|
The Mediator
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center's Quarterly Newsletter
|
|
|
Volume 13, Issue 2: April 2017
|
|
|
Message from the Director
|
|
Greetings!
Happy birthday to the WDRC! March 18th marked the 25th anniversary of our incorporation as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
While many individuals came together to form the WDRC, three visionary women helped guide the development of this organization: Barbara Rofkar, Martha Day, and Ruth Schweinfurth. Within our original articles of incorporation, they stated that our primary purpose would be
1) to increase community understanding of the dynamics of conflict,
2) to recruit and train an ongoing pool of persons competent in resolving conflicts in various areas, and
3) to provide and/or arrange for neutral third parties to assist and empower disputants to use effective methods for resolving conflicts in just, equitable, and cooperative ways.
In 1993, the Whatcom County Council formally recognized and designated our nonprofit under RCW 7.75, which the state legislature created to give form to county dispute resolution centers. To this day we continue to carry forward this original purpose, and accomplish so much more.
On June 15th (from 11:30-1 at Northwood Hall) we will be celebrating our 25 years of service to Whatcom County. This free Bridging Divides luncheon event promises to be an enjoyable celebration, touching on our history, our impact, and our future. We’re pleased to feature the Honorable US Magistrate Judge Paula McCandlis as our keynote speaker.
Warm regards,
Moonwater
|
|
|
Interested in volunteering at Bocce?
|
|
|
Bridging Divides
A Lunch Celebration of the WDRC's 25th Anniversary
June 15th, 11am-12:30 pm
Northwood Hall
FREE to attend. Suggested minimum donation of $50.
Contributions of all amounts welcome!
|
|
|
Save the date for additional upcoming events:
Nov. 17th, 5:30-9pm, BTC's Settlemyer Hall
Sept. 9th, Boundary Bay Brewery
Sept. 10th, starting at Johnny's Donuts
|
|
|
Notes from the Youth Program
|
|
|
Restorative Practices at Windward High School
|
|
|
In this story from Winter 2017, WDRC AmeriCorps Youth Specialist Daniel Soloff recounts the impact of our Restorative Justice program in local schools.
|
|
|
Congratulations to the WDRC Youth Program!
WDRC Youth Program staff were awarded an Honorable Mention in the Community Partner category of the Bellingham School District's 2017 Promise Awards. Emily, Daniel, and Lily were specifically mentioned in the recognition, which was presented at WDRC on Friday, April 14th.
|
|
|
WDRC Giving Circle Spotlight
|
|
|
We are grateful to
Janet Lightner and Ed Bennett of Boundary Bay Brewery
for their continuing support of the DRC. Here's why Janet contributes:
|
|
"I support the WDRC because we need continual reminders throughout our lives that conflict is normal - an opportunity!'"
- Janet
|
|
|
Janet Lightner and WDRC Executive Director Moonwater at the March 30th
Appreciation
Event.
Photo by
Bellingham Photographer
Phil Rose.
|
|
|
May 10th-19th, W 1-5pm, Th & F 9am-6pm - CLASS FULL, WAITLIST ONLY
|
|
|
|
August 23rd & 30th, 2-5pm
|
|
|
|
Help Keep Kids and Parents Connected
|
Do you – or someone you know – want to…
- Make a difference in the lives of Whatcom County children and families?
- Give 1.5 hours each week to volunteer?
- Commit to a volunteer role for a minimum of 6-12 months (12 months or longer preferred to provide consistency for families)?
Our
Supervised Visitation Program
needs volunteer
Visit Supervisors
to monitor visits between non-custodial/non-residential parents and children when the Court has determined that supervision of visits is necessary.
|
|
|
WDRC Seeking Board Members
|
|
The WDRC Board of Directors is looking for new members interested in supporting and guiding this vibrant, growing organization. While all nominations and applications are welcomed, of particular interest now are individuals who have:
- Social services training and experience
- Small and large business affiliations
- Counselling or mental health background
- Law enforcement training and experience
- Connections with diverse communities
Interested in more information or wish to nominate someone? We're happy to share more details. Please contact the Board Recruitment Committee (c/o
[email protected]
) or Moonwater (
[email protected]
)
|
|
|
Spring Highlight:
WDRC Appreciation Event, March 30th
|
|
|
WDRC Executive Director Moonwater presented Joan Cervisi with her Outstanding Volunteer Award. Photo by Bellingham Photographer Phil Rose.
|
|
|
|
Each year as part of our Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Event, we honor a few outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond for the Center. Please help us celebrate the this year's recipients, who received their awards at this year’s Appreciation Event.
|
|
|
Thank you to out-going board members
Joan Cervisi, Randy Doucet, Jacie DeLaruelle, N.F. Jackson, and Charmie Gilcrease
Within the past quarter several amazing Board Members' terms came to an end. Each of these individuals have left a positive impact and legacy within our organization. We are deeply grateful for their service and passion about our mission.
|
|
|
Farewell to volunteer Katrina Maple
Katrina will be continuing towards achieving her Bachelor's degree at Western and seeking out new internships. At Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, she learned the importance of collaboration, confidentiality, and the teamwork needed to run a non-profit organization.
|
|
|
Welcome to our new Board members
|
|
|
Welcome to our new Mediation Practicum cohort
|
|
|
Board
Christian Christensen, Kirsten Drickey, Lisa Holleman, Renae Ingraham, Alivia Jelinski, Andrew Olive, Catherine Riordan, Amy Rydel, Tim Schermetzler, Morgan Sicilia
Advisory Board
David Doll, Marian Exall, Dave Grant, Karla Hall, Leon Henley, Phil Montgomery, Carlton Nathon, Mary Sass
Our board & staff appreciate the thousands of hours of service our volunteers provide each year!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
