Conflict Mediation Program clarifies function

Conflict Mediation Program clarifies function

By Peary Brug,

Howard Gadlin

and Jennifer Scott

This letter is in response to Rob Greenhalgh’s Oct. 20
viewpoint, "USAC must initiate more communication on campus."

The Conflict Mediation Program is pleased to have been mentioned
as a resource for addressing the tensions surrounding the
responsorship of the Interfraternity Council. We are a new group on
campus committed to the ideals of communication and understanding
expressed in Greenhalgh’s article and would be more than willing to
aid in the suggested dialogue between campus organizations.
However, if we are to participate effectively in this process, it
is vital that we clarify our role.

The Conflict Mediation Program is a developing corps of
students, staff and faculty prepared to intervene in
diversity-related conflicts. We offer workshops, forums and
mediation services to alleviate the misunderstandings which occur
when differences are not acknowledged or appreciated. Our aim is to
guide constructive communication and to help identify, if
available, possible avenues for collaboration.

Rather than trying to "solve" diversity-related conflicts, we
seek to provide the necessary tools for the problem-solving
process. We do not take sides or impose judgements; we implement a
mutually-agreed upon process of how to talk with one another. We
ask questions, actively guide discussions and aim to provide a safe
environment in which all parties involved can express their
concerns and create their own resolutions to conflicts.

In offering these services, there are certain conditions that
are essential to our work. The most significant of these include:
1.) our neutrality, 2.) our independence and 3.) voluntary party
participation.

To protect our neutrality and independence, it is important for
us to make clear that we are not affiliated with any one campus
entity. Similarly, we are sensitive to the reality that several of
our members have various affiliations beyond the Conflict Mediation
Program, and that it is a conflict of interest for our own members
to participate as facilitators or mediators in conflicts of other
organizations in which they may be involved. In these
circumstances, it is fundamental that their participation be
limited to a liaison capacity.

Additionally, although we are committed to our process of
discussion and see the benefits and urgency for having total and
complete participation from everyone involved, we cannot require
individuals or groups to take part in any dialogue they believe
will not serve them well or that they feel pressured into. This
approach would counter our goals toward empowered and unimposed
resolution. We are interested in serving only those who wish to
engage in such a process for exploring cooperation.

We invite the opportunity to work with any of you who are
interested in our services in relation to this issue or to other
concerns. Please direct all inquiries to (310) 825-9840, or 1172
PCPC, the Ombuds Office.

Brug is the Conflict Mediation Program contact and a graduate
student of education; Gadlin is the university ombudsperson and
program director for CMP; Scott is the CMP project coordinator.