Words Not Weapons in 30 Seconds Video Contest Proposal

The Association for Dispute Resolution of Northern California (ADRNC) is an organization made up of conflict resolution professionals, established in response to the rapidly growing interest in newly emerging methods of dispute resolution, also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

ADRNC works to increase public understanding and acceptance of ADR processes and of the roles of collaborative dispute resolvers.

ADRNC is the Northern California chapter of the national Association for Conflict Resolution.

In the interest of creating awareness of the importance of alternative dispute resolution, ADRNC is sponsoring the Words Not Weapons in 30 Seconds Contest.

The winner(s) will receive:

Submission of video for consideration as a video display at Make Talk WorkT, an exhibit on ADR that will run until December 15, 2004, at The Atrium Lobby of John Jay College Theater, which is located near Lincoln Center, New York City, NY. The Theater has hosted events for Lincoln Center as well as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater/Repertory Ensemble, HBO and many others. The Make Talk WorkT exhibit is a component of the City University of New York's Dispute Resolution Consortium housed at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Submission of video to the Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco as a video display in the 'Blur Project'. Promotion by ADRNC of their video to San Francisco Bay Area television stations for use as a public service announcement (PSA). Inclusion of their video on ADRNC's website (adrnc.org) In addition to the forementioned submissions of their video, the first prize winner will also receive a $1000 cash prize. The second and third place entrants will have their videos submitted for consideration to the forementioned venues and outlets but will not receive a cash prize.

What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR?

ADR is the professional practice of non-violent conflict resolution through facilitated communication. ADR professionals help people resolve their disputes through facilitated communications and negotiations. The many ADR practices include mediation, negotiation, facilitation, arbitration and collaborative dialogue. With the assistance of an ADR professional, people often avoid going to court or ending a relationship. The public often does not realize that, when faced with overwhelming conflict, there are options besides, "I'll see you in court!" or "You're fired!" ADR helps people avoid the long, burdensome and expensive process of litigation and helps people rebuild broken relationships.

Contest Challenge!

The contestants will create a 30-second video that can be used as a public exhibit piece, PSA and as website content to inform the public and motivate them to consider using ADR in business and personal disputes.

The winning entry will educate the viewer about the value of ADR through the storytelling, graphic and creative medium of film. Examples of ADR subjects for film include, but are not limited to depictions of:

Creative settlements of disputes ADR professionals at work
Communications that prevent violent outcomes
Everyday peaceful outcomes to aggravating situations
Prevention of bullying
Effective harassment education
Inspiring communication breakthroughs
Individuals who dissolve cultural barriers
Understanding between groups in conflict

Location: Open
Deadline: October 15, 2004
Website: see http://adrnc.org/