Youth Project with the Aquinnah Cultural Center

YOUTH PROJECT WITH AQUINNAH CULTURAL CENTER 

Sarah Safford, MVMP Youth Coordinator

Our first youth training took place in June. It was very successful with 12 youth mediators completing the course. Learning about conflict, Wampanoag legacy as conflict resolvers, listening skills and the negotiation process these youth mediators were amazing!

Over the summer we also worked on a Youth Mediation Role Play video including a scene of conflict on the water.The edited video will be available on Vimeo to be used as an instructional tool for future Youth trainings. We want to thank MVTV for their support in making this and other videos.

The other part of our Youth Project involved the young people doing historical research and interviews with Wampanoag elders on traditions of conflict resolution. One of the youth mediators assisted in the oral history interviews and eight Wampanoag elders participated.  

These interviews are currently being edited and will be available for the ACC to use in their educational programs and exhibits. 

Future plans include establishing a regular weekly presence at Alex's Place, the teen center at the YMCA across the street from the high school. We have a commitment from the Y staff to support any mediation activities we want to offer.

Our new Youth Liaison Intern, will assist with recruiting for the next youth training session to be held in November /December and along with me, Sarah S, will be doing outreach to schools, PTAs, and community organizations across the island. 

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.