Texas Conflict Coach

Many have said that the judiciary often trails the private sector in its use of technology. Courts have been attempting to close this gap but need the help of the technology sector to succeed. David Slayton and Jeff Aresty will discuss how the technology sector can get involved and what plans they have for hacking for justice in Texas. In May of 2012, David W. Slayton began serving in his current position as the Admin. Dir. for the TX Office of Court Administration. He has been employed by the judicial branch in various roles for over 15 years. He has published an article entitled “An Analysis of the Effective Use of Jurors in Lubbock County” and was instrumental in the publication of the 2007 version of the Nat. Assoc. for Court Management’s Model Code of Conduct. He currently serves as the Immediate Past President of the Nat. Assoc. for Court Management’s Board and was formerly the Secretary on the Board of Dir. for the TX Asso. for Drug Court Professionals. Jeffrey M. Aresty, Esq. is a Massachusetts lawy

PeaceTones is a nonprofit initiative that works with musicians living in communities fractured by social conflict and economic inequality, empowering voices that aren't traditionally heard through education on legal rights, marketing and technology. They give musicians with positive social messages the tools to protect their music and earn an income from it, fostering community development based on arts that is powerful, inspiring and valuable. Molly Dow is a Program Manager with the Internet Bar Organization and serves as the Program Director for the PeaceTones Initiative. She rose through the ranks with PeaceTones joining as an intern in college years ago. Working on her inaugural PeaceTones project, Molly traveled to Kenya in March 2014 to help run Songs For Justice, our recent musician empowerment and education project in Nairobi. Molly earned her BA in International Relations and Music from Tufts University and she has over five years of diverse experience with several different nonprofits, working for

The Conflict Information Consortium has a primary focus on complex, society-wide intractable conflict.  It has pioneered efforts to use information technologies to provide people from all walks of life with the information that they need in order to deal with these incredibly difficult conflicts more constructively. The Consortium sees such efforts to enhance and mobilize the skills of the general population as critical to efforts to deal with these complex, society-wide conflicts. Guy and Heidi Burgess both earned their Ph.D.s in sociology from the University of Colorado in 1979. They then did postdoctoral work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked for several years as public policy conflict consultants. In 1988, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, they established (along with others) the University of Colorado Conflict Research Consortium (now called the Conflict Information Consortium), which they have co-directed ever since. For more information:  Beyond Intract

The practice of mediation is largely unregulated throughout the United States.  In contrast to more formalized professions, such as nursing, social work, law, medicine or accounting, mediators generally have a fraction of the training, have no required ethics code, and no minimum quality testing.  Dr. Goetz will chronicle current efforts in voluntary mediator certification underway in California to raise the level of mediator education and training and require a binding ethics code to serve the public. Dr. Goetz has trained hundreds of mediators during the last 7 years through the California State University system. Prior to developing the mediation program, he was the founding Dean and President of Concord Law School, the first nationally accredited online law school. Dr. Goetz advocates for a stronger sense of professionalism in the field of mediation, and recently co-authored with Dr. Jennifer Kalfsbeek the article “Serving the Public: The Case for Formally Professionalizing Court-Connected and Litigated

Narrative mediation is a culturally focused practice that is based upon the notion that our lives are shaped by the stories that people tell about us and by the stories that we tell ourselves. The goal of the narrative mediator is to co-author stories that highlight strengths and competencies, rather than conflict. It helps people separate themselves from conflict-saturated stories and gives them the opportunity to re-author relationships in more peaceful, cooperative, and respectful ways. From this alternative position, the resolution of conflict can often happen much more smoothly and effectively than in traditional problem-solving approaches. Dr. Gerald Monk is a Professor in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology at San Diego State University and has a primary role in training Marriage and Family Therapists. Gerald is a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist in California and a mediator and trainer in collaborative divorce practices and a conflict resolution consultant in health care. Geral

In this digitally connected age, social media has become a powerful tool to advance peace.  Join Dr. Craig Zelizer as we discuss how to move beyond the click and utilize these powerful tools to promote peace.  Listen in on October 7th  and meet us at this intersection of technology and peace. Dr. Craig Zelizer is Interim Director of the Conflict Resolution Program, Georgetown University and Founder/CEO of the Peace and Collaborative Development Network, the world’s leading online network connecting over 33,000 peacebuilders around the globe. For more information:  Dr. Craig Zelizer Stephen Kotev is a Washington D.C. based conflict resolution consultant offering mediation, negotiation, conflict analysis, facilitation, training and somatic education to private and government clients. He holds a Master of Science degree from George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido. He is a former employee of the Association for Conflict Resol

Globalization is making our world smaller with cross-cultural situations at the core. Even though diversity can be a powerful source for creativity, adaptability and innovation, the potential for conflict increases, requiring even more attention to how we deal with differences and how people work together.   An “all-or-nothing” thinking and a right/wrong mindset lead people to play blame games and get stuck judging others instead of looking forward to resolve the matter at hand. Can we get “unstuck”? Luis E. Ore is CEO of ORASI Consulting Group Inc., a training and development Consulting firm specializing in negotiation, consensus building, and dispute resolution. Luis Ore assists businesses and organizations with organizational negotiating capabilities building, cross-cultural and international negotiations, strategic alliances development, organizational changes, deal mediation, dispute resolution system design, foreign direct investment and international development, especially between the United States o

Whether we are aware of it or not we live in a racial world, which proposes equality, but is firmly set on hierarchy, inequality, and separation.  patterns of racial dysfunction have been handed down from generation to generation.  How do we transform these patterns and begin to live the connection that is part of our natural human existence? Milagros Phillips specializes in transforming relationships between the races using a powerful approach that leaves participants empowered and hopeful.  

Nina has worked with many cultures in her decades of mediation work. She will share concepts such as the different ways of looking at fairness, how cultures respond to conflict and why they have dissimilar desires as to their goals and outcomes, how people express the same emotion in a variety of ways, and why it is a common mistake to "pretend to be in someone else's shoes".  This very practical 30 minutes will help you understand some of the diversity across cultures that can create problems and explore positive steps in working through the conflict. Nina Meierding has assisted in the resolution of thousands of disputes and has conducted training throughout the world, including Canada, Sweden, Ireland, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and India.  She has been an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California  for almost 25 years, as well as Southern Methodist University's Dispute Resolution program for almost 20 years.  For her many years of service and exper

Zeitouna is Arabic for "olive tree" or "olive".  In the sumer of 2002, a unique sisterhood was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, comprised of six Arab and six Jewish women.  Naming themselves Zeitouna, they unknowingly embarked on a life-changing journey, both personal and socio-political.  Committing to learn to hear each voice in the group has permanently joined them across the divide of their ancestral communities.  Zeitouna's mission is to embody and promote the peaceful and just coexistence of the Arab and Jewish peoples through connection, trust, empathy, and actions focused on supporting a sustainable future for Palestine and Israel. Huda Karaman Rosen is a Palestinian living in America since 1962, an advocate for social justice and peace efforts, retired from the health care and education fields, and co-founder of Bustan al-Funun: Foundation for Arab Arts in America.  She has been involved in mediation and conflict resolution since 2008. Laurie White is a filmmaker, mediator, psychotherapist, community o

Conflict is inevitable in life. Our responses to it are affected by both our human nature and our cultural backgrounds. Cultural differences can be the cause of conflict and can complicate our efforts to resolve it. In this program, we will explore ways of addressing conflicts involving people from different cultures. Craig Runde is the Director of the Center for Conflict Dynamics and Mediation Training Institute at Eckerd College. He is co-author of a series on books on conflict competence published by Jossey-Bass.

Bill Warters, an expert on conflict resolution in higher education, will describe the Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution program based in the Department of Communication at Wayne State University in Detroit.  He will review dispute resolution in Higher Education generally and explore some current trends in the field. He will also describe a new community conflict resolution outreach initiative into the East Side of Detroit.  Finally, Bill will introduce listeners to some very useful resources he maintains for educators interested in conflict resolution. Bill Warters, Ph.D., is the Academic Director of Wayne State University's Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution program where he teaches courses on social conflict, mediation, and communication technologies. Bill is the author of Mediation in the Campus Community: Designing and Managing Effective Programs (Jossey-Bass, 1999). He is also webmaster of CREducation.org, a site supporting conflict resolution in educational settings. Zena Zumeta, internationally

With the start of a new academic year, college athletes and coaches prepare for another season and often a whole new environment. They encounter new team members, the pressures of performance and a longing for home. During this program, Joshua Gordon, of the Sports Conflict Institute  and Stephen Kotev will discuss what student athletes and coaches can do to optimize their performance on and off the field. A conflict management professional for more than twenty years, Mr. Gordon is an experienced mediator, facilitator, educator, and organizational capability builder. Mr. Gordon specializes in sports related conflict management building on a history of contexts that have included business-to-business, organizational change, energy, environmental, real estate and housing, family, and gang-related conflict and disputes. He especially appreciates and enjoys complex, multi-party conflict that requires non-traditional solutions to impasse. Stephen Kotev is a Washington D.C. based conflict resolution consultant of

A child sits alone at the lunch table while peers snicker around him.  Perhaps he understands that he is being excluded and feels sad.  What about the child with a disability who may or may not understand what is happening around him?  Join us to learn how we can “Dis-able Bullying” and protect our vulnerable population of children with special needs. Tara Fishler is a conflict resolution specialist providing mediation services and training to schools, businesses and nonprofit organizations. She is the founder of Customized Training Solutions, a New York-based consulting firm that offers interactive training on a variety of topics related to communication and conflict resolution.  She is currently President of NYSDRA (New York State Dispute Resolution Association). For more Information: Tara Fishler

Often times, and without even knowing it, divorced or divorcing parents will put their own self-interests ahead of their children’s. Or fail to recognize the impact their divorce will have on the kids. This can kick off a dangerous cycle that may have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences for both children and parents alike. Poor school performance, increased drug or alcohol use and an ever deteriorating relationship between the parties are just a few of the many significant downsides to not properly recognizing and addressing the impact divorce will have on your family. So what can you do to effectively co-parent your children and make their return to school as seamless as possible? Especially if your divorce was finalized over the summer like many divorces are? Join us as we speak with Joe and Cheryl Dillon, Co-Founders of Equitable Mediation Services. Having each been personally touched by divorce, Joe and Cheryl understand the impact divorce can have on families. And will share with you effective s

In YourBrain on Conflict series, we kick off with Scott Rogers, Founder and Director of the Institute for Mindfulness Studies. What happens in our brain when we are engaged in an  emotionally-charged conflict? Neuroscience or brain science has emerged with answers that help us begin to understand the physiological, emotional, and cognitive impact on us in these types of situations. One method for dealing with these intense situations is called mindfulness. We will explore what mindfulness is and share tips for how to practically apply techniques to manage conflict and the emotions you experience. Scott Rogers is founder and director of the Institute for Mindfulness Studies. He is also Founder and Director of the Mindfulness in Law Program at University of Miami School of Law.  His concentration on mindfulness is rooted in his belief that it offers the most effective means of introducing a contemplative practice to attorneys and law students, and to encourage meaningful inner work and growth, both professiona

The topic of emotional intelligence in the workplace is a evolving area of professional interest for leaders and employees alike. How do we engage the vital skills of communicating through crisis, empathy, perspective taking and self awareness just to mention a few? In 2011, the workplace continues to hold higher and higher expectations for us all. The necessity to manage countless stressors while also producing, leading, collaborating and resolve conflicts have become the competencies of that rank up there with knowing how to turn on your computer. The many facets of emotional intelligence can take us on a journey of meaningful relationships, job satisfaction, exciting creativity and improve our organizational output. Join us as we explore the tools and techniques that can boost your EQ and cultivate your workplace experiences. Join us as we talk with Sheri Callahan, the owner of Horizon Consulting Group, based in Columbia SC. Sheri has over 16 years in HR consulting, training, and keynote speaking speciali

During the month of July, please enjoy these previously recorded shows. We will return live every Tuesday night beginning August 5, 2014. Enjoy the summer! Managing inter-communal conflict and violence is critical to national and international security in today's world. As societies are becoming more diverse, many more countries are facing ethnic, religious, cultural and social conflicts. The globalization of such conflicts is also increasing. Join me as I speak with Mari Fitzduff, the Program Director of the Coexistence and Conflict program at The Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Professor Mari Fitzduff is a native of Northern Ireland who brings more than 20 years of international experience in conflict resolution policy and practice development to the program. Professor Fitzduff was the first chief executive of the foremost conflict resolution agency in Northern Ireland. More recently, she served as director of UNU/INCORE, a United Nations University Center and one of

During the month of July, please enjoy these previously recorded shows. We will return live every Tuesday night beginning August 5, 2014. Enjoy the summer! In many communities around the country there are community mediation centers supported by volunteer mediators.  Community Boards of San Francisco is the oldest community mediation center in the country, started in 1976.  The philosophy of community mediation centers is to empower community members to resolve their own disputes rather than resorting to courts or other outsiders to do it for them. Participants in mediation have found that the process helps them feel heard, and increases their understanding of themselves and the other person as well.  Community Boards has handled thousands of cases in its 36 year history, and has helped 85% of those who use their mediation services reach a successful agreement. Cordell Wesselink, is Mediation Program Manager of Community Boards. He has a Master’s Degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding

During the month of July, please enjoy these previously recorded shows. We will return live every Tuesday night beginning August 5, 2014. Enjoy the summer! Using Hurricane Katrina as a model, this speaker will discuss the phenomenology of disasters in America. Various deleterious factors can be forecast that impede effective emergency response. These factors can be better managed when one person is placed in a role to oversee and manage the crisis phase of a disaster. A Conflict Management Professional can unify the ad hoc crisis management team and ensure its accountability and engagement. Provision of a structural solution of this nature would signify a commitment by our government to mitigate human misery in disasters. Join us as we speak with Cindy Mazur, she has just earned her PhD from George Mason University’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution in Fairfax, Virginia. Her research is in Conflict Management and the emergency management challenges of Hurricane Katrina. Cindy is the Director f