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ADRIA presents articles that reflect many different perspectives, including complex opinions that may be controversial and do not necessarily reflect the views or values of the organization. Reader feedback is encouraged and welcome, and can be addressed to paul@adralberta.com.

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Job Posting: New Media Writer

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 1:25 PM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

The New Media Writer is a temporary part-time position funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

This position will generate public content and programs for use on shared website and social media platforms that will serve to inform and educate the public in techniques and resources to effectively manage conflict in their personal and professional lives.

The desired outcomes include improved access to justice, earlier resolutions, restored relationships, better child custody and elder care provisions, greater awareness of restorative and indigenous practices, improved business practices, and collaborative labour/management relationships.

In short, the position will provide the public the resources to manage conflict on their own, or to access facilitated resolution processes that are less reliant on the courts and costly litigation.

ADR professionals and staff will work with the candidate in developing both the digital and communication skills necessary for generating appropriate print, web, and social media content. The candidate will have the opportunity to establish a network of contacts and learn from a number of professionals within the ADR field.

To be eligible, the candidate must:

be 30 years of age or younger
be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,
have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

Deadline to apply: August 7th.

Submit your resume and a cover letter by August 7th to paul@adralberta.com.

Job Posting: Education Project Support

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 1:24 PM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

ADRIA is seeking an individual to support the Education team. We have been developing more online training programs and this requires: editing or creating new content, finding different ways of presenting skills in an online format, altering processes and policies, recording demonstrations, and so much more. We are looking for someone to help us with all of these bits and pieces.

Term employee position: 3-5 months, position to begin immediately

This is a distance (work from home) position. Your hours could be evenings/weekends although there will be some weekday meetings you will need to schedule or attend.

Salary range: negotiable within the range of non-profit salaries

Skills and Qualifications

Practicing or retired mediator (required).
Strong knowledge of mediation skills and concepts with the ability to describe those skills and concepts to adult learners.
Complete understanding of the role-play process in a learning environment.
Able to describe and explain learning processes and logistics in writing, for both external and internal processes. E.g. Ability to explain to the students how the online skills evaluation will be conducted and explain to coaches how to conduct an online skills evaluation.
Help to organize process documents and to create and maintain FAQ.
Willing to record themselves (on video or audio only) to demonstrate skills and concepts.
Strong writing skills.
Ability to select relevant information from instructor guidelines and course content to create PowerPoint content. (PowerPoint design skills appreciated.)
Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. Ability to consider next steps and possible pitfalls while working semi-independently with minimal management.
Open to constructive feedback.
Able to work with a team and still be self-directed.
Good time management skills. Able to work on multiple tasks with short deadlines.
Tech savvy. Comfortable with Microsoft office and web-based applications.
Knowledge of adult facilitation and course design is an asset.
This is a work from home position. Candidates will be expected to use their own computer.

Deadline to apply: August 4th. Applications will be screened immediately.

Submit your resume and a cover letter telling us how you meet the above criteria by August 4th to tammy@adralberta.com.

Applications must include a clear indication of your salary expectations and speak to how many hours per week you would be available. Open to out of province candidates.

Webinar Recording: Getting Ready for a Virtual Hearing

Wednesday, July 22, 2020 7:52 PM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

The requirements of social distancing have accelerated the use of technology as an alternative to holding in person hearings. Learn practical tips for setting up and conducting a hearing using video conferencing. The virtual hearing will likely develop into one of the procedural alternatives at the disposal of an administrative decision maker. Having the flexibility and confidence to hold virtual hearings will give tribunals another way to offer cost effective and timely resolution of disputes.

Presenters:

Carol Zukiwski, LL.B, Q.Arb - Carol’s practice is primarily focused on assisting municipalities and the provincial assessor with property assessment complaints and appeals. Carol also serves as counsel to administrative tribunals helping them with determining a fair hearing procedure and with decision writing. She appears regularly before the Municipal Government Board, Composite Assessment Review Boards and before the Court of Queen’s Bench. Carol has been on the staff of two Boards and a member of two additional Boards. She is also an instructor with the Foundation of Administrative Justice, and is appointed to the Payment In Lieu of Taxes Federal Tribunal.

Adrian Wright, CTAJ - Adrian is a long time lawyer, adjudicator, and mediator. He worked for many years in the Northwest Territories. He now lives on the West Coast. He has adjudicated claims of sexual abuse and physical abuse involving Indian Residential School survivors in the Indian Residential Schools Independent Assessment Process as well as decided and mediated human rights complaints for the Human Rights Adjudication Panel of the Northwest Territories.

He has advised and represented:

Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in registration, professional conduct, and other cases

Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut

He has decided cases, advised decision makers, and both challenged and defended administrative decisions in court. He is now both the Curriculum Development Coordinator and an instructor for the Foundation of Administrative Justice.
Webinar Recording: Ry Moran, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Friday, June 19, 2020 10:49 AM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, take part in one of the many events happening online, check out some reading lists or visit a museum virtually!

You can also watch the recording of our June ADR Luncheon Webinar linked below.

Watch Ry Moran, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation discuss the important work of this organization.
Recording: What is Conflict Management Coaching and How is it Being Used in the DR Field?

Tuesday, June 16, 2020 12:44 PM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

Below is the recording for our free webinar on May 20, 2020 called What is Conflict Management Coaching and How is it Being Used in the DR Field?

Conflict Management Coaching (aka conflict coaching) has grown exponentially in the ADR field, and provides a methodology that assists people to independently manage their interpersonal disputes, or to more confidently engage in mediation and other DR process. In this hour-long webinar Cinnie Noble - a pioneer of this process - will further define this specialized conflict management process and discuss its applications in the field of ADR. Registrants will also hear:

what the discipline of coaching is and what it is not

why conflict management coaching was developed

why mediators and lawyers find the process to be a useful technique to add to their toolboxes

examples of real situations and how conflict coaching was used

Presenter:

Cinnie Noble - a former lawyer - is a Certified Mediator and a Professional Certified Coach. In 1999, after extensive experiential research, she developed the CINERGY model of Conflict Management Coaching, and since then has provided coaching and training worldwide, in this unique model, to mediators, coaches and lawyers. Cinnie is the author of two coaching books- Conflict Mastery: Questions to Guide You and Conflict Management Coaching: The CINERGY™ Model. More information may be found on www.cinergycoaching.com
Upcoming Course with New Online Option: Communications in ADR

Monday, June 08, 2020 1:45 PM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

We now have two ways to take our Communications in ADR course!

This course will introduce students to the causes and effects of interpersonal conflict, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of conflict, conflict resolution styles and the cycle of conflict.

In-person:

Six days - 40 credit hours, part 1 is three days and part 2 is three days. Students will have nightly homework, including readings and role play preparation.

Upcoming Dates:
Part 1: July 7-9, 2020 (Tues-Thurs)
Part 2: July 14-16, 2020 (Tues-Thurs)

Cost: $2200

Details & Registration

Online:

12 sessions - 40 credit hours. Students will engage in blended online learning (synchronous and asynchronous). In addition to the group sessions, students will have approximately 3-4 hours of reading and homework per week to prep for the group sessions and role-play.

Upcoming Dates:
Begins July 21, 2020
See Full Course Schedule

Cost:
Early Bird registration (paid by July 2): $1900 + GST
Regular Registration (paid after July 2): $2000 + GST

Details & Registration
Last Chance to Register for the Online High Conflict Mediation Training

Friday, June 05, 2020 1:33 PM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

Last Chance to Register: June 12th

Mediators, and allied professionals, working with parties involved in potentially high conflict mediations need to understand and manage complexity, emotional intensity, and challenges that may arise during a mediation.

Using a trauma informed practice perspective, this course prepares mediators to manage aspects of high conflict mediations, including safety screening, dealing with parties experiencing poor mental health, addictions and substance use issues, strong emotions, and challenging behaviours associated with personality disorders. Mediators will be equipped with the tools to determine whether to proceed, and, if so, to mediate what can be high conflict discussions.

This course is designed to be flexible to meet your learning goals. Students can choose to take the 14 hour or 28 hour course.

Option 1: Understanding High Conflict
Hours: 14 credit hours
$750 members, $775 ADRIC affiliate members (non-ADRIA, includes course material courier fee), $850 non-members

Option 2: High Conflict Mediation: Managing Conflict & Complexity in Mediation
Hours: 28 credit hours
$1100 members, $1125 ADRIC affiliate members (non-ADRIA, includes course material courier fee), $1300 non-members

Dates:
Option 1 & 2: June 23, June 30, July 7, July 14,
Option 2: + August 11

Registration Deadline: June 12th
Only 15 spots available

Details & Registration
Reminder to Attend Next Week's Online Annual General Meeting

Thursday, June 04, 2020 1:29 PM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

With an opening keynote address from the Honourable Mary Moreau, Chief Justice of Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench.

We invite you to attend this year’s Annual General Meeting. In true 2020-style, the AGM will be entirely online through Zoom; we encourage you to bring your own wine & cheese!

Register for the AGM
Call for Online Presenters Want to Share Your Expertise?

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:02 AM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

Recently ADRIA has hosted several webinars and virtual events with great success. We would like to offer more webinars/virtual events of interest to ADR practitioners.

If you are interested in presenting, we would like to hear from you. Share your expertise in a specific area. Share some of the tools in your ADR toolbox with others in the field. Provide your perspective on a specific topic.

Webinars or virtual events could range from 1-3 hours and are offered at no charge or for a small fee.

Email membership@adralberta.com if you have an idea for a webinar or virtual event you would like to present. Content will need to be approved by ADRIA.
New Online Courses: High Conflict Mediation

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:55 AM | Kristy Rhyason (Administrator)

Mediators, and allied professionals, working with parties involved in potentially high conflict mediations need to understand and manage complexity, emotional intensity, and challenges that may arise during a mediation.

Using a trauma informed practice perspective, this course prepares mediators to manage aspects of high conflict mediations, including safety screening, dealing with parties experiencing poor mental health, addictions and substance use issues, strong emotions, and challenging behaviours associated with personality disorders. Mediators will be equipped with the tools to determine whether to proceed, and, if so, to mediate what can be high conflict discussions.

This course is designed to be flexible to meet your learning goals. Students can choose to take the 14 hour or 28 hour course.

Option 1: Understanding High Conflict
Hours: 14 credit hours
$750 members, $850 non-members

Option 2: High Conflict Mediation: Managing Conflict & Complexity in Mediation
Hours: 28 credit hours
$1100 members only

Dates:
Option 1 & 2: June 23, June 30, July 7, July 14,
Option 2: + August 11

Registration deadline June 9th
Only 15 spots available
Details & Registration