What does self-determination mean in mediation? Does it go beyond the outcome or the agreement to the process? What steps can a mediator take to promote collaboration and equality among the participants while maintaining the integrity of the process? Using the metaphor of a pilot, I will explore ways to prevent a party from seizing control of the process. We will also explore how to recover in the mediation once the hijacking has occurred. This webinar is being sponsored by Will Work For Food and is free-but a donation is request to the Blue Ridge Food Bank or to your local food bank. Register here. This program is an adaptation of a program presented this spring with the ABA Dispute Resolution Conference, the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators, and recently with the Virginia Mediation Network.

I will be joining the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project on Monday, November 20th 4pm – 5pm ET for a webinar and discussion RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: WHAT WEST VIRGINIA IS TALKING ABOUT!  Following a welcome from Honorable Michael John Aloi and WV Restorative Justice Project Coordinator Emily Neely, I will be joined by Nicole A. Bailey for a short overview, defining restorative justice. Participants will hear from people around the state who are using restorative justice approaches in schools, recovery homes, drug courts, communities and more.  There will be an opportunity for Q&A, as well as an announcement for a restorative justice conference in Summer 2024 at Wesleyan University. Registration is free. Register today!