What is International Mediation Awareness Week?
International Mediation Awareness Week (IMAW) is an annual event that highlights the importance of mediation as a method of resolving disputes peacefully and effectively. Typically held in the first week of November. IMAW aims to raise awareness about mediation, promote its benefits, and encourage its use in various contexts, such as family disputes, commercial conflicts, and community issues.
The week often features various activities, including webinars, workshops, and discussions led by mediation practitioners and organisations. These events provide opportunities for education, networking, and sharing best practices in mediation. The goal is to foster a better understanding of mediation processes, showcase success stories, and advocate for its broader adoption in resolving disputes.
Intake sessions are much more than a tool to screen for suitability—they lay the groundwork for a successful mediation process. Join Kate Clark, Director of Clark & Associates Mediation Services, for an insightful session on the critical role of intakes in setting the tone, building rapport, and gathering essential information to guide the mediation journey. Learn how to refine your intake approach to ensure a seamless, client-centred process that maximises the chances for resolution and positively impacts outcomes. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and strengthen your skills in this essential mediation stage.
Joanne Law ran this special International Mediation Awareness Week event designed to help users of mediation to choose the right mediator for your dispute.
Joanne used several case examples to help explain how to choose the right mediator for your dispute or conflict situation.
Some of the areas she covered included:
- the differences between Accredited Mediators AMDRAS and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners FDRPs.
- some of the specialisations available such as relationship mediation, elder mediation and more
- other roles that mediators may do such as group peace building facilitation
- what you can expect from a mediator, their ethical obligations and when and how to complain if you have concerns.
Mediation often stirs deep emotions, leaving mediators feeling mentally and emotionally drained. This webinar on Cultivating Self-Attentiveness and Self-Regulation for Conflict Resolution Professionals delves into the hidden impact of stress after mediation sessions and offers strategies for self-renewal.
This session addresses emotional fatigue and the inner suffering that can arise from intense conflict resolution work and provides practical tools for self-regeneration. Participants will learn how to process emotional residue and rejuvenate their well-being, ensuring they maintain balance and resilience in their professional and personal lives.
Join us to discover how to transform post-mediation fatigue into an opportunity for growth, self-care, and renewal, fostering a stronger sense of purpose and sustainability in your mediation practice.
ICDRS – Interact Community Dispute Resolution Service is run by volunteer dispute resolution professionals who have developed innovative programs like the Conflict Management First Aid workshop and their Community Group Facilitation Service to help recover after conflict within a community group or organisation.
This International Mediation Awareness Week event was tailored for leaders in the community sector, including directors, CEOs, and managers of not-for-profits and charities. Co-facilitated by ICDRS team members, we discussed the essential elements of an effective dispute resolution strategy, covering why it matters, understanding your Rules of Incorporation and Grievance Policy, and the difference between facilitated discussions and accredited mediation.
We’ll also introduce Conflict Management First Aid Training to help your team build conflict intelligence and interpersonal skills. Learn to recognise signs of conflict-related issues, such as high turnover, disrespectful disagreements, and passive-aggressive behaviour. Without a clear strategy for managing conflict, these issues can harm your organisational culture. Watch the recording to learn how to proactively resolve disputes and create a healthier community environment!
Free download – self-assessment tool for community organisations go to –Dispute Resolution Policy Help – Interact Community Dispute Resolution Service (ICDRS)
