Are there alternatives for dealing with conflict other than the methods we read about in the daily newspapers or hear from the media?
Yes there are, and a newly organized group of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) professionals and like-minded individuals, led by University of Delaware Assistant Policy Scientist Fran Fletcher of the Institute for Public Administration’s Conflict Resolution Program, has created the Delaware Conflict Resolution Network (DCRN), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to explore opportunities for creating, expanding, and promoting peacemaking strategies for Delawareans.
DCRN’s next meeting is March 10, 2009, in Dover, Del. Networking begins at 5:30, followed by featured speaker Rick Grier-Reynolds at 6:00. Grier-Reynolds is the recipient of the Peacemaker Among Us award, which is given by Pacem in Terris. He will speak about his travels and experiences of working for peace in many countries throughout the world.
In the fall of 2007, at the invitation of Fletcher, those within the state who had an interest in ADR gathered for an initial discussion. This diverse group included individuals from faith-based organizations and nonprofit agencies as well as employees who work in state, county, and local governments, police agencies, and higher education, as well as consultants and attorneys.
As enthusiasm continued throughout 2008, Fletcher continued to promote and organize the meetings that culminated in the development of a formalized organization.
Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month at varying locations throughout the state. Each meeting offers a presenter/speaker who is actively working in ADR, followed by a question-and-answer period. A short business meeting ends the session. Each meeting begins with a networking reception. All meetings are free and open to the public. Yearly membership for $30 enables attendees to vote on organizational issues as well as hold officer positions. Elected officers are President—William Hucker, Veterans Administration Medical Center; Vice President—Debi Zistl, People’s Place; Treasurer—Terry Toliver, City of Wilmington; Secretary—Fran Fletcher, University of Delaware; Recording Secretary—Ed Tos, State of Delaware.
If you’re interested in attending or need additional information about the March program or the Delaware Conflict Resolution Network, contact Fran Fletcher (302-831-6812).
