ARTFUL MEDIATION

A  MEDIATION PROGRAM FOR THE WHOLE PERSON; FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

Why Artful Mediation?

Everyone has their own side of the story that needs to be aired, shared, and heard. That's basic in almost all mediation practices.  What we emphasize in Artful Mediation is that these are indeed stories, part of a rich tradition of storytelling, a tradition of wisdom, often part of a spiritual tradition.  This is a creative process.

Integral to her mediation practice is Dr. Morris' practice as a novelist and screenwriter.  (See her book publications at www.amazon.com.)  Her understanding that conflict is the motor not only of a story but of character development informs her mediation technique.  It also helps her maintain a sense of optimism in the face of even heated conflict; conflict indicates the need for change, the harbinger of new possibilities. 

There are different ways and different mediums for storytelling which usually entails conflict as a means of character development. Some people are gifted at oral storytelling, some with drama, some are better at writing, singing, or painting.  There are even ways of telling stories through dance.  Artful Mediation uses all the gifts people bring to the table.  While many traditional mediation practices might privilege linguistically gifted people, Artful Mediation practices affirm various means of expressing and resolving conflict.

Artful Mediation for Peer Mediation?

Mediare Center offers a unique Peer Mediation Program where young people use their talents to better understand conflict, to resolve their own conflicts and to improve their communication and problem solving skills.

Peer mediation programs in schools and community centers, are known to reduce violence and tensions.  Case studies indicate that young people learn techniques in peer mediation that can also be highly effective also for business, communities and for family life.  Peer mediation programs operate on principles common to most forms of mediation.  The key difference is that, rather than professional mediators, trained peers serve as the neutral person or as pairs of neutral co-mediators and conduct the mediation. 

Artful Mediation encourages an across-the-curriculum approach to conflict resolution.  In English and Drama classes conflict can be studied as it relates to character study and development.  In business classes negotiation and mediation techniques can be investigated as part of the art and pleasure of doing business.  In Social Studies different conflict styles and cultural practices can be explored to heighten students appreciation of cultural differences.

For more information and to hold an introductory Artful Mediation workshop in your school or community center, or to discuss development an Artful Mediation peer mediation program in your school or community, contact  rmorris@artfulmediation.org or to:

Artful Mediation

 1733 N. New Hampshire Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90027

phone: (323) 665-4320