WINTER 2020
Day of #kNOwHATE

On April 30, 2020 we invite you to join us for a day of action by taking a stand against hate and bias through acts, initiatives, and campaigns that promote inclusion and connection.

Day of #kNOwHATE is part of the statewide launch of our new education and awareness toolkit and training that promotes the importance of diversity and eliminating prejudice, intolerance and discrimination.

To find out more or to register, click below:
The State of Race in Orange County

We had the honor to host three national facilitators for our State of Race Listening Sessions: Dr. Raj Sethyraju, Associate Professor at Metropolitan State University, D.G. Mawn, President of The  National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) , and Cynthia Prosek, Executive Director of  Restorative Justice Community Action . Together, Orange County leaders gathered to discuss diversity, inclusion and equity for racial justice, and addressed race-based issues in our community, while exploring the hard and heart work of a creating a safe and inclusive Orange County. We are so grateful for the expertise and insight!
Thank you to our Volunteers!

In the last fiscal year, our amazing volunteers provided nearly 10,000 hours of service for our agency's Dispute Resolution Program! Their wonderful contributions are valued at nearly $250,000. We greatly appreciate and value their commitment, along with our esteemed Board of Directors, to resolving conflict and promoting peace within our community. 
YouthSpeak Contest
accepting entries!

Our annual YouthSpeak Speech & Essay Contest is a county wide search for the top human relations speech and essay written by OC middle and high school students. Students are encouraged to consider what justice means to them, how it can be achieved in our communities, and what can be done to overcome barriers.

Many thanks to our sponsors, Cassandra Weiner and Orange County's Credit Union.
Basic Mediation Training

19 new mediators completed the 40-hour Basic Mediation Training that qualifies them to serve as Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) court mediators. Trainees overwhelmingly enjoyed the opportunities to participate in hands-on learning through participation in role-plays with provided feedback from staff coaches. One trainee summed up their experience by stating,"The collective knowledge, experience, and communication of the OCHR training exceeded my expectations and prepared me to become involved in mediating in my community."
 
Our next 40-hour Basic Mediation Training will take place in June.
Students Engage in Restorative Dialogue

On January 14th, 18 students and adults from Marina and Segerstrom High Schools engaged in day-long restorative dialogue at our offices, facilitated by our staff.
 
The dialogue was organized following an October 2019 high-school football game during which insulting and potentially racist signs were displayed by students during the game. The incident was publicized widely in local media.

SAVE THE DATE - May 7th
Awards 2020 will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at The Grove of Anaheim.

Many thanks to all of our generous sponsors from last year. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website or contact Khushbindar Sood at 714-480-6582.