Conflict Resolution Day is Thursday, Oct. 15. There are many ways to resolve conflicts – surrendering, running away, overpowering your opponent with violence, filing a lawsuit, etc. The movement toward Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), sometimes referred to simply as conflict resolution, grew out of the belief that there are better options than using violence or going to court.
Today, the terms ADR and conflict resolution are used somewhat interchangeably and refer to a wide range of processes that encourage nonviolent dispute resolution outside of the traditional court system. The field of conflict resolution also includes efforts in schools and communities to reduce violence and bullying and help young people develop communication and problem-solving skills. Common forms of conflict resolution include: Mediation, Conciliation, Negotiation, Arbitration and Facilitation.
“As a Community Mediation Center, we’ve had the privilege of supporting healthy conflict resolution in North Dakota for over 20 years. Some of our most rewarding work has been with our youth and in schools, as well as teaching college students about how to resolve conflict and work with diverse groups of people in their lives. Our work with businesses and in the community has saved money, time, and precious relationships.” Kristine Paranica, Executive Director, University of North Dakota Conflict Resolution Center.
Conflict resolution can be used to help resolve almost any type of dispute. Family mediators, for example, help people with divorce, custody issues, parent-child or sibling conflicts, elder care issues, family business concerns, adoption, premarital agreements, neighbor disputes, etc. Other types of conflicts that respond well to peaceful conflict resolution include workplace disputes, labor/management issues, environmental/public policy issues, health care disputes, international conflicts, and many others.
Events: At UND in Grand Forks, we are celebrating Conflict Resolution Day on campus at the Memorial Union with the UND Theatre Department for the Improv: “Increase the Peace” and invite audience participation to get into conflict on stage. We will announce the winner of our Conflict in Poetry contest and read the winning poem. Friday, Oct. 16, we will have an open house at 314 Cambridge Street with food and beverages between 10 am and 2 p.m.
About Conflict Resolution Day
Conflict Resolution Day was established by the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) in order to increase public awareness about conflict resolution and its many benefits. As part of the recognition effort, ACR coordinates its efforts with other conflict resolution organizations and reaches out to local, state and international groups to build interest in holding local celebrations.
About the Association for Conflict Resolution
The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing the practice and public understanding of conflict resolution. ACR represents and serves a diverse national and international audience that includes approximately 5,000 mediators, arbitrators, facilitators, educators, and others involved in the field of conflict resolution and collaborative decision-making. For more information about ACR, visit http://www.ACRnet.org.
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