Conflict Resolution Week
Join us as we celebrate National Conflict Resolution Week and the 75th anniversary of FMCS. We’re marking the occasion by offering a daily series of free, innovative, and interactive skills-based workshops on cutting-edge topics, practices, and examinations on conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
Don’t miss this historic celebration as we reflect on our proud 75-year history of effective dispute resolution and conflict management services and look forward to where the next 75 years may take the Agency.
This event has ended. Visit the Agenda tab to view presentations from the sessions. Thank you for supporting FMCS Conflict Resolution Week!
CRW Terms and Code of Conduct
Free Live Webinars
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12:00 – 1:00 PM EST |
1:30 – 2:30 PM EST |
Monday |
Dispute Resolution: The Next 75 YearsIn commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, this panel explores the history of Alternative Dispute Resolution and what it means for the future. It focuses on the transformation of the services offered by FMCS and other mediators from merely helping to resolve a conflict (through many means) to helping to prevent conflict at its roots. This panel, featuring some of the most experienced and talented former and current FMCS mediators, and other dispute resolvers and academics, draws on the collective experiences of FMCS mediators and others in international, regional, employment and union, industrial, and public policy conflicts.
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Communicating When the Stakes are High (and Aren’t They Always?)Workplace communication can be challenging, especially in situations when opinions vary, emotions are strong, or the subject matter is delicate. In these moments, we may find ourselves unable to communicate, or unable to communicate effectively. This interactive session will provide tips for communicating in a highly charged environment.
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Tuesday |
Mock EEO Counseling SessionEEO counseling is often the first step in a process designed to resolve allegations of discrimination. But what actually happens there? In this webinar, experts in the field will enact a typical EEO counseling session so you can see how it is done. |
The Power of the Mindful Workplace Apology“I am sorry.” At times, these are the three hardest words to say, especially in the workplace. When done right, sincere apologies in the workplace can be a crucial component to enhancing – and healing – relationships. When done wrong, they can make a bad situation worse. This session will cover all the ingredients needed to make an effective apology. |
Wednesday |
Cognitive Bias in NegotiationCognitive biases affect many of the daily decisions made in the workplace. This panel explores the cognitive biases seen at work, including loss aversion, anchoring, and attribution error, and their influence on decision-making in collective bargaining and other disputes. |
Conflict Resolutionaries – Women as PeacemakersAt work, in the community, and even on the international stage, increased participation by women in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts leads to better and longer-lasting outcomes. Wherever there is conflict, women play a vital role in restoring, repairing, and maintaining peace. Come join a lively and informative conversation and be inspired by a panel of women leaders who will share their vision of the future of conflict resolution.
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Thursday |
The Art of Asking QuestionsResolving conflict can be challenging. Asking the right questions the right way is a key skill for anyone who wants to be an effective problem-solver in the midst of conflict. In this session, we will look at our thought process in asking questions and others’ thought processes in responding. |
Love it or Leave it: Technology in MediationTechnology did not play a large part in conflict resolution prior to the pandemic. In fact, technology was met with resistance and not viewed as the ideal way to resolve conflict. Has that changed? Is technology a benefit or can it be a distraction? Hear about the pros and cons of utilizing different technology tools to maximize your potential to resolve conflict. |
Friday |
Restorative Grievance Mediation – Solving People AND the ProblemRestorative mediation draws from restorative justice tenets, as well as transformative and facilitative mediation practices. In addition to mediation sessions, participants in restorative grievance mediation also commit to pre-work, as well as an honest and transparent dialogue in a safe space created by the mediator. This session explores the development of this process, how to deliver/facilitate a restorative grievance mediation, and how to determine if parties are right for restorative mediation. |
Creating Effective Labor-Management Partnerships in Small Bargaining UnitsLike in all units, small unit members and managers have a vested interest in establishing and sustaining strong, collaborative partnerships. However, small units face unique challenges. This panel of experts will discuss the government resources available to small units to establish collaborative partnerships, as well as ways to prevent, minimize, or eliminate barriers to these partnerships in small units. |
Hover on photos for bio information.
Dispute Resolution: The Next 75 Years
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Eileen Hoffman FMCS Commissioner
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Denise McKenney FMCS Commissioner |
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Brian Polkinghorn
Professor / Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution Salisbury University |
Ramona Buck
ADR Consultant, GovernanceAlive |
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Communicating When the Stakes are High (and Aren’t They Always?)
Judy Cortez
FMCS Commissioner |
Cathy Stevens
FMCS Commissioner |
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Mock EEO Counseling Session
Laquetta Jones Bigelow
FMCS Director of Equal Employment Opportunity |
Shiri Ndang
Director of Equal Opportunity U.S. Railroad Retirement Board |
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Karen L. Crump-Wilson
Attorney-Advisor and Informal Complaints Manager, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO), National Labor Relations Board |
Marisa Marinos
Attorney, Mediator and Civil Rights (EEO) Professional |
The Power of the Mindful Workplace Apology
Valerie Harragin
Principal, FMCS Institute |
Krystil Smith
Training Specialist |
Cognitive Bias in Negotiation
Carolyn Brommer
FMCS Senior Mediator |
Dave Moora
FMCS Mediator |
Conflict Resolutionaries – Women as Peacemakers
Stephanie Collier
FMCS Mediator |
Moira Lethbridge
Principal, Lethbridge & Associates |
The Art of Asking Questions
Valerie Harragin
Principal, FMCS Institute |
Love It or Leave It: Technology in Mediation
Kevin Hawkins
FMCS Mediation Technology Specialist |
Christy Yoshitomi
Strategy Officer & FMCS Commissioner |
Restorative Grievance Mediation – Solving People AND the Problem
Brenda Pryor
FMCS Mediator |
Creating Effective Labor-Management Partnerships in Small Bargaining Units
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Sarah Cudahy
FMCS Associate Deputy Director for Field Operations-National
Darnice Marsh Labor-Management Partnership Coordinator, Office of Labor-Management Standards |
Andrew Hasty
Senior Advisor, Office of Labor-Management Standards |