Help Bring Peace to our Backyard

When I was preparing to retire after teaching for 36 years I was wondering what I might do, how I might still contribute.  I had some experience problem solving while serving for four years on the Teacher’s Association of Anne Arundel County (TAAAC) Negotiating Team and decided to check out the volunteer opportunities offered by the Anne Arundel County Conflict Resolution Center.  After completing the 45 hour Basic Training class I began mediating in the Fall of 2011.   

Since then, I have attended additional trainings, including  Developing Parenting Plans, Individual Educational Plans (IEP), Attendance Mediation, Re-Entry (persons soon to be released from incarceration), and Anger Management.  Before COVID 19 and the pandemic redefined our reality, I was mostly involved in assisting parents who were in the midst of a marital and needed to develop a Parenting Plan for their child(ren) conducting Anger Management classes at the county Detention Center on Jennifer Road in Annapolis and mediating community cases (neighbor to neighbor, landlord/tenant, employee/employer, etc)

Why do I continue to do this?  The short answer is that, I enjoy it and I feel I am contributing to the common good.  In addition, I am amazed at times by the power of the Inclusive Process we use in our mediation sessions.  As trained mediators, we facilitate a conversation between/among participants.   They decide what topics need to be addressed.  Together they generate a list of possible options.  Then they each decide which possible options they will agree to. We capture the options they both agree with and provide a written copy of their draft agreement for court review and acceptance, if required.  

By participating in our program, participants experience a non-violent, conflict- solving process that they then can use in other aspects of their lives.  It is very exciting to watch people gain more control over the challenges life throws their way.

Given the restrictions of COVID-19, the Conflict Resolution Center has had to adapt and get creative in how we support those in need of mediation. We have had to cancel our annual in-person fundraiser and this crowdfunding campaign is an effort to mitigate those losses and help ensure the Center is able to keep helping those in need.   I hope you’ll join in supporting the Center.  I’m deeply grateful for any level of contribution!  Thank you.