing for a little while. 
  8242.          &#xD;
  8243.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8244.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8245.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8246.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8247.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8248.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8249.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8250.      
  8251.           Make a practice of noticing when you are triggered and in “fight, flight or freeze”. Name it. Just noticing can help you shift from being triggered. Since we don’t have access to our full capacity when we a triggered, building awareness will help you know when to take a break during a conflict instead of engaging.
  8252.          &#xD;
  8253.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8254.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8255.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8256.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8257.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8258.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8259.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8260.      
  8261.           2. Reflect 
  8262.          &#xD;
  8263.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8264.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8265.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8266.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8267.      
  8268.           Reflect on the situation. Review your observations. What happened, what did you see or hear, what words were said? (think of what a video camera can see or record- just the observables). We often mix observations with evaluations and you will want to try to separate evaluations from your observations.
  8269.          &#xD;
  8270.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8271.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8272.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8273.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8274.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8275.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8276.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8277.      
  8278.           Evaluative Observation: “She angrily dropped her hoe and stormed up to the barn”
  8279.          &#xD;
  8280.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8281.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8282.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8283.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8284.      
  8285.           Observation: “She dropped her hoe and went to the barn.”
  8286.          &#xD;
  8287.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8288.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8289.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8290.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8291.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8292.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8293.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8294.      
  8295.           Reflect on self. What feelings do we experience as a result of the data we observe? Usually there are a range of feelings. “I feel angry and disappointed and frustrated and most of all just really tired of the tension.” What are the needs or values that relate to those feelings? For instance, if you are feeling angry it is easy to think it is because someone did something that really pissed you off. But we are the only ones who create our response. No one can really make us angry. What is it that you were really wanting, is there a value you care about? (ex. if you are really tired of the tension you might really value and want ease and peace etc).
  8296.          &#xD;
  8297.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8298.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8299.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8300.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8301.      
  8302.           Reflect on the other. How might the other person be feeling in relation to the observable data? What are the needs and values they might be holding that relate to those feelings? Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand the situation from their perspective.
  8303.          &#xD;
  8304.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8305.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8306.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8307.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8308.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8309.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8310.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8311.      
  8312.           3. Talk about it 
  8313.          &#xD;
  8314.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8315.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8316.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8317.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8318.      
  8319.           Sometimes we learn something about ourselves in the reflective process and don’t need to talk about anything. If you decide a conversation is the next step here are a few tips.
  8320.          &#xD;
  8321.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8322.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8323.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8324.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8325.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8326.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8327.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8328.      
  8329.           Listen first. Focus carefully on what is said and reflect back the information and opinions. You don’t have to remember every detail but try to get the gist of the story. Use their words and phrasing rather than your own interpretation.  You don’t have to agree with what they are saying. Check to find out if you are hearing them in the way they want to be heard.
  8330.          &#xD;
  8331.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8332.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8333.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8334.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8335.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8336.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8337.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8338.      
  8339.           Avoid reflecting back judgments. For example “Jon is a jerk” might be reflected back as “you are thinking Jon is a jerk.” If the story is very long interrupt and reflect back in chunks rather than at the end. Interrupt by saying something like, “Let me see if I am understanding what you are saying so far is…”
  8340.          &#xD;
  8341.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8342.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8343.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8344.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8345.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8346.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8347.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8348.      
  8349.           Then check to see if you understand their feelings. Asking instead of telling someone how they feel is most effective. “So I am wondering if this is really frustrating for you?” If your guess is wrong the person will give you more information. “I am not frustrated, I am mad.”
  8350.          &#xD;
  8351.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8352.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8353.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8354.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8355.      
  8356.           Reflect back what is most important to the person. Make a guess? “So are you really wanting _______?” (ex: things to run efficiently on the farm? )
  8357.          &#xD;
  8358.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8359.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8360.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8361.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8362.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8363.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8364.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8365.      
  8366.           When you feel the person has said everything that they wanted to be heard about see if they are willing to hear about your experience.
  8367.          &#xD;
  8368.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8369.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8370.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8371.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8372.      
  8373.           Share your experience. Share your observations, and the feelings that came up for you. Share what you care about now in relation to the conflict and what is most important to you? Focus on the problem or the issue and not the person.
  8374.          &#xD;
  8375.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8376.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8377.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8378.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8379.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8380.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8381.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8382.      
  8383.           4. Find Solutions
  8384.          &#xD;
  8385.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8386.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8387.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8388.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8389.      
  8390.           Make requests (not demands); accept a “NO” and be prepared with a second request. If you are not really willing to hear a no you are most likely making a demand and not a request.
  8391.          &#xD;
  8392.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8393.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8394.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8395.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8396.      
  8397.           You may want to propose “experiments” to test potential solutions.
  8398.          &#xD;
  8399.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8400.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8401.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8402.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8403.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8404.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8405.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8406.      
  8407.           5. Know when to get help
  8408.          &#xD;
  8409.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8410.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8411.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8412.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8413.      
  8414.           If you try these things and realize you are in over your head with a situation consider “borrowing” the skills of a mediator just in the same way you might “borrow’ the skills of an accountant to help you figure out how to manage a tight financial spell. Mediators are third party neutrals trained in communication who can offer individuals conflict coaching or can offer two or more parties mediation.
  8415.          &#xD;
  8416.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8417.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8418.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8419.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8420.      
  8421.           Even the best fences need maintenance and repairs. If a broken fence is not repaired there are going to be problems. It is not the broken fence that determines the outcome but how quickly we notice and how we choose to respond. Same with our relationships to people and conflict. When we notice a conflict, and how we choose to respond or manage a conflict, makes a difference to the outcome.
  8422.          &#xD;
  8423.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8424.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8425.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8426.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8427.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8428.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8429.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8430.      
  8431.           Claudia Kenny has managed 
  8432.          &#xD;
  8433.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8434.    &lt;a href="http://www.littleseedgardens.com/" target="_blank" style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8435.      
  8436.           Little Seed Gardens
  8437.          &#xD;
  8438.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8439.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8440.      
  8441.            with her husband in Columbia County, NY since 1995. Learning to manage conflict constructively has been vital to their farm’s success which is dependent on webs of family, labor, community and business relationships. She has her masters degree in conflict analysis and engagement and is currently statewide director of 
  8442.          &#xD;
  8443.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8444.    &lt;a href="http://nysamp.com/" target="_blank" style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8445.      
  8446.           New York State Agricultural Mediation Program (NYSAMP)
  8447.          &#xD;
  8448.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8449.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8450.      
  8451.           . NYSAMP offers confidential, low or no cost mediation to the agriculture community. 
  8452.          &#xD;
  8453.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8454.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8455.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  8456.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8457.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8458. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  8459.      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2016 00:33:30 GMT</pubDate>
  8460.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/diy-farm-fixes-conflict</guid>
  8461.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  8462.    </item>
  8463.    <item>
  8464.      <title>Mark Collins: Looking Back and Looking Forward</title>
  8465.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/mark-collins-looking-back-and-looking-forward</link>
  8466.      <description />
  8467.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8468.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  8469.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8470.      
  8471.           Mark Collins: Looking Back and Looking Forward
  8472.          &#xD;
  8473.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8474.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  8475. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  8476. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8477.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8478.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8479.      
  8480.           Posted By 
  8481.          &#xD;
  8482.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8483.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8484.      
  8485.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  8486.          &#xD;
  8487.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8488.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8489.      
  8490.           , Friday, April 15, 2016
  8491.          &#xD;
  8492.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8493.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8494.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8495.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8496.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8497.      
  8498.           Mark Collins, Assistant Coordinator for the New York State Unified Court System's Office of ADR Programs, worked for 34 years to build the network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) in New York; he will be retiring this month. He was responsible for the supervision of the CDRCs, program funding and evaluation, mediation trainer certification, and the expansion of dispute resolution into family courts. We also honor Mark for his role in founding and partnering with NYSDRA as a professional association, administrator of statewide programs, and as an advocate for our members and the dispute resolution profession.
  8499.          &#xD;
  8500.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8501.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8502.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8503.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8504.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8505.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8506.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8507.      
  8508.           Mark wove the core values of mediation practice into his professional life. He remained true to the original strands of community mediation, both of which manifested during times of national turmoil and political activism in the 1960’s. One strand flowed from the need for court reform and recognition that the judiciary system was overburdened. The second strand was a broader vision of social justice, and the belief that citizens could be empowered to take control of their own lives, resolve conflict, and preserve personal and professional relationships. While providing oversight to the CDRC network to ensure quality of their processes, he supported their self-determination in terms of capacity building to meet emerging needs of their communities and stakeholders. Mark models transparency and accessibility: one of the many pearls he passed on to his colleagues was the concept of managing while walking around.
  8509.          &#xD;
  8510.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8511.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8512.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8513.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8514.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8515.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8516.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8517.      
  8518.           Mark’s vision was grounded in practice; throughout his career he has been an ADR practitioner with a particular focus on victim-offender dialogues in serious crimes. He gained a national reputation, and served as board member and Board Co-Chair of the National Association for Community Mediation. Mark provided assistance to other state court systems in their design of community mediation networks. Over the years, Mark has been recognized by many organizations for his contributions to the field including the Lawrence Cook Peace Innovator Award from NYSDRA in 2010.
  8519.          &#xD;
  8520.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8521.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8522.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  8523.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8524.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8525. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  8526.      <pubDate>Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:29:23 GMT</pubDate>
  8527.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/mark-collins-looking-back-and-looking-forward</guid>
  8528.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  8529.    </item>
  8530.    <item>
  8531.      <title>NYSAMP Announces New Statewide Director</title>
  8532.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/nysamp-announces-new-statewide-director</link>
  8533.      <description />
  8534.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8535.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  8536.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8537.      
  8538.           NYSAMP Announces New Statewide Director
  8539.          &#xD;
  8540.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8541.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  8542. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  8543. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8544.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8545.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8546.      
  8547.           Posted By 
  8548.          &#xD;
  8549.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8550.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8551.      
  8552.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  8553.          &#xD;
  8554.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8555.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8556.      
  8557.           , Monday, March 7, 2016
  8558.           &#xD;
  8559.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8560.      
  8561.           Updated: Friday, April 15, 2016
  8562.          &#xD;
  8563.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8564.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8565.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8566.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8567.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8568.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8569.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8570.      
  8571.           Albany, NY
  8572.          &#xD;
  8573.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8574.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8575.      
  8576.            - The New York State Agricultural Mediation Program (NYSAMP) is pleased to announce that Claudia Kenny has joined the organization as statewide director. Claudia brings over 20 years of experience as a farmer and sustainable food system activist. She and her husband own and operate Little Seed Gardens, a 97-acre family farm in the Hudson Valley region. Claudia has worked on agriculture related projects with diverse stakeholders and has been a mentor to young farmers on farm as well as through the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York mentoring programs.
  8577.          &#xD;
  8578.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8579.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8580.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8581.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8582.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8583.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8584.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8585.      
  8586.           Claudia obtained her master’s degree in conflict resolution with a concentration in environmental conflict from Antioch University Midwest. She is also a graduate of Mediate Your Life where she was trained in compassionate communication and mediation.
  8587.          &#xD;
  8588.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8589.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8590.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8591.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8592.      
  8593.           “We are delighted that Claudia is joining our organization. Her combined background is perfect for this position. We look forward to her leadership role and vision for ensuring that mediation will be useful to folks in the agricultural community in resolving conflict, making collaborative plans, and preserving important business and personal relationships.” Charlotte Carter, Executive Director of the New York State Dispute Resolution Association, Inc.­ NYSAMP is one of several state wide dispute resolution programs administered by NYSDRA.
  8594.          &#xD;
  8595.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8596.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8597.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8598.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8599.      
  8600.            
  8601.          &#xD;
  8602.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8603.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8604.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8605.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8606.      
  8607.           About NYSAMP
  8608.          &#xD;
  8609.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8610.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8611.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8612.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8613.      
  8614.           NYSAMP works with mediation service providers in every county in New York. Highly trained and experienced mediators provide effective ways to help people solve problems themselves and to avoid the high costs of escalating conflict or litigation. Those problems include unpaid bills, machinery and supplier credit, farm family-neighbor disputes, and farmer-community relations. More than 900 people in the agricultural community use NYSAMP annually; of over 400 mediations 93% result in agreement. NYSAMP provides the agricultural community an opportunity to communicate clearly, negotiate effectively, and find understandings that can lead to fair and workable solutions. 
  8615.          &#xD;
  8616.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8617.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/blogpost/1268710/www.nysamp.com" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8618.      
  8619.           www.nysamp.com
  8620.          &#xD;
  8621.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8622.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8623.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  8624.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8625.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8626. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  8627.      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:27:03 GMT</pubDate>
  8628.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/nysamp-announces-new-statewide-director</guid>
  8629.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  8630.    </item>
  8631.    <item>
  8632.      <title>Peter Glassman, In Retrospect</title>
  8633.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/peter-glassman-in-retrospect</link>
  8634.      <description />
  8635.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8636.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  8637.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8638.      
  8639.           Peter Glassman, In Retrospect
  8640.          &#xD;
  8641.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8642.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  8643. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  8644. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8645.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8646.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8647.      
  8648.           Posted By 
  8649.          &#xD;
  8650.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8651.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8652.      
  8653.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  8654.          &#xD;
  8655.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8656.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8657.      
  8658.           , Monday, January 25, 2016
  8659.           &#xD;
  8660.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8661.      
  8662.           Updated: Monday, January 25, 2016
  8663.          &#xD;
  8664.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8665.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8666.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8667.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8668.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8669.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8670.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8671.      
  8672.           The mediation community in New York is mourning the loss of one of our favorite people. Peter Glassman was a consummate advocate, practitioner and trainer; his warm light touch and devotion to social justice was a joy and inspiration to many of us. 
  8673.          &#xD;
  8674.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8675.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8676.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8677.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8678.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8679.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8680.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8681.      
  8682.           Peter’s respect, genuine interest and gentle guidance inspired a remarkable level of loyalty and commitment in the people who were fortunate to work with him, especially at Mediation Matters and NYSDRA. I’ve heard that respect and admiration echoed by many who attended his trainings and workshops over many years.
  8683.          &#xD;
  8684.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8685.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8686.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8687.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8688.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8689.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8690.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8691.      
  8692.           My own relationship with Peter began decades ago when I was a fledgling, an somewhat overly enthusiastic, community volunteer. He was willing to trust my good intentions and to indulge me in my desire for discussion and debate. He was one of my first mentors as a trainer, and supported me in my professional growth. Once he nearly hired me.
  8693.          &#xD;
  8694.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8695.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8696.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8697.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8698.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8699.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8700.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8701.      
  8702.           Just a few years ago, Peter made a significant change in his professional trajectory and adopted the NYS Agricultural Mediation Program. This flip-flop in our own relationship amused us no end. I wondered how his distinctive style and penchant for quirky humor would fly with the larger agricultural community. I guessed that many farmers would appreciate him, and I was curious about how some of the senior staff at the USDA and Department of Agriculture might react. The chemistry was there from the start, and we’ve received many inquiries and expressions of concern and appreciation from his newest community.
  8703.          &#xD;
  8704.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8705.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8706.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8707.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8708.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8709.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8710.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8711.      
  8712.           My own sense of gratitude for the great good fortune to have worked so closely with Peter overwhelms me during these dark times of shock and loss. I’m grateful to Elyn Zimmerman, Peter’s wonderful and amazing wife, who was able to navigate the difficult journey they were forced to embark. She was also able to open her aching heart to include many of us from Peter’s work life. I will be eternally grateful that the stars aligned to allow me to take my friendship and professional relationship with Peter to a whole new level. On the other hand, I’m furious at the universe, or at least at the random laws of the universe, that allows a few tiny cells to misbehave and create such mayhem and pain and loss.
  8713.          &#xD;
  8714.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8715.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8716.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8717.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8718.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8719.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8720.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8721.      
  8722.           Peter opened our last conversation with a phrase I’m guessing he had used in other similar encounters: “I don’t even know where to begin and end with you."
  8723.          &#xD;
  8724.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8725.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8726.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8727.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8728.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8729.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8730.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8731.      
  8732.           I’m going to end with some of Peter’s words, speaking in his role of a remarkably Good Citizen with an extraordinary appreciation of diverse viewpoints, a fascination with processes that include rather than marginalize, and an unquenchable drive towards civic engagement and social justice:
  8733.          &#xD;
  8734.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8735.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8736.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8737.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8738.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8739.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8740.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8741.      
  8742.           “Participating in the process actually improves our opinion of others' opinions. This is a precious gift, given the current boorish nature of our public discourse. Whether or not we agree with their views, the Occupy movement can inspire us to create a local infrastructure for participatory democracy that generates more light than heat.” Peter Glassman, in a letter to the Times Union, December 10, 2011
  8743.          &#xD;
  8744.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8745.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8746.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8747.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8748.      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  8749.        
  8750.            
  8751.           &#xD;
  8752.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8753.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8754.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8755.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8756.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8757.      
  8758.           To read Peter’s obituary and provide condolences to his family, please 
  8759.          &#xD;
  8760.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8761.    &lt;a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saratogian/obituary.aspx?n=peter-glassman&amp;amp;pid=177425689&amp;amp;fhid=13059" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8762.      
  8763.           click here
  8764.          &#xD;
  8765.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  8766.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8767.      
  8768.           .
  8769.          &#xD;
  8770.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8771.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8772.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  8773.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8774.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8775. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  8776.      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2016 01:24:51 GMT</pubDate>
  8777.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/peter-glassman-in-retrospect</guid>
  8778.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  8779.    </item>
  8780.    <item>
  8781.      <title>JOB OPPORTUNITY: Statewide Director</title>
  8782.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/job-opportunity-statewide-director</link>
  8783.      <description />
  8784.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8785.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  8786.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8787.      
  8788.           JOB OPPORTUNITY: Statewide Director
  8789.          &#xD;
  8790.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8791.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  8792. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  8793. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  8794.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8795.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8796.      
  8797.           Posted By 
  8798.          &#xD;
  8799.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8800.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8801.      
  8802.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  8803.          &#xD;
  8804.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8805.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  8806.      
  8807.           , Monday, January 4, 2016
  8808.           &#xD;
  8809.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8810.      
  8811.           Updated: Monday, January 4, 2016
  8812.          &#xD;
  8813.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8814.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8815.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8816.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8817.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8818.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8819.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8820.      
  8821.           Position Title: Statewide Director
  8822.           &#xD;
  8823.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8824.      
  8825.           Organization: New York State Agricultural Mediation Program
  8826.           &#xD;
  8827.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8828.      
  8829.           Location: Albany, NY
  8830.           &#xD;
  8831.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8832.      
  8833.           Posted: January 4, 2016
  8834.           &#xD;
  8835.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8836.      
  8837.           Expiration: February 1, 2016
  8838.          &#xD;
  8839.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8840.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8841.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8842.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8843.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8844.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8845.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8846.      
  8847.           NYSAMP is a vibrant statewide mediation service dedicated to providing free and low cost mediation and conflict resolution services to farmers, agribusiness, and rural communities. NYSAMP is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with exceptional interpersonal, leadership, organizational, and program development skills to oversee the continued growth and development of this nationally recognized program.
  8848.          &#xD;
  8849.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8850.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8851.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8852.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8853.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8854.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8855.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8856.      
  8857.           Job responsibilities:
  8858.          &#xD;
  8859.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8860.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8861.      
  8862.            The Statewide Director is responsible for:
  8863.          &#xD;
  8864.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8865.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8866.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8867.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8868.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8869.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8870.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8871.      
  8872.           Program Development and Outreach
  8873.          &#xD;
  8874.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8875.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8876.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  8877.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8878.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8879.        
  8880.            Build partnerships with government agencies, agribusiness and
  8881.            &#xD;
  8882.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8883.        
  8884.            nonprofit organizations providing service to agricultural producers
  8885.           &#xD;
  8886.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8887.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8888.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8889.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8890.        
  8891.            Conduct speaking engagements and workshops at conferences and meetings
  8892.           &#xD;
  8893.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8894.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8895.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8896.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8897.        
  8898.            Develop and implement marketing and public awareness efforts utilizing print and social media.
  8899.           &#xD;
  8900.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8901.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8902.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8903.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8904.        
  8905.            Produce press releases, brochures, annual reports, and other materials
  8906.           &#xD;
  8907.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8908.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8909.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8910.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8911.        
  8912.            Meet with elected officials and other key governmental officials
  8913.           &#xD;
  8914.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8915.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8916.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8917.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8918.        
  8919.            Research and pursue other sources of funding to expand program’s ability to respond to agricultural issues and interests
  8920.           &#xD;
  8921.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8922.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8923.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8924.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8925.        
  8926.            Provide technical assistance to local mediation center staff to increase the capacity and effectiveness of local outreach and direct services
  8927.           &#xD;
  8928.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8929.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8930.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8931.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8932.        
  8933.            Supervise NYSAMP Program Manager
  8934.           &#xD;
  8935.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8936.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8937.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  8938.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8939.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8940.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8941.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8942.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8943.      
  8944.           Program operations:
  8945.          &#xD;
  8946.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8947.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8948.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  8949.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8950.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8951.        
  8952.            Oversee case management
  8953.           &#xD;
  8954.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8955.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8956.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8957.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8958.        
  8959.            Oversee quality assurance for the statewide roster of agricultural mediators
  8960.           &#xD;
  8961.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8962.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8963.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8964.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8965.        
  8966.            Maintain operational procedures
  8967.           &#xD;
  8968.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8969.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8970.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8971.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8972.        
  8973.            Produce quarterly reports and information as needed relating to program case analysis, training and finances
  8974.           &#xD;
  8975.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8976.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8977.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  8978.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8979.        
  8980.            Manage program finances and budget
  8981.           &#xD;
  8982.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8983.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  8984.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  8985.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8986.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  8987.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  8988.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  8989.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  8990.      
  8991.           Required Qualifications: 
  8992.          &#xD;
  8993.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8994.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  8995.      
  8996.           Interested applicants must have:
  8997.          &#xD;
  8998.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  8999.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9000.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9001.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9002.      
  9003.           1. personal or professional experience, or other strong links, with the agricultural community, and/or
  9004.           &#xD;
  9005.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9006.      
  9007.           2. experience implementing or overseeing dispute resolution programming.
  9008.          &#xD;
  9009.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9010.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9011.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9012.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9013.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9014.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9015.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9016.      
  9017.           Desired Qualifications:
  9018.          &#xD;
  9019.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9020.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9021.      
  9022.            Supervisory experience, training experience, and knowledge of local community dispute resolution centers.
  9023.          &#xD;
  9024.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9025.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9026.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9027.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9028.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9029.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9030.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9031.      
  9032.           Compensation:
  9033.          &#xD;
  9034.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9035.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9036.      
  9037.            Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
  9038.          &#xD;
  9039.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9040.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9041.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9042.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9043.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9044.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9045.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9046.      
  9047.           To apply:
  9048.          &#xD;
  9049.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9050.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9051.      
  9052.            Send a resume and cover letter (with salary requirements) via email only to:
  9053.          &#xD;
  9054.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9055.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9056.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9057.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9058.      
  9059.           Charlotte Carter, Executive Director, 
  9060.          &#xD;
  9061.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9062.    &lt;a href="mailto:charlotte@nysdra.org" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9063.      
  9064.           charlotte@nysdra.org
  9065.          &#xD;
  9066.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9067.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9068.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9069.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9070.      
  9071.           All applications will be confidential.
  9072.          &#xD;
  9073.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9074.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9075.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9076.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9077.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9078.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9079.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9080.      
  9081.           Application Deadline:
  9082.          &#xD;
  9083.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9084.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9085.      
  9086.            February 1, 2016
  9087.          &#xD;
  9088.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9089.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9090.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9091.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9092.      
  9093.           NYSAMP is a program of the New York State Dispute Resolution Association, the leading membership association in New York for dispute resolution professionals, and an administrator of several statewide dispute resolution programs. The NYSDRA offices are located at 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 411, Albany NY.
  9094.          &#xD;
  9095.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9096.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9097.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9098.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9099.      
  9100.           For more information about:
  9101.          &#xD;
  9102.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9103.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9104.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  9105.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9106.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9107.        
  9108.            NYSAMP please visit: 
  9109.           &#xD;
  9110.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9111.      &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/blogpost/1268710/www.nysamp.com" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9112.        
  9113.            www.nysamp.com
  9114.           &#xD;
  9115.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9116.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9117.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9118.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9119.        
  9120.            NYSDRA please visit: 
  9121.           &#xD;
  9122.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9123.      &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/blogpost/1268710/www.nysdra.org" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9124.        
  9125.            www.nysdra.org
  9126.           &#xD;
  9127.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9128.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9129.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9130.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9131.        
  9132.            The CDRCs please visit: 
  9133.           &#xD;
  9134.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9135.      &lt;a href="http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/cdrc.shtml" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9136.        
  9137.            http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/cdrc.shtml
  9138.           &#xD;
  9139.      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9140.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9141.        
  9142.             
  9143.           &#xD;
  9144.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9145.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9146.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  9147.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9148.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9149.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9150.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9151.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/resource/dynamic/blogs/20160104_155641_22167.pdf" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9152.      
  9153.           Download File (PDF)
  9154.          &#xD;
  9155.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9156.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9157.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  9158.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9159.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9160. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  9161.      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2016 01:17:38 GMT</pubDate>
  9162.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/job-opportunity-statewide-director</guid>
  9163.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  9164.    </item>
  9165.    <item>
  9166.      <title>JOB OPPORTUNITY: Youth Program Services Manager</title>
  9167.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/job-opportunity-youth-program-services-manager</link>
  9168.      <description />
  9169.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9170.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  9171.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9172.      
  9173.           JOB OPPORTUNITY: Youth Program Services Manager
  9174.          &#xD;
  9175.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9176.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  9177. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  9178. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9179.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9180.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9181.      
  9182.           Posted By 
  9183.          &#xD;
  9184.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9185.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9186.      
  9187.           Carla Schlist, Director of Marketing and Member Services
  9188.          &#xD;
  9189.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9190.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9191.      
  9192.           , Tuesday, December 29, 2015
  9193.          &#xD;
  9194.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9195.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9196.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9197.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9198.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9199.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9200.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9201.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9202.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9203.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9204.      
  9205.           Youth Program Services Manager
  9206.          &#xD;
  9207.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9208.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9209.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9210.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9211.      
  9212.           Mediation Matters has a new position that will coordinate conflict resolution and restorative justice programs for youth and their communities. This position reports to the Executive Director and is funded by a grant from the Department of Justice and the NYS Unified Court System.
  9213.          &#xD;
  9214.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9215.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9216.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9217.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9218.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9219.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9220.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9221.      
  9222.           Mediation Matters, Inc.
  9223.          &#xD;
  9224.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9225.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9226.      
  9227.            was founded in 1979 as a non-profit, community-based organization to provide the skills and processes that help people handle conflict in a constructive way. The Center specializes in providing mediation and conflict resolution skills, training and consulting. Offices are located in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Glens Falls, NY. Mediation Matters has a strong commitment to serving the diverse communities of the Capital district; applicants who feel they can help us further those goals are strongly encouraged to apply.
  9228.          &#xD;
  9229.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9230.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9231.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9232.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9233.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9234.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9235.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9236.      
  9237.           Job duties
  9238.          &#xD;
  9239.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9240.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9241.      
  9242.            will include, but are not limited to:
  9243.          &#xD;
  9244.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9245.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9246.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9247.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9248.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9249.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9250.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9251.      
  9252.           Conducting outreach to schools, community partners, and community groups to expand youth conflict resolution programming in Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady County;
  9253.          &#xD;
  9254.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9255.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9256.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9257.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9258.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9259.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9260.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9261.      
  9262.           Working with the youth connected to the Albany Family Court Juvenile Drug Court, their families, schools, and others from the community engaged with the youth; coordinating restorative circles for the youth and those involved with the youth; assisting to develop protocols and manage protocols for the restorative justice component of the juvenile drug court; and managing the roster of volunteers with this specialized training;
  9263.          &#xD;
  9264.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9265.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9266.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9267.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9268.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9269.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9270.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9271.      
  9272.           Depending on experience and qualifications this position may also be responsible for managing associated staff, interns or others supporting the program.
  9273.          &#xD;
  9274.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9275.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9276.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9277.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9278.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9279.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9280.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9281.      
  9282.           Qualifications:
  9283.          &#xD;
  9284.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9285.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9286.      
  9287.            Associates Degree or equivalent experience (preference given to those with a degree), demonstrated experience working with youth, training in conflict resolution skills (recommended), computer literacy, good written and oral communication skills, creativity and flexibility.
  9288.          &#xD;
  9289.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9290.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9291.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9292.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9293.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9294.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9295.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9296.      
  9297.           Salary, Hours, and Location:
  9298.          &#xD;
  9299.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9300.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9301.      
  9302.            This is a full-time position (full-time for Mediation Matters is 35 hours per week). Salary is commensurate with experience. The position will largely be based in Albany County; all candidates must have the ability to travel throughout Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties.
  9303.          &#xD;
  9304.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9305.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9306.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9307.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9308.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9309.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9310.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9311.      
  9312.           To apply
  9313.          &#xD;
  9314.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9315.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9316.      
  9317.           , please send a letter of interest outlining applicable skills and salary requirements, résumé, and three references to:
  9318.          &#xD;
  9319.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9320.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9321.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9322.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9323.      
  9324.           Sarah Rudgers-Tysz - Executive Director
  9325.          &#xD;
  9326.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9327.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9328.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9329.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9330.      
  9331.           Mediation Matters
  9332.          &#xD;
  9333.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9334.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9335.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9336.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9337.      
  9338.           10 N. Russell Road, 2nd Floor
  9339.          &#xD;
  9340.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9341.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9342.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9343.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9344.      
  9345.           Albany, NY 12206
  9346.          &#xD;
  9347.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9348.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9349.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9350.    &lt;a href="mailto:sarahrt@mediationmatters.org" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9351.      
  9352.           sarahrt@mediationmatters.org
  9353.          &#xD;
  9354.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9355.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9356.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  9357.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9358.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9359. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  9360.      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2015 01:15:04 GMT</pubDate>
  9361.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/job-opportunity-youth-program-services-manager</guid>
  9362.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  9363.    </item>
  9364.    <item>
  9365.      <title>Emerging Fox</title>
  9366.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/emerging-fox</link>
  9367.      <description />
  9368.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9369.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  9370.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9371.      
  9372.           Emerging Fox
  9373.          &#xD;
  9374.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9375.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  9376. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  9377. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9378.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9379.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9380.      
  9381.           Posted By 
  9382.          &#xD;
  9383.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9384.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9385.      
  9386.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  9387.          &#xD;
  9388.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9389.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9390.      
  9391.           , Monday, December 14, 2015
  9392.          &#xD;
  9393.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9394.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9395.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9396.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9397.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9398.      
  9399.           Metaphors nourish me, especially in my life as a mediator. In addition to pure pleasure and cognitive calories, they help raise into consciousness some of the mysteries of the mediation process. Against plenty of evidence to the contrary, I live in hope that awareness leads to clarity and effective intervention.
  9400.          &#xD;
  9401.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9402.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9403.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9404.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9405.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9406.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9407.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9408.      
  9409.           One of the ineffables is what happens when the muddle and mess of conflict laid out on the table gradually transforms and emerges as bright new solutions and consensus. After decades of practice it still feels like magic.
  9410.          &#xD;
  9411.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9412.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9413.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9414.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9415.      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  9416.        
  9417.            
  9418.           &#xD;
  9419.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9420.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9421.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9422.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9423.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9424.      
  9425.           I recently rediscovered a popular poem called “The Thought-Fox.” Ted Hughes describes the slow and mysterious emergence of a fox in winter; he is also talking about the creation of a poem. He describes the approach of a glowing eye:
  9426.          &#xD;
  9427.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9428.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9429.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9430.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9431.      
  9432.           “A widening deepening greenness,
  9433.            &#xD;
  9434.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9435.      
  9436.           Brilliantly, concentratedly,
  9437.            &#xD;
  9438.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9439.      
  9440.           Coming about its own business.”
  9441.          &#xD;
  9442.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9443.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9444.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9445.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9446.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9447.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9448.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9449.      
  9450.           Richard Webster, a critic, interprets Hughes’s poetic vision as “the conflict between violence and tenderness.” 
  9451.          &#xD;
  9452.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9453.    &lt;a href="http://www.richardwebster.net/tedhughes.html" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9454.      
  9455.           http://www.richardwebster.net/tedhughes.html
  9456.          &#xD;
  9457.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9458.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9459.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9460.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9461.      
  9462.           M
  9463.          &#xD;
  9464.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9465.    &lt;span style="display: inline;"&gt;&#xD;
  9466.      
  9467.           e
  9468.          &#xD;
  9469.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9470.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9471.      
  9472.           diation allows participants to bridge the gap dividing competition and collaboration, and to reconnect with those preservationist impulses to be kind and generous with one another. Mediator neutrality and respect for self-determination ensures that the people we work with “come about [their] own business.” Seeing a fox stirs us with primal responses; witnessing conflict transformation is also a profound and energizing privilege.
  9473.          &#xD;
  9474.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9475.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9476.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  9477.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9478.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9479. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  9480.      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2015 01:12:54 GMT</pubDate>
  9481.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/emerging-fox</guid>
  9482.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  9483.    </item>
  9484.    <item>
  9485.      <title>Take Off Your Shoes: The Sole of Restorative Problem-Solving</title>
  9486.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/take-off-your-shoes-the-sole-of-restorative-problem-solving</link>
  9487.      <description />
  9488.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9489.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  9490.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9491.      
  9492.           Take Off Your Shoes: The Sole of Restorative Problem-Solving
  9493.          &#xD;
  9494.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9495.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  9496. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  9497. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9498.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9499.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9500.      
  9501.           Posted By 
  9502.          &#xD;
  9503.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9504.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9505.      
  9506.           Alison Ritchie, Director of Program Operations
  9507.          &#xD;
  9508.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9509.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9510.      
  9511.           , Tuesday, October 27, 2015
  9512.          &#xD;
  9513.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9514.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9515.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9516.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9517.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9518.      
  9519.           I was fortunate to attend the symposium on Restorative Practices for Youth: Building Relationships in Schools, Juvenile Justice, and Communities last week. The event was presented by the Skidmore College Project on Restorative Justice, the newest venture for NYSDRA board member David Karp.
  9520.          &#xD;
  9521.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9522.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9523.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9524.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9525.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9526.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9527.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9528.      
  9529.           The event included a keynote from Margaret Thorsborne, author of Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools (among others) and internationally-known expert on restorative practices. Her simple yet comprehensive approach to a complex topic left the entire audience inspired and energized to see restorative processes utilized more widely in schools and the juvenile justice system. Marg showed the audience the scientific data needed to prove that punishing school children for bad behavior, and a zero-tolerance approach to problem solving, does not work to change that behavior. Instead of behavior management, schools need to focus on relationship management and creating a positive climate for learning. She used humor and simple examples to show how a person is more able to grow and improve when they are valued and invested in. Her keynote set the perfect tone for the symposium’s panel discussions on implementing restorative processes in schools and working with juvenile justice agencies to incorporate these practices.
  9530.           &#xD;
  9531.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9532.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9533.      
  9534.           Duke Fisher led a particularly interesting lunchtime activity where attendees were asked to participate in their own circle activity during the meal. It was a way for us to “buy-in” to the process by actually using it. At my table, the educators present were more interested in talking amongst themselves than listening to what others had to say. When we were finally focused around a “talking item”, we were able to really hear each other. It was obvious it would take deliberate practice and further training for any of us to lead such an activity amongst students.
  9535.           &#xD;
  9536.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9537.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9538.      
  9539.           Marg also presented a lecture later in the evening on "Understanding the nature of emotional harm: Why restorative problem-solving is good for our brains". We were treated to more light-hearted story-telling while Marg addressed some pretty serious topics. She focused a lot on how negative emotions, when not metabolized, lead to shame. We learned how people’s responses to their own shame can lead to further harm: to self and others. Marg likened our response to a blister on our foot (take off the shoes!) to what should be our response to negative emotions – fix it! Rather than letting the pain and harm continue and fester, a restorative problem-solving approach can allow us to process our negative emotions and move beyond the harm.
  9540.          &#xD;
  9541.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9542.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9543.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  9544.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9545.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9546. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  9547.      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2015 00:10:24 GMT</pubDate>
  9548.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/take-off-your-shoes-the-sole-of-restorative-problem-solving</guid>
  9549.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  9550.    </item>
  9551.    <item>
  9552.      <title>Easy as Pie Recipe for Blogging</title>
  9553.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/easy-as-pie-recipe-for-blogging</link>
  9554.      <description />
  9555.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9556.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  9557.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9558.      
  9559.           Easy as Pie Recipe for Blogging
  9560.          &#xD;
  9561.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9562.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  9563. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  9564. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9565.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9566.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9567.      
  9568.           Posted By 
  9569.          &#xD;
  9570.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9571.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9572.      
  9573.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  9574.          &#xD;
  9575.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9576.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9577.      
  9578.           , Monday, October 19, 2015
  9579.          &#xD;
  9580.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9581.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9582.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9583.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9584.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9585.      
  9586.           I was fortunate to attend the 
  9587.          &#xD;
  9588.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9589.    &lt;a href="http://www.nycon.org/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9590.      
  9591.           New York Council on Nonprofit's
  9592.          &#xD;
  9593.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9594.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9595.      
  9596.            (NYCON) Camp Finance in early October: two days of splendid workshops on finance, social media, governance, technology, and accountability &amp;amp; compliance. Even the panel discussions were packed with information and inspiration. We will briefly acknowledge that a couple of days in the Mohonk Mountain House -- with on-beyond amazing food, views and potential for exploring endless trails, gardens, a labyrinth, rooms with porches, rocking chairs and real fireplaces – didn’t hurt either. Very Nourishing.
  9597.          &#xD;
  9598.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9599.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9600.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9601.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9602.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9603.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9604.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9605.      
  9606.           Jay Wilkinson and the folks from 
  9607.          &#xD;
  9608.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9609.    &lt;a href="http://www.firespring.org/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9610.      
  9611.           Firespring
  9612.          &#xD;
  9613.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9614.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9615.      
  9616.            whetted our appetites with a common sense approach to thought leadership and blogging strategies (check out their 
  9617.          &#xD;
  9618.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9619.    &lt;a href="http://www.firespring.org/education/webinars.html" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9620.      
  9621.           free online webinars
  9622.          &#xD;
  9623.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9624.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9625.      
  9626.           !). Ok, maybe pie making isn’t easy for everyone, but this is worth a try (I’ll even include Lacy’s Impossible Pie, from my school chum. Stay with me.) So, thought leadership requires a commitment to generating great content, becoming an established expert, and inspiring action. This must be true because I heard it first from Carla Schlist, NYSDRA's Membership and Communications Manager.
  9627.           &#xD;
  9628.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9629.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9630.      
  9631.           Ingredients of popular and nutritional blogs:
  9632.          &#xD;
  9633.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9634.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9635.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  9636.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9637.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9638.        
  9639.            Great stories
  9640.           &#xD;
  9641.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9642.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9643.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9644.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9645.        
  9646.            Encourage participation
  9647.           &#xD;
  9648.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9649.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9650.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9651.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9652.        
  9653.            Express gratitude
  9654.           &#xD;
  9655.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9656.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9657.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9658.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9659.        
  9660.            Timely and durable
  9661.           &#xD;
  9662.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9663.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9664.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9665.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9666.        
  9667.            Well edited
  9668.           &#xD;
  9669.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9670.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9671.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9672.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9673.        
  9674.            Short, pointed
  9675.           &#xD;
  9676.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9677.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9678.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9679.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9680.        
  9681.            Team produced
  9682.           &#xD;
  9683.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9684.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9685.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  9686.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9687.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9688.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9689.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9690.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9691.      
  9692.           Production:
  9693.           &#xD;
  9694.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9695.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9696.      
  9697.           1. Select a team of 4-5 people who love to write, journal, etc.
  9698.           &#xD;
  9699.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9700.      
  9701.           2. Meet to discuss the blog theme and mission
  9702.           &#xD;
  9703.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9704.      
  9705.           3. Brainstorm topics (Jay thought we could generate 50 in an hour or two.)
  9706.           &#xD;
  9707.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9708.      
  9709.           4. Divide up the work
  9710.           &#xD;
  9711.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9712.      
  9713.           5. Repeat Steps 3 &amp;amp; 4 as needed.
  9714.           &#xD;
  9715.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9716.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9717.      
  9718.           So are you inspired? Will you act?
  9719.           &#xD;
  9720.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9721.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9722.      
  9723.           At least try this easy pie recipe. Mix 2/3 cup milk, ½ cup baking mix, and 2 eggs. Add 2 cups of vegetables cooked or thawed and ½ cup of cheese. Pour into a greased pie pan, and bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes.
  9724.          &#xD;
  9725.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9726.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9727.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  9728.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9729.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9730. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  9731.      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2015 00:08:55 GMT</pubDate>
  9732.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/easy-as-pie-recipe-for-blogging</guid>
  9733.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  9734.    </item>
  9735.    <item>
  9736.      <title>Mediations Increase at AAA Due to Rule Change</title>
  9737.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/mediations-increase-at-aaa-due-to-rule-change</link>
  9738.      <description />
  9739.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9740.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  9741.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9742.      
  9743.           Mediations Increase at AAA Due to Rule Change
  9744.          &#xD;
  9745.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9746.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  9747. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  9748. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9749.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9750.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9751.      
  9752.           Posted By 
  9753.          &#xD;
  9754.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9755.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9756.      
  9757.           Jeffrey Zaino, Esq.
  9758.          &#xD;
  9759.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9760.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9761.      
  9762.           , Tuesday, July 28, 2015
  9763.          &#xD;
  9764.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9765.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9766.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9767.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  9768.      
  9769.           Updated: Monday, July 27, 2015
  9770.          &#xD;
  9771.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9772.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9773.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9774.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9775.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9776.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9777.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9778.      
  9779.           In October 2013, the American Arbitration Association (AAA) amended the Commercial Rules and made a number of changes. The rules had not been amended for several years. One significant change to the rules was to add the new Rule 9 requiring mandatory mediation for cases where a claim or counterclaim exceeds $75,000. The addition of this rule has had a positive impact with respect to encouraging both mediations and settlements.
  9780.          &#xD;
  9781.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9782.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9783.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9784.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9785.      
  9786.           Rule 9 reads as follows:
  9787.           &#xD;
  9788.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9789.      
  9790.           In all cases where a claim or counterclaim exceeds $75,000, upon the AAA’s administration of the arbitration or at any time while the arbitration is pending, the parties shall mediate their dispute pursuant to the applicable provisions of the AAA’s Commercial Mediation Procedures, or as otherwise agreed by the parties. Absent an agreement of the parties to the contrary, the mediation shall take place concurrently with the arbitration and shall not serve to delay the arbitration proceedings. However, any party to an arbitration may unilaterally opt out of this rule upon notification to the AAA and the other parties to the arbitration. The parties shall confirm the completion of any mediation or any decision to opt out of this rule to the AAA. Unless agreed to by all parties and the mediator, the mediator shall not be appointed as an arbitrator to the case.
  9791.          &#xD;
  9792.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9793.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9794.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9795.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9796.      
  9797.           The AAA saw a 51% increase in commercial mediations from 2013 to 2014 and a large increase in clients opting to mediate after initially filing for arbitration. In 2014, 61% of AAA business-to-business cases were resolved prior to going to award and 43% of those cases were resolved so early that they incurred no arbitrator compensation. There is a clear link between Rule 9 and increases in the AAA mediation caseload and settlements on cases initially filed as arbitrations. 
  9798.           &#xD;
  9799.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9800.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9801.      
  9802.           Though the parties can opt out of Rule 9, the rule has increased positive mediation dialogue between the AAA, parties and counsel. The rule eliminates the “perception of weakness” concern that some parties and counsel may have about merely starting the conversation about mediation. Mediation is now being deemed an important “step” in the arbitration process with the ultimate goal to potentially reach early settlement and avoid a costly arbitration process. Some parties are even opting for a two track process to conduct a mediation session while simultaneously keeping the arbitration process going. 
  9803.            &#xD;
  9804.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9805.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9806.      
  9807.           The International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), the international branch of the AAA, also amended its rules on June 1, 2014 to include discussion about mediation. 
  9808.          &#xD;
  9809.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9810.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9811.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9812.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9813.      
  9814.           Article 5 of the amended rules reads as follows:
  9815.           &#xD;
  9816.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9817.      
  9818.           Following the time for submission of an Answer, the Administrator may invite the parties to mediate in accordance with the ICDR’s International Mediation Rules. At any stage of the proceedings, the parties may agree to mediate in accordance with the ICDR’s International Mediation Rules. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the mediation shall proceed concurrently with arbitration and the mediator shall not be an arbitrator appointed to the case.
  9819.          &#xD;
  9820.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9821.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9822.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9823.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9824.      
  9825.           It is anticipated that this addition to the ICDR rules will also increase mediations.
  9826.          &#xD;
  9827.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9828.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9829.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  9830.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9831.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9832. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  9833.      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2015 00:07:28 GMT</pubDate>
  9834.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/mediations-increase-at-aaa-due-to-rule-change</guid>
  9835.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  9836.    </item>
  9837.    <item>
  9838.      <title>6 Reasons to Make Banning Workplace Bullies Your Business</title>
  9839.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/6-reasons-to-make-banning-workplace-bullies-your-business</link>
  9840.      <description />
  9841.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9842.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  9843.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9844.      
  9845.           6 Reasons to Make Banning Workplace Bullies Your Business
  9846.          &#xD;
  9847.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9848.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  9849. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  9850. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9851.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9852.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9853.      
  9854.           Posted By 
  9855.          &#xD;
  9856.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9857.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  9858.      
  9859.           Tara Fishler, NYSDRA Board President
  9860.          &#xD;
  9861.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9862.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9863.      
  9864.           , Monday, July 6, 2015
  9865.          &#xD;
  9866.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9867.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9868.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9869.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9870.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9871.      
  9872.           Workplace bullies cost businesses more than you might think, jeopardizing workplace safety and morale. That’s why it’s important for businesses to have organizational-wide systems in place to educate employees and management about how to spot and eliminate workplace bullying. Businesses need to create an environment where employees are encouraged to document incidents, feel safe in reporting abuses and can expect a quick and positive resolution. Why is dealing with the workplace bully such as big issue?
  9873.          &#xD;
  9874.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9875.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9876.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9877.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9878.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9879.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9880.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9881.  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
  9882.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9883.      &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9884.        
  9885.            They’re everywhere
  9886.           &#xD;
  9887.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9888.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9889.        
  9890.            . According to a 2010 study by the Workplace Bullying Institute, 35 percent of workers reported that they had been bullied by a co-worker or boss. And workplace bullying is an equal opportunity occurrence, with men and women being both the harassers and the victims. While 68 percent of bullying is same-gender harassment, when women are bullies, their victims are other women 80 percent of the time.
  9891.           &#xD;
  9892.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9893.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9894.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9895.      &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9896.        
  9897.            They’re skilled
  9898.           &#xD;
  9899.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9900.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9901.        
  9902.            . Adult bullies have had decades to develop their patterns of behavior.
  9903.           &#xD;
  9904.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9905.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9906.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9907.      &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9908.        
  9909.            They’re bad for morale
  9910.           &#xD;
  9911.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9912.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9913.        
  9914.            . A bully’s aim is to gain power or elevate their status by belittling or putting down others. Their tactics may range from humiliating targets, gossiping, spreading rumors, attempting to steal or damage property or even stalking their victims.
  9915.           &#xD;
  9916.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9917.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9918.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9919.      &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9920.        
  9921.            They’re costly
  9922.           &#xD;
  9923.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9924.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9925.        
  9926.            . Have a bully in your office? They’re probably costing you big bucks—even if the victims never hit you with a lawsuit. Employees targeted by bullies may experience health problems such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, depression and sleep and anxiety issues. These symptoms can result in absenteeism, reduced productivity and increased turnover.
  9927.           &#xD;
  9928.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9929.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9930.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9931.      &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9932.        
  9933.            They’re pros at isolating their victims
  9934.           &#xD;
  9935.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9936.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9937.        
  9938.            . Forget about just bullying victims when no one else is looking. Bullies can make others complicit in their behavior. Just like on the playground, in the workplace, bullies often recruit “secondary” adults who don’t want to be on the bully’s “bad side.” These adults go along with the bully’s behavior, making the bully’s victims feel even more isolated.
  9939.           &#xD;
  9940.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9941.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9942.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  9943.      &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9944.        
  9945.            Their effects are long-lasting
  9946.           &#xD;
  9947.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9948.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9949.        
  9950.            . Even after the bullying stops or the bully leaves the workplace, the pain they inflicted can linger. Former targets may remain fearful, have difficulty forming trusting relationships and lack confidence
  9951.           &#xD;
  9952.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9953.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  9954.  &lt;/ol&gt;&#xD;
  9955.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9956.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9957.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9958.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9959.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9960.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  9961.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9962.      
  9963.           Tara Fishler is a conflict resolution specialist and founder of Customized Training Solutions, a New York-based provider of conflict resolution, training and strategic management services. Visit 
  9964.          &#xD;
  9965.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9966.    &lt;a href="http://www.tarafishler.com/" target="_blank" style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9967.      
  9968.           www.tarafishler.com
  9969.          &#xD;
  9970.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9971.    &lt;span style="font-style: italic; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9972.      
  9973.            to learn more.
  9974.          &#xD;
  9975.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9976.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9977.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  9978.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9979.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  9980.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  9981.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  9982. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  9983.      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2015 00:05:15 GMT</pubDate>
  9984.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/6-reasons-to-make-banning-workplace-bullies-your-business</guid>
  9985.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  9986.    </item>
  9987.    <item>
  9988.      <title>Dairy Disputes</title>
  9989.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/dairy-disputes</link>
  9990.      <description />
  9991.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  9992.  &lt;h2 style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  9993.    &lt;a href="https://www.nysdra.org/blogpost/1268710/220341/Dairy-Disputes" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  9994.      
  9995.           Dairy Disputes
  9996.          &#xD;
  9997.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  9998.  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  9999. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10000. &lt;div style="" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10001.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10002.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10003.      
  10004.           Posted By 
  10005.          &#xD;
  10006.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10007.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10008.      
  10009.           Peter Glassman, NYSAMP Statewide Director
  10010.          &#xD;
  10011.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10012.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10013.      
  10014.           , Tuesday, June 23, 2015
  10015.          &#xD;
  10016.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10017.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10018.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10019.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10020.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10021.      
  10022.           Kacey Ellsworth, the Executive Director of ACCORD, the Community Dispute Resolution Center that serves Broome and Tioga Counties, recently took a tour of a local dairy farm. ACCORD has been successful in mediating accounts receivable/credit cases involving agricultural producers in her region. These types of cases are funded under the NYS Agricultural Mediation Program. Maybe this kind of outreach can generate more referrals from dairy farms...
  10023.          &#xD;
  10024.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10025.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10026.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10027.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10028.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10029.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10030.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10031.      
  10032.           Here is Kacey’s report with a photo!
  10033.          &#xD;
  10034.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10035.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10036.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10037.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10038.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10039.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10040.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10041.      
  10042.           We learned a lot and now have several contacts that we can follow up on. We gathered information about all of the potential people dairy farmers may owe money to, who may owe money to the dairy farmer, running a small family farm, chores, processes, of course cows and strategies on how to build trust with dairy farmers. It was interesting because they kept saying that running a small family farm was like being on an island; people may come and go but you are really just by yourself and kind of cut off from the rest of the world. They talked about the meetings that were held periodically but said that they only go to the one that gives the forecast of what milk prices will be for the year and that they don’t have time to go to the others.
  10043.          &#xD;
  10044.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10045.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10046.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  10047.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10048.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10049. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10050. &lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  10051.  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/31dd8d9d/dms3rep/multi/Dairy+Disputes.jpg"/&gt;&#xD;
  10052. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  10053.      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2015 00:03:08 GMT</pubDate>
  10054.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/dairy-disputes</guid>
  10055.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Blog Post</g-custom:tags>
  10056.    </item>
  10057.    <item>
  10058.      <title>On the Right Track? Or, Still Waiting for the Paradigm Shift.</title>
  10059.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/on-the-right-track-or-still-waiting-for-the-paradigm-shift</link>
  10060.      <description />
  10061.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10062.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  10063.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10064.      
  10065.           On the Right Track? Or, Still Waiting for the Paradigm Shift.
  10066.          &#xD;
  10067.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10068.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  10069. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10070. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10071.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10072.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10073.      
  10074.           Posted By 
  10075.          &#xD;
  10076.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10077.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10078.      
  10079.           Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director
  10080.          &#xD;
  10081.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10082.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10083.      
  10084.           , Wednesday, June 17, 2015
  10085.           &#xD;
  10086.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10087.      
  10088.           Updated: Wednesday, June 17, 2015
  10089.          &#xD;
  10090.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10091.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10092.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10093.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10094.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10095.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10096.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10097.      
  10098.           Many decades ago, I discovered “ADR” after representing feuding parents in a heartbreaking family court case as part of my law school clinic. The parents used the tools they learned in court to attack each another and maximize damage. Their children suffered with the resulting mental, emotional, and physical manifestations. Two fine institutions - the legal system and the family - were on a disastrous collision course. There had to be a better way to manage parental conflict and to protect children.
  10099.           &#xD;
  10100.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10101.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10102.      
  10103.           I spent the next semester reading and writing about ADR. That independent study changed my life goals and direction. It was clear that the legal system, rooted in rights-based litigation, was good at resolving many disputes. However, it was not always suited to resolving conflicts that involved restructuring important relationships. ADR offered potential for collaborative problem solving, and preserving personal and business relationships. Dispute resolution faced legitimate challenges about the delivery of justice, conflict with the mainstream legal community, and problems with scaling up design, funding and implementing of programs. Nevertheless, a shift towards social justice seemed desirable and inevitable.
  10104.           &#xD;
  10105.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10106.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10107.      
  10108.           Fast forward, and we are still waiting for that paradigm shift. And still wondering if we are on the right track. If so, why is progress and support for a more effective, accessible, and fair justice system so slow? Why isn’t mediation a common, or even mandatory, first step for more disputes? Why are we still the “alternative,” when as a young friend observed “Oh, you mean what you do is 
  10109.          &#xD;
  10110.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10111.    &lt;span style="display: initial; text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  10112.      
  10113.           actual
  10114.          &#xD;
  10115.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10116.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10117.      
  10118.            dispute resolution?”
  10119.           &#xD;
  10120.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10121.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10122.      
  10123.           I don’t know.
  10124.           &#xD;
  10125.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10126.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10127.      
  10128.           What I do know is that decades of experience as a community mediator and another decade with NYSDRA have only reinforced my early convictions and excitement. My mentors have been the folks who were willing to give it a try. It is a challenge and a privilege to sit with them and witness the hurt, anger, misunderstanding, mistrust, and mean-spiritedness we all feel in conflict. Gradually, the energy shifts in response to the reflections, questions, or interventions that resonate in the room. Surprisingly often, we have the honor to see those same folks reach deep into reservoirs of hope, trust, and creativity that had been temporarily inaccessible. Collaborative problem solving becomes manifest.
  10129.           &#xD;
  10130.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10131.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10132.      
  10133.           So there I go again, testifying to the converted. What do we need to do differently to juice up that paradigm shift? Here are a few suggestions:
  10134.          &#xD;
  10135.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10136.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10137.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  10138.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10139.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10140.        
  10141.            • 
  10142.           &#xD;
  10143.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10144.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10145.        
  10146.            Walk that talk, model that shift:
  10147.           &#xD;
  10148.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10149.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10150.        
  10151.             Use mediation in your own life to address unresolved conflict, or for planning purposes, especially where there are complex substantive matters, important relationships and/or high emotions involved.
  10152.           &#xD;
  10153.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10154.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10155.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10156.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10157.        
  10158.            • 
  10159.           &#xD;
  10160.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10161.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10162.        
  10163.            Talk the walk:
  10164.           &#xD;
  10165.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10166.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10167.        
  10168.             Educate others by catching them doing it right. Notice when people around you are using good skills in communication, negotiation or conflict management. Tell them what they did and why you noticed. (Thank you to Dan Weitz and Sheila Sproule of OCA/ADR for their workshop at NYSDRA’s Annual Conference).
  10169.           &#xD;
  10170.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10171.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10172.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10173.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10174.        
  10175.            • 
  10176.           &#xD;
  10177.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10178.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10179.        
  10180.            Promote and challenge:
  10181.           &#xD;
  10182.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10183.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10184.        
  10185.             Ask a roomful of mediators if they utilize mediation and how often. (Once for your divorce is not enough!) Urge your family, friends, and acquaintances to use dispute resolution. Look for opportunities to promote mediation to manage conflict and change in your communities.
  10186.           &#xD;
  10187.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10188.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10189.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10190.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10191.        
  10192.            • 
  10193.           &#xD;
  10194.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10195.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10196.        
  10197.            Get out of our box:
  10198.           &#xD;
  10199.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10200.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10201.        
  10202.             Talk to people in other professions, businesses, or in communities that are different from your own. Ask questions, listen closely, and then explain dispute resolution in new and relevant ways. Lose the jargon. Promote our values, skills, and services with other social causes or charities.
  10203.           &#xD;
  10204.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10205.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10206.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10207.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10208.        
  10209.            • 
  10210.           &#xD;
  10211.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10212.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10213.        
  10214.            Stop social grooming
  10215.           &#xD;
  10216.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10217.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10218.        
  10219.             and preaching to the converted. Don’t assume that the public or other professionals understand or need your services. Invite yourself to the table. Don’t be neutral about your profession.
  10220.           &#xD;
  10221.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10222.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10223.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10224.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10225.        
  10226.            • 
  10227.           &#xD;
  10228.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10229.      &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10230.        
  10231.            Talk to power:
  10232.           &#xD;
  10233.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10234.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10235.        
  10236.             Commit to building awareness and solidarity. Join organizations involved in mediation advocacy and outreach. Communicate regularly with policy and decision makers on every level.
  10237.           &#xD;
  10238.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10239.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10240.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  10241.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10242.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10243.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10244.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10245.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10246.      
  10247.           What is on your list? What ideas do you have for increasing the effectiveness and visibility of dispute resolution? I’ll be exploring some of the suggestions in more detail in future posts. Please feel free to comment below.
  10248.          &#xD;
  10249.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10250.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10251.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  10252.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10253.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10254. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  10255.      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2015 23:38:34 GMT</pubDate>
  10256.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/on-the-right-track-or-still-waiting-for-the-paradigm-shift</guid>
  10257.      <g-custom:tags type="string">conflict management,planning,interest based,collaborative,problem solving,advocacy,NYSDRA,Blog Post,paradigm shift,ADR,dispute resolution,social justice</g-custom:tags>
  10258.    </item>
  10259.    <item>
  10260.      <title>O Baltimore!</title>
  10261.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/o-baltimore</link>
  10262.      <description />
  10263.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10264.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  10265.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10266.      
  10267.           O Baltimore!
  10268.          &#xD;
  10269.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10270.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  10271. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10272. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10273.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10274.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10275.      
  10276.           Posted By 
  10277.          &#xD;
  10278.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10279.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10280.      
  10281.           Peter Glassman, NYSAMP Statewide Director
  10282.          &#xD;
  10283.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10284.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10285.      
  10286.           , Friday, May 1, 2015
  10287.          &#xD;
  10288.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10289.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10290.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10291.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10292.      
  10293.           Updated: Wednesday, May 6, 2015
  10294.          &#xD;
  10295.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10296.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10297.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10298.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10299.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10300.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10301.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10302.      
  10303.           I just returned from three days in Baltimore. I was there for a conference of the Coalition for Agriculture Mediation Programs. We were holed up in a downtown hotel – advised not to venture outside while watching horrifying video of ongoing mayhem on the local news. Police, fire and military vehicles could be frequently seen and heard speeding by on downtown streets.
  10304.          &#xD;
  10305.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10306.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10307.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10308.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10309.      
  10310.            
  10311.          &#xD;
  10312.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10313.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10314.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10315.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10316.      
  10317.           The irony was not lost on us that we had traveled from around the country to share our skills and experiences in conflict management while violent conflict raged around us. And yet we dared not venture outside.
  10318.          &#xD;
  10319.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10320.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10321.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10322.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10323.      
  10324.            
  10325.          &#xD;
  10326.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10327.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10328.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10329.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10330.      
  10331.           Hotel staff spoke of lifetimes of experiences with the Baltimore police ranging from disrespectful to appalling.
  10332.          &#xD;
  10333.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10334.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10335.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10336.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10337.      
  10338.            
  10339.          &#xD;
  10340.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10341.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10342.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10343.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10344.      
  10345.           When the conference ended on Wednesday, I ventured down to the Inner Harbor. Many Baltimoreans complain about the amount of development dollars that have been plowed into this slick, touristy area, while blight and decay overtake most other neighborhoods in the city. An Orioles game at nearby Camden Yards was played in the stadium’s empty, cavernous expanse. The game was closed to the public for safety reasons. Interesting business model.
  10346.          &#xD;
  10347.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10348.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10349.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10350.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10351.      
  10352.            
  10353.          &#xD;
  10354.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10355.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10356.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10357.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10358.      
  10359.           There, amidst the pristine streets, glitzy Anne Taylors and Cheesecake Factorys, were hundreds of National Guard soldiers armed with automatic weapons. Humvees were ostentatiously parked everywhere. People cheerfully approached these soldiers to snap selfies. A bonus tourist attraction.
  10360.          &#xD;
  10361.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10362.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10363.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10364.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10365.      
  10366.            
  10367.          &#xD;
  10368.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10369.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10370.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10371.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10372.      
  10373.           Though I have lots of strong opinions on the state of race and the criminal justice system in our country – I will demur for now. What I’d like to share is how bizarre and disconcerting these images were. How quickly curfews and militarization can become the new normal. And how chilling that prospect is.
  10374.          &#xD;
  10375.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10376.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10377.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10378.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10379.      
  10380.            
  10381.          &#xD;
  10382.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10383.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10384.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10385.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10386.      
  10387.           I mused for a bit on the toxic level of injustice and inequality that is underscored by the contrast among the gorgeous Inner Harbor, the presence of military personnel and equipment, and the poverty, blight and hopelessness that exists mere blocks away. I cogitated on the role we as dispute resolution professionals could play in righting these wrongs. 
  10388.          &#xD;
  10389.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10390.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10391.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10392.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10393.      
  10394.            
  10395.          &#xD;
  10396.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10397.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10398.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10399.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10400.      
  10401.           Then I went to the Aquarium. 
  10402.          &#xD;
  10403.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10404.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10405.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  10406.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10407.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10408.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10409.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10410. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  10411.      <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2015 23:23:08 GMT</pubDate>
  10412.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/o-baltimore</guid>
  10413.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Baltimore,Riots,Police,Blog Post,Mediation</g-custom:tags>
  10414.    </item>
  10415.    <item>
  10416.      <title>Is My Child With Special Needs Being Bullied?</title>
  10417.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/is-my-child-with-special-needs-being-bullied</link>
  10418.      <description />
  10419.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10420.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  10421.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10422.      
  10423.           Is My Child With Special Needs Being Bullied?
  10424.          &#xD;
  10425.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10426.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  10427. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10428. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10429.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  10430.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10431.      
  10432.           Posted By 
  10433.          &#xD;
  10434.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10435.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10436.      
  10437.           Tara Fishler, NYSDRA Board President
  10438.          &#xD;
  10439.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10440.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10441.      
  10442.           , Tuesday, April 28, 2015
  10443.          &#xD;
  10444.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10445.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10446.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  10447.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-style: italic;"&gt;&#xD;
  10448.      
  10449.           Updated: Tuesday, May 5, 2015
  10450.          &#xD;
  10451.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10452.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10453.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  10454.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10455.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10456.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  10457.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 500;"&gt;&#xD;
  10458.      
  10459.           One in four kids in the U.S. is bullied on a regular basis. That’s bad enough, but what’s worse is that according to several studies, the rates are usually two to three times higher, for children with special needs. In nearby Connecticut, more than 50 percent of tracked bullying reports involved a student with a disability or an IEP. 
  10460.          &#xD;
  10461.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10462.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10463.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.1;"&gt;&#xD;
  10464.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10465.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10466.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10467.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10468.      
  10469.           While more and more schools are developing anti-bullying programs and policies, there’s still a great deal of work to be done, particularly for kids with special needs. For many of these kids, their parents will always remain their primary advocate.
  10470.          &#xD;
  10471.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10472.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10473.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10474.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10475.      
  10476.           The good news is, there are proactive steps that parents can take to protect their kids and create a healthier, more accepting environment in their schools and communities.
  10477.          &#xD;
  10478.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10479.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10480.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10481.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10482.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10483.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10484.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10485.      
  10486.           How Do You Know If It’s Bullying?
  10487.          &#xD;
  10488.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10489.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10490.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10491.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10492.      
  10493.           In the past, bullying issues were, at best, addressed haphazardly, and at worst, swept under the rug. Now, it’s taken more seriously, which is good. However, it’s also created confusion, because “bullying” has become a catch-all phrase for all kinds of peer conflicts, such as teasing and other relationship issues. In addition, since a child with special needs may not be able explain exactly what’s happening, how do you know if it’s a bullying situation or just “kids being kids?”
  10494.          &#xD;
  10495.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10496.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10497.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10498.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10499.      
  10500.           Bullying is defined as behavior that is intentional, aggressive and negative, carried out repeatedly against one or more targets. Bullying occurs in relationships where there is an imbalance of power between the parties involved.
  10501.          &#xD;
  10502.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10503.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10504.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10505.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10506.      
  10507.           Evaluating the balance of power in a conflict is often the best way to identify bullying versus teasing. If one party is afraid of the other, it’s more likely to be a bullying situation. When a child has special needs, it can be especially hard to tell what is really going on.
  10508.          &#xD;
  10509.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10510.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10511.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10512.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10513.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10514.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10515.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10516.      
  10517.           Why Kids with Special Needs Are Targeted
  10518.          &#xD;
  10519.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10520.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10521.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10522.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10523.      
  10524.            Kids with physical, developmental, intellectual, behavioral, sensory disabilities and even allergies are more likely to be bullied than others. Studies indicate that when kids have visible physical disabilities, they are more likely to be victimized.
  10525.          &#xD;
  10526.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10527.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10528.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10529.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10530.      
  10531.           In addition, children with special needs often have a lower baseline social standing than their fellow students, which makes them more vulnerable from the start. When part of a child’s condition includes social challenges, such as autism, Social Communication Disorder (formerly Asperger’s syndrome), and ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), the problem is intensified. Kids who have trouble holding conversations or making friends, or who have a low frustration threshold, are prime targets.
  10532.          &#xD;
  10533.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10534.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10535.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10536.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10537.      
  10538.           Ironically, the recent inclusion movement in schools may have actually made students with special needs more vulnerable. Special classes, aides, and technological equipment highlight the fact that these students are “different.” And being “different” can set kids up not only for social ostracism, but as the go-to target of bullies.
  10539.          &#xD;
  10540.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10541.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10542.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10543.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10544.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10545.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10546.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10547.      
  10548.           How to Spot if Your Child Is Being Bullied
  10549.          &#xD;
  10550.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10551.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10552.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10553.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10554.      
  10555.           The first indication of a bullying problem is often a change in a child’s behavior. Often, kids who are being victimized:
  10556.          &#xD;
  10557.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10558.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10559.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  10560.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10561.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10562.        
  10563.            Become reluctant to go to school.
  10564.           &#xD;
  10565.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10566.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10567.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10568.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10569.        
  10570.            Start eating or sleeping poorly, or too much.
  10571.           &#xD;
  10572.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10573.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10574.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10575.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10576.        
  10577.            Lose interest in classwork and slip academically.
  10578.           &#xD;
  10579.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10580.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10581.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10582.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10583.        
  10584.            Lose interest in friends and favorite activities.
  10585.           &#xD;
  10586.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10587.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10588.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10589.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10590.        
  10591.            Become moody or get upset easily.
  10592.           &#xD;
  10593.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10594.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10595.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10596.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10597.        
  10598.            Regress in toileting and other skills.
  10599.           &#xD;
  10600.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10601.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10602.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10603.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10604.        
  10605.            Complain of headaches or stomach aches.
  10606.           &#xD;
  10607.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10608.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10609.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10610.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10611.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10612.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  10613.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10614.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10615.      
  10616.           In addition, look for physical signs, including:
  10617.          &#xD;
  10618.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10619.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10620.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  10621.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10622.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10623.        
  10624.            Cuts, bruises, or injuries that weren’t there in the morning.
  10625.           &#xD;
  10626.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10627.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10628.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10629.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10630.        
  10631.            Torn or dirty clothing.
  10632.           &#xD;
  10633.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10634.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10635.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10636.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10637.        
  10638.            Damaged or missing belongings.
  10639.           &#xD;
  10640.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10641.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10642.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  10643.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10644.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  10645.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  10646.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10647.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10648.      
  10649.           If you suspect your child may be the target of bullying, document the situation and bring it to the attention of their teacher(s) and Principal. For more tips about how to handle bullying situations, visit 
  10650.          &#xD;
  10651.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10652.    &lt;a href="http://www.tarafishler.com/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10653.      
  10654.           www.tarafishler.com
  10655.          &#xD;
  10656.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  10657.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10658.      
  10659.           .
  10660.          &#xD;
  10661.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10662.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10663.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  10664.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10665.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10666. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  10667.      <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2015 23:17:15 GMT</pubDate>
  10668.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/is-my-child-with-special-needs-being-bullied</guid>
  10669.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Bullying,Anger Management,Diversity,Special Needs,Anti-Bullying,Blog Post,Mediation</g-custom:tags>
  10670.    </item>
  10671.    <item>
  10672.      <title>Ray Rice's future in arbitrator's hands as appeal ends</title>
  10673.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/ray-rice-s-future-in-arbitrator-s-hands-as-appeal-ends</link>
  10674.      <description />
  10675.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10676.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  10677.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10678.      
  10679.           Ray Rice's future in arbitrator's hands as appeal ends
  10680.          &#xD;
  10681.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10682.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  10683. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10684. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10685.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10686.    &lt;a href="http://www.usatoday.com/staff/4989/lorenzo-reyes/" target="_blank" style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10687.      
  10688.           Lorenzo Reyes
  10689.          &#xD;
  10690.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  10691.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10692.      
  10693.           , USA TODAY
  10694.          &#xD;
  10695.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10696.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10697.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10698.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10699.      
  10700.           1:36 p.m. EST November 7, 2014
  10701.           &#xD;
  10702.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10703.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10704.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10705.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10706.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10707.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10708.        
  10709.             
  10710.           &#xD;
  10711.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10712.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10713.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10714.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10715.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10716.      
  10717.           NEW YORK — The Ray Rice arbitration appeal hearing has finished.
  10718.          &#xD;
  10719.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10720.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10721.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10722.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10723.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10724.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10725.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10726.      
  10727.           "It's over," Rice's attorney Peter Ginsberg said Thursday as he left the midtown building where the hearing was heard.
  10728.          &#xD;
  10729.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10730.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10731.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10732.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10733.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10734.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10735.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10736.      
  10737.           The hearing lasted two days and included testimony from Rice, his wife, Janay, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, among others.
  10738.          &#xD;
  10739.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10740.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10741.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10742.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10743.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10744.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10745.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10746.      
  10747.           Former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones placed a gag order on the proceedings, prohibiting all sides from talking publicly about the case.
  10748.          &#xD;
  10749.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10750.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10751.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10752.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10753.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10754.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10755.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10756.      
  10757.           As Ginsberg walked away from the building, he was asked if the hearing went as expected.
  10758.          &#xD;
  10759.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10760.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10761.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10762.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10763.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10764.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10765.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10766.      
  10767.           "Generally speaking, yes, but I'm really not going to talk about it."
  10768.          &#xD;
  10769.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10770.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10771.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10772.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10773.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10774.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10775.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10776.      
  10777.           The NFL Players Association released a statement Thursday afternoon which read: "The NFLPA thanks Judge Barbara Jones for presiding over a fair and thorough hearing. This is the first time in the history of our League that a disciplinary hearing has been conducted pursuant to a joint agreement on a neutral arbitrator. We commend NFL owners and officials for the wisdom of this decision which enhances the credibility and integrity of our business.
  10778.          &#xD;
  10779.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10780.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10781.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10782.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10783.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10784.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10785.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10786.      
  10787.           "The collectively bargained rights of all players must be vehemently preserved and we take that obligation seriously. This appeal, presided over by a neutral arbitrator, which included a presentation of all the relevant facts, witness testimony to the truth and cross examination, is the due process that every athlete deserves."
  10788.          &#xD;
  10789.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10790.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10791.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10792.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10793.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10794.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10795.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10796.      
  10797.           Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome was among the first to arrive Thursday morning.
  10798.          &#xD;
  10799.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10800.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10801.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10802.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10803.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10804.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10805.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10806.      
  10807.           Rice and his wife, Janay, arrived together in a black car around 9:20 a.m. ET.
  10808.          &#xD;
  10809.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10810.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10811.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10812.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10813.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10814.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10815.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10816.      
  10817.           At 3:10 p.m ET, Ray Rice's car backed into the loading dock before its gates were shut. Security guards covered up windows to prevent Rice from being photographed, but as the car rolled out into traffic, Rice was spotted in the backseat.
  10818.          &#xD;
  10819.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10820.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10821.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10822.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10823.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10824.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10825.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10826.      
  10827.           Janay was seen leaving the building around noon through the rear entrance before hopping in a different car that drove off.
  10828.          &#xD;
  10829.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10830.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10831.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10832.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10833.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10834.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10835.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10836.      
  10837.           It's unclear when Newsome left the building.
  10838.          &#xD;
  10839.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10840.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10841.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  10842.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10843.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10844. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  10845.      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2014 23:57:23 GMT</pubDate>
  10846.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/ray-rice-s-future-in-arbitrator-s-hands-as-appeal-ends</guid>
  10847.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  10848.    </item>
  10849.    <item>
  10850.      <title>NYSDRA Centers Awarded National Funding for Veteran and Military Programs</title>
  10851.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/nysdra-centers-awarded-national-funding-for-veteran-and-military-programs</link>
  10852.      <description />
  10853.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10854.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10855.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10856.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10857.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  10858.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10859.      
  10860.           NYSDRA Centers Awarded National Funding for Veteran and Military Programs
  10861.          &#xD;
  10862.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10863.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  10864. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10865. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10866.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10867.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10868.      
  10869.           Friday, September 26, 2014
  10870.          &#xD;
  10871.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10872.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10873.      
  10874.            
  10875.            &#xD;
  10876.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10877.      
  10878.           Posted by: Carla Schlist, Membership and Communications Manager
  10879.          &#xD;
  10880.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10881.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10882.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10883.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10884.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10885.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10886.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10887.      
  10888.           CONGRATULATIONS!
  10889.          &#xD;
  10890.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10891.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10892.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10893.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10894.      
  10895.           Mediation Matters (Albany) and CFS Center for Resolution and Justice (Buffalo) are two of six community centers in the country to be awarded funding for developing mediation programs for veterans and military families.
  10896.          &#xD;
  10897.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10898.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10899.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10900.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10901.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10902.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10903.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10904.      
  10905.           NYSDRA is very excited about this opportunity to expand these programs and provide important resources across New York State. 
  10906.          &#xD;
  10907.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10908.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10909.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10910.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10911.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10912.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10913.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10914.      
  10915.           To read the full article please visit 
  10916.          &#xD;
  10917.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10918.    &lt;a href="http://www.nafcm.org/" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10919.      
  10920.           http://www.nafcm.org/
  10921.          &#xD;
  10922.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  10923.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10924.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  10925.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10926.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10927. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  10928.      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:55:03 GMT</pubDate>
  10929.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/nysdra-centers-awarded-national-funding-for-veteran-and-military-programs</guid>
  10930.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  10931.    </item>
  10932.    <item>
  10933.      <title>Mediate, Don't Litigate Your Delinquent Accounts!</title>
  10934.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/mediate-don-t-litigate-your-delinquent-accounts</link>
  10935.      <description />
  10936.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10937.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  10938.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10939.      
  10940.           Mediate, Don't Litigate Your Delinquent Accounts!
  10941.          &#xD;
  10942.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10943.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  10944. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  10945. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  10946.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10947.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  10948.      
  10949.           Tuesday, September 23, 2014
  10950.          &#xD;
  10951.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10952.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10953.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10954.        
  10955.             
  10956.           &#xD;
  10957.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10958.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10959.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10960.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10961.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10962.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10963.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10964.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10965.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10966.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  10967.      
  10968.           Why don’t customers just pay what they owe?
  10969.          &#xD;
  10970.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10971.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10972.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10973.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10974.      
  10975.           Most accounts are overdue because of life circumstances and hard times, not out of any intent to permanently avoid payment. Many folks experiencing these difficulties are embarrassed that they have fallen behind, and avoid the situation altogether.
  10976.          &#xD;
  10977.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10978.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10979.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10980.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10981.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10982.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10983.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  10984.      
  10985.           Can’t I just sue them?
  10986.          &#xD;
  10987.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10988.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10989.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10990.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  10991.      
  10992.           You can, but hard ball collection tactics such as lawyer threats, intimidation, litigation and debt collection firms often increase customer resistance resulting in fewer collections on delinquent accounts and a permanent loss of customers. And while you may “win” in court by obtaining a judgment, collecting on that judgment is a whole different ball game. 
  10993.          &#xD;
  10994.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  10995.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10996.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  10997.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  10998.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  10999.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11000.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  11001.      
  11002.           What other choice do I have?
  11003.          &#xD;
  11004.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11005.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11006.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11007.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11008.      
  11009.           Why not try mediation? A trained mediator will approach debtors in a friendly, respectful way to work out the details of a payment plan that the customer can stick to. Demonstrate good customer service, even in your collection policies.
  11010.          &#xD;
  11011.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11012.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11013.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11014.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11015.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11016.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11017.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&#xD;
  11018.      
  11019.           Does it work?
  11020.          &#xD;
  11021.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11022.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11023.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11024.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11025.      
  11026.           While no system is 100% effective in collecting on delinquent accounts, our Credit Mediation Program has demonstrated a distinguished track record:
  11027.          &#xD;
  11028.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11029.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11030.  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
  11031.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  11032.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11033.        
  11034.            High settlement rate
  11035.           &#xD;
  11036.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11037.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  11038.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  11039.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11040.        
  11041.            High compliance rate
  11042.           &#xD;
  11043.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11044.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  11045.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  11046.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11047.        
  11048.            Your customers remain customers
  11049.           &#xD;
  11050.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11051.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  11052.    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
  11053.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11054.        
  11055.            Your employees are freed up for more pleasant and productive work
  11056.           &#xD;
  11057.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11058.    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  11059.  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  11060.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  11061.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11062.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11063. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  11064.      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2014 22:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
  11065.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/mediate-don-t-litigate-your-delinquent-accounts</guid>
  11066.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  11067.    </item>
  11068.    <item>
  11069.      <title>NYSDRA Lifetime Sponsor for Mediation Settlement Day</title>
  11070.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/nysdra-lifetime-sponsor-for-mediation-settlement-day</link>
  11071.      <description />
  11072.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11073.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  11074.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11075.      
  11076.           NYSDRA Lifetime Sponsor for Mediation Settlement Day
  11077.          &#xD;
  11078.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11079.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  11080. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  11081. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11082.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11083.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11084.      
  11085.           Wednesday, August 20, 2014
  11086.          &#xD;
  11087.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11088.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11089.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11090.        
  11091.             
  11092.           &#xD;
  11093.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11094.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11095.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11096.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11097.    &lt;a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;amp;pub=yourmembership" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11098.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11099.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  11100.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11101.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11102.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11103.      
  11104.           NYSDRA is a Lifetime Sponsor for Mediation Settlement Day being held at New York Law School on October 7th.
  11105.          &#xD;
  11106.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11107.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11108.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11109.    &lt;span style="font-weight: 700; display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11110.      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
  11111.        
  11112.            
  11113.           &#xD;
  11114.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11115.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11116.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11117.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11118.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11119.      
  11120.           Mediation Settlement Day is an annual event designed to raise awareness about the many benefits of mediation and the wealth of available resources for people in conflict. Organizations throughout the United States and beyond coordinate efforts to celebrate and promote mediation on the same day each year. On this day and throughout the month of October, organizations conduct special programs to promote mediation and to educate potential parties and attorneys about the mediation process. The aim is to encourage parties to try mediation for the first time and to reinforce its value and effectiveness to those who have benefitted from it before.
  11121.          &#xD;
  11122.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11123.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11124.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11125.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11126.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11127.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  11128.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11129.      
  11130.           For all information on Mediation Settlement Day and the Annual Kick-Off Event 
  11131.          &#xD;
  11132.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11133.    &lt;a href="http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/MSD.shtml" target="_blank" style="display: initial; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  11134.      
  11135.           click here.
  11136.           &#xD;
  11137.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11138.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  11139.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11140. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  11141.      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2014 22:50:34 GMT</pubDate>
  11142.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/nysdra-lifetime-sponsor-for-mediation-settlement-day</guid>
  11143.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  11144.    </item>
  11145.    <item>
  11146.      <title>Free Mediation in New York City</title>
  11147.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/free-mediation-in-new-york-city</link>
  11148.      <description />
  11149.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11150.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  11151.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11152.      
  11153.           Free Mediation in New York City
  11154.          &#xD;
  11155.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11156.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  11157. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  11158. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11159.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11160.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  11161.      
  11162.           Friday, March 21, 2014
  11163.          &#xD;
  11164.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11165.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11166.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11167.        
  11168.             
  11169.           &#xD;
  11170.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11171.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11172.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11173.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11174.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11175.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11176.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11177.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11178.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  11179.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  11180.      
  11181.           Wall Street Journal
  11182.          &#xD;
  11183.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11184.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11185.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11186.      
  11187.           By Anne Kadet
  11188.           &#xD;
  11189.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11190.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11191.      
  11192.           It's nearly a cliché: In New York, city of overpriced everything, you can get the most amazing stuff free of charge. We've got free Fridays at MoMA, free kayaking at the Downtown Boathouse, free lunch with the Hare Krishnas—yada, yada, yada. But recently, I heard a new one: A pal got his family squabble resolved through free mediation at something called the New York Peace Institute.
  11193.           &#xD;
  11194.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11195.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11196.      
  11197.           Free mediation? The going rate for formal mediation is worse than therapy—$250 an hour or more. But when I called the Peace Institute, CEO Brad Heckman confirmed my buddy's account: Whether you're squabbling with a tenant, your ex-wife or the exterminator, you can stop by the institute's Financial District office for a confidential session with your personal King Solomon.
  11198.           &#xD;
  11199.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11200.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11201.      
  11202.           There's almost no case it won't take. Roommates fighting over the dishes, bizarre love triangles, a co-worker stealing ideas—the institute's mediators see it all. And the solutions are often surprising. Mr. Heckman fondly recalls two co-op owners who solved their noise problem by swapping apartments.
  11203.           &#xD;
  11204.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11205.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11206.      
  11207.           The program has a 70% success rate—meaning both parties agree to a solution. That sure beats the courtroom, where at least one party is guaranteed to leave mad while the lawyers go home rich.
  11208.           &#xD;
  11209.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11210.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11211.      
  11212.           Mr. Heckman connected me with one client, a Brooklyn gallery owner (the institute keeps identities of participants anonymous) who admits to ignoring complaints about his noisy events. He thought his new arts center was a huge plus for the community and couldn't understand why the neighbors didn't appreciate his wonderful contribution.
  11213.           &#xD;
  11214.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11215.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11216.      
  11217.           His angry neighbors were also a bit unreasonable, insisting that their commercially zoned block maintain a state of paradisal tranquility. "I was acting like a 12-year-old," says the gallery owner, "and they were acting like 13-year-olds."
  11218.           &#xD;
  11219.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11220.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11221.      
  11222.           After months of complaints, drama and police visits, the whole gang was referred to the institute by a community affairs officer. Both parties say tensions ran high at the start of the four-hour meeting. But the mediators gave everyone uninterrupted talking time and repeated their statements, allowing each side to hear the information from a neutral party.
  11223.           &#xD;
  11224.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11225.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11226.      
  11227.           The atmosphere softened. The neighbors learned about the gallery's mission—it wasn't just a party space. The gallery owner agreed to install sound-proof windows and hire security. Two years later, they're swapping holiday gifts.
  11228.           &#xD;
  11229.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11230.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11231.      
  11232.           Not every case is a winner. I spoke with two residents in a Harlem co-op who are fighting over a barking dog. The upstairs resident, a sales rep, admits that her 30-pound mutt has his lively moments, especially when a friend's pooch comes over to play at night. But he certainly doesn't bark in the morning—that's when she meditates! "What my neighbor is complaining about is picayune crap," she says.
  11233.           &#xD;
  11234.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11235.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11236.      
  11237.           Her downstairs neighbor, an actor, says the situation is constant and unbearable: "I have two dogs overhead, freaking out, banging the furniture and howling like wolves."
  11238.           &#xD;
  11239.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11240.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11241.      
  11242.           The co-op board sent them to mediation, but to no avail. The sales rep says the session merely convinced her that her neighbor is impossible to please. The actor says he may have to move.
  11243.           &#xD;
  11244.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11245.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11246.      
  11247.           But here's the odd part: They're both pleased with their experience at the institute, if only because they both believe the session gave them the opportunity to prove that their neighbor is crazy. This reaction isn't uncommon, says Mr. Heckman. In fact, he says there's little correlation between client satisfaction and case outcome: "This is the only place where someone is just going to listen and not judge you. It's almost magical."
  11248.           &#xD;
  11249.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11250.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11251.      
  11252.           So who are these magical mediators? Volunteers. The nonprofit Peace Institute, with its staff of 15, is largely funded by the courts—it's designed to relieve a clogged legal system. But the joint couldn't operate without its army of 450 pro bono mediators who pay for their own training.
  11253.           &#xD;
  11254.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11255.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11256.      
  11257.           And what a crew. Yes, there's the expected moonlighting social workers and "recovering attorneys," along with teachers, cabbies and artists. But this is New York, so you might get your case mediated by a professional hostage negotiator, U.N. ombudsman or retired peacekeeper.
  11258.           &#xD;
  11259.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11260.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11261.      
  11262.           It's a tough job—especially for mediators accepting criminal cases referred by the courts. Mediator Claudia Maffettone says she's been presented with cases and stories "beyond anything you can imagine." But she finds even the most outrageous acts can be understood, if not justified.
  11263.           &#xD;
  11264.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11265.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11266.      
  11267.           If this sounds like a fun chance to play Judge Judy, think again. Mediators don't issue orders, or even offer solutions. The job is to extract a broader understanding of the situation that helps participants generate their own fix. "If you're thinking of a solution, you're not mediating," goes the saying.
  11268.           &#xD;
  11269.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11270.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11271.      
  11272.           What mediators do enjoy is a front-row seat at the theater of human experience. "People get angry, they cry, they go through the whole gamut of emotions, and you are living through it with them," says Ms. Maffettone.
  11273.           &#xD;
  11274.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11275.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11276.      
  11277.           Despite the technique's success rate, Mr. Heckman says mediation hasn't caught on. The institute takes 5,000 cases a year but has room for plenty more. The problem? Litigious Americans love their courtroom fantasies: "People imagine a scenario where you give this impassioned statement and the jury is reduced to tears and the judge bangs the gavel and victory is had," he says.
  11278.           &#xD;
  11279.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11280.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11281.      
  11282.           The 33-year-old program recently rebranded in hopes of raising its profile. It avoided Zen colors and cliché logos like doves and bridges. The new brand is "passionate and fearless," he says. "We want to offer a safe space where people can have a confrontation."
  11283.           &#xD;
  11284.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11285.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11286.      
  11287.           Visiting the empty conference rooms, with their tissue boxes, candy bowls and water carafes, I almost wished I had some nasty personal dispute to drag in for some free mediation. Of course, this being New York, it shouldn't be too hard to get something going....
  11288.           &#xD;
  11289.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11290.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11291.      
  11292.           Read the article online 
  11293.          &#xD;
  11294.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11295.    &lt;a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/SB10001424052702303802104579453391404056908-lMyQjAxMTA0MDIwMTEyNDEyWj" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11296.      
  11297.           here.
  11298.          &#xD;
  11299.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  11300.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11301.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11302.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11303.      
  11304.           Originally posted March 21, 2014 8:48 p.m
  11305.          &#xD;
  11306.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11307.    &lt;span style="display: inline;"&gt;&#xD;
  11308.      
  11309.           .
  11310.          &#xD;
  11311.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11312.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11313.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11314.        
  11315.            ET.
  11316.           &#xD;
  11317.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11318.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11319.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11320. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  11321.      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2014 22:16:36 GMT</pubDate>
  11322.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/free-mediation-in-new-york-city</guid>
  11323.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  11324.    </item>
  11325.    <item>
  11326.      <title>Dr. Bernadette Poole-Tracy Honored</title>
  11327.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/dr-bernadette-poole-tracy-honored</link>
  11328.      <description />
  11329.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11330.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  11331.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11332.      
  11333.           Dr. Bernadette Poole-Tracy Honored
  11334.          &#xD;
  11335.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11336.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  11337. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  11338. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11339.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11340.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  11341.      
  11342.           Friday, February 28, 2014
  11343.          &#xD;
  11344.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11345.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11346.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11347.        
  11348.             
  11349.           &#xD;
  11350.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11351.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11352.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11353.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11354.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11355.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11356.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11357.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11358.      
  11359.           Bernadette Poole-Tracy, NYSDRA's immediate past president, was honored on Wednesday, February 26th, with the presentation of the Community Service for Peace Award by the Center for Dispute Settlement in Rochester at their 24th Annual Awards Luncheon and Workshop.
  11360.          &#xD;
  11361.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11362.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11363.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11364.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11365.      
  11366.           The links below feature interviews with Bernie and Sherry Walker, Cowart who is a current NYSDRA Board Member and Executive Director of the Center for Dispute Settlement, a NYSDRA CDRC Member. Congratulations, Bernie!
  11367.          &#xD;
  11368.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11369.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11370.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11371.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  11372.      
  11373.           Part 1:
  11374.          &#xD;
  11375.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11376.    &lt;a href="http://www.foxrochester.com/news/features/good-day-rochester/stories/center-dispute-settlement-honors-community-members-pt-1-174.shtml#.UxC6yOO-3To" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11377.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11378.      
  11379.           http://www.foxrochester.com/news/features/good-day-rochester/stories/center-dispute-settlement-honors-community-members-pt-1-174.shtml#.UxC6yOO-3To
  11380.          &#xD;
  11381.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  11382.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11383.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11384.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  11385.      
  11386.           Part 2:
  11387.          &#xD;
  11388.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11389.    &lt;a href="http://www.foxrochester.com/news/features/good-day-rochester/stories/center-dispute-settlement-honors-community-members-pt-2-175.shtml#.UxC9BuO-3To" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11390.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11391.      
  11392.           http://www.foxrochester.com/news/features/good-day-rochester/stories/center-dispute-settlement-honors-community-members-pt-2-175.shtml#.UxC9BuO-3To
  11393.          &#xD;
  11394.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  11395.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11396.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  11397.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11398.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11399. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  11400.      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2014 23:10:52 GMT</pubDate>
  11401.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/dr-bernadette-poole-tracy-honored</guid>
  11402.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  11403.    </item>
  11404.    <item>
  11405.      <title>Apple, Samsung Agree to Mediator in Attempt to End Suit</title>
  11406.      <link>https://www.nysdra.org/apple-samsung-agree-to-mediator-in-attempt-to-end-suit</link>
  11407.      <description />
  11408.      <content:encoded>&lt;div style="transition: opacity 1s ease-in-out 0s;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11409.  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
  11410.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11411.      
  11412.           Apple, Samsung Agree to Mediator in Attempt to End Suit
  11413.          &#xD;
  11414.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11415.  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  11416.  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  11417.    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11418.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11419. &lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
  11420. &lt;div style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; text-align: left;" data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  11421.  &lt;p style="line-height: 1.5;"&gt;&#xD;
  11422.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11423.      
  11424.           Joel Rosenblatt, Bloomberg  -  1/8/2014
  11425.           &#xD;
  11426.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11427.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11428.      
  11429.           Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co. agreed to a mediator in an effort to resolve their patent disputes over smartphone technology before their next trial in San Jose, California, scheduled to begin in March.
  11430.           &#xD;
  11431.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11432.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11433.      
  11434.           The agreement, filed in federal court in San Jose today, was in response to U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh’s request in November that both sides submit a settlement discussion proposal before trial. Senior legal executives at the companies met Jan. 6 to discuss “settlement opportunities,” according to the proposal.
  11435.           &#xD;
  11436.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11437.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11438.      
  11439.           The companies agreed to retain a mediator “who has experience mediating high profile disputes,” according to the filing, which doesn’t name the person. The chief executive officers and three to four company lawyers, but no outside lawyers, will attend the mediation before Feb. 19, according to the filing.
  11440.           &#xD;
  11441.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11442.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11443.      
  11444.           Apple and Samsung previously tried and failed to reach agreement in court-ordered settlement negotiations. In 2012, in their first patent-infringement case in San Jose, U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero handled negotiations. The companies also met at least twice in 2011 to discuss settling their dispute before the U.S. International Trade Commission, according to a company filing.
  11445.          &#xD;
  11446.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11447.    &lt;span style="display: initial; font-weight: 700;"&gt;&#xD;
  11448.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11449.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11450.      
  11451.           Ban Sought
  11452.          &#xD;
  11453.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11454.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11455.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11456.      
  11457.           Apple is again seeking an order banning sales in the U.S. of Samsung products that were at issue in the companies’ first patent trial in California even though they are now no longer on the market. Apple said in a court filing that it needed the injunction to deter Samsung from releasing new products that also infringed its patents.
  11458.           &#xD;
  11459.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11460.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11461.      
  11462.           The iPhone-maker last month asked Koh to bar sales of more than 20 smartphones and tablets that a jury in 2012 found to infringe Apple’s patents. Total damages owed by Samsung in that case stand at $930 million.
  11463.           &#xD;
  11464.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11465.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11466.      
  11467.           While Koh rejected Cupertino, California-based Apple’s bid for a sales ban on the infringing Samsung devices after the 2012 verdict, a federal appeals court on Nov. 18 cleared the way for the company to pursue an injunction targeting some Samsung products. Apple’s second case against Samsung in San Jose is over newer models, including Samsung’s Galaxy S III.
  11468.           &#xD;
  11469.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11470.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11471.      
  11472.           Adam Yates, a spokesman for Suwon, South Korea-based Samsung, declined to comment on the mediation.
  11473.           &#xD;
  11474.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11475.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11476.      
  11477.           Kristin Huguet, an Apple spokeswoman, declined to comment on the filing.
  11478.           &#xD;
  11479.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11480.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11481.      
  11482.           The lower court case is Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. (005930) Ltd., 11-cv-01846, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Jose). The appeals court case is Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., 13-1129, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Washington).
  11483.           &#xD;
  11484.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11485.      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11486.      
  11487.           To contact the reporter on this story: Joel Rosenblatt in San Francisco at 
  11488.          &#xD;
  11489.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11490.    &lt;a href="mailto:jrosenblatt@bloomberg.net" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11491.      
  11492.           jrosenblatt@bloomberg.net
  11493.          &#xD;
  11494.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  11495.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11496.      &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11497.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11498.        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  11499.        
  11500.            To contact the editor
  11501.           &#xD;
  11502.      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11503.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11504.    &lt;span style="display: inline;"&gt;&#xD;
  11505.      
  11506.           r
  11507.          &#xD;
  11508.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11509.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11510.      
  11511.           esponsible for this story: Michael Hytha at 
  11512.          &#xD;
  11513.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11514.    &lt;a href="mailto:mhytha@bloomberg.net" target="_blank" style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11515.      
  11516.           mhytha@bloomberg.net
  11517.          &#xD;
  11518.    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  11519.    &lt;span style="display: initial;"&gt;&#xD;
  11520.      
  11521.            
  11522.          &#xD;
  11523.    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  11524.  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  11525. &lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
  11526.      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jan 2014 23:08:50 GMT</pubDate>
  11527.      <guid>https://www.nysdra.org/apple-samsung-agree-to-mediator-in-attempt-to-end-suit</guid>
  11528.      <g-custom:tags type="string">Archived News,All News Items</g-custom:tags>
  11529.    </item>
  11530.  </channel>
  11531. </rss>
  11532.  

If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:

  1. Download the "valid RSS" banner.

  2. Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)

  3. Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=https%3A//www.nysdra.org//feed/rss2

Home · About · News · Docs · Terms

 
Copyright © 2002-9 Sam Ruby, Mark Pilgrim, Joseph Walton, and Phil Ringnalda