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December 2024 News and Updates

Stay Warm This Winter Season!

Hello everyone!


Looking for thoughtful gifts that can enhance conflict resolution skills or stimulate discussions on related themes? Have a look at some of our ED Sharon Sutherland's "oldie but goodie" blog posts:


For those who like board games, Dixit has several expansion sets and we think the Mirrors set has some beautiful artwork that naturally supports conflict resolution themes.


Sharon also suggests gifting yourself and others tickets to upcoming theatre shows that embody empathy and communication themes. How about Wonderful Joe (Feb 4-23, 2025) at The Cultch or Women of the Fur Trade (Feb 8-23, 2025) at the Firehall Arts Centre? For something immediate, Rat Academy is playing this week (Dec 5-7) at a secret location!


Keep reading for the latest news and events!


~MBC

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Mediate BC News & Events

**NEW DATE: Equity in Conflict Resolution: Right Use of Power and Inclusive Leadership

Continuing with Mediate BC's Equity in Conflict Resolution speaker series, we are excited to host this third session focusing on the use of power and inclusive leadership. This session will be facilitated by Nadine Nakagawa of Bakau Consulting. It invites mediation and conflict resolution practitioners to consider their identities and positionality in relation to the identities of their clients. While we may often think that centering equity in our work means understanding and accommodating the needs of our clients, this session will guide participants into self-reflection on how we may be perceived and received by those seeking our expertise, as well as how we can use our personal and professional power ethically within our practice. More info here & register here.


Jan 21, 6pm - 8:00pm PST

Dec 4, 10am - 12pm PST

Online



*Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 2 hours for Family Law ADR.

Strengthening Bonds: Culturally Responsive Mediation for South Asian Families


This interactive workshop is designed for professionals working in child welfare and family law who engage with South Asian families. It explores the importance of culturally responsive practices that respect the unique dynamics, values, and traditions within South Asian communities. Participants will gain insight into the cultural nuances that impact family interactions, decision-making, and conflict resolution in areas such as parenting, family roles, and intergenerational expectations.


The workshop will equip attendees with practical tools and strategies to support families in navigating complex issues, such as divorce, child welfare, and family conflict, while maintaining sensitivity to cultural values. Participants will also explore how to build trust, foster open communication, and promote outcomes that honor cultural identity and family cohesion. More info & RSVP here.

Ask a Mediator takes place on

the first and third Tuesdays 

of each month from 4-6 pm.

Ask A Mediator Clinic


Are you interested in volunteering at one of our Virtual Pro Bono Clinics? You'll speak with members of the public, during free 30 minute virtual sessions, about conflict resolution options. Common questions: How do I invite someone to mediate? What actually happens at a mediation? Is my dispute suitable for a collaborative process?


Email Ann Lee to volunteer or for more information. Please send clients who would benefit from this clinic here for more info. Please note that this volunteer position is specific to Roster mediators.

*These coached role play hours qualify for RRM role play requirements and LSBC CPD.

Coached Role Plays!


Coached role plays provide an opportunity for new and experienced mediators to gain role play experience and feedback from a seasoned coach. Role plays can be purchased individually ($120), as part of a three role play package ($285), or by way of monthly subscription ($95/month). When you register, a unique/time and date will be scheduled with your role play group. Role plays are held in a variety of family and civil scenarios, and in co and sole mediation models. Role play hours can be applied toward MBC Registered Roster Mediation (RMM) applications and applied towards LSBC CPD hours.


For more information, contact Mediate BC's Manager of Training Aaron Leakey. Register here.

Items of Interest

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Collaborative Decision-Making Options in Child Welfare Workshops

For lawyers and advocates working in child welfare, check out some of the upcoming CDM workshops. Learn more here.

  • Courtenay, Jan 6, 10:30am-12:30pm 
  • Nanaimo, Jan 7, 10am-12pm 
  • North Vancouver, Jan 8, 10am-12pm 
  • Lower Mainland Service Providers, Jan 16, 10am-12pm
  • More locations to be added!

Child & Youth Informed Mediation Study

Dr. Rachel Birnbaum and Professor Nicholas Bala from Western University invite you to participate in a groundbreaking research project on Child & Youth Informed Mediation during parental relationship breakdowns. 

Your valuable insights will shape future policies and help better serve families. 


  • Time Commitment: The survey takes just 25-30 minutes.
  • Confidential: Your participation is completely anonymous and voluntary.
  • Impact: Help close the gap in research on mediator experiences with child and youth informed mediation in private practice.


Complete the survey here.

Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI) Sectoral Planning Project

UBC is researching challenges and successes with public legal education and information (PLEI) in British Columbia. They would like to hear from you about your experiences with publicly available free legal resources and information in a 10 question survey. Their hope is to learn from you as they develop recommendations for new approaches. Click here for more information and eligibility to participate. The survey will be open until January 31, 2025. If you would like more information about the study or survey, please contact the study’s research coordinator, at plei.project@ubc.ca.

Spotlight on Training

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Ku'ikahi Brown Bag Lunch Series - How to Deliver Feedback Fearlessly & Effectively

Join Joan Shafer as she leads a discussion of how employee feedback is essential for professional development and business performance. In this webinar, you'll learn how to give direct, meaningful feedback, understand its benefits and overcome barriers to delivering it. Learn more here.


Dec 19, 3 - 4pm PST

Online


Community Events

Please let us know if you are involved in or come across other events that may be of interest to our conflict resolution community. 

CoRe: Writers Group

Fridays 10am - Noon PST 

Online

For more information or to be added to the Writers' Group email list, please contact coreclinic1@gmail.com.

MBC & SALC BC: Strengthening Bonds: Culturally Responsive Mediation for South Asian Families

Dec 4, 10am - Noon PST

Online

Harvard PON: International Norms and Islamic Principles: Exploring Commonalities for Peacebuilding

Dec 10, 9:00am - 10:00am PST

Online

CLEBC: Family Law Mediation Fundamentals

Dec 16 - 18

Online

WWFF: From Contrarian to Convert: Successful Techniques for ADR

Dec 19, 8 - 9am PST

Online

Ku'ikahi Brown Bag Lunch Series - How to Deliver Feedback Fearlessly & Effectively

Dec 19, 3 - 4pm PST (Third Thursdays Every Month)

Online

MBC Equity in Conflict Resolution: Right Use of Power and Inclusive Leadership

Jan 21, 6pm - 8:00pm PST

Online

WWFF: A Conversation with Antonio Piazza, Global Leader in Mediation

Jan 9, 8 - 9am PST

Online

WWFF: Mediations in Matters Involving Criminal Allegations

Jan 23, 8 - 9am PST

Online

JIBC: Advanced Mediation

Feb 3 - Feb 7

New Westminster

WWFF: Negotiating with Confidence: Strategies for Settlement Success

Feb 6, 8 - 9am PST

Online

Confronting Climate Change: Evolving Strategies in Dispute Resolution

Jun 27, 2025

Geneva & Online

 * Inclusion in this list is not an endorsement of training or activities.