2008 / 2009

Greetings from Dave McNabb and Michael Mills, Chair and Past Chair of the ACR Ombuds section.  We are delighted to have you join us.  Membership in the ACR Ombuds Section provides Ombuds from all sectors with the opportunity to meet and learn together in the good company of ACR Conflict Resolution practitioners 

We want to hear from you about what you think the ACR Ombuds Section can be and might focus on in 2008 and beyond.  Ideas and thoughts include;

• the ACR Ombuds section is an umbrella group for Ombuds and mediators from all sectors of practice. 
• ACR Ombuds section activities complement activities of other Ombuds associations. 
• ACR Ombuds is a home for sharing, learning and debating best practices in Ombuds work. 
• We would like to see "Ombudsing" become a verb. 
• We learn together and provide leadership opportunities for emerging Ombuds leaders. 
• Provide a forum for Ombuds mentors and mentees to connect.  Use storytelling as technique to pass on Ombuds wisdom.
• The ACR Ombuds section opens bridges to the larger ADR and Conflict Resolution community.  
• Create more systematic connections to the rest of ACR.  
• Suggest other ACR panel opportunities for Ombuds practitioners  
• Focus on common issues in the Ombuds field.  
• Ombuds practitioners participate in other ACR panels  

david.mcnabb@sympatico.ca  and  mpmills@ci.portland.or.us.  

Being an ACR member enhances not only your own practice but also the entire field of conflict resolution. We encourage you to participate in the many of the programs ACR has to offer, including our “Member-Get-a-Member” recruitment program. For each friend or colleague that you refer who joins ACR you receive $10 towards your next year’s dues.  To learn more please visit  http://www.acrnet.org/membership/mgm.htm.

We look forward to hearing from you and to a good year together.
 
Sincerely,

Dave McNabb, Chair and Michael Mills, Past Chair

Please contact us if you want to have an active role in the leadership of the section in this exciting time as new Ombuds roles emerge.