February 2025 Newsletter

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 10:00am

Message from Our President/CEO

Dear CDS community,

For over 50 years, the Center for Dispute Settlement has served as a leader in our communities’ efforts to promote dialogue, support peaceful conflict resolution, and pursue social justice.

In light of the current administration’s recent executive orders, I want to assure our community of peacemakers that CDS will continue to stay on course to implement our programs and services, in service of our mission “to use and promote peaceful dispute resolution processes throughout our communities.”

CDS currently does not receive any direct federal funding. However, we are aware that many of our partners, including government agencies, schools, colleges/universities, and other community agencies, will be significantly impacted by the new policies, and we will continue to work to support their needs to the best of our ability.

I have been in communication with our partners at the NYS Division of Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the NYS Dispute Resolution Association, and I am reassured that they are working diligently to continue to support the work of our Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) network.

We are also staying informed about how the executive orders may impact certain populations, such as immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, as well their implications for our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programming. For now, our message is clear – we will continue our rigorous efforts to support our most vulnerable communities, and reaffirm our commitment to DEIB practices and ensuring that all members of our community know that they have a seat at our table.

How can you support our important work during these changing times?

Become knowledgeable about the current executive orders as well as how you can support your communities. Below are some links we have found useful.

Help to de-escalate political conflicts in your community. Attend one of our Training Institute offerings to develop your skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and mitigating your own bias: https://www.cdsadr.org/?q=events

Financially support our work by donating today. Any amount you give will help us continue our critical work and reach more people in our community. Donating is quick and easy on our website: https://www.cdsadr.org/?q=donate

In peace and solidarity,

Shira May, Ph.D.

President/CEO

Resources:

https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/pressreleases/national-council-nonprofits-statement-executive-orders-president-trump

https://www.nylpi.org/resource/guidance-to-nonprofits-regarding-immigration-enforcement/

https://dhr.ny.gov/nohate

Becoming a Mediator

February 5, 2025

4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

Register in advance to receive the Zoom link

Join the staff at the Center for Dispute Settlement (CDS) for a virtual presentation about becoming a mediator. This session is appropriate for anyone interested in beginning their mediation journey, enhancing their mediation skills, or seeking personal or professional development. The session also serves as an orientation for those interested in becoming a volunteer mediator with CDS. Information about the process of applying for our upcoming Basic Mediation Training (BMT) will be shared.

Anti-Bias Training

March 31, 2025

5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Free for CDS Mediators

$60 for Community Members

Submit Payment

Register in advance to receive the Zoom link

This 3 hour training is designed to promote greater awareness of implicit bias in respect to race, culture, gender and gender identity, age, cognitive/physical ability, religious affinity and other identities. The primary goal of this training is to empower participants to recognize their own biases, become aware of the impact of these biases in their work environment, and take steps to reduce the harmful impact of biases.

Advanced Regional Training

(limited to certified mediators from CDS or other CDRCs)

March 18-19

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Register

This workshop is designed to provide mediators with a glimpse of the benefits to be derived from applying a Solution Focused approach as they initiate conversation with clients. It presupposes clients have 'hope' for something better when they voluntarily decide to participate in mediation.

Basic Mediation Training

April 23-25, May 1-2

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Register

This 35-hour training introduces participants to the theory, principles, and practice of mediation in the Transformative Mediation framework to prepare them to mediate community disputes as a volunteer with the Center for Dispute Settlement.

We work closely with our clients to tailor our trainings and services to meet your unique needs. All of our services are voluntary, confidential, and designed to be inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all.

Key Training Areas:

Mediation: Basic Mediation Training: Foundational skills and principles for aspiring mediators.
Advanced Mediation Training: Specialized training for specific areas like family, workplace, or community mediation.
Specialized Mediation Training: Focus on unique areas like environmental disputes, school conflicts, or restorative justice.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Communication and Negotiation Skills: Enhancing interpersonal communication and negotiation strategies for individuals and teams.
Conflict Coaching: Training for individuals or organizations on conflict resolution strategies and tools.
Restorative Justice: Training on restorative justice principles and practices, including circle processes and victim-offender mediation.

Target Audience:

Professionals: Lawyers, social workers, educators, human resources professionals, community leaders.
Individuals: Individuals seeking to improve their conflict resolution skills in personal and professional life.
Organizations: Businesses, schools, community groups, and government agencies.

Updated Training Catalog

M&T Charitable Foundation approved $7,500 for CDS' Hate and Bias Prevention and Response Program. Special thanks to M&T Bank for supporting CDS programming. If you would like to donate to CDS, click here.

Meet Michelle Mitchell

We are honored to recognize Michelle Mitchell as our Staff Feature! Michelle is a 17 year veteran mediator, facilitator, conflict coach, mentor and trainer with the Ontario County Office. Michelle specializes in case management, client engagement and staff support.

Michelle has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in her role as a program manager, co-trainer and database super user. Her ability to create a safe and supportive space for individuals to learn and express themselves openly and honestly is truly commendable.

Her Favorite Things About Being a Mediator:

Meeting people where they are
Making them feel comfortable and never judged
Allowing people to find their own voice and be heard

Recommendations for New/Aspiring Mediators

Lean into the discomfort of what you don’t know
You dont carry the responsibility of others’ decisions
You can do hard things

Michelle started her journey to CDS as an intern while studying criminal justice at FLCC and has been a full time staff person since 2007.

Michelle has helped to build bridges and foster understanding by teaching workshops and sitting on the agency’s Racial Equity and Leadership Committee. We are incredibly grateful for Michelle's contributions to our organization and the community. Her commitment to peace, justice, and understanding inspires us all.

Thank you, Michelle!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month: More Than 28 Days

CaTyra Polland

The United States of America has celebrated a Black History commemoration in some iteration for 110 years, thanks to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and the first Negro History Week in February 1926.

In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month. Black History Month is less than 40 years old, a baby in comparison to other longstanding national monthly acknowledgements. In its short existence, its impact has been undeniable. Every February we are purposeful in celebrating, uplifting, acknowledging, and honoring the efforts, successes, and contributions of Black Americans.

Resources:

Black History Month Origins

28 Days of Black History

Things to do for Black History Month in Rochester:

ROC Black-Owned Business Expo

Black History Month Showcase

Black History Month - Free Screenings!

Black History Month with Black Storytelling League of Rochester