AAA-ICDR Foundation®

In just a few years, the AAA-ICDR Foundation has dedicated $631,777 to advancing diversity at all levels of dispute resolution. This includes individual scholarships of up to $2,000 for diverse students and professionals to pursue education in #ADR, as well as partnerships with Howard University Law School and North Carolina Central University Law School to provide scholarships to students enrolled in alternative dispute resolutions programs. The Foundation’s commitment to these scholarships is helping build a more diverse and inclusive ADR community, paving the way for a more just and peaceful future where all voices are represented. Take the first step and apply for a diversity scholarship today. https://bit.ly/4ebWw6T

On October 17th, Conflict Resolution Day highlights the importance of promoting peace through effective #ADR solutions. The AAA-ICDR Foundation, in partnership with the American Arbitration Association, is dedicated to this cause, exemplified by a $150,000 Foundation grant awarded to the Western Justice Center (WJC) to support conflict resolution education in California schools. Interested in learning more about this vital partnership and its role in fostering peaceful communities? Hear insights from Tracey Frisch, AAA-ICDR Foundation executive director and chair of the grants committee; and Elissa Barrett, executive director of WJC and Shaune Gatlin, WJC director of conflict resolution education programs, as they discuss this impactful initiative. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3YqVChS

Civic engagement begins with education. To support this goal, AAA-ICDR Foundation grantee Sandra Day O'Connor Institute launched Civics for Life to address the knowledge gap of countless Americans who did not receive civics education through school. These free resources empower individuals to understand government and actively participate in democracy. Through civics education, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is committed to building a world of citizens who expect to exercise power and responsibility together, working towards the AAA-ICDR Foundation’s goal of bridging community conflict. Learn more about the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute and access the Constitution Series here: https://bit.ly/4es7x4S

As part of Conflict Resolution Month in October, the AAA-ICDR Foundation, in partnership with the American Arbitration Association, are spotlighting the incredible work of their grantees in advancing fair and accessible #ADR solutions. We spoke with the AAA-ICDR President and CEO Bridget Mary McCormack and Tracey Frisch, AAA-ICDR Foundation executive director, Resolution Systems Institute (RSI) CEO Heather Fogg and RSI Director of Research Jennifer Shack about their groundbreaking ODR Party Engagement (OPEN) Project. Supported by a $147,000 grant through the Foundation’s Annual Grant Cycle, RSI is working to reduce default rates and improve accessibility for self-represented litigants in court-referred online dispute resolution. Check out the complete interview to see how this initiative is making an impact: https://bit.ly/3Yife7N

On October 22nd, the NAFCM: National Association for Community Mediation invites you to join an open conversation on engaging with democracy. This Big Tuesday event will feature discussions on how community mediation centers can contribute to the democratic process through partnerships, community resilience, and de-escalation skills. Tracey Frisch, AAA-ICDR Foundation executive director and chair of the grants committee, will be sharing how the AAA-ICDR Foundation is supporting this critical work. The session includes presentations from agencies involved in the upcoming election and concludes with actionable steps for supporting community engagement post-election. Register today: https://bit.ly/483Nw2d

Interested in how the AAA-ICDR Foundation is making a difference? Stay informed with the quarterly newsletter. The recently released Q3 letter explores how AAA-ICDR Foundation funding has significantly advanced key projects. Highlights include the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute’s initiative to improve crisis responses and a new community dialogue toolbox from the National Association for Community Mediation. The newsletter also features newly released reports from three U.S. cities capturing efforts to improve public meetings, the expansion of peer mediation in schools through a districtwide partnership in California, and a guide for navigating campus conflicts. Discover how these efforts are making an impact and stay informed of future developments when you subscribe today: https://bit.ly/4evCsgJ

Congratulations to the 2023 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) scholars who are advancing the field of #ADR. The AAA-ICDR Foundation is proud to support these talented individuals through its HBCU Scholarship Grants. The program includes a three-year commitment to Howard University and North Carolina Central University, with $50,000 annually awarded to second- and third-year law students enrolled in dispute resolution programs. This initiative underscores the Foundation’s dedication to fostering diverse leadership in ADR. Learn more about these and other vital programs in the 2023 Annual Report: https://bit.ly/3WtiQUd

The deadline to apply for the Diverse Law Student ADR Summit is approaching, but there's still time! Join top ADR professionals for a dynamic program, with select students receiving funding from the AAA-ICDR Foundation to attend. Apply by September 25: https://bit.ly/4eu148U

Discover how mediation is transforming police response through innovative programs. In a recent webinar, Tracey Frisch, AAA-ICDR Foundation executive director and chair of the grants committee, presented the Foundation’s goals, grant programs, and previous funding initiatives. The Dayton Mediation Response Unit serves as a model for alternative police response programs. To help replicate this program, the Foundation partnered with Dignity Best Practices to create a toolkit for other communities to benefit from and help establish similar programs. Watch the webinar to learn more about Dignity Best Practices and the Dayton Mediation Response Unit setup: https://bit.ly/4dlmEMr

The AAA-ICDR Foundation announces a year of impactful action with a total of nearly $3 million in grants awarded in 2023 through the Foundation’s Annual Grant Cycle, Rapid Response Grants, Diversity Scholarships, and Special Initiatives Grants. These efforts are pivotal in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to expand access to alternative dispute resolution and promote equitable justice solutions. Read the 2023 Annual Report: https://bit.ly/4druF3j