August 2024 Newsletter

Monday, August 5, 2024 - 10:00am

August 2024 Newsletter

CDS Annual Report for 2023-2024

We are proud to showcase our Annual Report for 2023-2024, which can be found on our website's About page.

https://www.cdsadr.org/sites/default/files/Annual%20Report%202023-2024%20FINAL.pdf

The report celebrates our major accomplishments and highlights from the last fiscal year. We hope you will share this information with your personal and professional network, and help us let people know about the great work that we do!

CDS Training Institute

Upcoming Trainings

Restorative Community Building Circles Training

August 19-21

Red Jacket High School, Shortsville

Funded by the New York State Education Department

Designed for faculty, school social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other student support staff, this free training offers hands-on and skill-focused learning experience in Tier 1 restorative circles. Participants will gain the understanding, skills, and mindset needed to become confident circle keepers in their classroom and wider school communities with students and adults.

Interested participants must be approved by their principal or superintendent. Click to apply: https://forms.gle/hNBssTabxtyNAQvy9

Questions: rjtraining@nycourts.gov

Basic Mediation Training

Sept 30-Oct 2, Oct 9-10

Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua

This 35-hour training introduces participants to the Transformative mediation framework to prepare them to mediate community disputes as well as to become a volunteer with the Center for Dispute Settlement. The cost is $200 for pre-approved CDS volunteers, and $1,000 for those attending for professional development purposes. Scholarships are available for those from underrepresented communities.

For more information or to register, contact Ronalyn Pollack: rpollack@cdsadr.org

AmeriCorps Position Opening at CDS

CDS is seeking enthusiastic applicants for a full-time AmeriCorps position in our Rochester office, beginning September 9th.

The Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) is a program of the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA), with funding made possible by AmeriCorps State and National. CMSC aims to cultivate the next generation of community-based dispute resolution practitioners through extensive training, mentoring, and direct service opportunities.

This full-time position will be responsible for agency communications and outreach, including producing our monthly newsletter, social media posts, marketing, and community engagement. The CMSC member will receive training in mediation leading to certification, conflict coaching, and restorative practices, as well as service and social opportunities throughout the year along with the statewide cohort of CMSC members.

Benefits include a living allowance of $22,000, an education award of up to $7,395, healthcare coverage, child care assistance, member assistance program, and student loan forbearance for those who qualify.

To apply, email a cover letter, DEIB statement*, and resume to Shira May: smay@cdsadr.org

*A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) statement is a brief (1 page) essay in which you highlight your values, goals, and accomplishments in advancing DEIB in the workplace and in your community. Please refer to our agency DEIB statement, which can be found at the bottom of the About page on our website: https://www.cdsadr.org/?q=about

Picnic in the Park

Thursday, August 29

4:00-7:00pm

Ellison Park,

Hazelwood Grove Lodge

Join us for a fun picnic in the park! Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the arms of nature. Bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy, and spend time with staff, board members, and volunteers. Families and friends are welcome!

Questions: Contact Dorethea Jackson-Smith: djackson@cdsadr.org

CDS's Racial Equity Initiative:

Our Past, Present, and Future

CDS's Racial Equity Leadership Committee (RELC) was founded in 2020, after the death of George Floyd and the ensuing Black Lives Matter movement and protests across the country. The vision of RELC is to establish an organizational culture that that ensures diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices are present in all we do. Its mission is to ensure humanity and dignity are afforded to everyone who walks through our doors.

Below is a brief snapshot of the important work that we have accomplished as an agency since RELC's formation, as well as the critical work that is ongoing and yet to come:

2020-2021