What's Happening in Conflict [01/03/17]

Posted by ADRhub.com- Werner Institute on January 03, 2017 in Featured News & Articles (Change)
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What's Happening in Conflict Resolution" is a weekly roundup of the all the ADR news, jobs, events and more. Check it out each week and view past versions [HERE].

Conflict Engagement and ADR in the News

Restorative justice helping Boulder County juvenile offenders

By Michael Byars (12/31/16. Boulder County News. Image from Pixabay).

The Boulder County District Attorney's Office said it has seen a drop in recidivism and a 100 percent satisfaction rating among victims who have been through its juvenile diversion program this year after adding restorative justice to the process.

The juvenile diversion program seeks to avoid sending certain non-violent juvenile cases through the court system so they don't have formal convictions on their record and also spend less time in detention facilities with more violent defendants who might be a negative influence on them.

"Diversion helps to avoid some of the negative consequences that can follow a young person through their life," Boulder District Attorney Stan Garnett said.

In 2014, the DA's office also added a restorative justice element to the diversion program and recidivism for juveniles has dropped to 7.5 percent this year from 13 percent before the program started. The DA's also said 95 percent of the juveniles who were sent though the program successfully complete diversion. Click HERE to read more about Boulder county's restorative justice program.

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School-to-Prison Pipeline Complete — New Law Makes Schoolyard Fights a Felony

By Justin Gardener (12/29/16; Our Times Press).

On January 1, 2017 the state of Missouri will implement a public school policy sure to accelerate the descent into “police state” dystopia.

The Hazelwood School District put out a memo to parents and guardians stating that, according to Missouri statute, fights at school or on buses will be treated as felonies — which can result in up to four years of prison, fines or probation.

“Dear Parents/Guardians:

We want to make you aware of a few new State Statutes that will go into effect on January 1, 2017, which may have a drastic impact on how incidents are handled in area school districts.

The way the new statue reads: if a person commits the offense of an assault in the third degree this will now be classified as a Class E Felony, rather than a misdemeanor. If he or she knowingly causes physical injury to another person (hits someone or has a fight with another individual and an injury occurs), one or both participants may be charged with a felony.” Click HERE to read more about Missouri's new legislation and its potential impact on students.

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Store invigorates Nairobi women’s peacemaking group

By Melanie LIdman (01/01/2017. CRUX)

Two years ago, the women of the Ngando women’s peacemaking group, an empowerment project in a slum of Nairobi, used to sit on a blanket and make their beaded handicrafts under the shade of a tree in the church courtyard.

But with the arrival of a new store in a converted container, proudly advertising their wares along the busy Ngong Road, the group has blossomed. The peacemaking circle has doubled in size and implemented a thriving “table banking” system, providing temporary loans to up to five women per week.

There’s one difference: you may not see them dancing for the customers.

Previously, customers who purchased an array of beaded work from the women were met with exclamations of joy, ululations and traditional dancing. The women were thrilled beyond belief that their items were selling. But now they have a brisk business from their new store with an inviting, shaded balcony on a busy thoroughfare. Read more about this success story HERE.

Good Reads: Blogs, Books, and More!

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article121874508.html#sto...Good Reads: Blogs, Books, and More!

The good fight: Mastering negotiation tactics and the art of conflict in 2017

By Laura Beeston (01/03/17. The Star. Image from Pixabay)

Dealing with opposition, be it from a bossy co-worker, a messy roommate or a nagging partner, is among the most stress-provoking experiences in life. In his new book, Resolve: Negotiating Life’s Conflicts with Greater Confidence, Hal Movius argues that conflict actually produces beneficial outcomes and makes our relationships better — but only if it is dealt with wisely.

Offering tips to identify and handle tough negotiating tactics, secrets to managing (and maintaining) poise when emotions flare and mastering the art of conflict, Movius spoke with the Star from his office in Charlottesville, Va. Click HERE to hear tips on how to be a better negotiator in 2017.

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How to Have More Productive Conflict

By Lauren Bowen (01/02/17. Care2 Healthy Living)

All people experience conflict with others, but not everyone practices the conflict resolution skills they need to ensure those conflicts are resolved in a productive manner.

The truth is, most of us shrink away from any sign of contention — either avoiding the subject all together or turning to passive aggressive means, neither of which bring about anything good.

What causes conflict?

In any place where human beings live with or around each other, conflict is bound to happen. Click HERE to find out why.

Movie Review

Review: ' Hidden Figures' by Peter Travers HERE.

Upcoming Events

Symposium – 50 Years of Loving: Seeking Justice Through Love and Relationships

March 23-24, 2017

The Werner Institute and the 2040 Initiative
at the Creighton University School of Law
invite you to a symposium exploring how the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Loving v. Virginia has influenced society institutionally, demographically and relationally. Participants will also develop strategies for moving from thought to action by building relationships across difference.

The Creighton Law Review seeks submissions exploring issues related to this landmark case. Please visit our call for submissions page.

In partnership with Kutak Rock LLP