Name of Candidate for Chair–Elect: Cynthia Morton

Candidate's Contact Information

E-mail Cynthia_Morton@yahoo.com

Candidate's work in conflict resolution –

     One of the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 is to create a safe and orderly school environment.  As a counselor, it is my job to help students, parents, and staff members improve the school environment and increase academic achievement.  Several years ago, I decided to follow the NCLB guidelines by helping others resolve their conflicts in schools to create a healthier school climate. 

     I began my journey as a trained mediator two and half years ago through completion of the following training:

• 40 hours of general civil mediation training from Decision Management Associates
• 24 hours of workplace conflict strategy and self mediation training from the Mediation Training Institute
• 12 hours of truancy mediation training from the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management
• Certification in the Conflict Dynamic Profile from Eckerd College.
• Currently working on adding conflict coaching conflict training from Cornelius and Associates

      Over the last three years, I have created a new mediation program in three different high schools in Georgia and I have trained students and educators in conflict resolution and mediation. In addition, I have conducted numerous conflict resolution workshops, focusing on teachers.  This year, I am serving as the chairman for the Georgia Peer Helpers’ Conference.   I have been invited to submit a proposal to Georgia State University for creating a mediation summer camp to train middle and high school students as mediators.

     Some of my future goals in the field of conflict resolution include:

·         Working with schools and local judges to institute truancy mediation as a common practice in school districts.

·         obtaining my doctorate degree with a focus on training staff members in conflict resolution skills to improve collegial relationships

·         Obtaining certification in transformative mediation from Bush and Folger.

·         Obtaining certification in Reality Therapy.

Description of candidate's past participation in ACR and/or Education Section-

    I have been a member of ACR for two years since becoming a trained mediator. In fact, this is my first active role in the education section of ACR and I am very excited about the possibility of serving other educators around the country.

Statement of candidate's ideas regarding anticipated accomplishments as ACR Education Section Chair-Elect including proposed goals and objectives –

     I will carry out the mission of the Education Section of ACR by following the guidelines of the Education Section organizing document,

Goals and Objectives

1.  I  pledge to adhere to the mission statement of ACR by providing resources and support for practitioners, educators, students, young people, trainers, community activists, and administrators in the fields of peace and conflict resolution in educational settings for pre-K-12 through higher learning.

2.  As Chair-Elect, I will attend the Leadership Council meetings, Annual Conferences and Education Section Conferences.

3.  I will support the work of the following Education Section Committees: Publications, Membership, and the Constituency Committees: Early Childhood and Elementary Education; Secondary Education and Youth-Serving Organizations; and Higher Education.

4.  I will assume responsibility for shepherding the work of the Publications and Membership Committees, participating in the work of the Constituency Committees, and other tasks of the Chair-Elect:

     a. I will ensure that the Section’s newsletters and e-newsletters are published in a timely and regular manner. 

     b. I will ensure that the Section’s website is up-to-date and contains information useful to members and visitors to the website.

    c. I will support the production of Section communications and publications including supporting the editor of the Section newsletter The Fourth R. (Publications Committee).

    d. I will actively promote membership in ACR and the Education Section by communicating regularly with the Section providing information and services of value to the members of the Section.

A statement from the candidate regarding willingness to fulfill the responsibilities of the office including attending the Annual Conference, Leadership Committee and Section meetings.

     As Chair-Elect, I pledge to perform my duties of the office of Chair-Elect by completing the tasks assigned in the organizing document and by attending all conferences, leadership committee meetings and section meetings.