Something that's surprised me quite a bit since starting this program is the lack of participation in mediation in general - in the community, among attorneys, in the courts. In my view its a total win/win - both participants and lawyers go home happy with one less thing to worry about. But the reality is that like many mediation agencies and mediators, CMS is stuggling for clients. "The economy" is the scapegoat often used, and the stagnant economy may be part of the problem, but I believe the money is out there if you know where to look. I started my own business in January 2009 - a time when the economy was in even worse shape - and I was able to make it profitable. But it took a lot of hard work and time. And dedicated people. I'm very grateful that things turned out the way they did.
The first part of the problem, as I see it, is that people don't know about mediation. Why not public service announcements, donated ads in the Register Guard, Eugene Weekly, etc. This is an important community service that benefits everyone, and hey, we're NON-profit. In my opinion that equates to support from grants and businesses being almost a no-brainer. But you gotta be able to get in front of the right people and look them in the eye and ask for money. Without blinking. That's hard for most people to do. I'm a rarity in that I'm actually good at that so long as I believe in what I'm selling. And I believe in mediation.
I was interested to see what today's activity at CMS would be now that Peace By Piece is completed. David asked me to find out about barking dog complaints and the animal control system in the hopes that we can get a contract with Lane County Animal Services. Turns out there is LOTS of opportunity to promote CMS and mediation that hasn't been tried. So going forward it looks like my job will be to help drum up some new business for CMS.
And that's a good job for me. I like that Chip/David identified quickly where my strengths are and are using me in a capacity that allows me to use my skills. (One of the things I was dreading about being an "intern" was having to from business owner/community leader to coffee fetcher. Not that I mind fetching coffee, its just not the best use of my time). So I'm happy and relieved that CMS management "gets" me and is willing to put in position that works for both of us. Hey, it's all about the win-win, right?
Monday, October 31, 2011
Small Claim Mediation - a first timer's experience
Last Monday I was graciously invited to participate in small claims mediation at the Lane County courthouse with my CMS Community Programs partner in crime David Gubernick. David, despite being a seasoned mediator with a busy life, continues to donate his time most Monday mornings at the courthouse as a community service. He thinks its a important way to give back to the community and I agree. I strongly believe the road to a positive change in the world begins at home, with our neighbors, in our local communities. This is the biggest reason I wanted to do an internship with CMS - this "grass roots" approach is so important. I love the local community aspect of conflict resolution.
So, yes, I participated in my first small claims mediation last Monday. I'm not sure "participated" is the right word - "observed" is probably more apt. David is clearly a skilled mediator and knows the system well. We met in a back room behind the courtroom just before 9 am then filed into the courtroom about 9. I was impressed by the judge's intro to mediation and how supportive he was of the process. Several times he encouraged parties to work the issue out in mediation so as to not have to come back to the courtroom.
Our first case was a collection agency tried to recover medical bills for his client. This collection agency actually had several cases on the docket and had sent two representatives. It was obvious the rep from the collection agency had been around the block. We came to a mediation agreement pretty quickly in the first case, and a second case for the agency was waiting in the lobby. By the time we filed the paperwork on the first case the agency rep had already started drafting a settlement agreement in the lobby of the courtroom. So at risk of saying we didn't have "real" mediations, I got the impression that that's the way these things often go in small claims court.
I would like to continue with the opportunity to serve at small claims mediation on Monday mornings so I contacted the court to get more info. I haven't heard back from them yet (its been a week now) so I will send an email to Caitlin Hendrickson who I understand is our contact for the court. Others I've talked to in the cohort are interested as well. It is a great opportunity for a new mediator to work on her skills and get some experience. I'm looking forward to my next small claims experience.
So, yes, I participated in my first small claims mediation last Monday. I'm not sure "participated" is the right word - "observed" is probably more apt. David is clearly a skilled mediator and knows the system well. We met in a back room behind the courtroom just before 9 am then filed into the courtroom about 9. I was impressed by the judge's intro to mediation and how supportive he was of the process. Several times he encouraged parties to work the issue out in mediation so as to not have to come back to the courtroom.
Our first case was a collection agency tried to recover medical bills for his client. This collection agency actually had several cases on the docket and had sent two representatives. It was obvious the rep from the collection agency had been around the block. We came to a mediation agreement pretty quickly in the first case, and a second case for the agency was waiting in the lobby. By the time we filed the paperwork on the first case the agency rep had already started drafting a settlement agreement in the lobby of the courtroom. So at risk of saying we didn't have "real" mediations, I got the impression that that's the way these things often go in small claims court.
I would like to continue with the opportunity to serve at small claims mediation on Monday mornings so I contacted the court to get more info. I haven't heard back from them yet (its been a week now) so I will send an email to Caitlin Hendrickson who I understand is our contact for the court. Others I've talked to in the cohort are interested as well. It is a great opportunity for a new mediator to work on her skills and get some experience. I'm looking forward to my next small claims experience.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Peace By Piece - What an Inspiring Event!
Last Weds evening at the Temple Beth Israel in Eugene over 100 community members gathered in support of spreading peace in the world. Idealistic? Perhaps. But if there's one thing that connects all humans on the earth it must be that we want to live in a peaceful world. I for one will risk sounding idealistic in pursuit of peace.
CMS honored an adult - David Hazen, a youth - Eliot Glaser-Flynn, and a business - Well Springs school, all of whom have had a tangible effect in peace building over the past year. The acceptance speeches along with Chip's comments served to inspire many to act for peace. I believe each one of us can make a positive difference.
My fellow CRESophiles did me proud my showing up in professional black and serving dessert and wine throughout the evening. I knew everyone was tired and Sister Helen Prejean was in town speaking at the same time so I was especially grateful for the ten or so folks who participated. In talking with each one afterward I was happy that many were inspired as I was.
From a logistical standpoint, the evening couldn't have gone better. No major mishaps or errors. Kathy Kingsbury the MC I had asked to come from Cottage Grove did a great job leading the program. I haven't heard how much money was raised for CMS but hopefully more than none.
This was truly a worthwhile event and I look forward to participating in the future!
CMS honored an adult - David Hazen, a youth - Eliot Glaser-Flynn, and a business - Well Springs school, all of whom have had a tangible effect in peace building over the past year. The acceptance speeches along with Chip's comments served to inspire many to act for peace. I believe each one of us can make a positive difference.
My fellow CRESophiles did me proud my showing up in professional black and serving dessert and wine throughout the evening. I knew everyone was tired and Sister Helen Prejean was in town speaking at the same time so I was especially grateful for the ten or so folks who participated. In talking with each one afterward I was happy that many were inspired as I was.
From a logistical standpoint, the evening couldn't have gone better. No major mishaps or errors. Kathy Kingsbury the MC I had asked to come from Cottage Grove did a great job leading the program. I haven't heard how much money was raised for CMS but hopefully more than none.
This was truly a worthwhile event and I look forward to participating in the future!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Peace By Piece Week Has Arrived!
Busy busy busy getting ready for CMS' 3rd Annual PxP fundraiser happening this Wed. 10/19 at Temple Beth Israel in Eugene. I've donned several hats for this event both within and outside of my duties as PR committee chair. As a latecomer to the event there was much to get caught up to speed on, and now that four weeks have passed since I've been involved I'm feeling more and more confident that the event will be successful and fun.
The program I helped compile came off the press today and looks great. Had I had more time I would have liked to sell some ads for it (a revenue opportunity that was certainly missed) but for my first year of involvement I'm satisfied with how the program turned out. I introduced CMS to Kathy Kingsbury who will act as MC for the event. Kathy and I have known each other since I opened my Anytime Fitness business in Cottage Grove nearly three years ago. I am very confident in her abilities and am happy to have her there. David and I briefly went over her script for the event but I feel as if I have to leave that mostly to David and Chip's discretion since I've never attended this event before.
I am also helping organize the "Day Of" activities with that committee including Andria and Susan. I'm grateful to my fellow Cohort 7 CRES students who are generously donating their time Weds. nite to help at the event. There are over 100 volunteers on CMS' roster and I think we'll have plenty of hands on deck.
We found out the florist who was to donate the centerpieces for the event fell thru today so at the end of my shift I went to Market of Choice to ask for their help with flower donations at Barbara Date's request. She is going to speak with the manager first thing tomorrow and with luck we'll pull out some last minute kindness. I also made signs today for the event and helped make decisions on decorations.
The more involved I get with CMS the more I learn that my acumen as a for-profit business owner is valuable in the non-profit setting. Although I'm somewhat hesitant to give a plethora of advice from my perspective as a business owner cause I'm so new (and just an intern), there are some instances when I feel I must speak up in order to have a direct effect on improving the event as a whole and increasing the amount of money made. This IS a fundraiser, after all, and I strongly believe you have to ask for money (and be ok with being turned down) if you want to make money.
For example, a large part of the income will come from the raffling of several baskets of various goodies that were donated by many generous community members/businesses. The proposed pricing for raffle tickets started at $3 for 1, $10 for 4, and so on. I strongly recommended the price for one ticket should be $5 - meaningfully cost-prohibitive. Not only does that increase the amount people have to pay (more revenue for us), it rids us of the obligation to provide change, and it encourages folks to buy more raffle tickets. (I did mention this IS a fundraiser for a non-profit, right?!). I also mentioned to Chip and David that the number of raffle tickets sold will depend a great deal on WHO is selling them (like it or not). I'm a big fan of approaching folks with "how many raffle tickets would you like to purchase?" and NOT "would you like to buy a raffle ticket?". I'm not sure who specifically will be selling the tickets at the event but if at all possible I'll attempt to help out there as well as sales skills fall into my personal "strength" category. This is a direct result of my status as a successful business owner.
I continue to be encouraged by my welcome at CMS. I realize I'm precocious and that can be a turn off for people, so as I mentioned I'm trying to tread lightly. It's a relief to work in an environment where folks seems to be open and willing to learn things outside of their area of expertise. Refreshing.
Wish us luck on Wednesday!
The program I helped compile came off the press today and looks great. Had I had more time I would have liked to sell some ads for it (a revenue opportunity that was certainly missed) but for my first year of involvement I'm satisfied with how the program turned out. I introduced CMS to Kathy Kingsbury who will act as MC for the event. Kathy and I have known each other since I opened my Anytime Fitness business in Cottage Grove nearly three years ago. I am very confident in her abilities and am happy to have her there. David and I briefly went over her script for the event but I feel as if I have to leave that mostly to David and Chip's discretion since I've never attended this event before.
I am also helping organize the "Day Of" activities with that committee including Andria and Susan. I'm grateful to my fellow Cohort 7 CRES students who are generously donating their time Weds. nite to help at the event. There are over 100 volunteers on CMS' roster and I think we'll have plenty of hands on deck.
We found out the florist who was to donate the centerpieces for the event fell thru today so at the end of my shift I went to Market of Choice to ask for their help with flower donations at Barbara Date's request. She is going to speak with the manager first thing tomorrow and with luck we'll pull out some last minute kindness. I also made signs today for the event and helped make decisions on decorations.
The more involved I get with CMS the more I learn that my acumen as a for-profit business owner is valuable in the non-profit setting. Although I'm somewhat hesitant to give a plethora of advice from my perspective as a business owner cause I'm so new (and just an intern), there are some instances when I feel I must speak up in order to have a direct effect on improving the event as a whole and increasing the amount of money made. This IS a fundraiser, after all, and I strongly believe you have to ask for money (and be ok with being turned down) if you want to make money.
For example, a large part of the income will come from the raffling of several baskets of various goodies that were donated by many generous community members/businesses. The proposed pricing for raffle tickets started at $3 for 1, $10 for 4, and so on. I strongly recommended the price for one ticket should be $5 - meaningfully cost-prohibitive. Not only does that increase the amount people have to pay (more revenue for us), it rids us of the obligation to provide change, and it encourages folks to buy more raffle tickets. (I did mention this IS a fundraiser for a non-profit, right?!). I also mentioned to Chip and David that the number of raffle tickets sold will depend a great deal on WHO is selling them (like it or not). I'm a big fan of approaching folks with "how many raffle tickets would you like to purchase?" and NOT "would you like to buy a raffle ticket?". I'm not sure who specifically will be selling the tickets at the event but if at all possible I'll attempt to help out there as well as sales skills fall into my personal "strength" category. This is a direct result of my status as a successful business owner.
I continue to be encouraged by my welcome at CMS. I realize I'm precocious and that can be a turn off for people, so as I mentioned I'm trying to tread lightly. It's a relief to work in an environment where folks seems to be open and willing to learn things outside of their area of expertise. Refreshing.
Wish us luck on Wednesday!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Community Mediation Services of Lane County - My 1st Internship Journey Begins
In mid-August 2011 just before I started this program, I was eating at a downtown Eugene restaurant and happened upon a local newspaper. Under the calendar section was scheduled an info session at Community Mediation Services and to rsvp to the number listed. I was intrigued by the idea of mediation (not knowing anything about it at the time) and called to let them know to expect me. To my surprise, the woman who answered the phone had no knowledge of any such meeting but kindly offered to put me in contact with the Executive Director, Chip Coker. Chip and I chatted for a few minutes and agreed to meet to discuss my interest in mediation.
I found Chip to be very open and welcoming. He is the type of person who is genuinely nice. He cares about the world and I like that. We seemed to click immediately. I also like Chip because he has personality. He makes no secret that he's an aging hippie, complete with the tie-die shirt and long greying hair. We talked about his background and mine. Him - a recovering attorney who "saw the mediation light" and left his high-paying, high-powered career representing the bad guy insurance company. Me - a lowly grad student trying to help make this world a little better. (I was hoping Chip would give me all the answers during that first meeting, but I think he's holding out on me). In discussing my business ownership in Cottage Grove and the numerous community contacts I have down there, and Chip discussing CMS's desire to expand into Cottage Grove, a potential final project clearly emerged.
Not long after meeting Chip I had the opportunity to work with him at UO Law's annual mediation certification training that took place over two weekends in late Aug/early Sept 2011. Chip was a coach at the training and although I unfortunately never got the opportunity for him to coach me in our practice mediations, he clearly is skilled as a mediator and as a communicator. We talked again about my final project idea of opening a satellite of CMS in Cottage Grove and Chip was enthusiastic. I decided it was time to take the idea to my program director for approval. I also finalized my paperwork with CMS to become a volunteer mediator.
After being granted the initial go ahead from my program manager, I arranged to meet with Chip again on 9/13/11 to discuss the project idea in more detail and figure out the logistics of my internship. A key person to meet was David Gubernick, CMS's Community Program Manager and the person who I would be working most closely with. I met David that day, a distinct and interesting individual. I also happened to be introduced to Barbara Date who subsequently invited my to a personality profile seminar she was having on 10/1. I began to get to know Cara the office manager as well. In short, the folks at CMS are all welcoming, warm and caring people and I'm so grateful to have been brought into the fold so quickly.
In my first conversation with David he let me know that CMS's annual Peace By Piece event was coming up on 10/19 and that he could really use my help in preparation. He urged me, in fact, to take on the role of head of the PR committee for the event. I accepted the position and David and I began to plan meetings to ensure everything would get done on time.
Our first PR committee meeting took place on 9/22 and included David and another David, David Green (apparently having the name David helps if you want to work at CMS). We lined out what needed to be done, by when, and who was responsible for doing it. One of the most urgent needs was to get the already printed posters up around town so I took this task.
Another urgency need was to find an MC for the event as the person from the previous two years was unavailable. I immediately thought of my friend and local Cottage Grove business owner Kathy Kingsbury since I had seen her excel in a similar role. I agreed to contact Kathy in the hope she would volunteer her time and skills the night of the event.
A second PR committee meeting took place on 9/26 and David and I continued to work our way down the task list. David is very good at identifying and utilizing my skills where needed and is very gracious in his deference to me when I may be able to accomplish a task faster than he can (as I am to him). He is obviously grateful to have my help as I get the impression this event is really time consuming and stressful. On 9/28 I went in again to help David get the mailers printed and sent out. Another PRC meeting took place on 10/3 and more good stuff accomplished.
In the meantime I had received the good news from Kathy that she would MC the event for us (for free!). I arranged for her to come to CMS on 10/4 to meet Chip and David. After the meeting Chip emailed me saying he thought she will be perfect for the role and was very grateful for my help. (He mentioned I'd made "quite an impression" on CMS and him personally and that made me feel good) :)
That bring us to today when I went in work with David on getting the event program finalized. The volunteer (Henry) who was writing the bios for the winners did submit them as scheduled (and they are great) but unfortunately he forgot one of the photos that we need for the program. I tried to get a hold of the winner today but didn't hear back. Since Monday is my only day off from class I try to get all things CMS done on Mondays but sometimes that's just not possible. So, I'll email David in the morning to see if he received the photo. We have to go to print by Weds this week to ensure the printing is done on time.
The other aspect of planning for this event I've been involved in is gathering CRES student volunteers to help serve wine and dessert at the event. I sent out an email and made a Facebook event to track who is attending. Right now we have about 10, hopefully that will do. I asked people to wear black so we look more professional, just my personal touch.
Now that I have this blog started my goal is to make an entry each Monday after my shift at CMS to recap what I accomplished that day. My goals for this internship are to learn more about mediation in general, sit in/participate in actual mediations to improve my skills as a mediator, and learn the ins and outs of running CMS as a non-profit business so that I can duplicate the process in Cottage Grove next year.
I get the impression from several people that I jumped in really early to this whole internship thing and they seem surprised. I've always been a bit of an overachiever so its no surprise to me at all. I would say my time-management skills are above average and I usually know how much I can take on without getting overwhelmed. Although school is busy and I continue to operate a business in Cottage Grove, I feel confident that I can excel in this as well. I felt I needed to get my foot in the door with CMS now so I have the opportunity to learn a bit at a time over the next several months. Come summer 2012 I'll be prepared to go full steam ahead.
I found Chip to be very open and welcoming. He is the type of person who is genuinely nice. He cares about the world and I like that. We seemed to click immediately. I also like Chip because he has personality. He makes no secret that he's an aging hippie, complete with the tie-die shirt and long greying hair. We talked about his background and mine. Him - a recovering attorney who "saw the mediation light" and left his high-paying, high-powered career representing the bad guy insurance company. Me - a lowly grad student trying to help make this world a little better. (I was hoping Chip would give me all the answers during that first meeting, but I think he's holding out on me). In discussing my business ownership in Cottage Grove and the numerous community contacts I have down there, and Chip discussing CMS's desire to expand into Cottage Grove, a potential final project clearly emerged.
Not long after meeting Chip I had the opportunity to work with him at UO Law's annual mediation certification training that took place over two weekends in late Aug/early Sept 2011. Chip was a coach at the training and although I unfortunately never got the opportunity for him to coach me in our practice mediations, he clearly is skilled as a mediator and as a communicator. We talked again about my final project idea of opening a satellite of CMS in Cottage Grove and Chip was enthusiastic. I decided it was time to take the idea to my program director for approval. I also finalized my paperwork with CMS to become a volunteer mediator.
After being granted the initial go ahead from my program manager, I arranged to meet with Chip again on 9/13/11 to discuss the project idea in more detail and figure out the logistics of my internship. A key person to meet was David Gubernick, CMS's Community Program Manager and the person who I would be working most closely with. I met David that day, a distinct and interesting individual. I also happened to be introduced to Barbara Date who subsequently invited my to a personality profile seminar she was having on 10/1. I began to get to know Cara the office manager as well. In short, the folks at CMS are all welcoming, warm and caring people and I'm so grateful to have been brought into the fold so quickly.
In my first conversation with David he let me know that CMS's annual Peace By Piece event was coming up on 10/19 and that he could really use my help in preparation. He urged me, in fact, to take on the role of head of the PR committee for the event. I accepted the position and David and I began to plan meetings to ensure everything would get done on time.
Our first PR committee meeting took place on 9/22 and included David and another David, David Green (apparently having the name David helps if you want to work at CMS). We lined out what needed to be done, by when, and who was responsible for doing it. One of the most urgent needs was to get the already printed posters up around town so I took this task.
Another urgency need was to find an MC for the event as the person from the previous two years was unavailable. I immediately thought of my friend and local Cottage Grove business owner Kathy Kingsbury since I had seen her excel in a similar role. I agreed to contact Kathy in the hope she would volunteer her time and skills the night of the event.
A second PR committee meeting took place on 9/26 and David and I continued to work our way down the task list. David is very good at identifying and utilizing my skills where needed and is very gracious in his deference to me when I may be able to accomplish a task faster than he can (as I am to him). He is obviously grateful to have my help as I get the impression this event is really time consuming and stressful. On 9/28 I went in again to help David get the mailers printed and sent out. Another PRC meeting took place on 10/3 and more good stuff accomplished.
In the meantime I had received the good news from Kathy that she would MC the event for us (for free!). I arranged for her to come to CMS on 10/4 to meet Chip and David. After the meeting Chip emailed me saying he thought she will be perfect for the role and was very grateful for my help. (He mentioned I'd made "quite an impression" on CMS and him personally and that made me feel good) :)
That bring us to today when I went in work with David on getting the event program finalized. The volunteer (Henry) who was writing the bios for the winners did submit them as scheduled (and they are great) but unfortunately he forgot one of the photos that we need for the program. I tried to get a hold of the winner today but didn't hear back. Since Monday is my only day off from class I try to get all things CMS done on Mondays but sometimes that's just not possible. So, I'll email David in the morning to see if he received the photo. We have to go to print by Weds this week to ensure the printing is done on time.
The other aspect of planning for this event I've been involved in is gathering CRES student volunteers to help serve wine and dessert at the event. I sent out an email and made a Facebook event to track who is attending. Right now we have about 10, hopefully that will do. I asked people to wear black so we look more professional, just my personal touch.
Now that I have this blog started my goal is to make an entry each Monday after my shift at CMS to recap what I accomplished that day. My goals for this internship are to learn more about mediation in general, sit in/participate in actual mediations to improve my skills as a mediator, and learn the ins and outs of running CMS as a non-profit business so that I can duplicate the process in Cottage Grove next year.
I get the impression from several people that I jumped in really early to this whole internship thing and they seem surprised. I've always been a bit of an overachiever so its no surprise to me at all. I would say my time-management skills are above average and I usually know how much I can take on without getting overwhelmed. Although school is busy and I continue to operate a business in Cottage Grove, I feel confident that I can excel in this as well. I felt I needed to get my foot in the door with CMS now so I have the opportunity to learn a bit at a time over the next several months. Come summer 2012 I'll be prepared to go full steam ahead.
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