October Mediation Musings

Conflict Resolution Day: Every Day at MVMP

 Sara Barnes,

President and Lead Mediator

October 17, 2019 is a worldwide celebration of Conflict Resolution Day. In Massachusetts the legislature has declared the week of October 14-18 Conflict Resolution Week.

Everyday is conflict resolution day at Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program. Here are a few happenings from last week. 

·       Working on the Youth Mediation Program—creating partnerships with a youth organization so our mediators have a confidential setting for mediation services.

·       Answering inquiries from numerous individuals and organizations who are seeking mediation, facilitation or conflict coaching services.

·       Interacting with various divorcing couples and our in-house lawyer who prepares the court packets, in order to finalize divorce documents.

·       Workplace conflict session #2 with a cohort of supervisors and managers who are working their way through a published conflict management text.

·       Preparation of our quarterly reports to the offices of the Attorney General, District Court, Probate/Family Court and Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration.

·       Discussion with a sister mediation organization in order to consider a partnership on a complicated project.

·       Preparation for the twice-yearly Introduction to Mediation course fielding inquiries and preparing materials.

·       Drop by from a friend of the organization who was thinking about getting involved in MVMP.

·       Meeting of the Conflict Coaches to develop their campaign to promote this free service for Martha’s Vineyard residents.

Sometimes we feel like we are in a tiny boat paddling hard against prevailing winds that push in the opposite direction. Your support and belief in our mission—to encourage and assist all residents of Dukes County to resolve conflicts through mediation and other constructive dispute resolution tools—keeps us afloat.  

On October 17 we will celebrate Conflict Resolution Day, joining with thousands across the globe who take one day to lift up the notions that conflict resolution is the way forward toward peace and understanding. Add this one on to your list of holidays. Celebrate with MVMP.

Workplace Conflict Workshops and Management Course

WORKPLACE CONFLICT WORKSHOPS AND MANAGEMENT COURSE

We are excited to be hosting two series about conflict in the workplace. Many local businesses over the years have sought out assistance with conflict they have encountered. In response we have created, in partnership with the MV Chamber of Commerce, two different series designed to help island business deal with daily conflict issues.

The first is a series of free lunchtime workshops co-sponsored by the MV Chamber of Commerce. These will cover the following topics:

·       creating a conflict positive workplace

·       conflict management action planning,

·       toxic workplace-what to do?

·       team building in a healthy workplace.

These 90 minute long workshops will send participants off with do-able tips and strategies to assist workplace conflict management. See above for schedule.

The second workplace conflict offering is a 8 session course on Workplace Conflict Management. This is designed for Vineyard managers and supervisors. The cohort will collaboratively review a workplace conflict management book. Participants will receive support and insight into their own business dilemmas through a case study model. This course is co-sponsored by the MV Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA. Call/email to register.