Request for Proposals: Oregon Mediation Association, 26th Annual Fall Conference

Oregon Mediation Association
26th Annual Fall Conference

The Alchemy of Conflict Resolution: Transforming Leadership in Challenging Times

November 2 - 3, 2012

Portland, Oregon

Request for Workshop Proposals
Proposals Due: May 14, 2011

To download a copy of the complete "Request for Proposals," click here, email oma@omediate.org, or visit http://www.omediate.org/pg1128.cfm.

Request for Workshop Proposals

The Oregon Mediation Association is soliciting proposals for workshops at its 26th Annual Fall Conference. We welcome proposals from mediators, lawyers, practitioners of dispute resolution, public policy and public involvement facilitators, trainers, educators, students and other collaborative professionals.

Conference Goal

The OMA Fall Conference brings together individuals in mediation, conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution and related fields to: share knowledge and skills for effective mediation, conflict resolution and collaboration; explore innovative strategies and practices; and network with others in these and related fields. The conference is designed for mediators, lawyers, students, ADR practitioners and others interested in learning about mediation.

Conference Focus - The Alchemy of Conflict Resolution: Transforming Leadership in Challenging Times

As we approach the 2012 OMA Fall Conference, we are mindful that, in this election year, our country continues to face challenging issues: too many people out of work, high foreclosure rates and a struggling economy in need of consumer confidence. Agreements seem elusive as we search to find ways to repair an aging infrastructure, improve our schools and provide health care at the same time we worry about our increasing debt. These, and other seemingly intractable problems, challenge us to find common ground, bridge ideological differences and search for effective and lasting solutions.  In order to resolve these issues, there is a great need for meaningful and inclusive dialogue.

In this age of instant communication, it is easy to become discouraged by the cacophony of daily sound bites that blame “the opposition” for the failure to make any progress on resolving the hard issues of our times. Yet, examples of effective leadership can be found. In Oregon’s recent legislative session, we saw the passage of health care and education reform bills as well as a bill that offers mediation in housing foreclosures. In our work as facilitators and mediators, we have helped people resolve issues that seem irresolvable, from angry divorcing couples to major environmental challenges.  Victims and offenders develop creative restitution agreements. Landlords and tenants work out arrangements around housing. Contentious legal entanglements have been resolved with our skillful leadership. 

This year’s conference theme encourages us to consider how conflict resolution contributes to transforming leadership and our role as leaders in these challenging times.  Alchemy can be defined as “the seemingly miraculous change of a thing into something better.” We have chosen the concept of alchemy because it lends itself to the art and science of our work: the mystery of how individuals relate to one another and the seemingly magical power of turning something as common as ordinary discourse into something extraordinary.

As you explore workshop ideas, we invite you to consider these definitions of leadership: translating vision into reality (Bennis); the realization of intended, real change that meets people’s enduring needs (Burns); and creating the environment within which things can be accomplished (Richards & Engle).  We can, through our leadership, provide the alchemy, that seemingly miraculous change of a thing into something better.

Workshop Topics

We welcome and encourage creative, innovative proposals that are in alignment with the conference theme. Last year's conference included workshops on restorative justice, neuroscience, power issues, cross cultural alliance, reaching settlement, family mediation, and workplace mediation, among others.

Presenter Discount

Presenters may receive a 20% discount in their registration fee for the day they are presenting. They will pay the regular fee for the day when they are not presenting. If a workshop has co-presenters, up to three presenters may receive this discount on the day they are presenting. The Oregon Mediation Association office will provide presenters with the fee schedule once it is finalized.

Sponsoring and Exhibiting

Are you interested in promoting your products or services at the Conference?  To learn more, email Judy Brodkey, OMA’s Executive Director, at director@omediate.org.

Conference Registration

Conference registration will open in September. Beginning September 1st, visit the OMA website at http://www.omediate.org to download a conference brochure and register for the Conference. Group discounts will be available.

Proposal Submission Process and Deadline

The Conference RFP includes a detailed description of proposal requirements and submission guidelines. Proposals are due by May 14, 2012.

For More Information and To Submit A Proposal

Visit our conference webpage at www.omediate.org/pg1128.cfm, call the OMA office at (503) 872-9775 or email oma@omediate.org.