CDR-Sponsored Training “EEOC and Your Organization” a Success

This past August the CDR sponsored a free workshop, provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, titled “The EEOC and Your Organization.” More than 35 professionals participated in this session, which focuses on the purpose of the EEOC, the kinds of cases the EEOC addresses, how discrimination claims are process and the role of mediation and conflict management, and the EEOC’s new Strategic Enforcement Plan and how it impacts employment cases.

The CDR partners with the EEOC to provide pro bono mediation services for employment discrimination cases and was pleased to offer this free CE session for management and human resource professionals. For more information on training opportunities with the CDR please visit http://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/UpcomingTrainings.html

Mediation Training Fills in Record Time

This October the CDR will provide its 40-hour Civil and Family Mediation Training for professionals and students who wish to learn the skills to mediate disputes. This training is offered by the CDR twice a year, and the October training filled in record time, providing a strong indication of the growth of mediation and the expansion of interest in training in conflict management skills.

Participants in the training include attorneys, counselors, clergy, and human resource professionals. Additionally, the CDR is providing nearly $7000 in scholarship assistance for students who will be attending the training.

The next Civil and Family Mediation Training will be offered February 26 – March 2, 2014. For more information please visit http://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/Civil_and_Family_Mediation_Training.htm

Girls Circle Training for Internship Students

We were fortunate to have a wonderful group of young women participate in our Circles for Girls training this August at the CDR. Many of these women are participating in this program as a part of their internship experience for the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution.

Janelle Thacker, a graduate assistant with the CDR and one of the evening's trainers, said that "...the night went so well! I enjoyed getting to know all the women who participated. They are all very promising facilitators who are excited to work with the youth in this program. I look forward to a great semester with them!"

The CDR is currently wrapping up two Girls Circle groups and will be starting several new Circles for Girls groups in the next October. As always, we are pleased to be able to provide a program that meets the needs of youth while providing an invaluable experiential learning opportunity to University students.

“Circles for Girls” Begin in Area Middle Schools

This October the CDR began providing Circles for Girls groups for at-risk youth in four Springfield middle schools. These circles are facilitated by advanced students in the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution at Missouri State.

Circles for Girls is an 10 week educational group for young women. It brings together a group of 8-10 girls with trained facilitators to explore topics like communication skills, body image, healthy relationships, decision making, conflict resolution, and goal setting, among others. The program is designed to help girls realize their strengths, withstand social pressures, and maintain healthy relationships. Circles for Girls offer a fun, thoughtful, creative, and respectful experience for girls that challenges them to make positive changes for the future.

Circles for Girls are offered at Pipkin, Cherokee, Hickory, and Jarrett middle schools in Springfield. The program is an example of how the CDR upholds the public affairs mission of Missouri State University by providing high-impact community programs that meet pressing community needs while integrating students and providing them with opportunities for real-world applications of the knowledge they gain in their academic programs.

For more information on the Circles for Girls program please email CDR@MissouriState.edu.

Family Group Conferencing for Parents in Recovery

The Center for Dispute Resolution has partnered with Alternative Opportunities, Inc., to offer family group conferences to parents who are in recovery for drug or alcohol abuse. These conferences are offered as a part of the Regional Partnership Grant (RPG) program, which provides treatment, education, support, and other services for families in recovery.

The CDR trains and coordinates volunteers, who provide the family group conference facilitations to families in the RPG program. Volunteers were trained in spring of 2013, and a second group of volunteers is currently in training. Referrals to the program have been steady, and already families are seeing the benefits of the program.

Family group conferences bring a family together with their relatives, friends, and other supportive people in their lives to develop a plan to support the parent in recovery and ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.

This is not counseling or mediation; instead families are empowered to create their own plans to address problems and support the parents and children taking part in the program. Volunteer facilitators (working in pairs) are responsible for preparing family members for the family group conference and guiding the family meeting in a transparent, honest, and respectful way. Family group conferencing helps develop and strengthen a family’s support network, significantly benefiting children and their family groups, while putting the family at the center of decision-making as they create plans that fit their unique circumstances.

In the words of some family members who have taken part in the family group conferences:

• “This really helped us figure out who is able to be there for support.” 
• “I thought the plan went well. Our family pulled together and did great.”
• “I am very glad this group happened.”

The CDR will be providing additional training opportunities for volunteers who are interested in facilitating family group conferences as a part of this program in the coming months. For more information please visit http://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/FGC.htm or email CDR@MissouriState.edu.

Introducing Becky Saunders - Graduate Assistant at the CDR

I graduated from Missouri Southern State University in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. I am now pursuing a Masters in Communication along with the Graduate Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. I am not sure of my exact career path at this point, but I have always been interested in diplomacy, mediation and law to some degree. I am seeking the experience and confidence in this field that I know the certificate will provide. In fact, the sole reason that I chose to pursue my degree here at Missouri State University is because of this certificate program and the Center for Dispute Resolution. I felt that my degree would be worth more to me with the many opportunities in the conflict/dispute resolution field that Missouri State offers. Having an assistantship at the CDR is definitely a bonus!

So far one of the most interesting things I've discovered about the CDR is the range of programs offered. In the past, "conflict resolution" brought negative images to mind of large-scale international conflicts and bitter divorce cases involving children. While these extreme examples are part of conflict resolution, they are not the entire picture. The Center addresses the conflict in our everyday lives by offering trainings, Restorative Justice programs and Girls Network programs, to name a few. Conflict is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and empower others as well as yourself. I have quickly realized that if handled effectively, conflict can be a very positive experience.


I plan on pursing a career in conflict resolution and will use my experience at MSU and the CDR to research the many options available in this field. I would recommend getting involved in the CDR to anyone, whether or not you are planning a career in this field. The skills acquired while volunteering, interning or taking classes at the CDR translate into all areas of life and are very attractive to potential employers. 

Introducing Kristin Gearhart - Graduate Assistant for the CDR

I graduated from MSU with my B.S. in Communication and the UndergraduateCertificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution.  Currently I am studying Mental Health Counseling at MSU to receive my master's degree.  After my master's program, I am going to receive training in coaching to use in life coaching.  I plan to use what I learn in my master's program and coaching training to develop my own technique of life coaching, and eventually my own company called "beautysoundgrace."

When I was an undergrad, it was really important to me to develop my skills as a communicator.  Pursuing the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution was a choice I made to make myself a well-rounded communicator.  Something I learned that I consider valuable from the program is that conflict is normal.  Society doesn't tell us that!  Conflict is normal and the certificate program educates a person in how to deal with it.

Since working at the CDR as a GA, what I think might surprise people to know is how involved I am.  Working here has been my first real-world professional experience, and my contribution matters.  Of the CDR’s programs, I work directly with the Victim Impact Panel (VIP) and help keep it running.  I also help organize data for trainings, theRPG program, and other administrative assistant duties.  The CDR reaches out to the community in so many ways, and being directly involved as a GA is an amazing opportunity to see first-hand the positive affects it makes in other’s lives.  I feel blessed to be here.

Girls Circle Training for Internship Students

We were fortunate to have a wonderful group of young women participate in our Circles for Girls training last night at the CDR. Many of these women are participating in this program as a part of their internship experience for the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution.

Janelle Thacker, a graduate assistant with the CDR and one of the evening's trainers, said that "...the night went so well! I enjoyed getting to know all the women who participated. They are all very promising facilitators who are excited to work with the youth in this program. I look forward to a great semester with them!"

The CDR is currently wrapping up two Girls Circle groups and will be starting several new groups in the next month. As always, we are pleased to be able to provide a program that meets the needs of youth while providing an invaluable experiential learning opportunity to University students.

Student Spotlight: Ebony Brown

Ebony Brown

What is your major?

I am a senior majoring in psychology with a double minor in technical writing and communication with the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. I am also an Assistant with the Office of Multicultural Programs.

Why did you pursue the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution?

I wanted to learn to handle conflict effectively. I believe when conflict can be handled effectively it can foster an environment of healing.

What is the most interesting or useful thing you've learned in the Conflict Certificate program so far?

The most interesting and useful thing I have learned is never to place blame, it just keeps the cycle of conflict going.

How do you plan to use what you've learned in the certificate in the future?

I really love the Circle for Girls Program, and I aspire to work the youth in the education system in St. Louis. I think it would be great program to implement.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking the certificate program?

This is an amazing program and it will teach you skills that can be used in any facet of life. 

For more information on the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution, offered through the Department of Communication at Missouri State University, visit http://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/Certificate_Programs.htm. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Lolita Albers

Lolita Albers

What programs do you volunteer with at the CDR?

I work with Victim-Offender Mediation, the Victim Impact Panel, and am starting with Family Group Conferencing.

What drove you to become involved with these programs?

When I first heard about the CDR’s victim-offender mediation training several years ago I was immediately interested. Victims and offenders sitting down face-to-face and each telling their stories and listening to the other person’s story is powerful, and I was excited to become part of the process.  Mediation is an opportunity to prevent offenders from moving into the criminal justice system, which benefits those immediately involved as well as society in general. 

What is your favorite part about volunteering with the programs?

I’m continually inspired by the willingness of victims to help offenders move beyond their offense; this is especially true with juvenile offenders. 

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering at the CDR?

You will be involved with a program that allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Volunteers Honored at Fall at Fall Reception—Outstanding Volunteers Recognized

In November the CDR hosted a volunteer reception for community members, students, faculty, and staff who volunteer with our many high-impact programs. At the reception two outstanding volunteers were recognized as “volunteers of the year” – Lisa Owen, and Denea Malone.

Denea Malone

Lisa Owen

Lisa Owen is a local mediator who has volunteered with the CDR for years in a variety of capacities, including as a victim-offender mediator, a victim-impact panel facilitator, a mediation coach, and a family group conference facilitator. Not only has she provided invaluable volunteer service, but she has mentored countless new volunteers over the years. Denea Malone is master’s student in the Department of Communication who works with the CDR as a Girls Circle Facilitator. She also coordinates the CDR’s Conflict Resolution in College (CRC) student group. Her efforts led to the CRC being recognized as an official student organization at Missouri State University.

The CDR is incredibly grateful to all of our 50+ volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and knowledge to  make our community programs possible! For information on how you can volunteer, please email CDR@MissouriState.edu.

Student Interns Assist with Victim Impact Panels

During the spring semester several students completing internships as a part of the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution program gained hands-on experience working with youthful offenders in the CDR’s Juvenile Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program.

The VIP program utilizes storytelling, dialogue, and reflection to help youth understand and internalize the impact that crime has on individual victims, their family and friends, and their community. Student interns working with this program served as both room monitors (ensuring youth followed ground rules and stayed focused during the program) and as facilitators, explaining the details of the program and encouraging dialogue and reflection. Students witness first-hand the power of the program in helping youth internalize how their actions affect others. Tyler Scales, a student intern working with VIP, explains: “Working with VIP has been the best part of my internship with the conflict resolution center. I love to watch the transformation the kids go through from being apathetic about being in the program to not wanting to leave. Working with VIP is a great experience because you get to see results.”

For more information on the Victim Impact Program for youth, offered by the Center for Dispute Resolution, visit http://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/VIP.htm. 

Students Trained in “Circles for Girls” Facilitation

In early spring the CDR trained a dozen Missouri State students to facilitate “Circles for Girls.” Circles for Girls groups are provided for middle-school-aged girls in several Springfield Public Schools as part of a pilot program funded and supported by the CDR. Each 8-week circle group brings together 8-10 girls to learn and share, with each week focusing on a different topic related to the girls’ well-being, such as healthy relationships, communication and conflict, and self image.

The students taking part in the training learned to facilitate “talking circles,” and several later assisted with the facilitation of the circles taking place in the public schools. The CDR will apply for grant funding to expand this pilot program in the schools next fall, offering additional opportunities for students to gain valuable experience by learning the circle process and working with youth while providing a valuable service to at-risk children in Springfield middle schools.

Full House at CDR’s Civil and Family Mediation Training

This CDR completed its 17^th offering of Civil and Family Mediation Training this past March. The training included 22 professionals (including attorneys, counselors, social workers, human resources, accountants, educators, and others) and 11 students, and 17 guest presenters and coaches took part in the event. The CDR was able to provide more than $7400 in scholarship support for participants, and funds raised by the training will be used to support the CDR’s community programs. The CDR is the leading provider of mediation training in the regions; our next Civil and Family Mediation Training will be offered in October 2013.

Take Part in FREE Volunteer Training in Family Group Conferencing Facilitation April 20-21

Make a lasting difference for children and families in our community by volunteering as a Family Group Conference (FGC) Coordinator! The CDR will provide training April 20-21 for those who wish to volunteer to facilitate family group conferences for kids with a parent in recovery.

Family group conferences bring a family together with relatives, friends, and other supportive people in their lives to develop a plan to support the parent in recovery and ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved. Family group conferencing helps develop and strengthen a family’s support network, benefiting children and their family groups, while putting the family at the center of decision-making as they create plans that fit their unique circumstances.

For more information on this training and volunteer opportunity, visit http://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/FGC_training.htm. 

Advancing MSU’s Public Affairs Mission: The CDR Takes Part in Major Federal Grant

The CDR received exciting news this spring when it partnered with Alternative Opportunities Inc. (AOI) in Springfield, Missouri, in applying for and receiving a Department of Health and Human Services Regional Partnership Grant to Increase the Well-Being of and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for Children Affected by Substance Abuse.

This grant, which was submitted by AOI and included a number of partnering agencies, will provide up to 1 million dollars per year for 5 years. In this first year the CDR will receive $32,000 to provide Family Group Conferences for children with a parent in recovery. These funds allow the CDR to provide training for grant staff, community stakeholders, and partners to get their buy-in, and recruit, train, and monitor volunteer facilitators engaged in the family group conferencing process (which will include CDR staff, community volunteers, and MSU students). This type of grant activity is one powerful example of work that fosters the MSU Public Affairs Mission and benefits students and the community.

Coaching Training Educates Participants in How to Help Others in Conflict

In January, 30 students and professionals attended Conflict Coaching Training, hosted by the CDR, with guest trainer Dr. Tricia Jones. Participants learned the Comprehensive Conflict Coaching model and how to adapt it to a variety of situations. They also explored how to integrate conflict coaching with other dispute resolution processes and how to develop strategies for evaluating the impact of conflict coaching for the individuals and organizations they serve.

Participants raved about Dr. Jones’ presentation style, as well as the content of the workshop:

· “I appreciated how specific the information was, and that if focused on specific skills. The model is applicable to so many situations and settings, which makes the training great!”

· “I needed and envisioned this to be a conflict resolution workshop. The concept of conflict coaching was new to me. I learned a great deal about strategies to attack conflict resolution, and I gained the ability to help others as well as myself!”

· “This was a great workshop. It was more than I thought it would be!”

We hope to bring Dr. Jones back to provide additional training, and we invite anyone who might be interested in attending conflict coaching in the future to join our mailing list or contact us at cdr@missouristate.edu.