Archive for September, 2008

2008 Workshop on Humiliation and Violent Conflict

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below information on the 2008 Workshop on Humiliation and Violent Conflict.

Kind regards
Brian Ward

2008 Workshop on Humiliation and Violent Conflictrepresenting the Twelfth Annual HumanDHS Conference

New York, Columbia University, Teachers College, 525 West 120th Street (subway 1, exit 116th Street)
December 11-12, 2008
(continuation of the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Workshops, see a compilation of all NY workshops)

• Thursday, December 11, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Public Event on Thursday evening, in Milbank Chapel, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Friday, December 12, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Convened by SIPA - Center for International Conflict Resolution
on behalf of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies (HumanDHS) project of the
Columbia University Conflict Resolution Network (CU-CRN)

The Research Workshop is made possible by a generous contribution of the
Slifka Foundation (please see the HumanDHS’ Work: Objectives and Evidence of Success, developed in cooperation between HumanDHS and ABSF in 2006)

Our Conference Has Two Parts:

• Public Event - Everybody Is Always Warmly Invited to Attend!
Thursday, December 11, 2008, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Columbia University, Teachers College, Milbank Chapel
Refreshments, a chance to mingle and meet

• Closed Workshop
Thursday and Friday, December 11-12, 2008, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Columbia University, Teachers College, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027.
This part of our workshop is closed. You are warmly invited to get in touch with us, if you wish to participate.

• Where to stay!
• Everybody is kindly asked to please arrange for your housing yourself. (Please see here the subway map of NY.) Please see Accommodations in and around the Columbia University neighborhood (we thank Tony Jenkins for allowing us to use his compilation!)
• Please see also US SERVAS, hosting people generally for one to two nights. Any extension beyond that is up to the host to extend, and traveler to accept. Most NYC hosts do not host more than a week, if the visitor is someone they really feel comfortable with and grow to like. Again, that is up to the individual.
• Please see also Couchsurfing.com.
• Please see furthermore Sara’s New York Homestay, through which international students, visitors, interns or executives who come to New York (also Los Angeles, Paris or London) for a short period of time (1 to 12 months) can find a place to stay (four weeks Manhattan 1500 USD, one week 900 USD, less outside Manhattan; when you write to them, convey greetings from Evelin: I visited their office on November 19, 2007, and presented our HumanDHS group to Bernard Zagdanski, Sara’s husband).

• Green Conference
Lynn King kindly shares with us advice as to how to organise a “Green Conference”!

• What Happened in Our Previous Conferences?
Please have a look at all our previous conferences and at the newsletters written after these conferences! See newsletter Nr. 10, compiled subsequent to the 2007 workshop.

Maria R. Volpe, Ph.D.
Professor
John Jay College of Criminal Justice - CUNY
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 520
New York, New York 10019
212-237-8693 [office]
212-237-8646 [fax]
mvolpe[@]jjay.cuny.edu
http://johnjay.jjay.cuny.edu/dispute

Africavenir Newsletter September 2008

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below teh Africavenir Newsletter September 2008.

Kind regards
Brian Ward

Africavenir Newsletter

die nächsten Wochen stehen ganz im Zeichen des afrikanischen literarischen und filmischen Schaffens. AfricAvenir ist Medienpartner von AFRICAN SCREENS und des Festivals “Jenseits von Europa”, die jeweils über 40 afrikanische Filme zeigen werden. Am 13. Oktober organisieren wir außerdem die Berlin-Premiere des Films “Juju Factory” in Anwesenheit des kongolesischen Regisseurs Balufu Bakupa-Kayinda und mit einem einführenden Vortrag der Gruppe Remember Resistance. Diese Veranstaltung geht unter dem Titel “Koloniale Gespenster in Afrika und Europa” im Anschluss auf eine kleine Tournee durch weitere 4 Städte.

1. AFRICAVENIR VERANSTALTUNGEN / NEWS
2. WEITERE VERANSTALTUNGEN
3. NEU AUF UNSERER WEBSITE: www.africavenir.org

1. AFRICAVENIR VERANSTALTUNGEN / NEWS

Berlin-Premiere des Films „Juju Factory“ in Anwesenheit des Regisseurs Balufu Bakupa-Kayinda
Am Montag, 13. Oktober um 20 Uhr lädt AfricAvenir in Kooperation mit der Gruppe Remember Resistance zur Berlin-Premiere des Films „Juju Factory“ ins Filmtheater Hackesche Höfe ein, in Anwesenheit des kongolesischen Regisseurs Balufu Bakupa-Kayinda. Ein multimedialer Vortrag von Remember Resistance führt bereits um 18 Uhr in das Thema „Koloniale Gespenster in Afrika und Europa“ ein. Im Anschluss an den Film findet eine Diskussion mit Balufu Bakupa-Kayinda statt. http://africavenir.com/africavenir/berlin/film/Filmtournee_Juju.php

Eine audio-visuelle Spurensuche nach der kolonialen Geschichte und Gegenwart | Tournee 14. – 18. Oktober 2008
Nach der Premiere in Berlin geht die Veranstaltung auf Tournee durch vier weitere deutsche Städte. Am 14. Oktober findet die gleiche Veranstaltung in Leipzig (Kino: UT Connewitz) statt, bevor sie am 15. Oktober weiterzieht nach Hamburg (Metropolis). Am 16. Oktober ist sie in Bochum (Studio108, Bahnhof Langendreer) und am 18. Oktober findet die Tournee ihren Abschluss in Köln, im Rahmen des Festival „Jenseits von Europa“ (Filmforum NRW im Museum Ludwig). Kooperationspartner der Tournee sind FilmInitiativ Köln, CulturCooperation, Institut für Afrikanistik Leipzig, Afrikanistik Forum Leipzig, Bahnhof Langendreer, buko, Hamburg Postkolonial, DEPO, das Eine Welt Netzwerk Hamburg (EWNW) e.V., gefördert aus Mitteln des BMZ. Zudem wird die Tournee unterstützt von: eed, Stiftung DO, Stiftung Umverteilen, FilmInitiativ Köln. http://africavenir.com/africavenir/berlin/film/Filmtournee_Juju.php

Rapport final: L’expérience de films africains à Bonendale - Du 05 au 30 Juillet 2008
La Fondation AfricAvenir International, dans le cadre de son programme d’éducation par le cinéma africain, a organisé du 05 au 30 Juillet 2008, en partenariat avec Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED), la première édition du « Cinéma au village » avec traduction des films en langue duala, pour les villages Ndobo, Bonendale, Bojongo, Bonamatoumbe, et Sodiko. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/08/2029

WEITERE VERANSTALTUNGEN

Jour Fixe: Nollywood Spezial - Echoes Of War
Die Reihe »NOLLYWOOD SPEZIAL« geht mit dem Film Echoes Of War (OV) von Obi Emelonye in die 2. Runde. Gezeigt werden Arbeiten von im Ausland lebenden nigerianischen Regisseuren die eine internationale Karriere anstreben und gleichzeitig Nigeria als Stützpunkt nutzen. Nächster Termin ist Donnerstag, der 18. September um 19.00 Uhr im Club der Werkstatt der Kulturen. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/09/2053

Kleine Pfade - verschränkte Geschichten – Eine Filmreihe
Vom 19. - 21. September 2008 findet im Haus der Kulturen der Welt die Filmreihe Kleine Pfade - verschränkte Geschichten statt. Ausgehend von Belangen des modernen Siedlungsbaus, der Erziehung zum guten Wohnen und deren Aneignungsformen in der kolonialen und der postkolonialen Zeit, nimmt die Filmreihe das Kino als Ort der Konstruktion und Zirkulation von Modernen in Nordafrika und Europa vor und nach Marokkos Unabhängigkeit 1956 in den Blick. Gäste der Filmreihe sind: Aïcha Osfour, Mitarbeiterin und Tochter des Filmemachers, Produzenten und Filmtechnikers Mohamed Osfour (1927 – 2005) sowie Youssef El Ftouh, Filmemacher, „Le ciné colonial“ (1997), „Le noir des blancs“ (1995) und Kurator der Ausstellung „L’Afrique au regard du cinéma colonial” (Institut du Monde Arabe 1994, FESPACO 1995). Ausführliches Programm: http://africavenir.com/news/2008/09/2058

Das 8. internationale literaturfestival berlin mit Fokus “Afrika” - 24. September – 5. Oktober 2008
Vom 24. September bis 5. Oktober 2008 findet das 8. internationale literaturfestival berlin statt. Nach dem großen Erfolg des “Fokus Lateinamerika“ steht Afrika in diesem Jahr im Zentrum des Festivals. In diesem Rahmen wird afrikanische Literatur präsentiert und ein Forum zur Auseinandersetzung mit den historischen und politischen Hintergründen des Kontinents geboten. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/08/1985

Doppelprojektionen: 1 Berlin-Harlem / Fake Soldiers
Am Samstag, 04. Oktober 2008 um 15 Uhr lädt Remember Resisitance im Rahmen des Programms “In der Wüste der Moderne” ins Haus der Kulturen der Welt zur Veranstaltung “Doppelprojektionen: 1 Berlin-Harlem / Fake Soldiers - Kommentierte Filmprojektion” in Anwesenheit des Regisseurs Idrissou Mora Kpai. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/09/2060

Das 10. Afrikanische Filmfestival Jenseits von Europa in Köln (7. bis 26. Oktober)
Vom 7. bis 26. Oktober präsentiert FilmInitiativ Köln 43 Spielfilme, Dokumentationen und Kurzfilme aus 16 Ländern Afrikas. Zehn RegisseurInnen aus Algerien, Tunesien, Ägypten, Äthiopien, DR Kongo, Nigeria, Guinea, Uganda und dem Sudan sind eingeladen, um über ihre Produktionen mit dem Publikum zu diskutieren. AfricAvenir ist Medienpartner des Festivals. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/09/1974

AFRICAN SCREENS - Neues Kino aus Afrika Filmfestival
Vom 09.10.2008 - 09.11.2008 findet nach Jahren wieder ein Afrika Film Festival im Haus der Kulturen statt. Das Festival möchte einen Überblick des zeitgenössischen afrikanischen Kinos geben, in dem sich in den letzten 15 Jahren entscheidende Veränderungen vollzogen haben und zugleich einen Ausblick wagen in die „visuelle Zukunft“ des Kontinents. Kurator des Festivals ist Manthia Diawara. AfricAvenir ist Medienpartner des Festivals. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/09/2037

NEU AUF UNSERER WEBSITE: www.africavenir.org

13 septembre: Il y a cinquante ans, l’assassinat de Ruben Um Nyobè
Le 13 septembre 1958, il y a cinquante ans, était tué Ruben Um Nyobè. C’est dans une forêt de Sanaga Maritime, dans le sud du Cameroun, qu’une patrouille française qui traquait depuis des mois le secrétaire général de l’Union des populations du Cameroun (UPC) repérera son objectif. Son corps fut traîné jusqu’au chef-lieu de la région, où il fut exhibé, défiguré, profané. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/09/2055

The destruction of African agriculture
By Walden Bello. Biofuel production is certainly one of the culprits in the current global food crisis. But while the diversion of corn from food to biofuel feedstock has been a factor in food prices shooting up, the more primordial problem has been the conversion of economies that are largely food-self-sufficient into chronic food importers. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/08/1993

The future of aid
By Yash Tandon. For far too long the debate on development aid has been constrained by conceptual traps and the limitations of the definitions provided by the donors. If the recipients or beneficiaries of aid are to own the process, as present trends in the development literature suggest, then the conceptual reframing of the issues must itself change its location from the North to the South. http://africavenir.com/news/2008/09/2038

www.AfricAvenir.org

Konferenz Mehrsprachigkeit, Transkulturalität und Bildung

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS Friend!

This may interest you:

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
liebe KollegInnen,

wir möchten Sie sehr herzlich zu unserer Konferenz “Mehrsprachigkeit, Transkulturalität und Bildung” einladen, die vom 8. bis 10. Oktober an der Alpen-Adria-Konferenz stattfindet.

Die ReferentInnen kommen aus Österreich, Slowenien und Italien, sowie unter anderem aus Indien und Frankreich, bieten mit ihren Schwerpunkten interdisziplinäre Zugänge zu den Themen und liefern vielleicht auch für Ihre Interessensschwerpunkte neue Aspekte. Sie haben die Gelegenheit, hochkarätige Persönlichkeiten wie Edouard Glissant (New York/Paris) oder Ales Debeljak (Ljubljana) zu erleben und interessante Diskussionen von ExpertInnen länder- und disziplinen-übergreifend zu verfolgen bzw. daran teilzunehmen.

Ein anspruchsvolles Abendprogramm bietet das unikum mit Dietmar Pickl und Roberta Razzi mit Texten von Jani Oswald und begleitet von Extra3.

Mehr Informationen zur Anmeldung, den Programmpunkten und Referierenden finden Sie unter:
www.uni-klu.ac.at/deutschdidaktik/konferenz.

Diejenigen unter Ihnen, die sich bereits entschlossen haben, die Konferenz zu besuchen, bitten wir sich bald anzumelden, da wir eine Einschätzung der TeilnehmerInnenzahl für die genaue Planung benötigen.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Bettina Gruber
Mag. Dr. Bettina Gruber
Alpen-Adria-Universität
Geschäftsführende Leitung des
Zentrums für Friedensforschung und Friedenspädagogik
Centre for Peace Research and Peace Education
A-9020 Klagenfurt, Universitätsstr. 65-67

Tel.: +43-(0)463/2700/8650
Tel.: +43-(0)676/3305/449
Fax.: +43-(0)463/2700/8659
email: bettina.gruber@uni-klu.ac.at

7th Annual Global Linking & Learning Programme on Human Rights Based Development

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below information on the 7th Annual Global Linking and Learning Programme.

Kind regards
Brian Ward

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
7TH ANNUAL GLOBAL LINKING & LEARNING PROGRAMME ON
HUMAN RIGHTS BASED DEVELOPMENT

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that the Call for Applications for our 7th Annual Global Linking & Learning Programme on Human Rights Based Development is now open.

WHAT? Annual Global Learning Programme on Human Rights Based Development

WHEN? 30 November to 11 December 2008

WHERE? Brazil

WHO? Organisers: Dignity International in partnership with União dos Movimentos de Moradia– São Paulo, Brazil

Support from: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and Oxfam-Novib

WHY? Human Rights Based Development - Human Rights Based Development - Human rights provide a moral, authoritative and a legal framework to tackle root causes of poverty – the deep rooted structures of discrimination – the global processes of impoverishment. A human rights framework has the ‘potential´ to deal with not only legal justice, the primary preoccupation of traditional human rights organisations, but also economic and social justice which is central to development work.

Realising this potential, m any development actors – development organisations, donors and governments are now actively integrating human rights into development planning. National governments are seeking to integrate human rights in poverty reduction strategies and increasing numbers of community based organisations are advocating for their basic human rights.

A human rights framework offers distinctive strengths and specific tools for development work. A human rights framework makes the human individual the owner of human rights and puts the human person at the centre of the development process. People are not viewed as passive subjects, but as active agents able to participate in, actively contribute to and enjoy development. Basic human needs to live life in dignity (adequate housing, adequate levels of nutrition, access to education, access to healthcare, to livelihoods and employment opportunities) are no longer seen as demands for charity but as basic human rights to which everyone is entitled. This fundamental shift from charity/service delivery to human rights moves the poorest in our societies from a position of vulnerability to a position of strength, and therefore from a position of powerlessness to a position where they are empowered.

ANNUAL GLOBAL LINKING & LEARNING PROGRAMME: For the seventh consecutive year, Dignity is proud to invite applications to the Annual Global Linking and Learning Programme. This programme will build on the successes of the previous learning programmes on “Human Rights Based Development”, and on “Economic Social and Cultural Rights” organised by Dignity International with a range of national, regional and international partners. One key feature of the programme will be a field visit to expose participants to see, hear, smell, taste, touch and feel for themselves the struggles of rural and urban communities. Hu man rights struggles are not theoretical or paper struggles but real struggles of real people affecting real lives.

PROGRAMME CONTENTS: The Programme will take participants on a ten day intensive – enjoyable - learning journey that will equip the participants with knowledge of the key elements of human rights based development, and enhance skills for its practical application. Participants will see the unity between human rights and development and become more committed to the work ahead to achieve the unified human rights and development vision of human dignity for all.

After the programme, participants will:

Understand and apply the key elements of human rights based development. More specifically participants will be able to:

link specific development issues to international human rights standards;
understand the nature of human rights obligations of state and non state actors and be able to apply the knowledge gained to enhance human rights advocacy;
understand the importance of “accountability”, transparency and the right to information in human rights and be able to use accountability and redress mechanisms at different levels;
understand the fundamental principle of “non-discrimination” and how human rights can help tackle deep rooted structures of discrimination that perpetuate humiliation and poverty;
understand and appreciate “participation” as a human right and that realisation of human rights requires participation. Additionally participants will be able to develop new ideas and skills to encourage meaningful participation of struggling communities in development work;
understand how human rights empower – steps that can be taken to encourage grassroots “empowerment”.
Understand the difference between human rights and non human rights strategies and improve on/transform existing development strategies into human rights strategies.

Understand and apply human rights based development into the different stages of the programming cycle.

Put all the learning into practice through intensive group work on a real case study.

Develop strong solidarity with the communities visited as well as solidarity and friendship at a global level with other participants of the programme.

Increase commitment to human rights in professional work and in personal lives.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE: Development actors from grassroots, national and international development NGOs that are beginning to integrate human rights in development work are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be in key positions within their organisations and with solid experience and responsibility in a range of areas, including programming, community organizing, advocacy and campaigning. Priority will be given to potential “multipliers”. All applicants must be committed to attend the full duration of the programme and be able to work and communicate in English.

20-25 participants who meet the above criteria will be chosen to participate. Programme organisers will take into account gender, and geographical balance as well as representation from diverse social backgrounds, diverse disciplines and covering a range development issues (education, food sovereignty, HIV/AIDS, etc). Dignity also reserves the right to invite some participants to the programme.

PROGRAMME METHODOLOGY: Dignity’s learning programmes are designed as a process of mutual learning, with the participants’ experience and realities as the starting point of the learning process. Active participation and in-depth reflection – individually, in groups and in plenary are the keys to the success of the programme.

The process is based on informal education and learner-centred methodologies. Therefore, the programme will be a mutual learning situation where participants can compare their approaches and concerns in a safe, intercultural context. The use of experiential methods and case studies strengthens the practical side of the programme.

FACILITATING TEAM: The facilitating team for this programme is composed of experienced facilitators with development and human rights experience at grassroots and international levels, and who possess the necessary and creative skills to facilitate an enjoyable learning process. It should be expected that the team will reflect gender balance and the cultural, political and geographical diversity.

PROGRAMME DATES & VENUE: The programme is a residential one. Selected participants are expected to arrive in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Saturday 29/Sunday 30 November and depart on Thursday 11 December 2008.

WORKING LANGUAGE: The programme will be conducted in English.
FINANCIAL & PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
All selected participants are requested to cover their own travel, board, lodging and other incidental expenses.

Participation Costs - The organisers will charge a participation fee of 1000 Euros. This amount will be paid to the organisers at the start of the programme. This amount will cover programme materials, hotel accommodation for 10 days, all meals and coffee breaks during the programme dates and programme related local transport. The amount does not cover incidental expenses (phone, laundry etc).

Scholarships - Please note that no one will be excluded for financial reasons and that limited scholarships will be available for those with no alternative financial means to participate especially those from the developing countries or from grassroots development organisations.

Types of scholarships:

Category A: Participation Cost Waiver (to waive the participation cost of 1000 Euros)

Category B: Full scholarship – Participation Cost waiver + 80% of the cheapest available economy class plane ticket

HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the application form and send it to Dignity International with a valid signature and a stamp from your organisation, community or group in support of your application. Twenty to twenty five participants will be selected on the basis of the profile and the overall criteria outline above. Candidates will be informed about their application by the first week of November. The organisers will, then, immediately start arrangements with the selected candidates. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday 15 October 2008.

APPLICATION FORM
FULL BROCHURE

Dignity Track Record:Dignity has a track record of offering quality and pioneering learning programmes in the past six years. In the early 2001 realizing the hunger for knowledge of human rights and how human rights (in particular economic, social and cultural rights) relate to poverty eradication, Dignity was the first organisation to partner with quality and experienced institutions to organise a learning programme at a global level on economic, social and cultural rights. The programme met with huge demand from all over the world and with huge success in terms of content, methodology and application. Encouraged by this success Dignity continued in its efforts to organise this on an annual basis as well as organising other pioneering thematic learning programmes like “Budget Analysis and ESC Rights”. In the past two years, Dignity has taken more emphasis in its learning programmes on the links between human rights and development and in particular to meet the growing demand for training on human rights based development. Again the content, methodology and process taken by Dignity have met with tremendous praise by the participants who regard the programmes as not only up scaling their knowledge and skills on human rights based development, but also transforming attitudes.

How Peace is Failing South Sudanese Female Combatants

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below information on a publication regarding South Sudanese female combatants.

Kind regards
Brian Ward

No standing, few prospects:
How peace is failing South Sudanese female combatants and WAAFG’.

A joint publication from the Geneva Call and the Small Arms Survey, documents the range of contributions that women made to the southern rebellion, including as combatants and in many support roles, both voluntary and coerced. It also reports on the vulnerabilities women faced during the conflict, especially to sexual violence, and the failure of the Government of Southern Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) to address the needs of these women through disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes to date, despite stated commitments.

The lessons learned from this research on women’s roles and experiences within the SPLA will help to inform Geneva Call’s engagement strategies with armed non-State actors for the observance of humanitarian norms.

Based on interviews, focus groups, research and analysis conducted by Geneva Call, the report is the 13th Issue Brief from the Small Arms Survey’s Sudan Human Security Baseline Assessment (HSBA) project. This can be downloaded from:
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/files/portal/spotlight/sudan/Sudan_pdf/SIB-13-no-standing-few-prospects.pdf

For interviews about the content of the Issue Brief contact Nicolas Florquin, Programme Officer for Africa with Geneva Call, at nflorquin[@]genevacall.org or +41 22 879 94 35 or Lauren Gaffney, Gender Issues Junior Programme Officer, at lgaffney[@]genevacall.org or +41 22 879 94 42.

For more information about the HSBA project, contact Claire Mc Evoy, Sudan HSBA Project Manager, at claire.mcevoy[@]smallarmssurvey.org or +254 738 220008.

Consensus: Tools for Conflict Resolution

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below information on a meeting on Consensus.

Kind regards
Brian Ward


Consensus

The next monthly breakfast meeting will be held on Thursday, October 2, 8 – 10 am at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 899 10th Ave in Manhattan between 58th and 59th Streets, 6th floor. Presenters will include Consensus founder and managing partner Michael Rosenthal, and Zachary Metz, Consensus’ Director of Peacebuilding.

Consensus uses a mixture of strategies to help groups rethink their approaches to negotiation, difficult conversations, conflict and each other, incorporating tools such as interest-based negotiation training, Open Space Technology, Public Conversations Project dialogue processes, conflict assessment, mediation, and conflict coaching.

Michael will speak about the origins and development of Consensus, an international company that uniquely bridges corporate negotiation training and coaching with international peace-building leadership. Zach will speak about Consensus’ conflict resolution and peace-building training in conflict zones, including the blending of training with large group dialogue processes in regions of deadly violence. He will highlight a recent international initiative conducted by Consensus.

As the head of the firm’s Consulting practice, Michael consults to large and small companies in a variety of industries. His client engagements have included $200+ million acquisitions on behalf of publicly-owned companies, negotiations of private placements and strategic relationships on behalf of emerging and mid-sized organizations, and contract negotiations on behalf of individuals, including performing and fine artists.

Zach has worked in numerous hotspots of violent conflict around the world, including recently in Iraq, Lebanon, East Timor, and Northern Ireland. He is the former Director of Education and Training for Columbia University’s Center for International Conflict Resolution at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Previously, he directed a dispute resolution center in Washington state, where he led mediation trainings inside a maximum security prison for prison inmates.

Please RSVP to acrgnyinfo[@]AOL.com if you would like to attend so your name is on the list at the door, and so ACR-GNY knows how much food to order. (But if you make a last-minute decision, please attend anyway.)

See you then!

Maria R. Volpe, Ph.D.
Professor
John Jay College of Criminal Justice - CUNY
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 520
New York, New York 10019
212-237-8693 [office]
212-237-8646 [fax]
mvolpe[@]jjay.cuny.edu
http://johnjay.jjay.cuny.edu/dispute

Style Matters: An Innovative Conflict Resolution Method

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below information on an innovative coflict resolution method.

Kind regards
Brian Ward


“Give Peace a Chance”

I am offering conflict resolution trainers and organizational development consultants a free review copy of a conflict style inventory I’ve recently published that is culturally sensitive. Style Matters: The Kraybill Conflict Style Inventory is similar in its basic logic to the widely-used Thomas Kilmann instrument, but has additional features. One is that users self-identify whether they are from individualistic or collectivist cultural background and get somewhat differing instructions accordingly. To request a free electronic copy in PDF, send a note to StyleMattersOffer[@]RiverhouseEPress.com . You will receive by automated return email a link to my website for downloading.

By Ron Kraybill, PhD, professor in the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University, and author of Style Matters: The Kraybill Conflict Style Inventory. For more information, go to www.riverhouseepress.com

2 Day Seminar on Leading Transformative Change: Concepts and Practices in Appreciative Inquiry

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below information on a 2 day seminar on leading transformational change.

Kind regards
Brian Ward

Leading Transformative Change: Concepts and Practices in Appreciative Inquiry

FALL: ORLD 4800.001/CRN 31437

Fall Dates: Thursday, November 6 & Friday, November 7
Times: 8:30am-4:30pm
Available for 1 credit @ $1,085 or 1.5 CEUs for $520

Instructor: Loretta L. Donovan, M.A.T.

Building on Jack Mezirow’s theory of Transformative Learning and David Cooperrider’s framework of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), this intensive 2-day seminar will explore generative approaches to transformative change at the project, initiative and strategic levels.

The potential for using organizational stories and cross-functional intelligence to increase business capacity, foster creativity and position the group for success. Proven with over twenty years of success, AI has been applied in the workplace, government, education, healthcare and the community.

This course will focus on the five phases of the appreciative process from the standpoint of the leader. The practical implications of the phases will be considered: definition of the organizational need, discovery of the core strengths of the stakeholders, dreaming of the context in which excellence will be fostered, design of the new structures, processes and procedures whose format derive from strengths and purpose, and delivery of the projects that will move the organization forward to its new vision. Examples from manufacturing, services, consumer goods, higher education and healthcare will demonstrate implementation under a variety of circumstances.

To register, contact The Center for Educational Outreach, Teachers College,
Columbia University at
1.800.209.1245 or 1.212.678.3987 or
http://continuingeducation.tc.columbia.edu/default.aspx?pageid=134

&PK=2199

Strategic collaboration for business results

Loretta L. Donovan
President

Dispute Resolution Director Position: Sydney, Australia

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below information on a opening in dispute resolution in Sydney, Australia.

Kind regards
Brian Ward

Dispute Resolution Director, 3 Mobile, Sydney Area, Australia

Posted 8/13/08; Salary–6 figures, full-time, 3 Mobile provides 1.8 million Australians with phone services, mobile broadband, music & video tracks, video calling and entertainment. 3 Mobile is Australia’s first and fastest growing 3G mobile service. We’re looking for someone to bring together all the elements of our current dispute resolution into one coherent system, developing a system for tracking and tracing disputes as they happen, and identifying problems that can be corrected right across the company. You won’t just be the person to who disputes are escalated; you’ll be managing the whole system which you will have developed, dealing with customer disputes from all areas of the business which are currently looked after in a number of distinct areas. You’ll also personally take care of disputes which are escalated beyond the bounds of regular disputes, including those that end up in Tribunals etc, working closely with our in-house legal team. You’ll work with key stakeholders across the business to ensure consistency and efficiency when resolving customer disputes, lead and coach staff, analyse information & statistics identifying trends, and address issues as required.

What we’re after: This is not a job for a CRM manager - we’re after someone with specialist Dispute Management experience, who can review and develop procedures to ensure the efficient operation of the Disputes Team, proactively identifing gaps, developing scalable solutions, and working to win consensus across all business channels. We’d love to hear from someone with a high standard of spoken English and great communication skills, advanced listening and interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate openly within all levels of the organisation. You’ll need to have the ability to prioritise workload, and the confidence to take initiative to solve customer’s problems. People who have solid customer service skills and who are self-motivating and assertive will do well!

Perks: competitive salary package we also offer some fantastic benefits like discounted gym memberships, insurances as well as access to low rate loan programs through major providers, and more! We run professional development & leadership courses, a Reward & Recognition program and an employee community program nationally. To look after our employees’ well being we offer an employee assistance program, Well-at-Work and generous leave entitlements, and of course great social events and parties! To apply, visit
https://hutchison.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=32320
or use the URL link above. Email applications cannot be accepted. Local candidates only, no relocation (Sydney Area, Australia).

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Director of Conciliation Services, Pinal County Superior Court, Tucson AZ
Director of Conciliation Services ($88,629 - $93,142 Starting) PINAL COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT is seeking a candidate to serve as the Conciliation Services Director. This person performs professional work of considerable difficulty in developing and maintaining quality clinical services in the areas of counseling, child custody and visitation assessments, and mediation. To apply please visit our job opportunities website at www.pinaljobs.com EOE (0006405604-01 class 2703)

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Counselor/ Mediator II, Pinal County Superior Court, Tucson AZ
Counselor/ Mediator II ($46,946 - $49,338 Starting) Performs professional work of considerable difficulty in providing counseling, mediation and child custody evaluations for Conciliation Services at the direction of the Superior Court under the supervision of the Conciliation Services Director.To apply please visit our job opportunities website at www.pinaljobs.com
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Conflict Management Training Associates (Senior & Entry), Insight Partners, Boston MA
Insight Partners is an international conflict management firm committed to assisting organizations in developing their skills to negotiate, mediate and communicate more effectively. We work on five continents helping Fortune 500 companies, governments, and non-profit entities create value and improve working relationships. Our unique culture combines intellectual curiosity and partnering with a dedication to help advance the way organizations work together. We offer a casual work environment with a fast-paced focus for the measurable results required of traditional consulting firms. We provide the intellectual interest of an academic think tank with the intensity and excitement of a firm dedicated to transforming the way that companies work together.

We are seeking entry level and seasoned Conflict Management Training Associates to deliver customized training workshops using our effective negotiation, communication, and mediation approach based on ideas developed at the Harvard Negotiation Project and outlined in the best-selling books Getting to YES (Fisher and Ury, 1981) and Difficult Conversations (Stone, Heen and Patton, 1999). For more than a decade, our consultants have worked with the Harvard Negotiation Project and affiliated consulting firms to develop leading theory and advice on getting the best substantive results without damaging working relationships.

These workshops include basic and advanced courses in negotiation, effective communication, strategic relationship management, conflict management, mediation and much more. The trainer’s primary responsibilities will be to deliver, on average, 80-100 days of training per year. Secondary responsibilities may include content design and development, diagnostic calls, as well as client-relationship cultivation and support.

Specifically, our Associates are responsible for: • Delivery of workshops • Assisting with pre and post workshop support (e.g., write or revise learning tools, coordinate materials for upcoming programs) • Creating client deliverables such as agendas and cases. • Facilitating meetings and participating in working sessions with clients. • Conducting diagnostic interviews. • Research and develop to improve program client and develop and analyze marketing strategies • Co-write articles and papers related to our field. In addition, Trainers often have a number of internal (non-client) responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Entry level Associates must have superior academic and professional credentials which includes a bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of relevant work experience as a consultant or trainer. A Master’s Degree in a related field, is preferred. Senior Associates require superior academic and professional credentials which includes a bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of relevant work experience as a consultant or trainer. A Master’s Degree in a related field, is preferred.

Both positions require: • Willingness to travel extensively within the U.S. and abroad is approximately 40%-50+%(dependent upon each individual’s skills and motivation). • Demonstrated interest and experience in our field, delivering training • Excellent presentation and platform skills • Facilitation experience • Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills • Proactively managing multiple commitments and tasks • Experience with ADR, mediation, negotiation, alliance management, communication skills and practice desired • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively develop and foster relationships with clients and colleagues • Intellectual curiosity, and interest in learning more about the theory and practice of negotiation and relationship management • Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and pursue objectives without supervision • Proficiency with Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.

Credentials and Experience: 1. Superior academic and professional credentials. a) Undergraduate degree required. b) Graduate degree preferred. 2. Demonstrated interest in the types of programs and services Insight Partners provides.
Special Requirements:1. Enthusiasm for working in a high-energy, team-oriented, start-up environment. 2. Able and willing to travel extensively around the world, sometimes on short notice.
NOTE: In your cover letter it is important for you to include your relevant work experience and how your background (e.g., education, experience, and volunteerism) relates to this position.
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. $50,000.00 - 70,000.00. Insight Partners 47 Winter Street, 8th Floor Boston, MA 02108-4774 Tel: +1.617.948.0006 or +1.800.440.1070 Fax: +1.617.249.0725 E-mail: info@insightpartnersonline.co

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Manager of Dispute Resolution Group, RBC Capital Markets Corp, Minneapolis MN
manages team of 4 in the Dispute Resolution Group within the legal department. This person’s overall responsibility is to:• Investigate and communicate conclusions verbally and in writing with regard to complex customer complaints, arbitration, litigation and related regulatory inquiries involving a high degree of regulatory or financial risk to the firm.• Ensure compliance with industry requirements regarding customer allegations of misconduct by the firm or one of our employees and corresponding outcomes.• Recommend remedial action against the employee when appropriate.• Recommend proactive initiatives to be taken by the firm as a result of lessons learned or patterns observed.

This position manages the overall caseload and handles the more complex types of issues brought to the group:
• Interacts with personnel in various internal departments including but not limited to Legal, Compliance, Branch, and Operations, Complexes, Regions.• Interacts with industry regulators, attorneys retained by the firm or opposing parties, and disgruntled clients.• Maintains the firm’s quality standards and reputation by being responsive to client concerns and correcting misconduct by employees.• Typically manages 200 to 600 new cases annually, plus ongoing correspondence and investigations involving approximately 100 aged matters.

Major Job Accountabilities1. Assigns disputes to the appropriate staff members, and provides review and direction as needed. Assures that the following are appropriately handled by the incumbent or dispute resolution personnel: (30%) • Collect required information relating to customer allegations and potential sales practice violations that are either complex or involve a high degree of regulatory or financial risk to the firm.• Analyze account activity, client and employee background, and commissions as they relate to client concerns.• Communicate with relevant personnel regarding the status of customer disputes.• Defend conclusions verbally and in writing with personnel, clients, attorneys and regulators regarding allegations.• Negotiate settlements when appropriate. • Assist outside counsel as they prepare for arbitrations and litigation and monitor the quality and cost of their work.• Respond to the related regulatory inquiries.
2. Develop and implement supervisory policies and procedures relating to the reporting of reportable events assigned to incumbent and dispute resolution personnel (30%):• Monitor the status of disputes on internal tracking mechanisms (CARD & Law Manager).• Develop and monitor an exception report (”Likely Filing Report”) to verify the submission of required filings.• Ensure that client allegations and resolutions are reported as required to the NASD (Form U-4/U-5) and NYSE (Form RE-3) within prescribed deadlines.• Submit complaint related data to the NYSE on a quarterly basis, as required by Rule 31(d). 3. Provide guidance and training to staff members, and handle related staff matters such as hiring, ongoing evaluation and feedback, and salary decision-making. (10%) 4. Perform other firm and Private Client Group (PCG) duties as assigned, including but not limited to regulatory examinations, participating on occasional branch visits and supporting PCG compliance on special projects. (30%)
Major Challenges:• Determine the appropriate staff member to handle assigned cases, and provide direction as needed.• Defend well-reasoned conclusions despite the frequent lack of internal or external consensus.• Maintain a positive attitude and approach during interactions with difficult people and situations.
Job Requirements: (Knowledge/ Experience): Minimum: • 7 years of relevant industry experience, with a minimum of 2 years compliance background or legal work with broker-dealer customer disputes.• Experience in dispute resolution, including management of cases involving arbitration/litigation.• Strong understanding of investments, industry rules and regulations.• Effective analytical and writing skills.• College degree• Series 7, 24, 8, 65, & 4 or ability/interest to obtain these licenses. Required Skills/ Competencies/ Attributes: Education: BA/BS. RBC Capital Markets Corp 60 South 6th Street Minneapolis MN 55402 http://www.rbc.com/careers/

Emily Menn, Esq.
Director of Education & Professional Development
New York State Dispute Resolution Association
518.687.2240 x 209
cell: 518-207-7285
emily[@]nysdra.org
emily.menn@gmail.com

Associate Director Position: ICCCR Columbia University

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Dear HumanDHS network friends

Please find below on a position open at Columbia University.

Kind regards
Brian Ward

International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution
Teachers College, Columbia University

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

The ICCCR is seeking a conflict resolution scholar/practitioner to oversee the operations and participate in the development and strategic planning of its dynamic theory-practice Center.

The ICCCR is an innovative Center dedicated to advancing the study and practice of conflict resolution. Our mission is educational: to help individuals, schools, communities, businesses and governments better understand the nature of conflict and how to achieve its constructive resolution. We particularly emphasize the importance of the social, cultural, organizational, and institutional contexts within which conflicts occur. Our philosophy links theory and research closely with practice. We are committed to conducting important and useful theoretical and applied research on cooperation and conflict resolution, and to communicating our research and our practical models in an accessible and engaging manner. We are also committed to developing, evaluating, and providing training in state-of-the-art methods for the constructive resolution of conflict.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Provide leadership and support for operations, strategic planning, and the development and monitoring of annual and long-term Center goals.
· Develop and manage action plans for educational activities (with the Educational Coordinator), service contracts (with the Practice Coordinator), and seek grant funding (with the Research and Practice Coordinators) for innovative projects that further the mission and vision of the ICCCR.
· Develop and monitor annual budgets in collaboration with the ICCCR Educational, Practice and Research Coordinators.
· Provide guidance and support for ICCCR staff and instructors.
· Oversee Certificate of Attendance in Conflict Resolution programming including NY State credentialling and graduation requirements.
· Initiate program development activities such as joint Masters/Certificate programs for teachers, administrators, counselors, etc. in collaboration with other programs and departments at TC.
· Manage Center infrastructure such as office space, equipment, videos, journals, etc.
· Oversee development of ICCCR Training services
· Oversee development of ICCCR marketing and web site
· Provide advisement and support for ICCCR students and alumni.
· Develop conflict resolution internships for students.
· Liaison with Teachers College, Columbia University and the national conflict resolution communities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
· 5 years experience in conflict resolution, diversity, and social action.
· Excellent management, mediation, training, and public relation skills.
· A self-starter with demonstrated entrepreneurial skills.
· Ph.D, Ed.D, LLD or a minimum of an MA and a strong interest in the relation of theory to practice.
· Experience writing grant proposals, responding to RFPs, managing budgets and working collaboratively with academics & staff in a university setting.
· The ideal candidate has worked extensively in school settings, as well as other venues.
· Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
· 3 references who can attest to your professional and interpersonal skills.

ICCCR recognizes and appreciates the benefits of diversity in the workplace. People who share this belief or reflect a diverse background are encouraged to apply.

Send cover letter and CV to:

Peter T. Coleman
Box 53
Teachers College, Columbia University
525 West 120th Street
New York, NY 10027

Beth Fisher-Yoshida, PhD, CCS
Academic Director
MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Columbia University