Mediation Musings: Turning Forty

Sara Barnes 

About 40 years ago, right around the time she began writing her seminal article The Logic Behind the Magic of Mediation, Albie Davis came to Martha’s Vineyard to help provide training for the court-sponsored program, which was then just one year old. In that journal article Davis wrote: “I’ve never mediated a case where I didn’t see a little piece of myself in each of the parties, the best and the worst of their qualities. I knew I could be in their shoes . . .”

Do you remember 40 years ago? I think I do, though I remind myself that memory is a fickle partner that blurs and distorts in unknowable ways. Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Prince’s Purple Rain were all the rage. Hair, clothes, and attitudes were BIG. We had no cell phones, computers were unusual, greed was all of a sudden supposed to be good. It was around that time that I met a new group called “The Resolving Conflict Creatively” program. I was a third grade teacher and the promise of peer mediation programs seemed an empowering possibility. Magic.

When I came to live on Martha’s Vineyard, almost 30 years later, I had read Davis’s article, and had used it for many years with emerging mediators. Mediation and conflict resolution had become a through line in my teaching career. There’s something about the phrase logic behind the magic that captures my love of mediation and conflict resolution. My admiration of this phrase has lasted for almost 40 years, and I thank Albie Davis now so many years later, along with the hundreds of others who helped to make our organization what it is today.

Mediation is an art, a craft, a science, and a logical procedure. It’s also a little bit of magic with endless possibilities. The magic of people. Talking. Thinking together. Trying to work it all out. As for our ancestors before and the generations to come, there’s magic afoot when we work to create peace and fairness with each other. We’ve been at it for 40 years. More magic to come.

Here is a longer version, with a look into life as a teacher from 40 years ago, and a copy of Albie Davis’s full article, as referred to in the column. Continue reading here.

OUR SERVICES: 40 YEARS OF EVOLUTION-RESOLUTION

The Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program, Inc., was founded as The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Dispute Resolution in 1984 by Dukes County Judge Herbert Tucker and Clerk Magistrate Thomas Teller. The program became known as the Edgartown District Court Mediation Program and was modeled after the Urban Mediation Project in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Originally the program was court-based, limited to cases referred by the Dukes County District Court. In 1990, the program expanded to accept cases from the community and became a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. Today, MVMP is state-certified as a court-annexed mediation program, to provide mediation in cases referred by Dukes County District Court, Probate & Family Court, and Superior Court as well as courts in Bristol county. MV Mediation mediators now offer community mediation services in and outside of court settings for a wide variety of disputes. These include:

• Youth Mediation
• Family and Divorce Mediation Program––PMP
• Housing Mediation
• Civil Court / Small Claims
• Re-Entry Program
• Workplace Conflict Mediation and Management
• Facilitation Services
• Local Consumer Advocacy
• Agricultural Mediation
• Conflict Coaching
• Financial Conflict Coaching
• Elderly and Aging Mediation
• Classes, Workshops, Seminars, and Training Programs

Check out our WEBSITE for details.

Community Programs info@mvmediation.org or call 508-693-2999

Housing Program admin@mvmediation.org or call 508-693-2199

Local Consumer Program consumer@mvmediation.org or call 508-338-2099

IN THE PRESS OVER THE YEARS –– 40 Years and Counting

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It's Not Too Late to Become a Sponsor!

Upcoming Events

Look here for annual celebration events honoring International Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution Week is October 14–19.

Events all over the world––how are you celebrating?

• MV Mediation’s 40th anniversary celebration
• US Forest Service asks “What picture are you seeing?”
• Maryland mediation bookmark contest for kids
• American Bar Association Dispute Resolution events
• Massachusetts Bar Association Calendar of Events
• Dubai and Ismaili centres celebrate all over the world
• University of Maryland says “Resolution is worth celebrating”
• NYC offers Settlement Day on October 23, 2024––hybrid event.
• Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service is celebrating being 75 years old

What Is Conflict Resolution Day and Week?

Conflict Resolution Day was conceived in 2005 by the Association for Conflict Resolution to:

• Promote awareness of mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and other creative, peaceful means of resolving conflict;
• Promote the use of conflict resolution in schools, families, businesses, communities, governments, and the legal system;
• Recognize the significant contributions of (peaceful) conflict resolvers;
• Obtain national synergy by having celebrations happen across the country and around the world on the same day.

October has become a time to promote and celebrate peaceful conflict resolution practices worldwide. Dedicated dispute resolution practitioners are helping to educate the public about mediation and other innovative conflict management processes. The American Bar Association declared the third week of October “ABA Mediation Week,” building on the efforts of many national, state, and local organizations, including the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).

The logo of the tree was designed as a symbol to celebrate growth in Conflict Resolution. The first year, start small––but just as with the tree, the seeds you plant one year will continue to grow and blossom in coming years.

MEDIATORS’ CHECK-IN

Wednesdays at 4pm––all are welcome to join.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86378014243

• October 2: Part 1—Housing mediators review terms and practices
• October 9: Part 2—Housing mediators review court-accessible agreements
• October 16: Handling feelings––sadness
• October 23: Handling feelings––anger
• October 30: Handling feelings––fear
• November 6: Mediators talk about the election and conflict resolution

Why I Mediate

Forty years ago I was a young teacher and learned mediation and conflict resolution. This work became my life’s purpose and I am so glad to have found

MV Mediation as a place

to hone my practice and to learn along with other wonderful people. As I often say:

ONWARD AND UPWARD!

Sara Barnes, Executive Director

OVER THE YEARS:

DEIJ+B: DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION,

JUSTICE + BELONGING

Our DEIJ +B journey as an organization began in earnest in 2018–19 with a visioning process that helped to focus the organization’s attention on severe diversity deficits, and to concentrate on diversifying our ranks while improving our professional services. Each year thereafter, MVMP has explored a specific aspect of DEI. Here is a glimpse of our major focal points:

• 2018–19 Visioning & Awareness
• 2019–20 Mission & Core Values
• 2020–21 Racial Justice, Socioeconomic Bias, and the Pandemic
• 2021–23 Racial Justice and the Immigrant Experience
• 2023–24 Gender/Gendered Bias and Intersectionality
• 2024–25 Adding the B to DEI + B = Belonging
• 2025-27 Generational Diversity: Understanding the Dynamics & Biases

Here is a slide deck that provides an overview to our ongoing work to become a fully equitable organization.

HIGHLIGHTING OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society has partnered with MV Mediation over many years. This wonderful organization assists Island farms and agriculture work with workshops, festivals, and technical assistance. We have provided courses and conflict resolution services to local agriculture organizations and thank MV Agricultural Society for their reliable partnership.

The Agricultural Society is holding its free, family-friendly Harvest Festival on Sunday October 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with something for everyone: music, pumpkin carving, a pie-eating contest, wagon rides, a hay maze, fiber demos, and an antique power museum. All interested in farming and farm life are welcome. No rain date; in case of rain, activities will move to the Ag Hall.

To participate with your own activity, please fill out this Google form. 

CONFLICT COACHING SERVICES

It can help you. Not therapy. Not advice. 

So, what is Conflict Coaching?

Ready to conquer your personal challenges and emerge stronger? Our one-on-one Conflict Coaching is for you. Our experienced coaches will empower you with the skills to navigate conflicts, find resolution, and pave the way for personal growth. Why choose our Individual Conflict Coaching?

• Personalized Guidance: Tailored strategies to address your unique challenges.
• Self-Discovery: Explore your strengths and areas for development in a supportive environment.
• Transformative Solutions: Overcome obstacles and build resilience for a brighter future.
• Confidence Boosting: Gain the tools to face conflicts head-on and develop potential options for resolution. Make your appointment today!

FAMILY MEDIATION PROGRAM

Divorce, Family & Conflict Resolution

We offer help talking with your spouse or partner about divorce, parenting issues, custody schedules, financial decisions, and communication itself, and can help you to renegotiate existing plans. We also work with reconciling couples and those who have conflicts they need help to resolve.

MEDIAÇÃO EM CASOS DE FAMÍLIA E DIVÓRCIO

Divórcio, Disputas em Familia e Resolução de Conflitos

Conflitos entre marido e mulher, pais e filhos, problemas conjugais, com parceiros ou entre familiares, divórcio, custódia física e legal, planejamento para os cuidados do menor, visitação de menores, revisão do suporte financeiro e plano de visitação, divisão de bens e possível reconciliação.

info@mvmediation.org or call 508-693-2999

HOUSING MEDIATION PROGRAM

Conflict with a Tenant or Landlord?

We offer FREE MEDIATION for housing cases in Dukes and Bristol Counties and information about RAFT––rental financial assistance for back rent or moving out. Take a look at this article from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reporting about erroneous information about tenants being used and affecting homelessness and evictions.

MEDIAÇÃO EM CASOS DE MORADIA

Conflitos entre o proprietário e inquilinos?

Mediação GRÁTIS para qualquer tipo de conflito relativo a sua moradia nos Condados de Dukes e Bristol, e informações sobre o RAFT- programa de assistência financeira.

admin@mvmediation.org or call 508-693-2199

RE-ENTRY PROGRAM

Easier Transition from Incarceration to Community

Re-entry Mediation is FREE to incarcerated individuals, pre-release, and recently released individuals, post-release. For more information, check out our flyers for pre-released and post-released individuals.

IN-COURT AND COURT-REFERRED MEDIATION SERVICES

MV Mediation provides free mediation services for eviction cases in Bristol and Dukes Counties. We are present at District Courts in Attleboro, Fall River, Taunton, and Edgartown for summary process cases. MVMP offers free services for civil cases and small claims in advance of the court date. We are also qualified to provide in-court and court-referred services for Dukes County District, Superior, Probate, and Family Courts. We provide mediation for pre-criminal and 286 E harassment cases. Our Juvenile court mediators help with cases referred from the Juvenile Court. MV Mediation waives fees for cases referred by court or with an active docket number. 

WORKPLACE CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

MV Mediation provides support to resolve conflicts in the workplace. We provide workshops and develop conflict resolution projects with workplaces, nonprofit organizations, and municipal and trades workplaces. Our confidential Workplace Management Cohort for supervisors and managers is a popular offering.

FACILITATION SERVICES

MV Mediation provides facilitation services for groups, boards of directors, organizations, companies, and families. Neutral and confidential facilitation allows those who are attending the meeting to fully participate. If you need facilitation services, please reach out to discuss your needs. Read this article that describes how a facilitator can help you or your organization.

“We are in a much better place since we had a facilitator help us to pull things together. Thanks to the mediation program for all your help.” ––A recent facilitation client

SOCIAL MEDIA

Following us on social media is a great way to support MV Mediation! Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This month we focus on stress awareness and its connection to unresolved conflicts. As always, don’t miss out on helpful tips about managing conflicts in your daily life. You will also get the latest information about community events, workshops, and courses.

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

THANK YOU, DONORS!

Thanks to all our donors who participated in MV Mediation’s Annual Appeal. We will make use of your contributions wisely. We really appreciate your generosity. It’s never too late to donate!

DONATE HERE

Our Mission

To serve our community by providing education, outreach,

mediation, conflict coaching, facilitation,

and related services to help prevent and resolve conflicts.

Our Vision

To create an island of competent, capable, and

effective conflict resolvers.

Thank you for our donors and sponsors for your continued support!

At MVMP our slogan is We Can Work It Out. Would you like to borrow this slogan?

Feel free. You Can Work It Out! We are here if you need our help.

MV Mediation Program mvmediation.org

508 693-2999 Community & Court

508 693-2199 Housing

We are rebranding. New colors, design and a new name. Watch this space.