ACR’s 8th Annual Conference titled “Aspirations, Possibilities, and Realities: Expanding Principles, Practice and Research in a Changing World” was held in Austin, Texas from September 24-27 and attracted almost 900 attendees from around the country and the world. The conference program offered a wide array of institutes, mini-plenary sessions, lectures, and more than 100 workshops by researchers, educators, practitioners and other leaders in the field of conflict resolution.

 The annual meeting began on Wednesday with several full-day and half-day pre-conference institutes, International Day, and the first day of the Advanced Commercial Mediation Institute (ACMI), which offered a two-day educational forum for experienced professionals in commercial mediation. International Day began with a keynote address from Michael van Walt van Praag, the executive president and founder of Kreddha, the International Peace Council for States, Peoples and Minorities, based in the Hague. International Day also included the presentation of the ACR International Development Committee’s 2008 Outstanding Leadership Award to Russian peacemaker Shamil Fattakhov for his leadership in promoting conflict resolution through educational television and media programs. ACR’s Leadership Council also met on Wednesday to discuss organizational initiatives and plans for the year. The conference officially opened on Wednesday evening with a welcome reception and exhibitors’ open house. The exhibit hall remained open throughout the conference, showcasing vendors, publishers, universities, and conflict resolution organizations.

The keynote address was given by Lee H. Hamilton, former Indiana Congressman, current president and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. In his address, Hamilton discussed the importance of consensus-building in policy-making and resolving conflict both domestically and abroad. He reflected on his 34 years in Congress and his role as co-chair of the Iraq Study Group and as vice-chair of the 9/11 Commission. He stated that consensus-building and sustainable policies are needed most in Congress and government at this time to bring the country together: “The most important political skill that is needed in the country today…is the ability to build consensus.” He recognized the importance of mediators and negotiators and their consensus-building skills in bringing people and diverse points of view together. He said, “I am deeply appreciative, not only of the skills that you have, but of the skills you teach” and later added that achieving consensus and resolving conflict requires patience and perseverance. He offered the audience lessons on resolving conflict that he learned throughout his distinguished career, which he termed the “Ten Commandments of Conflict Resolution.” He indicated that those include an obligation to maintain the following: a cooperative and non-confrontational attitude; a strong commitment; a focus on the facts; collegiality; open communication with all parties; fairness and justice in negotiations; a willingness to compromise; an ability to work together to build consensus and to understand opposing views; dealing with the core issues; and inclusiveness. He cautioned that “the agreement is not the end point” and “often the very tough work is not reaching the agreement, it’s carrying it out and implementing it” so that it is sustainable. He concluded his address by lauding the expansion of conflict resolution education and commending conflict resolution practitioners by stating, “The profession that you are following is absolutely essential to this country… and to the international order.” Hamilton’s speech was followed by a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session with the audience in which he remarked about the current state of affairs in Iraq and U.S. foreign policy and offered some recommendations. At the conclusion of the session, ACR President Marilyn McKnight awarded Hamilton with ACR’s Peacemaker Award.

Six mini-plenary sessions took place on Thursday morning that highlighted special topics of interest to conference attendees such as immigration, higher education, healthcare, and the military. Over the course of the conference, participants attended more than 100 workshops on a variety of topics ranging from mediation styles to the value-based challenge and contribution of restorative justice to conflict resolution. Twelve facilitated discussions on diversity and equity were held without competing programming on Friday, creating forums for open dialogue on the topics and reflecting ACR’s strong commitment to those values. A town hall meeting with ACR’s president, Marilyn McKnight, on Thursday offered an opportunity for participants to learn more about ACR’s current activities and initiatives and to ask questions and provide valued input. The conference included an all-day youth program on Friday that introduced 50 young adults to the field of alternative dispute resolution and which began with an address on the power of apology.

The conference also provided an opportunity for ACR’s 18 Sections to hold member meetings concerning each Section’s business and professional interests. Participants also learned about Sections’ activities at the Sections’ Fiesta and Silent Auction held on Friday evening. The evening was met with enthusiasm, as conference attendees were treated to food, drinks, games, and prizes, while placing bids on auction items. The event raised more than $4,000 in support of ACR scholarships and programs. Other social events for participants included a reception and dinner at Buffalo Billiards on Austin’s historic 6^th Street where they enjoyed an authentic Texas barbeque, live music and games of pool.

The annual membership breakfast was held on Friday morning. Cynthia Morton presented the Education Section’s William Kreidler Award for Distinguished Service to the Field of Conflict Resolution to member William Warters for creating a national clearinghouse of resources for conflict resolution education. Marilyn McKnight selected Rachel Barbour as the recipient of the 2008 Presidential Award for her service and dedication to ACR, including her work as a tri-chair of the Austin conference planning committee. Marilyn McKnight honored the Board of Directors and presented plaques to board members Clarence Cramer, Ray Lanier, Angelia Tolbert and Leah Wing, whose terms were ending. Newly elected board members Rachel Barbour, Jeffrey Cohen, Cristina Franco, Marya Kolman, and Perri Mayes also were honored.

The conference closed on Saturday with the presidential luncheon and awards ceremony. Jim Melamed presented the John Haynes Distinguished Mediator Award to Peter Salem in recognition of his work spearheading organizational collaborations to create reform in family law and dispute resolution processes and systems to benefit children and families. Two new awards were given at the luncheon, including the inaugural Sharon M. Pickett Award, which was presented by Lou Gieszl to Alice Shorett for advancing the cause of environmental protection through the effective use of alternative dispute resolution. Outgoing president Marilyn McKnight formally introduced James Rosenstein as the incoming president through the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Rosenstein presented McKnight with a plaque and her colleagues on the board gave her a paddleboat in recognition of her service to the organization.

Angelia Tolbert presented the first Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award to Reverend Mpho A. Tutu, founder and executive director of the Tutu Institute for Prayer and Pilgrimage in Alexandria, VA, in honor of her work advancing diversity and equity in the United States and South Africa. As ACR honored her, she, in turn, humbly accepted the award by thanking those in attendance for their own “holy work” advancing the cause of conflict resolution and for “listening people back into the fullness of God’s peace.” She spoke further about the importance of “listening” in conflict resolution and shared a story of her work as a seminarian in South Africa where she listened to rape survivors’ stories, which helped initiate a healing process for them. She noted that in the justice system the victims are often not listened to or heard, resulting in a long road to healing. She concluded her remarks by recognizing the need for not just alternative dispute resolution, but appropriate dispute resolution.

ACR thanks the members, presenters, volunteers, planning committee, exhibitors, sponsors and all who attended for helping to make the 2008 conference one of the most successful ever. We look forward to seeing you October 7-10 in Atlanta, Georgia next year!

Click here for the 2008 conference brochure