A place to gather

At the end of every mediation training we walk away with a feeling of having created a supportive community, if only temporarily. Without fail, students always ask for a way to keep in touch and, in the past, I have facilitated this by circulating contact information with individual consent. But seeing that this was a consistent need, I decided that I wanted to create something more consistent and robust so that we could keep building on that sense of community and continue providing mutual support and encouragement.

After doing some research, I found a platform that seemed promising and decided to set up our own social network. And so the #MediationIsForEveryone Mighty Network was born!

Still in it’s early stages, #MediationIsForEveryone is becoming a space to keep in touch, share resources like training and practice opportunities, and to foster ongoing connections. So far the network is only open to individuals who complete my Online Basic Mediation Training, but I am continuing to consider ways to expand the opportunity to a broader group of mediators and other folks interested in mediation.

My vision is to create a culture of radical inclusivity within the mediation field. There is, in my opinion, a culture of elitism that creates unnecessary obstacles to participation. I want to find ways to neutralize those obstacles and create more clear pathways into mediation practice. What do you think would have a meaningful impact toward inclusivity?

#MediationIsForEveryone

When I reflect on my life there are many reasons why it makes sense that I’d be drawn to mediation. Growing up as the child of separated parents, navigating different households, traveling and living in several different states and even living abroad. All my life I’ve been learning about communicating across differences. But learning the skills of mediation and conflict resolution, and practicing them for so many years has deepened my abilities and contributed to my life in innumerable ways.

Exploring the importance of self-determination has changed the way I experience relationships. This concept has been instrumental in my learning to set healthy boundaries, and in letting go control of others’ choices. Belief in the power and importance of personal agency has guided my parenting choices and underlies my choice to practice unschooling with my children.

Understanding the connection between Needs and Conflict has made me better able to navigate conflict in my interpersonal relationships. I also use this understanding to support my children in navigating conflict.

My life long practice of active listening is also an invaluable tool in supporting deeper connection and intimacy in my relationships.

I could go on. But for now I am using these few examples to illustrate some of the powerful ways that practicing mediation can have deeper and more broad implications for our lives. When we use these concepts and tools outside of the mediation room we not only strengthen our skills as mediators, but we also create more opportunities for peace and connection.

This is one of the reasons why I truly believe that Mediation Is For Everyone (#MediationIsForEveryone). I’m on a mission to spread these tools far and wide. To overcome the practical barriers for folks who wish to learn these tools and bring them into their corners of the world. The more of us there are, the better the world will be. That’s what I believe.

So I’m exploring what it means to practice radical inclusivity. How do we create community that is not just open to all, but that is actively welcoming and inclusive? What does radical inclusivity mean to you?