International Mediation Awareness Week is held globally the first week of November to raise awareness of Mediation and other non-adversarial, non-determinative approaches to dispute resolution.

After several iterations, it is easier than ever for dispute resolution professionals to get involved.

Who can get involved?

Anyone!

• Dispute resolution professionals can host events, support others who are hosting and attend
• Dispute resolution associations can host events or support their members to host events
• Mediation-friendly organisations can host events for your staff or external events inviting one or more of your mediation panel to present
• Mediation-curious people can attend events and engage with mediators
• People with disputes and those enduring entrenched conflict situations can have a free, confidential discussion with a mediation professional to help you to evaluate your options

5 Reasons to run an event during IMAW

1. People are still taking adversarial approaches to resolve their disputes because they don’t see trying to resolve them collaboratively through mediation as their first and best option.
2. Many mediators need to do more to showcase their skills and expertise to attract the right clients or enough clients to sustainably fill their professional practices.
3. The term “Mediation” is often misusedby unqualified people or those with a conflict of interest. It’s important to show the general public what to expect when they engage with a professional mediator.
4. It provides mediators with a supported opportunityto learn new skills in marketing your professional services.
5. The world needs more conversations about peace,peace building, conflict intelligence and all of the other benefits that the skills qualified mediators have developed can bring!

5 Event Ideas

1. Contact your local library, local government or a community group and offer to run a public event for them on the benefits of mediation, how to prepare for mediation or anything to do with conflict intelligence or something specific to the type of dispute resolution you provide
2. Contact a referral partner and offer to run an event for their client base or even a private event for their team on a topic you brainstorm with them
3. Schedule an online event on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or whatever other social media platform that allows you to run a video meeting on whatever topic you think is appropriate. Google to see what people are asking!
4. Contact a few dispute resolution or associated professional colleagues and plan a panel discussion on a topic you share an interest in
5. Contact your professional association and ask for support. Mediation Institute is happy to help with the hosting and logistics for any members who would like to run an event but haven’t learnt all of the associated skills yet.

5 Other Ways to Get Involved

1. Be a roady for someone running an in-person event near you. Contact them and offer to provide backup support.
2. Do a regular social media search for #IMAW and give posts some love by liking and commenting.
3. Attend events designed for mediators to learn about new approaches or styles of mediation or for the public and provide support.
4. Got marketing or design skills? Let your mediator community friends know you are available to help with any skills gaps they have.
5. Offer to do pro-bono mediations in November. Sign the IMAW pledge and get involved.