Message from the Executive Director
Summer is a time when the colors of flowers are their most vibrant -- rich and expressive, as if they’ve waited all year to put on their finest and show off. It is the time of year when children are carefree and ready to play all day and sleep as little as possible. The time of year the sun burns the hottest and the wind blows the least. A time of contradictions, but also an opportunity for new beginnings.
Summer is a gift! It is a time of hopefulness, promise, recuperation, relaxation, and the time of year to give it all we’ve got. It is in those times when passions can run high and patience can run low. Like the first agreement of don Miguel Ruiz' best-selling book The Four Agreements, we should strive to “be impeccable with our word.” In other words, we should all choose our words carefully and think before we speak. But that isn’t always possible when school is closed, the children are home for the summer, the temperature is soaring outside, and all of the lingering realities of the pandemic are standing in our doorways waiting for resolution, and we have little if nothing left to give.
At those times we are here to assist you, your children, their friends, neighbors, loved ones, employees, employers, co-workers, and others with opportunities to address any conflict you might be experiencing. Please consider calling the Center if you have questions about how to have a difficult conversation with your children, spouse, parents, neighbors, and friends. We are here to help our fellow residents figure out ways they can confidently engage in meaningful constructive dialogue with one another and figure out solutions that work for everyone.
Like summer, conversations can get heated. We are fine with heated conversation. We have been trained to deal with the heat and are excited at the chance to listen and help resolve conflict. Thank you in advance for the chance to meet you and hear your story.
Most Appreciatively,
Georgia Noone-Sherrod
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Board Meetings for 2021: July 14, Sept. 8, and Nov. 10 |
KUDOS TO OUR OWN!
AACRC Volunteer and former Board Director Toby Treem Guerin, Esq. has received the Chief Judge Bell Award and was recognized by the Maryland State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section for her contributions to and for advancing mediation. Says Toby, “My involvement with the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center was a pivotal influence in my career and an organization near and dear to my heart. The mission of the organization and the people involved continue to inspire me and bring such a sense of joy and community.”
AACRC IN THE COMMUNITY
This spring, AACRC presented at the following events:
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Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA). This was our third time with LAA and we are already scheduled for a summer presentation. Some of the feedback we received from our presentations includes….
“Thank you, Thank you!! Your session on Saturday was terrific as always! The only constructive feedback we've received is that we should give you more time!
“ Simply stated, you rock!” Kris Valerio Shock, President & CEO LAA Flagship ’06
“Leah, you were absolutely amazing!!!” Tatiana Klein, Chair Center of Help and
LAA Board of Directors
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Dartmouth College Bridges to Impact Seminar , “Reinventing the Role of Police, Let’s Look at Community-Based Conflict Resolution”
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Maryland Center for Legal Aid’s (MCLA) monthly staff meeting
- The Anne Arundel County Branch of the NAACP
- Girl Scouts of Central MD , GIFT program
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Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Conference: "Equitable Education/ Just Society"
- Anne Arundel County Court Appointed Special Advocates
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Anne Arundel County Public Library public workshop on Conflict Resolution (standing room only)
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Anne Arundel County Public Schools "Turn the Curve", focusing on improving graduation rate and kindergarten readiness
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Glen Burnie High School, 7 mini Conflict Resolution workshops
And we held:
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84 mediation sessions: mediation sessions between individuals who were struggling to understand each other and find solutions around disputes or issues they are experiencing.
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219 one-on-one Conflict Coaching sessions designed to understand and manage a specific situation in conflict, strategize a response, gain confidence about making decisions when experiencing conflict, and understanding resources available for additional resolution
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6 workshops: Training others in successful conflict resolution strategies
And participated in:
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Annapolis High School’s ReNew You Wellness Event.
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Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA) Youth Health Summit
We are recipients of several generous gifts including:
$ a grant from St. Anne’s Episcopal Parish of $5,000.00
$ a $5,000.00 gift from Sky Elsbree, AACRC Founding Member
As always, the months of March, April, and May were extremely active with grant application submissions, and we continue to follow every lead for funding for our programs.
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Board Meetings for 2021: July 14, Sept. 8, and Nov. 10 |
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$$ Fundraising: Thank You!!! |
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We used the Power of Words as a focus of our spring fundraising activities, paying close attention to our philosophy that power in mediation is discovering the right words to communicate respectfully, compassionately, and effectively. As the author Don Miguel Ruiz says, “…Use the power of your words in the direction of truth and love.” It’s not too late to give; you can donate here.
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As we continue to refine our social media skills, our crowd-sourcing efforts will return this summer in the form of our Walk It Out, Talk It Out campaign. Watch for your opportunity to give!
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Our partnership with Anne Arundel County Police Department’s (AACPD) Workplace Mediation program continues to grow. During the past year AACRC has been working closely with AACDP Sgt. Mike Shier J.D. on a program to offer mediation services to police officers and personnel experiencing interpersonal conflicts with one-another. The process of identifying a voluntary program that allowed for confidentiality and met the criteria approved by the Department's Internal Affairs took some time to create. The next step of rolling out such a program has involved a great deal of confidence-building and trust. Back in March a new Index Code regarding Employee Dispute Resolution was approved by AACPD. This process allows AACPD Officers and fellow personnel the opportunity to participate in mediation sessions led by AACRC. These sessions do not involve AACPD HR or Internal Affairs. The voluntary and confidential process fosters understanding, empathy, and cooperation among any employee involved in a dispute, disagreement, or other conflict with one or more employees. Sessions are scheduled in a neutral location by the Center and at times that suit all participants. Officers can self-refer, or can be referred by a supervisor or fellow employee. All communications are kept confidential and nothing is shared with AACPD about sessions, including the names of employees.
Throughout the months of April, May, and June AACRC’s Executive Director, Georgia Noone-Sherrod and Manager of Community & Family Mediation Rachel Brauer have been visiting precincts at the beginning of early morning, mid-day and late evening shift changes in the Southern, Western, East and Northern districts. We most recently rolled out the program to the Criminal Investigations and Special Ops divisions of AACPD. Our hope is that we will start to see more police officers taking advantage of the dispute resolution program. Those who have used it thus far speak highly of the outcomes and encourage residents to use mediation to resolve their problems.
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Save the Date!
October 28, 2021
"Cocktails and Conversation", AACRC's annual celebration
The Power of Words
More information to come shortly.
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JOIN US!
AACRC welcomes volunteers! Not everyone has the time to mediate, but participating on one of our committees is a great way to support the Center. Our Development and Marketing Committee (DAM), which plans and oversees the marketing, development and fundraising activities of the Center, is looking for short-term assistance with our annual and other fundraising events. Additionally, the Outreach Committee is looking for help. Outreach works with Center staff to schedule, coordinate and facilitate outreach events and activities in the community and at schools. We table at events and activities by providing brochures, bookmarks, flyers, swag, and answering questions about the services we provide. If you are interested in joining the Outreach Committee please email Darlene Gamble at darlene.gamble06@yahoo.com.
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