Vol. 18, No. 20	Feb. 18, 1999

Conflict resolution forum set March 2 in Clayton Hall

Alternatives to conflict resolution in Delaware's schools, courts and government is the focus of "Is Collaboration First in the First State? The Status of Conflict Resolution in Delaware," a public policy forum scheduled for Tuesday, March 2. The all-day event is scheduled from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Clayton Hall.

Sponsored by the Conflict Resolution Program in UD's Institute for Public Administration, the forum will provide an opportunity to examine the collaborative processes and alternative dispute resolution techniques being used in different sectors in Delaware. Conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation and consensus-building strategies will all be considered.

"Delaware is establishing a reputation for approaching disputes in a manner that leads to fast, fair resolution, rather than years of litigation," Kathryn Denhardt, director of the UD program, said. "This policy forum will further explore ways that we can promote a win-win philosophy in government, the courts, the corporate world, our neighborhoods and schools."

The Delaware Federation for Dispute Resolution (DFDR) and the UD Cooperative Extension are cosponsors of the forum.

"Dispute resolution has wide applicability; it's for everyone," Kathie Stamm, interim chair of DFDR, said. "Anyone from neighborhood block leaders to students to public officials can benefit."

During the policy forum, Gov. Thomas R. Carper, Attorney General M. Jane Brady and Iris T. Metts, Delaware secretary of education, will discuss the value of collaboration and dispute resolution in enhancing the quality of public life in the state. Chris Carlson and Dick Gross of the Policy Consensus Initiative, a nonprofit organization that works with states to use the tools of conflict, will give the keynote address: "Collaboration & Conflict Resolution: Essential Tools of Policymaking."

Two separate breakout sessions, each led by a trained facilitator, will allow participants to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist within the dispute resolution community. During the morning breakout session, participants will assess strengths, weaknesses and needs within their sectors.

To initiate dialogue for each group, on-site resource people will discuss their dispute resolution work. Examples include teaching youth conflict resolution skills and using mediation to alleviate crowded court dockets.

The afternoon breakout session will focus on such key questions such as how to increase public awareness of the benefits of dispute resolution, how to establish quality standards for mediators and how to increase the use of ADR in Delaware's courts. Following the sessions and a question and answer period, an action agenda will be created to advance dispute resolution efforts in the state.

Those interested in attending the conflict resolution forum, should call 831-6812 or send e-mail to <halvor@udel.edu>. Cost is $60 per person or $50 for four or more people from the same organization. The Conflict Resolution Program is part of College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy.

-Laura Overturf