ACResolution Magazine - September 2017

ACResolution Magazine is published by the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)

EDITOR

Richard Barbieri

2016–2017 BOARD OF DIREC TORS
EXECUTIVE COMMI T TEE
President Bryan Hanson
President-Elect Sunny Gutierrez
Immediate Past President Donzell Robinson
Vice President Leslie Nelson
Treasurer Christy Cumberlander Walker
Vice Treasurer Kelly Riley
Secretary Lois Edmund
Executive Director Cheryl L. Jamison

DIRECTORS

Richard Barbieri
Jacquelyn Bleck
Erricka Bridgeford
Mike Maday
Katrina Nobles
Sheila Sproule

ACResolution Magazine (ISSN 1537-6648)
is published quarterly by the Association for
Conflict Resolution, 1639 Bradley Park Dr.,
Ste 500-142, Columbus, GA 31904.

Copyright ©2017 by the
Association for Conflict Resolution.

This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.

Design: Paul Streeto

Editorial Policy: The views expressed in this publication are those of the various authors for the purpose of encouraging discussion. Unless expressly noted, they do not reflect the formal policy, nor necessarily the views, of the Association for Conflict Resolution or its editorial staff.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to subject matters covered. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

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ACResolution Magazine, 1639 Bradley Park Drive Ste 500-142

Columbus, GA 31904

We are living in a time where the breakdown of civil discourse is well publicized. However, we are also living in a time where there are many positive examples of creative, constructive attempts to engage in dialogue within our communities. This issue provides the opportunity to examine what public discourse might entail when implemented effectively, by exploring some of the efforts currently being taken within the framework of a few different contexts.

As conflict professionals we have a challenge in navigating the complexity that our unique communities provide. We may resonate with the struggles and strife of other communities.

However, we must accept that these
struggles look and feel different to
our community members. When we
prepare for the dialogue processes
necessary to address these issues in
our communities we must consider
the particular needs and interests of
the stakeholders we intend to bring
together. Like many challenges we
face, the challenge can lead to op-
portunity. In this case, the challenge
of customizing the processes for our
individual communities presents the
great opportunity to build connec-
tion with all of the relevant stake-
holder groups as we begin the initial
dialogue to understand the needs,
interests, and perspectives that each
stakeholder group may bring to the
conversation. This connection can
help us build trust in our capacities as
professionals to navigate the tension
of the points where values and mor-
als conflict.

The articles in this issue will provide you with a framework to examine different approaches taken to tackle public conflict. The ability to connect, learn, and adapt is what I find most rewarding as a member of ACR. Our collective wisdom, and the influence our members have on their communities, both keep growing. At our Annual Conference in Dallas we found more reason than ever to focus on how we as conflict professionals can effect positive change in the way we talk to one another.

In the coming months, you will continue to hear more about the conference's activities and about new initiatives from ACR to play a part in the public square.