Regional Networks

The International Section established Regional Networks to support our members and colleagues around the world, and to promote conflict resolution capacity building. We encourage ACR members and non-members alike to join together to expand our field worldwide. The goal of the Regional Networks is to provide practitioners and conflict resolution organizations across the globe with mechanisms to strengthen networking, facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences, and promote a culture of conflict resolution in particular geographic regions.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to unite and empower all conflict resolution practitioners in their commitment to a world in 2020, where each and every child is born into a culture that promotes the effective and peaceful resolution of conflict.

Network Scope: There are seven active Networks focusing on the geographic areas shown to the right. Each Network may focus on specific countries within a region, and on one or more substantive areas of conflict resolution. Regions are loosely defined by the participants and have no hard boundaries, but generally represent common interests and challenges.

Network Structure: Each Network has one or two Network Coordinators (NCs) who are members of the Regional Networks Committee. NCs serve for one year, but may be reappointed for additional terms by the Chair of the International Section. The Regional Networks Committee Chair serves for two years, and is a member of the Section’s Advisory Council. Each NC defines the geographic and substantive scope of his or her particular Network, with input from the Committee Chair and/or Advisory Council as needed.

Network Goals: In 2008, NCs continue to focus on three priorities:

• identifying the key organizations and individuals working in the field of conflict resolution in a specified region;
• creating appropriate mechanisms for network participants and other ACR members to be in conversation with and learn from those colleagues and organizations in each network; and
• designing and implementing initiatives that support the development of the field in each region through conferences, newsletters, educational programs or other exchanges.

Network Participation: ACR membership is not required. While any ACR member is welcome to join one or more Networks, the Section also encourages non-member practitioners from across the globe to participate in Network activities and exchange experience with fellow conflict resolution professionals. Conflict resolution organizations and institutions are encouraged to share information regarding the latest developments, best practices, and lessons learned in their country, region and/or area of expertise.

Network Capacity Building Activities: The International Section provided support for a networking conference in Bogotá, Colombia, in March 2007, that attracted over 600 people interested in networking. The Section is currently working with the South Eastern European Mediation Forum (SEEMF) to help them develop a regional conference in late Fall 2008. The Section has also been supporting the growth of the European Mediation Network Initiative (EMNI), and Section leaders recently participated in EMNI conferences in Vienna, Austria (October 2007) and Belfast, Northern Ireland (March 2008).

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Country Specific Resources

Mediation World provides the beginnings of a country by country resource for mediation news, legislation and rules, court decisions, training standards, research, and other useful links. http://www.mediationworld.net