Jim Melamed meeting

On 1/31/11 I met with Jim Melamed in my continued quest to understand the history of community mediation in this area.  I really enjoyed meeting and talking with Jim, also Clare Fowler who works with Jim and with the University was there.  We met at a coffee shop near campus and Jim filled the hour with a great deal of interesting information.

Jim offered a perspective I hadn't yet come across in the interviews I've conducted - the role of the internet and mediation.  I hadn't considered the possibilities for mediation made available with our ever-developing technology.  Jim is obviously a visionary kinda guy - I understood that he played a huge role in the development of mediate.com and the case management software now being used by CMS, from inception to daily maintenance.  Jim has ideas for using online technology like Skype for mediations under the right circumstances.  Although there are obviously some disadvantages to parties not meeting in person, online mediation surely has a place somewhere in the future of the conflict field.

I appreciated Jim's willingness to sit down with me and the new perspective that helped open my mind to the myriad mediation possibilities that exist.

KLCC meeting

On 1/26/11 I met with Chip and Cheryl Crumbley, manager of our local NPR radio station, KLCC.  Cheryl gave us a nice tour of the station and introduced us to some members of the staff.  I found Cheryl to be passionate and knowledgeable in her job and it was a pleasure to speak with her.

The media plays an important role in our society and I was interested to learn a little about how they operate and what their priorities are.  The main take home was that, according to Cheryl, media outlets are after stories that "new, fresh, first."  They want to publish something that people will read (obviously), and also perhaps teach them something they didn't know, or offer a different perspective in a non-threatening manner.

Cheryl thought CMS' story fell in to the category of "new, fresh, first" - that's very encouraging to me and to Chip!  CMS is currently undergoing a "reinvention" - a new location, and possibly a new name and/or logo.  We are hoping to improve our marketing efforts so that when community members have conflict, they think of CMS first.  We are striving to strengthen our relationships with local businesses and non-profits.  When the time is right, I hope to work with Chip in putting together a series of press releases for KLCC and other media outlets that will help spread the word about all the great work CMS is doing in our community.

Community Engagement Seminar

On January 17, 2012 Chip invited me to attend a seminar called "Powerful Stories for Community Engagement" put on by the South Willamette Valley Nonprofit Network.  During the course of the morning we looked into different ways to communicate to the public the work of our non profit.  We explored the various learning styles and had the chance to practice writing a headline that sought to encompass as many of the learning styles as possible.  We talked about what makes a well-written story for purposes of a newsletter, blog entry, Facebook post, etc.  The facilitator was experienced and well-spoken.  I think the message was generally well-received by the 50 or so participants.

As a "for-profit" business owner, I get the sense that my perspective is different than what the director of a non-profit's might be.  Throughout the course of this marketing internship, I've heard from several people how non-profits need to think more like for-profits.  Although I know the obvious answer to this question, I'm still left wondering, what's the marketing difference?  Sales are sales and we all have to make them.  The first thing that comes to mind is that if anything it should be easier to ask for money as a non-profit.  In my small business, my income is derived from a valuable service I provide.  CMS is no different - we provide a valuable service that needs to be marketed and made available so that we can keep the lights on.  As far as I know, the power company doesn't care much whether the business using the electricity is for- or non-profit...they have to get paid either way.  So my ideas for marketing CMS are really nothing new or special.  We just need to get better at talking about the great services we provide the community.

Catch Up

I've been thinking the past few weeks that I should update this blog, but then didn't.  So here I am with a few days of the term left playing catch up on 9 blog entries.  Sigh.  Now, we've learned in classes this term that there's a difference between an excuse and a reason.  Here are my "reasons:"

1. I didn't think I was doing anything worth writing about.  In late January, shortly after my late post, I found out that CMS had to find a new location.  Then I found out its likely we'll change our logo and even perhaps our name.  For marketing purposes, its difficult to accomplish much without knowing your name, your logo, and your location.  So my marketing efforts were temporarily suspended.

2. I completely unexpectedly landed an internship with the United Nations - my first choice and the only internship that was going to get me to move from Oregon.  In the spirit of honesty, my attention has been refocused on that mostly lately.

Despite these reasons - ok they're excuses - I'm attempting to make up for my blogging lack.  Forgive me for using the next 8 posts to say things that may more efficiently said in one or two. :)

Lots o' Good Stuff Goin' On!

Wow, what a great learning experience the last 30 days have been!  I am continually impressed by the vast amounts of knowledge and experience those in this field bring.  And their empathy and compassion for others is inspiring.  Have I expressed lately how grateful am I to be part of this program?!

I decided it would be a good idea for me to sit down with folks who have extensive experience in mediation to get a sense of what they've learned and advice for how we can take mediation to the next level.  My journey began right here at CMS with our ED Chip Coker, then emerged to include key individuals like Carrie Heltzel, Jane Gordon, Anndy Wiselogle, John Gartland, and Betsy Coddington.  My interviews will continue into the coming weeks, but I'll never be able to interview everyone who's made a contribution to the mediation field in Oregon, sadly.  (What a great job that would be!)

Each meeting I had was valuable in a unique way.  I love exploring other people's perspectives, and this project put me in that driver's seat.  From understanding the origins of CMS with Jane Gordon to the differences in types of mediation clients and cases with John Gartland, I enjoyed every minute I spent with each individual.  

Although each conversation was unique, I noticed a pattern of potential opportunities emerge.  Since this is the focus of my project at CMS, that was great news!  Here are some learnings that came out of my interviews that I think are key to understanding how we can best take CMS and mediation to the next level.


What I've learned:

1.     The mediation world is filled with intelligent, passionate individuals with eclectic backgrounds who bring unique perspectives to the field.  Those of us in mediation may be seen to be united in the belief that there are numerous ways by which disputes can be resolved, and resolving disputes through mediation is often preferential to litigation.

2.     The biggest asset to the mediation field is people!  We have the opportunity to not only learn from our colleagues, but also to help individuals in need - what an honor.  We should strive to get to know our colleagues better - both paid staff and volunteers.  We should seek to identify the strengths of our people and place them in roles where they are inspired and will utilize their skills effectively.

3.     Those responsible for providing mediation services vary from city and county government to non-profit businesses to for-profit businesses to lawyer and non-lawyer private practitioners to individuals passionate about finding a better way to resolve conflict (whew!).  Additionally, each of these may offer all or some types of mediation, and take all or some types of cases.  In short, there seems to be a lack of fluidity within the mediation field.  I have a vision that one day mediation centers will exist with a frequency and uniformity like that of Starbucks (a vision I found is shared by a number of my interviewees).

4.     Mediation is not well understood by the general public.  Access to mediation services is quite limited in many areas.  There are numerous challenges to overcoming this obstacle, and it will take time.  But I believe it can be done. 

One way in which we educate the public about mediation is via a “grass roots” approach where those of us who work in the field are champions for mediation.  We should be talking about it at our kids’ soccer games and after church service with our friends and neighbors.  This will help spread the word about the existence of mediation and help generate referrals.  The transition to a less litigious society starts with the actions of you and me.

5.      Building on the grass roots approach, let’s work on professional relationships within the conflict resolution field - government officials, businesses, service clubs, neighborhood associations – the list is endless.  We should focus on fostering relationships with key individuals who we may educate to become champions of mediation in their respective jobs.  From these relationships will arise the opportunity for additional outreach and training opportunities, as well as individual referrals to mediation services.

6.     Money!  Like it or not, even non-profit businesses need the green stuff to keep the doors open.  Mediation is one of many fields that has struggled to realize their top-tier goals in large part due to lack of funding.  Many Community Dispute Resolution Centers are grateful to receive funding from the Oregon Office for Community Dispute Resolution.  Additionally, CDRCs may apply for grants and have contracts and fees for services in order to supplement their income.  But it doesn’t have to stop there!  One reason the typical CDRC budget may be seen to be lean is that we don’t like to ask for money.  We have to get better at asking for money!  It’s out there, but it’s up to us to seek it out.

Although I could write for pages about the many gems of knowledge gained during my interviews, these six items are a good starting point for transitioning CMS and mediation as a whole to having greater impact in our communities.  As I finish up my remaining interviews and transition to the next stages in my project – planning and implementation – I always try to keep the big picture top of mind.  This work will help to build a more peaceful world.

Gathering 30 years of wisdom in 30 days

My project for this winter break is to complete interviews with key individuals on my quest for knowledge of all things CMS.  The point being, perhaps I'll uncover possibilities for growth and profitability.  And oh yeah, that world peace thing.

I've begun my interviewing process and already have learned a great deal.  In my meeting with Jane Gordon (one of the founders of CMS in 1980) last week she mentioned the early idea was to have mediation available everywhere in Eugene - in every neighborhood, in business and government.  Funny, I have the same idea 30 years later.  I seek to understand not what went "wrong" per say, but what's been done, what hasn't been done, and what have the past 30 years taught us?

I've scheduled four additional key interviews before winter term starts on Jan. 9th.  Two are big time mediator/attorneys that perform a great deal of for profit mediation in town.  Two are EDs of some of the best run CDRCs in the state.  I'm expecting to be "wowed".

I've participated in a couple other cool activities with CMS since I wrote last: the annual holiday party and facilitation of an Occupy Eugene gathering during the city council vote on what to do with the camp.  In the latter, I didn't actually do any facilitating, but I did do a lot of listening.  I know I have much to learn about not only facts and data, but also about people.  With my new found interest in social psychology and conflict, I find myself constantly paying attention to how individuals interact in groups.  I'm grateful for the wonderful opportunities for learning offered me by CMS.

End of Fall Term, Beginning of an Adventure

I'm feeling very motivated and hopeful in my CMS internship!  I had a great meeting with Chip today - I pretty much always feel motivated and hopeful walking out of a meeting with Chip.  He tells me that my ambition and energy is great, but I can only hope I inspire him as much as he does me.

I'm in an information seeking stage.  He filled me on a lot of big picture stuff surrounding mediation in Eugene, the history and future of CMS, and gave me great leads on where to go next.  My biggest questions surround how to best spend my time over the next six months.  We need to increase revenue, of course, and I'm confident that will happen.  More than that we need to "brand" CMS and get the word out that's there's a better way to resolve conflict than file a lawsuit!  I'm encouraged by the opportunities that exist for CMS and mediation as a whole.  But I'm being careful not to jump the gun...I want to have a solid foundation of knowledge before making any big moves.

Ever present in the back of my head is bringing mediation to Cottage Grove.  I'm more encouraged of this prospect everyday.  I'm confident CMS will make a splash in CG in 2012.

I'm thrilled with how much I've learned this term!  And its just the first one!  This program has exceeded my (high) expectations and I'm very excited about the future!