|
|||||
What's Happening at the Center
Conflict Resolution Services
Request for Mediation
Request for Mandated Mediation
Academic Programs
Request Academic Information
Calendar
Resources
Links
Articles About Mediation
Mediation Career Articles
Student Spotlights
Book the Duncum Center
Contact
|
Cope's Thoughts on the Positive Solutions Institute
Why did you create the Positive Solutions Institute? One of the primary functions of the Center for Conflict Resolution is training. The folks here at the Center have become quite comfortable with the concept of conflict and are fond of some of its endearing qualities. However, many people associate only bad experiences and outcomes with the conflict they have seen. So, we thought it might lessen their apprehension of coming to our training sessions or viewing our materials – or even sharing the planet with us – if we emphasized the good that comes in dealing positively with conflict. Where did the name “Positive Solutions Institute” come from? That was an interesting journey. We generated a long list of possible names among our staff and a few volunteers. It was an extremely collaborative process. We had several meetings where possible names and terms were considered and evaluated. Some of the really good names that emerged were already in common use by others. And the more we talked about it, the more we realized that the picture we really wanted to paint was one of positive solutions. What are your plans for the Institute? We are looking forward to offering a number of training opportunities through the Institute. For example, we are looking at several multi-course certification programs in conflict resolution. We are exploring the potential of programs in arbitration, human resources, business management, healthcare, and church leadership. In addition, we hope to publicize a calendar in the near future of ongoing continuing education training in basic mediation, family mediation, and advanced topics. We also see this area as being a potential expansion area for continuing education for our masters and certificate program graduates, as well as conflict resolution professionals from all over the worlds. We also intend to use the Institute as a platform to offer leadership and planning facilitation for businesses, non-profit organizations, and churches. As the world changes around us, one of the most contentious activities – even in the most successful of organizations – is the conversation about change and new direction. We hope that the Positive Solutions Institute can be known as a resource for facilitating important conversations. We also hope that we can build a network of trainers who can be contacted through the Institute. Will we be seeing the name “Center for Conflict Resolution” fade? Absolutely not. Our original name was chosen because that’s what we are about. And we’ve got a huge supply of letterhead that we have to use up. Kidding aside, we really believe that conflict resolution and reconciliation shapes us into God’s image. We are proud to be in the conflict resolution trade. After all, the peacemakers shall be called the children of God. (see Matthew 5:9) Final thoughts? Yes, this partly light-hearted approach to questions about our purpose and direction was to encourage conversation and further questions. We are deeply serious about our work and passionate about our mission. We invite others into the conversation. And we encourage everyone to sit back, to listen, to seek understanding, and to allow joy to enter the discussion.
More Information?
See this video for more information about the services provided through the Positive Solutions Institute, or contact the Center at 325.674.2015 or conflictresolution@acu.edu.
|
||||
