There has been quite a bit of hubbub online about a message circulating from NAFCM’s (National Association for Community Mediation) executive director, Justin Corbett. The message, copied below, asks for input on a definition of “mediator” for the U.S. Department of Labor. It will be used “by the federal government, and will be accessible online for all those considering a career or a volunteer commitment as a mediator.”
I find it fascinating that we (in the mediation field) continue to have such a difficult time defining what we do. I understand that there is great concern about potentially excluding sectors of the field, but we really need to be able to get on the same page (even if we have multiple ideas on that page!) if we are going to be able to provide quality services. We may disagree on many things, but there is so much more that brings us together. (more…)
