MEDIATION MUSINGS - DEIBJ

Sara Barnes 

Throughout my life, words such as equality, affirmative action, multiculturalism, intersectionality, and identity were useful terms to describe the steady move toward respect for all people. Over the last decade, these broad concepts became known as DEI—Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In our organization we have added the terms Belonging and Justice. B for belonging, meaning the kind of organization and services to our community we imagine. J for justice meaning expanding access to justice.

DEI+B+J = bias reduction

As conflict resolvers, we know our daily work is to monitor our biases. Our individual mediators and coaches work hard to learn how to detect and handle their own biases—because all humans are biased. We work to find areas where systemic bias and marginalization have affected groups and to help balance the playing field.

During mediations and coaching sessions, we listen carefully for cognitive and group biases to help people to examine their assumptions—a common ingredient in unresolved conflict. Sometimes organizations come to us asking for neutral assistance as they sort through biased incidents and behaviors such as microaggressions or unfair treatment. Our work has DEI+B+J woven throughout, and we are proud of our commitment.

Which side are we on?

So far in the last few weeks, DEI has been targeted by the new presidency for plane crashes, educational failure, and international crises, among other topics. Federal efforts, some of which we have benefited from, have been shut down. The recent undermining of nonprofit funding, dismantling of USAID, and undoing of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made it clear to me that we have to redouble our efforts declaring our commitment to DEI.

Some think we should use other language, since DEI has been given negative overtones by those who are against its purposes. I do not share that view. If we believe that the right thing to do is to erect the broadest umbrella for all people, then we should call it what it is: diversity. If fairness and supportive commitment to making all people be successful and share in the greater good is what we believe, then it is equity we are aiming for––that’s the word. If we mean to help to level the playing field and create accessibility for those who have been traditionally excluded, then inclusion is what we mean and that’s what we should call it. And if what we believe in is the beloved community that Dr. King conceptualized, then we mean belonging and justice. We should say what we mean.

Stay the course

There’s more than just semantics involved in sticking with the widely used DEI initials. It signals to others that we are part of a larger, I believe majority, group who think that the work is important. I hope that our organization will continue to focus on becoming successful at being a diverse, equitable, inclusive conflict resolution organization focused on belonging and increased access to justice. We look to join with others who are also committed to this important work.

Read a longer version with links to other resources.

We are here to serve our community, all residents, regardless of immigration status.

As conflict resolvers, we see that recent immigration news has led to anxiety in families, workplaces, and schools and is causing conflicts in our community. See a collection of recent articles about immigration matters affecting Martha's Vineyard.

Immigration Resources:

Know Your Rights Training, Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA)

• Recording in English
• Recording in Portuguese
• Recording in Haitian Creole
• Recording in Spanish

Immigration Defense Hotline: 617-988-0606. Reach out directly for help and to report immigration enforcement in your communities.

Family Preparedness Plan/Documents:

• English
• Portuguese
• Haitian Creole
• Spanish

Recursos de imigração:

Know Your Rights Training (Treinamento Conheça seus Direitos), Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy (Defesa de Imigração e Refugiados de Massachusetts) (MIRA)

• Ao vivo, em inglês, na quinta-feira, 6 de fevereiro, às 12 horas––Registre-se aqui.
•  Gravação em Português

Linha Direta de Defesa da Imigração: 617-988-0606. Entre em contato diretamente para obter ajuda e denunciar a aplicação da lei de imigração em suas comunidades.

Plano/Documentos de preparação da família. Português

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CORNER

NEW LEADERSHIP: MVMC is looking for a new leader. Our Executive Director will continue as our Education Director while mentoring an incoming Executive Director. See posting for the full-time salaried position. Share widely. Our next leader is out there. Learn more here.

LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING: MVMC had a great showing––15!––in the annual legislative briefing. Here is the presentation. We are proud to be a member of the Massachusetts statewide network of community mediation centers through the Mass. Office for Public Collaboration. In these challenging times, mediation centers serve the cause of improved access to justice, fairness and empowerment. Join us!

UPCOMING EVENTS

• NAFCM COMMUNITY CALENDAR
• MEDIATE.COM CALENDAR
• ACR-GNY EVENTS

MEDIATORS’ CHECK-IN

Weekly drop-in for those in the conflict resolution field including local, national and international mediators, facilitators and coaches. New topics weekly. Donation appreciated. Wednesdays at 4pm––all are welcome to join.

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

January 29 – February 19: Building Confidence Series

• January 25th - Building confidence—telling stories
• February 5th - Building confidence—talking smoothly
• February 12th - Building confidence—getting out of your head
• February 19th - Building confidence—undoing undermining phrases  

February 26 – March 26 Reflective Practice Series

• February 26 - Debriefing and Reflective Practice
• March 5 - KWL charting and Reflective Practice
• March 12 - Mind mapping and Reflective Practice
• March 19 - Digging in-to dilemmas and Reflective Practice
• March 26 - Professional goals and Reflective Practice

SPECIALIZED TEAM MEETINGS

Debrief anonymized cases and discuss tips about the various mediation specializations.All welcome. Donation appreciation. Wednesdays 9 – 10:30am. Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86378014243

Elder/Multi-gen Mediators: Feb. 12, March 19, April 30       

Small Claims Mediators: Feb. 19, May 14    

Conflict Coaches: Feb. 26, May 28                

Housing Mediators: March 5, April 16, June 4    

Family/Divorce Mediators: March 12, April 23, June 11       

Agriculture Mediators: March 26, April 2, April 9     

Workplace Conflict Mediators: May 7, June 18   

THIS MONTH’S LINKS FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE

• 50 ways to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th.
• Participate in weekly centering workshops Wednesdays 5 eastern.
• Five things teens wish you knew about them.
• Cognitive biases that relate to irrational thoughts.
• A worldwide ranking of inclusiveness by the Othering and Belonging Institute.
• The power of slowing down to resolve conflicts
• You can control your feelings
• What do you do when they raise their voice?

❄️Together, we’re creating a snowstorm of peace! ❄️ 

❄️For every individual donation this winter, we’ll add a snowflake to our virtual snowstorm to represent the change we’re creating in the world.

❄️ Add a snowflake today by making a donation––our goal is to raise $40,000 during our 40th Anniversary year, and we’re only $5,175 away.

Help us reach our goal by the end of winter (March 20th) by contributing your own individual snowflake! ❄️ Click Here ❄️

DEIJ+B: DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, JUSTICE + BELONGING

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is based on cycles of the moon and falls on a different day every year. In 2025, the Year of the Snake festival begins on Jan. 29 and ends on Feb 12th. It marks the start of a new lunar calendar and is a celebration of the arrival of spring. According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation.

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the resilience and achievements of Black individuals who have navigated and transformed moments of conflict throughout history. By learning about the struggles and victories of the past, we can draw valuable lessons in conflict resolution, empathy and collaboration. Join us in honoring these legacies and exploring how we can apply these lessons to create a more just and peaceful future.

Enjoy Black History Month with Trivia starting Feb 6th.

Visit a Black-owned business on Martha's Vineyard this year!

HIGHLIGHTING OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Receive up to 100% Tuition Reimbursement

We are pleased to announce that MVMC's Intro to Mediation Training has been accepted under the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Program Express Grant. This program helps businesses and nonprofits invest in their employees and receive tuition reimbursement upon completion of an approved course. The next course starts on March 25.

To Apply for Tuition Reimbursement: 

• Visit the Express Grant Application online application page
• Use Express Grant Course ID# C-12674
• Express Program Course Directory –– You can find our training in the Express Program Course Directory under Martha's Vineyard Mediation, Intro to Mediation Basic Skills Training, Course ID # C-12674.  Express Grant Application

Please note: You must allow at least 21 days prior to the course start date after your application is submitted for each course. Questions? Contact education@mvmediation.org.

You can join the Building Bridges Coalition, a group of organizations and individuals dedicated to making connections between various groups on Martha’s Vineyard. Our coalition sponsored the first Brazil Fest last June. We recently met with with Mr. Chaves from the Brazilian consulate in Boston, to plan a consular visit to the Vineyard in the spring. The next Brazil Fest is on June 1, 2025, at the Agricultural Hall. Come to the next coalition planning meeting February 19 at 5:30 pm on Zoom. Become part of the solution––help build bridges between communities toward understanding and respect. Email education@mvmediation.org for more information.

40 Days of Resolution at Home Tips

Did you enjoy the forty days of tips for conflict resolution in everyday life? If so, please let us know how you made use of the content. Many of our readers asked for a printable copy. On Valentine’s Day we will be sending out a copy to all of our community valentines––that’s you––who request a digital or paper copy.

Here is a form to fill out so we know what you want.

If you missed the series here are the three most popular columns.

What is your conflict history?

How can I resolve a conflict?

No more shame and blame.

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.

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

Tenant or Landlord Conflict?

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. MVMC 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. 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!

Thank you for being part of our important conflict resolution work for 40 years. Your generosity helps us to further our impact and support community needs. It’s never too late to donate! We’ve started a $40-a-month campaign to celebrate our 40th year. Your donation helps a lot––set up a monthly plan, and we will spend every penny wisely!

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!

Thanks to Partners who help us with our professional development and service provision by mediators, coaches and facilitators.

MV Mediation Center

mvmediation.org

508-693-2999 Community & Court

508-693-2199 Housing

508-338-2099 Consumer Advocacy

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