Baltimore Mediation

BALTIMORE MEDIATION BASIC 40-HOUR MEDIATION TRAINING NOW OFFERED IN FEBRUARY

2012-01-09T13:18:00.000-05:00

We would like to invite you to attend our first basic annual 40-hour Baltimore Mediation training focusing on legal and ethical issues.

The course will focus on hand-on conflict intervention skills related to the mediation process, understanding the theory and practice of mediation and the mediator's role.

It might also be a great way for you or others you might know to get their annually required credits (CMEs, CEUs or CLEs), and also to network with our other training participants, most of which are coming from both the corporate professional arena as well as from public agencies.

About the Program

Selected as part of the United States Postal Service Mediation Training for the national REDRESS EEO Mediation Program, this training course was also part of the national pilot program headed by the renowned authors in the field of mediation, Baruch Bush and Joseph Folger, The Promise of Mediation (1995). This course was also a part of the national Transformative Mediation Project for trainings across the country and is now affiliated with the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation. Employing expert trainers with over 50 years of combined mediation and training experience, Baltimore Mediation was the first firm in the state of Maryland to offer fundamental and advanced mediation training from the transformative approach.

A certificate will be provided at the end of training. The certificate is nationally approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution and recognized by the Federal Shared Neutrals Program, and may satisfy the requirements of state entities such as the Maryland Circuit Courts, the MACRO Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence, and the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. It may be used to apply for state circuit court rosters of approved mediators and for continuing education credits from the participant's accrediting institution.

If you are interested in attending or know other who are or might benefit from conflict transformation insights and skills training, please let us know. Contact us at 443-524-0833 or go online and complete the registration form.

To guarantee your reservation, Reservation Form and payment must be received by February 1, 2012. Thereafter, call for availability.

Dates:

Monday, February 20

Tuesday, February, 21

Wednesday, February 22

Thursday, February 23

Friday, February 24

(9-5:30pm)

Location:

Gramercy Mansion Carriage House

1400 Greenspring Valley Road, Baltimore, MD 21153

Price: $1450

Call 443-524-0833 to register.

Louise Phipps Senft to be talking on WomenTalkLive January 7, 2012

2012-01-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

Starting at 6 pm on Saturday, January 7, on Talkradio 680 WCBM in Baltimore, Louise Phipps Senft will be talking with Ann Quasman about hot topics related to women and leadership in today's society.
Tune in and listen to her message. You can also access the show online here.
You can read more about the program here.

Divorce: Attorneys or Mediators? How to handle it and make the best decisions

2011-10-26T11:16:00.000-04:00

I got a call last week from one of my past clients who had filed for an absolute divorce in court. He had some serious concerns related to the agreement that both he and his wife created while in mediation, and wanted my personal input, as a mediator, but mostly as an attorney.

“Why as an attorney” I questioned, and the answer came as a flurry of cold air on a winter morning, scraping my ear: “My attorney says I can get a lower rate for child custody and he wants me to change everything in there. I am afraid this was not a good agreement that I have signed and now I am stuck because I know she will go all the way to get what she wants!”

He is not the first one to call me on such matters. In my office at Baltimore Mediation we often get calls from people who are being sucked into second guessing their own decisions, by people who allegedly want to protect their interests, or gain the most for them or their children.

While in mediation and particularly in transformative mediation, people make decisions not as parties to a contract, but as people, as former or actual partners, as parents of their children, as family or former family members, as friends and/or roommates, or all of them. One emotion transpires from their interaction: that of a lost love. Although the feeling might or might not be present any longer with either of them, they know they have lost something. Sometimes is to a better avail – it frees them from a hurting relationship and it gives them the chance to express themselves as they truly are, but regardless of the outcome or the intention, they both have a history and share a baggage. And it’s all about opening that baggage and putting things in order – “or not”.

This mere expression is intended in mediation to create the context for self-determination: the option of not making a decision, not organizing things, and not having a written agreement, which alleviates the pressure of having to create something, so that can people can do it more naturally, and not feel forced into anything.

However, because the outcome belongs to them, and because they come from a place where they acknowledge and respect their shared memories, feelings, assets and all that they have acquired together in years or months of shared time, people involved in a divorce mediation, will often times make decisions that recognize the value of the other person.

What does that mean and how do such decisions look like?

It means that they will jointly create options that maximize their level of satisfaction and that work best for all of them. They will not settle; they will not compromise. They will problem solve, and they will do it until they get it right. Whether that means that one of them will give up their summer home – partially or entirely – because they didn’t really like it that much there or never enjoyed working to maintain the property, the decisions will be theirs and they will walk to of mediation feeling they have done the right thing.

In daily life this can look something like this: you have a coffee pot that you never used, it was a gift or you can’t even remember how you got it in the first place. But you know where it is in your kitchen: you can visualize the shelf on which is sitting and maybe even the smell of the open cupboard. Yet one day you open it and it’s no longer there. You search frantically through the kitchen for it, you ask your children about it – the pot had mysteriously disappeared. And you are torn with questions and you feel anxious. Have you ever used it? No. Have you ever wanted to have it? No, not really. Than why do you care so much? Why the stress and the anxiety? All of a sudden your mental tranquility has been disrupted by an object that you have no use for. Oh, but that feeling of possession and control! You feel betrayed and you become suspicious of everyone in your household. Maybe it was the maid! Or a guest?

Everyone is susceptible of becoming a thief, an enemy, someone that deliberately wanted to trick you and harm you.

I think in a lot of ways divorce is similar. Except you lose a person first, and then half of your assets. Might sound funny and ridiculous, but it’s the truth. Mediation gives people the chance to come in check with this type of feelings, to acknowledge and overcome them, and to therefore make mature and informed decisions about the next steps. Litigation, on the other side fuels the feeling of betrayal, of anxiety and insecurity and boosts the paranoia. For a divorce attorney anyone who comes in contact with their client is a potential enemy – wants something or might be concealing something from them. See the analogy with the coffee pot situation? In this case however, it is in their interest to spread suspicion and enhance the need for material possession and control, because every second of doubt is a paid second for them. Yes, they run on a billing clock that spins 24/7 for people who don’t have the courage to face the truth and face the other party. And they will seek to prolong the situation indefinitely to the point that they might be the ones “hiding the pot” from you.

Most times in the litigation world is not only about the money divorce attorneys can make but also about the vanity of having said “I’ve got everything for my client!” Whether that means full custody, highest child support, a house and other material assets, the attorney will take pride in having “won the game”, but will the client take as much pride in having hurt the other to that full extent?

I wish all of my clients and other mediation clients read this article, so they can then understand the importance of assuming responsibility for their decisions in a way that is also dignifying and human. In terms of divorce there is really almost nothing attorneys can do for us that we are otherwise incapacitated to do it ourselves. Of course, there are a few exceptions that are related to physical abuse and other illegal cons that people in marriages wish to accomplish, but that is a topic to remain addressed in the future.

I will close with I call a gold nugget: my advice to people who are going through a divorce situation.

Be careful who you entrust the future of your children, your relationship and your assets to. If you are not able to do it yourselves, due to emotional stress or trauma, try mediation first, and stay consistent and true to your own values, regardless of others’ advice. In the long run, it will help you sleep better at night and have a more meaningful relationship – if not with your former spouse, then with your children, who will acknowledge and respect your position at a right time in their own lives.

Louise Phipps Senft talks about the Anatomy of a Mediator

2011-10-25T13:45:00.002-04:00

Pete's Pitstop: Despedida!!

2011-10-13T09:12:00.000-04:00

Pete's Pitstop: Despedida!!

Louise Phipps Senft, Esq. to be recognized as the Spirited Woman of Baltimore for 2011

2011-07-29T11:55:00.000-04:00

Louise Phipps Senft, Esq. was recently recognized as the Spirited Woman of Baltimore (an accomplished leader) and will be officially awarded the title on August 17, at a power lunch organized by MyCity4Her.com and Morton’s The Steakhouse, celebrating two other award winners - Spirited Woman Rising (an up and coming, young leader), Spirited Woman in Balance (a working mother).
The award and event were created in 2006 by MyCity4Her.com as a way to raise funds and awareness for the American Red Cross’ Central Maryland Chapter, and also as a way to recognize and celebrate powerful and successful women who have taken the lead in their community and beyond. The award is sponsored by the Baltimore Business Journal and WomanTalk Live, with the goal of encouraging women and women entrepreneurs to assume leadership positions and promote values that transcend gender.
Since 1993 when Louise created Baltimore Mediation – the first mediation firm in Maryland, she has been working as a mediator, facilitator and trainer throughout the US and around the world. To date, she has mediated over 4000 situations.
In 2009 her firm was recognized as a “Top 100 MBE” minority owned enterprise in the Mid-Atlantic region. Her global reach continues - Louise will offer mediation trainings in Haiti, Germany, and Italy in the coming year and will present at the first International Congress for Transformative Mediators, in Slovenia.

As a wife and mother of five, Louise remains focused on securing a safe environment for families going through difficulties, protecting the children and helping parents make informed decisions. She created Safe Heaven, a community initiative dedicated to the safety of children, established the Baltimore City Circuit Court Family Mediation Services, and was also co-founder of Mediators Beyond Borders, a non-profit offering conflict resolution aid for initiatives such as the Child Soldier Project in Ghana and the Katrina Mediation Project in Louisiana and Mississippi.

She was named Baltimore’s Best Mediator by Baltimore Magazine in 2002 and one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2004, 2007 and 2009, by The Daily Record.
She is an active member within her community advocating for safety, the environment, religious integrity, and women’s rights, as representative of Leadership Maryland, Network 2000, the Roland Park Women’s Club, the Roland Park Civic League, Girls Scouts, Tuesday Girls, The Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta and the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Louise is a Board member of Convergence, a bi-partisan organization dedicated to improving US-Muslim relations, and the Catholic Community Foundation. In May 2010, Louise was inducted into the Greater Baltimore Area’s Young Women’s Christian Association’s Academy of Leaders with a “Special Leader of the Year” award for her work in the field with effects that empowered women and eradicated racism.

Louise Phipps Senft Presenting at the Kentucky Bar Association Convention

2011-06-17T14:48:00.000-04:00

Louise Phipps Senft spoke this morning to the Kentucky Bar Association members about the benefits of incorporating transformative mediation in their practice. Scheduled among the first to speak this morning, Louise's presentation entitled "Transformative Mediation: A How-To Guide for Attorneys and Mediators" introduced participants to the research and practicalities of mediation. The KBA members are familiar with transformative practice and the theory behind it, as Louise has already offered a training to the KBA in 2010.
The Convention started Wednesday, June 15 and will end today.The theme was "Pursuing Justice in the 21st Century" , and among organizers were Bruce K. Davis, KBA President, Mindy Barfield, Planning
Committee Chair and Anne Chesnut, CLE Program Committee Chair.
We hope that Louise managed to change the traditional mind frame about what "justice" means to most attorneys toward a more conciliatory perspective!

Professionals with a Passion: Louise Phipps Senft and Michael Aloi Present in Greenbelt

2011-06-16T15:29:00.000-04:00

Louise Phipps Senft and Michael Aloi presented together yesterday, June 15, at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, a seminar on Vocational Truthfulness: Having the Courage to Discover Deeper Meaning in Our Work". The presentation was based on the work the two attorenys and mediators did together back in 2009 when they published the article with the same name.

Michael Aloi, Manchin & Aloi PLLC

Their inspirational presentation was based on the 7 tenets of vocational truthfulness: grace, authenticity, connectedness, humility, spiritual sustenance, energy and witness, and how does that relate to self-awareness and the practice of mediation.
The full article can be read here. It is a wonderful combination of personal beliefs, transformational theory and art. We hope all mediators can say the same about their profession!

A lifetime of celebration

2011-05-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

Louise Phipps Senft was invited this weekend, May 22nd, in Boston, for a wonderful and joyous wedding celebration of her dear, close friend, Erica Ariel Fox, founder of the Global Negotiation Insight Institute and creator of the Beyond Yes Method™,with Bernardus Holtrop, Manager of Partner Learning at McKinsey & Co.

The festivities were an alchemy of traditional Jewish custom infused with ancient spiritual path of Kabbalah and much merriment and joyful dancing and clapping.

Wishing them a lifetime of fidelity to themselves, their love, their marriage covenant!

Congratulations to Maryland Top 100 Women

2011-05-13T12:45:00.000-04:00

Monday, May 9, 2011, the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall audience was witness to another historic night honoring one hundred of the most successful and strong women in Maryland.

As one of their fellow and as a member of the Circle of Excellence group, I wanted to congratulate all of them and especially my dear friends, Suzanne Thompson, Glendora Hughes, Kathleen Cahill, Lisa Hayes, and also my fellow Circle of Excellence winners, especially Ferrier Stillman.

Being surrounded by all of these amazing women was extremely energizing and inspiring.

I also wanted to thank The Daily Record for their sponsorship and for their tireless people who have spent hours of work behind the scenes creating such an outstanding event every year, especially Tom Linthicum, my editor for his leadership of the event, and to Chris Eddings and Suzanne Fischer – Huettner.

We welcome these women’s wonderful leadership tips and guidance for this year, and we look forward to next year’s candidates!

For The Daily Record article on this event, please click here.

Smart CEOs Use Ethics To Settle Disputes

2011-05-03T12:17:00.001-04:00

Louise Phipps Senft, Esq. was recently featured in the May issue of Smart CEO Magazine.
On page 15 of the magazine intended for people who are active in the business arena, Louise talks about how being transparent reinforces the ethics behind any practice.

She states quite simple that she would never "take something that is sharp, hostile, difficult, angry or ugly and change its meaning" to make it more appealing. Truthfulness is something that seems to motivate people in mediation to work together- they acknowledge the difficulty and talk about it. It is eventually through quality dialogue that participants gain "their ability to make the most informed decisions that they feel are going to be the best for them and the situation", says Louise.

Ethics are really made simple: allowing for transparency in dialogue, allows any person, whether CEO or not, to really understand the issues and work towards surpassing them. You can read the full article here.

Come learn more about ethics and mediation practice at our next Baltimore Mediation Training, June 21-23, at the Gramercy Mansion Carriage House! Louise will answer all your questions and our experiences coaches will give you direct personalized feedback on your skills! Call 443-524-0833 to get more details, or visit us here.

Mediation Minute with Louise Phipps Senft. Every Tuesday, 5:30 pm @ 100.7 The Bay

2011-05-02T15:54:00.001-04:00

Louise Phipps Senft and Associates. Baltimore Mediation would like to invite you to 100.7 The bay, to listen to the "Mediation Minute". Every Tuesday, at 5:30 pm, on 100.7 The Bay, Baltimore Mediation's lead mediator and founder, Louise Phipps Senft will share a few tips on conflict and how to navigate your way through difficult situations.

Want to learn new ways on how to handle organizational culture and employee relations? The Mediation Minute can save you and your company hours or even months of headache and unnecessary spending.

Tune in and listen to what Louise has to say - every Tuesday, at 5:30 - it might help you find a pair of safe hands that you were looking for all along - in your marriage, or in your workplace.

Louise Phipps Senft is taking the lead in bridging the gap between two worlds: the US and Muslim Societies

2011-04-14T13:24:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 7 pm – people start arriving at Louise’s Phipps Senft home location in Roland Park. Her five children are roaming around making sure the last details are fixed before more guests arrive.

It is a night that Louise has set aside for Convergence – a bipartisan group in Washington DC on which she sits as a Board Member. Louise has joined Convergence part as because of her inner conviction that engagement is change and part because of her leadership skills that she has gained through years of mediation. Striving to incorporate policy making, politics and constituencies into a better quality process has brought Convergence members to Louise, a successful business woman who has promised and delivered for 18 years, a “better process … better outcome” to thousands of people in various settings.

In the same line of thought and having the same transformative philosophy behind it, she has decided to facilitate a dialogue between Convergence leaders and interested participants in Baltimore.

In a very informal, cordial setting revealing the true core of Louise Phipps Senft and Baltimore Mediation – surrounded by her family, flowers, love and unity – Louise has gathered about 60 very diverse people – by background, faith, ethnicity and age - trying to educate them about the international efforts Convergence has made to bridge the gap that the Muslim and the American societies have managed to create in-between them.

Beyond the scope of educating, another goal that was achieved by mere dialogue and listening, was that of bonding – relating people to one another, to Convergence and to an ideal of peace, health and prosperity that is part of Convergence’s mission.

Robert Fersh, President of Convergence, Aakif Ahmad, Vice-President, and Katharine Hoagland, Project Associate of the US-Muslim Engagement Initiative, spoke about their recent trip to Pakistan, in trying to convey the human, sensitive aspect of a nation that was perhaps misunderstood by the West. The scope was to contrast two societies opposable by culture and political system in order to underline the parts where actors such as Convergence can act as agents for change.

Convergence is not simply another non-profit, but one of the very influential voices of the civil society: together with the Consensus Building Institute and the Institute for Resource and Security Studies, Aakif Ahmad, a Pakistani by origin, and Robert Fersh, have managed to create the US-Muslim Engagement Program and to draft a report that is now in the hands of American leaders and decision-makers when it comes to foreign relations. It has managed to create such a wide wave of recognition mainly because the report itself presents the consensus of 34 American leaders in areas such as national security, conflict resolution, philanthropy, religion and education.

One of the pioneers in the field of conflict resolution, from a transformative approach, Louise Phipps Senft has decided to get involved not just as a Convergence member, but mainly as a leader of opinion in Baltimore, and as a key representative of the civil society. By organizing this reception her aim was to mirror on a lower scale the mission of Convergence, that of bringing people together - from very diverse professional areas, religious and cultural backgrounds, from different generations, and from very different areas of the globe - to have a dialogue about the very core of difference and consensus.

We hope that you have enjoyed this event and that it has inspired you to also become a link in the bridge between worlds!

What should workplace conflict teach you

2011-03-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

We all encounter problems in the workplace. Sooner or later we all have something to reproach to one of our coworkers and an explanation to give our boss. Our responses to these situations make the difference between a productive and healthy environment and a destructive one, where one mistake simply leads to another in a cycle of conflict.

Someone showed up later, someone else did not follow up with a client, a phone call went unanswered, some friends pointed out grammar errors on the latest press release, and on top of that your coffee was cold or the office was unlocked all night. Who is to blame?

We all tend to point fingers to one another – whether it’s retaliation, indifference, feeling unappreciated, underpaid, discriminated, cornered, we all feel that we had a good reason when we decided to pursue one course of action over another. We all tried to make a point, to stress something important to us – a concept, a way of doing things, an emotional value. But have we ever stopped to consider that our values might not be generally acceptable and applicable to absolutely all circumstances? Have we ever stopped to consider how others might have felt? What is their initial reaction to reading a criticizing email? Will our message allow space for constructive re-action, or will it just build resentment? But most importantly: will we ever change the people we work with or for? Most probably our personalities, just like theirs has already been shaped, formed and reinforced through years of experience and education. Sporadic disputes and frustrations at work are not very likely to influence anyone for the better but they might act as alarm signals for most executives and HR professionals.

Philosophically disputes are now embraced and encouraged by the new organic management train of thought, as opportunities for change, but before that transforms into something effective, people need to recognize the value in conflict.

In order to allow for constructive change, improved relationships and higher productivity, any conflict should be followed by “team-building” time, seen as opportunity for education.
Baltimore Mediation might not be the perfect employer nor have the perfect employees but we recognize these values that conflict brings, and we bring them up in our trainings.

In other words we try to help others manage workplace conflict, learn from it and put in place personal or even organizational conflict management plans that will in the future prevent it. No, we are not a panacea for others’ problems, but we might help.

Come learn how, next week from March 16^th to the 18^th at the Gramercy Mansion Carriage House. Louise Phipps Senft will be there to talk about conflict dynamics, personal reactivity, empowerment and recognition – all from the workplace perspective, so you and others learn how to act and react in a way that is positive and constructive, and that allows for your personal growth along with your organization’s.

If this drew your attention, or if you identified with some of the above descriptions, then it might be the case you need a fresh perspective. Please find more details here, or call our office at 443-524-0833.

Peter Savage joins Baltimore Mediation

2011-03-08T16:52:00.001-05:00

Founder and former manager of Passport Health for over a decade, Peter Savage has joined Baltimore Mediation as a Business Development Officer. Having previously studied law at the University of Pennsylvania and political science at Harvard, Peter has prior experience in business and schooling to promote mediation and training services and to participate in mediation.

Peter has been an active Alzheimer's disease advocate and serves on the board of Julie Center of East Baltimore and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society.

His international experience with the CIA ques an international dimension to his resume as well as his fluency in Portuguese and Spanish.

We welcome him and look forward to his success with Baltimore Mediation.

Score in Mediation

2011-03-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

December of last year, players of the New England Patriots disclosed, more or less willingly, to the press, the tensions around labor disputes between players and owners, that have now surmounted to a peak. We are talking about possible lockout of the playing seasons, as the NFL Players Association and management have failed to come to a conclusion regarding revenue sharing.
March 2^nd, 47 key stakeholders from both sides gathered for a facilitated negotiation which did not seem to bring any result. March 3^rd and 4^th however might shed some light on this issue as parties are ready to participate in mediation. Hopefully, the perspective of not playing at all, disappointing fans, and loosing major amounts of money both for them, as well as for supporting communities and sponsors, will bring some reason among the decision-makers that will allow for football to happen again this year. A similar situation happened in 1987, when football players went on a strike, but no lockout was reached whatsoever.
For mediation adepts, like BM members, the situation is viewed as an opportunity to promote the process. Since NFL and its reps have recognized the benefits of coming together for a dialogue, than this might be a model to follow for others. Most players are mentors and role models for children and people of all sexes and ages, and their actions might be inspiring others who are facing difficult situation follow the same pattern for resolving tensions. Also, the media exposure that both the negotiation and the mediations have benefited from will greatly contribute to the role and mission of mediation practitioners in the future. Even if no agreement is reached and the participants do appeal to litigation, it still proves that mediation is an option and a valid one as well. An eventual success of the process would also contribute to the field’s credibility, and it might push mediation as a clause for solving disputes in all future labor contracts and negotiations, hopefully not resuming to NFL.

The Role of Transformative Mediation in Shaping Public Policy

2011-02-16T11:26:00.001-05:00

Does what happens in DC interest you? Do you long for the day when our politicians can hold different views and still work together? Do you find yourself hopeful when there are small reported breakthroughs in DC on issues you find important?

I with others am working on that dialogue piece as part of an organization in Washington, called Convergence. Our sole mission is to foster bipartisan dialogue on issues of the day. We are interested in breakthroughs and sustainable breakthroughs, not focused solely on common ground. It’s a transformative (relational) approach to conflict. I sit on the Board of Trustees and have had such a wonderful and meaningful time helping to shape the larger process. Convergence worked on US-Muslim Engagement the last 2 years and our publication shaped new legislation (Madeleine Albright, Stephen Covey, private and foundation leaders and both Democrat and Republican senators and congress folks as part of the dialogue and Leadership Council); we have now taken on 3 other projects for Health and Wellness, K-12 Education Reform and US-Pakistan relations. So much of our progress depends on which funders we excite and who buys in to a deeply held belief that people with very different views can still forge a plan together when they are provided with a forum that fosters deep in depth discussions about that which divides them and that which motivates them. It’s often the new and wider understandings and the clarity around similar human basic values which create the breakthroughs. They are very wide scale projects each lasting 2-3 years, so I am also learning on that wider platform. The excitement is in the moment sworn enemies, after months of behind the scenes work, agree to meet and dialogue. Most people are afraid of enemies coming together, and indeed most political and business enemies are highly nervous or very skeptical as well, but for me, the amazing part is in the process of working to invite and have them decide to come together that holds the promise. That is the strength of their leadership, the willingness to talk. The dynamic is not unlike spouses who are divorcing who decide to mediate rather than fire up an adversarial litigation process. The transformative mediation/facilitation can hold our political and business leaders safely in a dialogue process by counter intuitively not working towards agreement but rather on understanding, no trickery, no reframing; but they have to have that shift to see the value. I focus on fostering the shifts. I hold my own views, shaped by what I know now, and enjoy the unfolding of them as I learn from others. It’s hard and slow but very rewarding work. I hope to go with our group on our second US-Pakistan trip in Pakistan in the fall. Do you know that Pakistan in less than 5 years will have one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, many educated and willing to work for paltry wages and well over half under the age of 25 and many jobless and restless and hopeless about their futures, and culturally, very resourceful. I feel in my gut that is a recipe for either great disaster or for potential promise. We need to engage with Pakistan and with their youth. That motivates me to do something for the world my children will live in. I feel my heart open continually to the work at Convergence of deep listening and then helping national leaders shape their message so it can be heard. I feel my heart open daily to continually offering a more humanistic hopeful process, the mediation, to the families in Baltimore and Maryland who are divorcing and leaving their kids and each other emotionally and sometimes financially destroyed. It doesn’t have to be that way. So, bipartisan, or bi-spousal dialogue is a hot button for me. As spouses or as members of congress or as business leaders, when we can be strong enough to let others know our view has changed or that we are seeing a situation differently, or that we are regretful or that we want to extend forgiveness or that we are taking personal responsibility for a change etc., that is true strength. I have seen spouses and leaders demonstrate that capacity, authentically, when they are given the authentic opportunity. Convergence is providing that opportunity to national leaders. Agreements without this kind of transformative experience are probably not sustainable. Are people willing to engage in a process to explore that type of experience? Do they desire agreements that are more than the ink and paper they are written on? I leave to conduct a training in a couple hours. I am wondering about others’ views on bipartisan dialogue and what you think a process for promoting that looks like.

by Louise Phipps Senft

BM 2011 Business Perspectives

2011-02-10T16:02:00.000-05:00

Matt Nuberger's recent message about survival and sur-thrival of businesses that have managed to make their way into the new year was a sign of recognition for most business owners present yesterday at the Accelerent Executive Breakfast at the Visionary Art Museum. Most of those who attended felt proud to be part of that crew of survivors who have not only stayed in business for 2010 but have also had the resources to expand and develop and join business platforms like Accelerent.

Baltimore Mediation did enter 2011 with one new team member handling marketing and outreach and two new collaborators for business development. Not only that but we have also joined Accelerent and we are driving at full speed ahead into various new training projects and government contracts. We are sur-thriving!
Last year however, the number of mediation cases decreased as people became more and more suspicious and chose the litigation process over mediating their issues.

However, as the spring comes, we are warming up and some of us are more prone to resolving conflicts that erupted in 2010. Our office is getting more inquiries about mediation and what it means, and soon enough our "sur-thrival" might become a time crisis. These are all signs of a mature business: the more you age, the less you find time to do all the things that you want to. Therefore the stronger the incentives to get new staff, hence the expansion, and so on and so forth. It's the snow ball effect of business.

Welcome to the market of conflict!

Louise Phipps Senft meets Peter Vidmar

2011-02-03T14:02:00.000-05:00

After winning two gold medals in 1984 at the Gymnastics Olympics and a life-long career in the sports arena, Peter Vidmar decided to embark on a whole new task: that of telling people how he managed to succeed. Peter is now a motivational speaker as well as the Co-Chairman of the US Olympic Committee Summer Sports Summit.

He guides himself by three principles: Risk, Originality and Virtuosity, in advising executives and partners on how to get out of the box, let change happen and create value.

Whether you are into the "organic management" trend or not you will find this of interest, as most topics that he touches on - in the professional arena - also apply in most of our personal lives as well. Peter does most of its speaking presentations in his gymnastics leotard while exercising on the pommel horse. His engagement and his physical strength motivate large audiences to challenge their existing organizational structure to a new “fit”.

Louise Phipps Senft attended one of his most recent presentations at an Accelerent executive breakfast and the two speakers had the chance to connect over topics of mindfulness and relational interactions.

The next Accelerent Executive Breakfast will host another sportsperson, Desmond Howard, Heisman Throphy winner and NFL wide receiver.

Louise Phipps Senft to Teach Parents about how to add Conflict Management to Their Parenting Skills Set

2011-01-13T15:38:00.003-05:00

Louise Phipps Senft and Baltimore Mediation have recently been advertised in the Kaleidoscope publication of Roland Park Community. This spring the issue is advertising opportunities for learning and fun around Roland Park, covering a multitude of topics from environmental sustainability, to books, history, culinary arts, day trips, and family matters. The publication advertises theater plays, concerts, and training opportunities.

Located on the last page of the magazine, Louise Phipps Senft is featured with a one day, 6 to 7:30 pm, session on parenting issues, a course/seminar entitled "You, Your Teenager and Conflict. Adding to Your Parenting Skills Set". The course, costing $30, will be help on Monday, April 11th, 2011at the Roland Park Country School. Mother of five, Louise is getting more and more involved in issues pertaining to adolescent life and conflict, as she is trying to understand her own children and help them mature in a healthy way. The workshop will provide anyone attending with conflict transformation concepts and awareness, and will teach one basic skills and strategies for solving it. Sibling dynamics, personal reactivity, domestic settings and on-line issues such as Facebook pictures concerns and internet messages will be covered. Participants will gain tips on how to handle certain situations without building resentment or escalating conflict.

Mediate your sex

2011-01-11T16:56:00.000-05:00

The Ruth R. Marder GBMC Safe Educational Initiative, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Parents Network got together this morning to discuss about healthy dating and sex issues among adolescents.

Mother of five, Louise Phipps Senft was among those attending the seminar. From date rape, to sexual pressure and assault, to violence, alcohol, and breaking up safely, all topics were addressed with the scope of informing the parents about what is common, what is healthy and might be classified as criminal behavior among their children.

A new type of crime is luring and becoming increasingly common among children and young adults, aged 13 to 25, and that is the spread of material intended to bring sexual arousal in those receiving the message. This includes anything from "sexting" to sending pictures that have nudity or that suggest nudity and/or sexual positions, looks etc. Whether that has to do with pressure being exerted over the receiver by the sender, or the sender being pressed to send this type of message, mediation can and should be a viable option for parents or couples dealing with this type of issues. It should because otherwise it might be qualified as a crime and the consequences might be disastrous for young people. And also because it gives people the chance to clarify statements and fix relationships. This might imply the fact that participants to mediation might be willing to talk about their differences, about what is appropriate and what is not, about what can be qualified as pressure and what a decent request is.

Here are some samples of the type of messages being disseminated today:
"Alcohol and sex are a dangerous combination. Why? Because after a few drinks, things get fuzzy. It becomes harder to set sexual limits. Don't let alcohol or other drugs take away your control. Check out the tips inside [the brochure]. Learn how to stay safe and stick to your limits."

"Are you in an abusive relationship? Are you afraid your relationship might turn abusive? Are you worried about a friend? Look inside this pamphlet and learn how to tell if a relationship is abusive. To get more information - or to get help - look in your phone book under crisis intervention. Or call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233."

"Did you know that most rapes are committed by someone the person knows? Did you know that having sex with a person who is drunk or high may be rape - even if she didn't say no? One out of every six women will be raped at some point in her life. Look inside to get the facts that every man needs to have about date and acquaintance rape."

"It's ok for men to say no to sex! Men get a lot of pressure to have sex! But pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are just a few of the reasons to wait. Want to say no without losing your cool? The tips in this pamphlet will help you deal with sexual pressure."

A Portrait of Louise Phipps Senft

2010-12-27T12:33:00.000-05:00

The December/January issue of 270 Inc Business Magazine published by Pattee Brown and Harby Tran features an article about Baltimore Mediation and Louise Phipps Senft.

Writer Julia Banks managed to sketch Ms. Senft close to reality in only a little bit over 50 lines. The Frederick magazine shows Ms. Senft smiling in a "Inc Portrait" on page 22. She talks about the art of dialogue through emotions, "not against them", in a process that she had been using for the past almost 19 years in order to help people cope and understand conflict. As a neutral third party, Ms. Senft brings her expertise to the mediation table in helping participants make first and foremost informed decisions that would help in maintaining the agreement, if one is reached. She offers not only her knowledge as a mediator, but also her invaluable law and litigation background, to those that want to know about all existing options.

Julia Banks concludes her article with the following lines: "It's often wise people who call upon us for mediation services, Our clients are interested in conflict resolution and conflict transformation. They value a good night's sleep."

Baltimore Mediation Celebrates Christmas at Tio Pepe Restaurant

2010-12-23T11:44:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, December 22nd, about 1 p.m. Louise Phipps Senft jumps out of Frank Pugh's white Subaru Impreza on Hamilton St., in Baltimore City. From the back seat of the car, her two assistants, step out and accompany her and Frank just around the block to the Spanish restaurant Tio Pepe.

It's almost Christmas, and like most companies in Baltimore, Baltimore Mediation wants to celebrate it with its staff. They have already reserved a large table for eight people, because Louise, her two assistant, and Frank are joined by Monica Koski, Beverly Hovmand, and Dusty and Vicki Rhoades. Soon after everyone sits down, sangria starts pouring from large pitchers and joy sets in.

It's time for everyone at the table to share their childhood Christmas traditions and memories with everyone. Nobody is shy. They all remember with nostalgia the moments they gathered around the Christmas tree tearing presents and waking up their parents. Some memories are sad - times of poverty and small presents that were cherished like they were precious gems. Most memories are joyous through: children caroling, eating lunch with their families and playing with their new toys.

All around the Baltimore Mediation table other tables seem to experience the same euphoria. It's all part of the Christmas spirit that we keep preserving and enjoying every year.
We say "Grace" before we eat, and it's my first experience holding hands and praying to thank God for food.
I feel the warmth coming from all those that surround me, and we are now all part of the same circle that keeps the spirit alive. I'm away from home, but I feel blessed for the people in my life.

We take pictures, we talk, we eat, we drink delicious Irish coffees. At the end of the lunch we part knowing that it was all worth it and that we will see each other again next year: same time, same place, maybe even more people, maybe even more memories.

Merry Christmas!

Louise Phipps Senft and Baltimore Mediation featured in The Washington Post

2010-12-22T12:05:00.000-05:00

December 14th, writer Sandra Boodman published an article about elder-care mediation in The Washington Post. Louise Phipps Senft was interviewed in the making of the story. A pioneer in the field of mediation and an expert in family disputes, Ms. Senft shared her view on mediation saying that even though participants are very emotional when discussing issues and arrangements around their elderly parents, most of the feelings expressed are based on a perceived reality that needs to be recognized.

Following Ms. Senft's philosophical approach, recognition brings about a shift in the conflict dynamic that makes participants feel empowered and that eventually create room for change and informed decision-making.

Boodman's article also made a point about how people who come to mediation prefer to keep the experience private, aside from the confidentiality that mediators guarantee them in the process. They feel ashamed for experiencing family conflict and they associate mediation with that. It is not the same as experiencing litigation though. Most people that go through the court system feel no remorse about making that public. The litigation process implies for most that they do have the power and the drive to fight in public and that their cause should therefore be more credible. Mediation on the other side gives people the ability to fight openly, while also achieving relief and making themselves understood, and sometimes this can be painful and embarrassing.

In dealing with issues concerning elder care especially, people are more sensitive because making decisions about that, affects not only their emotional well-being but the way they are being perceived by the other members of the family and their friends. Elder-care issues are also harder to bring in front of a judge since most of the time they do not imply issues of breaking the law, but roadblocks that families encounter when trying to make a decision.

For all that and even more, Baltimore Mediation can help one surpass emotions and understand the issues that are incorporated in the decision-making process.

Louise Phipps Senft was named member of the Leadership Council for Convergence

2010-12-21T09:41:00.000-05:00

Founded in 2009 by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund with the specific mission of building consensus between different cultures and societies through dialogue, Convergence is a non-profit organization led by almost 40 professionals, members of the elite of the law, medical and academic fields.

Feeling pressed by the international economic crisis that has sped up political disdain and military conflicts, these people are militating for a world of peace and dialogue and they have already started by creating an ambitious project aimed at facilitating conversations, cultural exchange and educational programs between the Muslim and the American worlds. Convergence's mission is to improve US educational programs, to encourage a healthy lifestyle, reduce fiscal burdens and reduce violence, all by improving the cultural, human approach to conflict. Since its inception the organization has worked with and through Search for Common Ground, US Consensus Council, the Consensus Building Institute and the Meridian Institute.

In recognizing the merits of the transformative approach that the organization employs, Convergence has recently named Louise Phipps Senft a member of the Board. Ms. Senft will bring her expertise in the field of mediation to the Board, and will ad value to the team of professionals. Ms. Senft is a strong adept of the constructive approach to conflict and she believes that any tension raising out of it can be used as energy for transformation and thus for improvement. She will also act as a third-party neutral in trying to ad to the organization's team of mediators and provide problem-solving alternatives to parties. Ms. Senft is also a prominent figure in the academic field and she will contribute to the organization's mission of raising awareness over issues of cultural conflict and the urgency of dialogue in the new millennium.

Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills Training focusing on Legal and Ethical Issues

2010-12-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

Our training course will provide you with hands-on skills for resolving professional and personal conflict. In just 20 hours, our lead trainer, Louise Phipps Senft will walk you through the mediation process while help you understand your role as a mediator - from the introduction to the wrapping up of the process you will get the chance to learn, improve and asses your listening, reflecting and summarizing skills, while emphasizing legal aspects and ethical issues in mediation.

Do you press participants to reaching an agreement, or do you give them the space to make that transformation and shift dialogue themselves? This question and many more along this line will be addressed in regards to mediators' standards of practice as they are defined by Baltimore Mediation and recognized by the Maryland Circuit Court system.

A certificate of attendance will be provided at the end of the course. The certificate is nationally approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution, the Federal Shared Neutrals Program, the Maryland Circuit Courts, the MACRO Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence, and the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. It may be used to apply for state circuit court rosters of approved mediators and for continuing education credits from the participant's accrediting institution.

The training will take place at the Gramercy Mansion Carriage House from February 16th to February 18th. Cost is $745 and includes materials and light meals.

Reservation form and payment must be received by January 16th, 2011. For questions and reservation please check our website or call Baltimore Mediation office at 443-524-0833.

Baltimore Mediation at the Maryland Mediator Convention

2010-12-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

Maryland Mediator Convention is happening again - tomorrow, December 10th, at the Maryland Maritime Institute, in Linthicum. In four sessions mediators from Maryland but not only, are going to meet and discuss the latest and hottest in mediation.

Among the attendees are going to be Mala Malharta-Ortiz Esq. attorney, mediator and UB Professor, Cheryl Jamison Esq., MACRO Quality Assistance Director, Lou Gieszl, MACRO Deputy Executive Director,Tara Taylor, the Mediation Unit Director at MCHR, John Spiegel, attorney and mediator, Roger Wolf, Chair of the State Bar Association ADR Committee, Scottie Reid, mediator, Dusty and Vicki Rhoades, mediators, Jonathan Rosenthal, Executive Director for District Court of Maryland, Carl Schneider of Mediation Matters, Lorig Charkoudian, Executive Director of Community Mediation Maryland, Ramona Buck, MACRO Director for Public Policy, Steve Shapiro, Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, Judge Robert Fischer, Joy Keller, ADR Administrator at Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Rich Melnick, attorney and UB Professor, Nancy Caplan, mediator, Erricka Bridgeford, Training Director of Community Mediation Maryland, and retired Judge Robert Heller.
Among the topics to be discussed, Maryland mediators are going to tackle issues of confidentiality in mediation, environmentalist concerns, race and culture in mediation, drafting divorce agreements, mediation programs in schools, and caucusing in mediations.
Registration begins at 8 a.m., and participants are only going to have two 15 minutes breaks from 11 to 11:15 a.m., and from 3 to 3:15 p.m.

Closing reception is going to take place in the Foyer Outside Auditorium, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Baltimore Mediation Celebrates Monica Koski's Birthday and Anniversary

2010-12-07T10:14:00.004-05:00

Baltimore Mediation wishes to officially wish its staff member and associate mediator, Monica Koski,
a Happy Birthday!

Monica turned 40 on Saturday, December 4th, the day before she is celebrating her wedding anniversary, and she had also recently become the mother of a beautiful baby, Noel - all the more reason for celebration!

Monica got into the mediation field, after working as a court reporter for the Baltimore City District Court. Her career as a mediator was catalyzed by an experience she had while in court, when she recommended mediation to a couple whose conflict seemed to be fueled by their lawyers.

Monica did her training with Maryland Association for Community Mediation Centers, University of Baltimore, Baltimore Mediation, and the International Ombuds Association. She is currently working as a mediator for various alternative dispute resolution centers around Baltimore, amongst which the Baltimore City Community Mediation program, the Hartford County Community Mediation program, the Maryland Commission on Human Relations, and Community Mediation Maryland, for which she also acts as a board member.

Monica Koski had been with Baltimore Mediation since April of 2009, after holing the position of Development Director for Flowline Components. She is currently handling government contracting opportunities for Baltimore Mediation, while also acting as a mediator and trainer.

She is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution, the Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence and the Chair for the Development Committee for Community Mediation Maryland.

For all these reasons, plus her wonderful personality, we would all like to wish her a happy birthday, happy anniversary and to thank her for being close to Baltimore Mediation!

BM goes MB!

2010-12-01T11:33:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's official: Baltimore Mediation has just been awarded the Minority Business Enterprise program membership status, by the Maryland Department of Transportation, through certification no. 10-724. Along with that, we have also been awarded the DBE (Disadantaged Business Entreprise) certificate.

This means great news not only for Baltimore Mediation but also for the business community that should take advatage of the services we offer, look us up in the MDOT MBE/DBE Directory and partner with us for government contracting opportunities.

We will have all of the following Naics Codes/services listed in our profile:

541110 - MBE/DBE - Offices of Lawyers
541611 - MBE/DBE - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (Specifically: Mediation Conflict Resolution, Team Building)
541612 - MBE/DBE - Human Resources Consulting Services
541618 - MBE/DBE - Other Management Consulting Services
541990 - MBE/DBE - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
611430 - MBE/DBE - Professional and Management Development Training
611699 - MBE/DBE - All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction
624190 - MBE/DBE - Other Individual and Family Services

Please also find Baltimore Mediation on http://www.emarylandmarketplace.com/ as a vendor.

We look forward to doing business with you!

Baltimore Mediation Announces a New Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills Training focusing on Custody, Visitation, and Child Support

2010-11-30T17:24:00.002-05:00

Baltimore Mediation announces a new 20 hour certificated mediation skills training to be held in January 2011, focusing on custody, visitation and child support.

This training will emphasize how to mediate divorce issues related to parenting plans, property division and communication skills for domestic conflict. Our trainers and coaches will teach you advanced mediation skills and the theory behind addressing special psychological and cognitive issues and needs, and protecting the interests of those unrepresented - the children.

At the end of the course, a certificate will be provided which is nationally approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution and satisfies requirements of the Maryland Circuit Court, MPME and Maryland Board of Social Examiners.

The training will be provided by Baltimore Mediation founder and head trainer, Louise Phipps Senft and by Nancy Good, PhD, LCSW.

For more information go to our website http://www.baltimoremediation.com/tw_20a_parenting.php or call our office at 443-524-0833.

The Gramercy Mansion offers discounted bed and breakfast accommodations to Baltimore Mediation training participants. Call Gramercy Mansion at 410-486-2405.

Meet Your Trainers

Louise Phipps Senft, Esq.

Voted one of Maryland's Top 100 Women for 2004, 2007, and 2009 by The Daily Record, and Baltimore's Best Mediator by Baltimore Magazine, Louise Phipps Senft is an attorney by background, who chose to leave private practice in a large corporate law firm, and founded Baltimore Mediation in 1993, in order to help people overcome personal barriers in conflict and avoid litigation.
Baltimore Mediation was the first mediation firm in Maryland with a focus on relational approaches to conflict resolution. Ms. Senft has successfully mediated over 4000 family and organizational conflicts, including separation and divorce, marital conflicts, family businesses and partnerships conflicts, real estate and civil litigation matters.
Ms. Senft is also an adjunct Professor at the University Of Maryland School Of Law, since 1996, and has also taught more recently at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

Nancy Good, PhD, LCSW
As a mediation consultant in Organizational and Church Conflict Transformation, Ms. Good has decades of experience handling conflict settings in the international arena. She is a psychotherapist and LCSW by background, and was an Assistant Professor in the Conflict Transformation Masters Degree program at the Eastern Mennonite University.
Ms. Good has mediated cases for Baltimore Mediation and practices in the greater Baltimore-Washington area. She is a partner with Newman Avenue Associates Family Therapists, a member of the KonTerra Group, and a former Director of the National Coalition Building Institute for Prejudice Reduction in Virginia.

Mediation Beyond Borders: The Aftermath of an Evening with Ken Cloke

2010-11-15T17:20:00.001-05:00

Tuesday night, November the 9th, at the University of Baltimore brought a lot of mediators beyond borders and Conflict Management students together for an evening with Ken Cloke. Louise Phipps Senft was there to attend, take notes and ask questions.

In just a little bit over an hour, Mr. Cloke walked his audience through feelings of guilt for being part of an irresponsible capitalist, consumerist, warfare society to feelings of absolution for being part of the conflict resolution community. The attendants cringed with insecurities and confusion, and felt relieved when they were told that they can contribute to saving the world, merely by changing one's perception of conflict in a mediation session.

Political, economic and social institutions were discredited for their ability to perpetuate conflict by maintaining in place a hierarchical structure of inequalities and competition that goes beyond the scope of mediation. Moreover, Prof. Cloke argued that these chronic conflicts also perpetuate environmental conflicts, as they bring military force and political regulations to support a continuous chase for resources that is justified through a political discourse that involves using generally accepted truths, usually based on moral principles and democratic values. By tolerating this type of speech, and validating it through the election process, people also validate a political system of autocracy, according to the power-based approach, in which citizens are disempowered. People in these types of societies thus appeal to a system of law to have the power balance reestablished, and this is where mediators have a way of stepping in and educating people about how to handle conflict.

The message is simple: the mediator is an educator of people, who has the ability to change humanity’s perspective and better the world, allowing for evolution.

How can this be possible? Prof. Cloke gave multiple solutions that are somewhat interdependent. The first resides in personal capacity for change - increasing awareness and responsibility; the second option lies in the capacity for change at the interpersonal level - promoting equality in relationships; the third is related to environmental change, and the last solution addresses changes in the systems in place in society.

Louise Phipps Senft further addressed these statements by making a point about the generally accepted values and principles behind them, and asked Prof. Cloke if these types of statements are not mimicking the contemporaneous political discourse and if mediators should employ them further. The answer came to contradict the previous point made, as Prof. Cloke argued that there are no generally valid truths about how to design and live life.

He than labeled his arguments as "revolutionary", and if you consider some of the social and socialist recommendations mentioned, it could fall into that category.

The ability for self-improvement and capacity for change are topics addressed in discourses by the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, as well as the democratic concept of equality. This makes justice to the use of the term “revolution”, which finds its etymology in the verb “to revolve” – to come around, thus dismissing the scope of change. The term revolution however, traditionally implies rupture with more traditional perspectives, a message that mediators – with or without borders – do not want to be associated with. Mediators are by definition neutrals that leave the parties the power to decide over outcome and its terms.

Therefore mediation should not be the vehicle for change, but merely the process facilitating a discussion around it. Engaging in this conversation however should be a task handled by revolutionaries.

At the end of the night, some of my take away messages were:

1. Mediators can help save the world, by facilitating dialogue around evolution and reinvention of social and political institutions;

2. A wonderful quote by Pablo Casals: “Love of one’s country is a beautiful thing but why should it stop at the border.”

The latter, I thought honored the presence of the MBB public that have taken their efforts and resources to other parts of the world, and that have come to the University of Baltimore to bring us their message of strive for personal and global improvement.

Please feel free to share your opinions about this event and others.

ACR names Louise Phipps Senft as the first Approved Continuing Education Trainer

2010-11-05T17:03:00.001-04:00

     For quality assurance concerns, and to ensure that the mediation process is still something true to its core principles and practices, the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) has come up with the Approved Continuing Education Trainer (ACET) certification. This certificate is meant to qualify experts in the field to provide trainings for practitioners to maintain their advanced status.

     The ACR Family Section training committee has granted Louise Phipps Senft the status as an Approved Continuing Education Trainer. Baltimore Mediation is proud to announce that Ms. Senft is the first person to achieve this status, continuing the tradition of pioneering practices in the field of conflict transformation and ADR.

     The Association approves 30 hour of family mediation trainings and 40 hour divorce mediation trainings, two areas in which Ms. Senft and Baltimore Mediation are dealing with on a daily basis.
     In fact, Ms. Senft is already organizing a training session at the beginning of next year, tackling issues of custody, visitation, child support, and marital interactions. The training, which will be a 20 hour certificated one, will take place from January 19th to January 21st, and will emphasize parenting plans, domestic violence concerns, and psychological matters to consider in mediation.

     For more information regarding this training opportunity, please contact our office at 443-524-0833, or visit our website http://www.baltimoremediation.com/

"Transformative Mediation: An approach worth knowing" in Canada

2010-11-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

     In an increasingly globalizing society, the possibilities for conflict also increase. As nations and groups realize the threat globalization poses, they become more and more concerned with the issue of preserving identity.
     In this context, foreseeing and preventing conflicts from erupting and escalading, has become a priority on the legislative agenda of many countries, as we see it now in Europe. Some other nations however, have chosen to implement it directly by training their lawyers and judges, and designing mediation services directly through their Bar Associations, as it's the case in Canada.

     Baltimore Mediation's former trainee and attorney, John Peter Weldon, has taken some of our learning to Canada, trying to make a shift from the evaluative process in place there to the transformative model. The Quebec Bar Journal has interviewed Mr. Weldon on September 3rd about the key aspects in transformative mediation. "In American jargon, the expression going postal, means reacting violently in the workplace, in an incontrollable rage. This finds its origins in about twenty deadly shootings that took place between 1986 and 1997, at USPS. Angered employees have shot their supervisors, colleagues, and members of public, killing almost 40 people. Since 1994, a mediation pilot-project was installed in the workplace for remedying this disastrous situation with the twentieth largest employer in the United States. Seeking to amiably settle the numerous discrimination and harassment complaints, but mostly to increase competences in employee communication and to improve workplace environment, USPS turned toward the transformative mediation model developed by Baruch Bush and Joseph Folger" said Mr. Weldon. He also explains how this model managed not only to settle the conflicts within USPS, but also to create a pattern for respectful communication and understanding. This further encouraged the mediator and attorney from Quebec, to implement this model in workplace mediations, after working within this frame only in family cases, for fifteen years.

     In the interview, Mr. Weldon also goes over basic transformative mediation principles, and he says about participants: “They feel like powerless victims and they have the tendency to view the other like the incarnation of evil. According to the new model, the mediator helps the parties change the nature of their conflict interaction, and reinforce their feelings of personal competence. He also invites them to progressively take into account the other’s point of view. In doing this, he scrupulously applies the principle of auto determination, according to which the parties are the ones that remain in control not only of the content, but also of the following paths.”

     About the transformative mediators’ ethical conduct, Mr. Weldon also makes an important commentary: “Even the most experienced mediators have to un-learn their own patterns, and refrain certain reflexes acquired!” Mr. Weldon refers here to the fact that a transformative mediator has to suspend judgment and let the parties design their own communication pattern to attain recognition and understanding of themselves and of the other. He concludes: “When parties feel understood, the agreement comes naturally.”

For a complete article, go to http://www.johnpeterweldon.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/201009.pdf.

Louise Phipps Senft to Attend the Network 2000's Women of Excellence Luncheon

2010-11-03T11:11:00.003-04:00

     On the heels of the mid-term elections, Baltimore will host another historic event, with significance both for the business environment and the political world - the Women of Excellence Luncheon. The event is organized each year by the Network 2000, a nonprofit organization aiming at advancing women in leadership roles and honoring those that have acquired outstanding achievements.
      Recognized as one of Maryland's strong personalities with an extensive business experience, Louise Phipps Senft, also member of Network 2000, is among those invited to attend.
      Ms. Senft, founder and CEO of Baltimore Mediation, and Megan Burnett, her assistant, will be there to answer your questions and gain insight in your business. The purpose is to help businesspeople network and establish partnerships, while also promoting knowledge and awareness of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.
     The 17th Annual of the Women of Excellence Luncheon will take place tomorrow, November 4th, at the Marriott Waterfront in Harbor East. The event will feature speaker Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control for the UN World Health Organization, and former US Ambassador to the Hungarian Republic. Following her tradition of representing US interests, Ambassador Brinker will this time speak for all the executive women that serve as role models and mentors, further encouraging the placement of women on corporate and nonprofit boards and promoting their role in educating the public on the benefits of having female leadership.

Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Featured Speaker Women of Excellence Luncheon

The event previously had influential people as presenters and thus managed to get a lot of media, business and political buzz. Among its keynote speakers were Marilyn Tam, President of Reebok Apparel and VP of Nike, Jehan Sadat, former First lady of Egypt, Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State, and Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the UK.
For more information, please access the Network 2000 website www.network2000md.org/women_of_excellence

"Alright, Go Vote!"

2010-11-02T16:29:00.001-04:00

This are actually Louise Phipps Senft's words, as she gets off the phone with one of her peers.
In alignment with the unifying tone given by elections, the day in the Baltimore Mediation office started with "I voted" stickers and a team meeting.
Louise Phipps Senft shared some of her thoughts on the elections with us:
"My hope is in a new quality of interaction that our elected officials may embrace. Elections always brings opportunities buoyed up by hope and optimism that people have when voting. Here we are, celebrating the democracy in which we live! I believe we can help Maryland's leaders and our federal officers shape thoughtful, meaningful rhetoric. We can also refuse to buy into, engage in, or add to bashing and belittling of others that only skirts real issues that are much more important and worthy of dialogue."
Ms. Senft's ideal is that the voting opportunity should motivate Marylanders, and citizens in general, into drafting a unifying discourse in which national and state interests become the priority beyond political nuances and party agendas.
Ms. Senft is also walking the talk, as she generally teaches people to move from positions into drafting mutually acceptable and satisfactory agreements, something that politicians have an opportunity to show more interest in.

Association of Enneagram Teachers in the Narrative Tradition 2010 Conference. Baltimore Mediation Announces Summer 2011 Enneagram Workshops

2010-11-01T17:07:00.000-04:00

       Each year the international Association of Enneagram Teachers meets to discuss new learning points, share experiences and re-connect with their inner selves in a way in which they can improve their self-awareness and sharpen their teaching for others. This year, the conference was held in Ashville, NC, at the Montreat Conference Center, in the Smokey Mountains, offering the perfect setting for the Enneagram community to better explore the spiritual side of the narrative tradition.
      Louise Phipps Senft was there to attend and share her own reflections with practitioners in the field and to work with other teachers and Cynthia Bourgeault. Ms. Bourgeault is a retreat and conference leader, teacher of contemplation, Principal Teacher for the Contemplative Society, author of 6 books, and Episcopal priest.

     Mrs. Senft is a strong supporter of the Association of Enneagram and a dedicated member.

     In fact, if you ever walked into her office you probably saw the pile of The Essential Enneagram books by David Daniels and Virginia Price, and the couple dozen or so books about the Enneagram from all traditions – Cabbala, Christianity, Buddhist, workplace, parenting etc. For Ms. Senft, using the Enneagram for mapping personality and increasing self awareness is a necessary way for all people to become more fully conscious. To mediators, Ms. Senft has pioneered the incorporation of an understanding of the Enneagram as a method for observing one’s strategies for coping and creating one’s own pattern for further development. Such understanding also helps a mediator or facilitator with leading difficult conversations so that they are full bodied dialogues with higher quality decision making.

Ms. Senft is also working on putting together an Enneagram Workshop through the Baltimore Mediation office, starting in June 2011 through September 2011. The working seminar, entitled “Conflict Transformation and Self Awareness: The Enneagram as Catalyst” will aim at teaching people methods to reduce their own reactivity when in conflict and to engage more effectively in disputes. The workshops will explore the nine personality types and will help participants to better identify and understand themselves, in order to become better conflict transformation practitioners.

For more information, please contact Baltimore Mediation office at 443-524-0833, or visit www.baltimoremediation.com.

Baltimore Mediation Announces a New Publication in the Field: Transformative Mediation: A Sourcebook

2010-11-01T14:56:00.002-04:00

     Louise Phipps Senft and Nancy Good have recently published a chapter on marital mediation in Transformative Mediation: A Sourcebook, a compilation of materials on various aspects and types of mediation, edited by Joseph P. Folger, Robert A. Baruch Bush, and Dorothy J. Della Noce.

      The book, co-published by the Association for Conflict Resolution and the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, is available online at http://www.hofstralawit.org/transformativemediation/ and has received positive reviews from experts in the field. Its twenty-two chapters take the reader from the premises, principles and basic practices of mediation through its application settings, and to mediation’s “past challenges and future prospects.” In exploring the courts and the community, the family and the organizations’ settings, the authors try to address questions of theory, the justice system, transformative ideology, relational and multi-party approaches.

     Incorporated into the Second Part of the Sourcebook, in the Family section, Louise Phipps Senft and Nancy Good’s work about “Marital Mediation: Transforming Marital Conflict through Facilitated Dialogue” covers much of the family dynamics we experience on a daily basis while seeking to explain the underlying reasons behind behaviors and thus to offer insight into conflict transformation techniques.

    We hope that this will provide all practitioners and prospective practitioners in the field with a useful toolbox for understanding and applying conflict transformation skills to their own particular cases.

    Baltimore Mediation in partnership with the editors, Joseph P. Folger, Robert A. Baruch Bush, and Dorothy J. Della Noce, wishes you a pleasant reading!

What do you wear on Halloween?

2010-10-30T22:14:00.001-04:00

All Hallows Day, or All Saints Day was a Catholic holiday celebrating Christian martyrs, which the Catholic Church moved from May to 1st first in order to overlap with the day the Druids were celebrating their dead. Their goal was to convert them to Catholicism, by changing their religious traditions. In time people have come to mix the two traditions and celebrate all spirits in the Eve of All Hallows Day. In the Celtic tradition however, evil spirits were scared away by villagers dressed up in costumes, by lighting fires and making noises all night. Over years this turned into a fun activity that we now know as Halloween. Also, the practice of trick and treat appeared from the Christian tradition of offering food to people, who in turn had to say a prayer in the memory of the donor's dead relatives.

How can this relate to conflict resolution? The answer might not be obvious, but it gives one the chance to be creative.

Embracing what scares us, making fun of and with it, and dressing up as something frightful, overall can be relevant to our own conflict style. Sometimes in a dispute, we learn to overcome our fears, and it all resumes to wearing the other person's "costume". We do it to understand his or her perspective, to feel its weight and lighten the burden. Once we wore the costume, even though "scary", we can have fun with the issues involved in the dispute. We can be creative and generous, and we can offer the other person a "treat". The process is reciprocal, because it involves a transformation of conflict, and not a resolution.

While it all sounds simple, people need the occasion to do it. They will not commonly engage in conflict transformation, but will seek a "holiday" to do it. At times this can be a unifying family activity, a team building experience, or simply designing a communication strategy for an organization. Often though we need someone, a mediator, who can design the perfect "holiday" for our own type of conflict; someone who can provide us with the perfect setting in which we can release all that it's frightful in us, in which we can share all of our fears and wear all of our masks. A mediator will also help us exchange "costumes", perspectives, reasons, fears and responsibilities, so that in the end we can all have fun, and end up with a win-win.

Happy HalloWin!

by Diana

Evening With Ken Cloke. We are coming! Are you?

2010-10-29T15:29:00.001-04:00

What is our responsibility as global citizens for the social, economic, political and environmental conflicts occurring in the world around us? How can we apply conflict resolution principles to the inequalities, inequities and dysfunctions that fuel them? Is it possible to assist people around the world in resolving conflicts, communicating and mediating across borders, eliminating the chronic sources of conflict, and to redesign global institutions, organizations, processes and practices so as to prevent their continual reoccurrence? And how do we do so without recreating the very problems we seek to solve?

All these question will be addressed by Ken Cloke, a brilliant leader in the conflict resolution field with a rich background of experience and accomplishments. Bring your questions and participate in a lively discussion with Ken.

Ken Cloke is the Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution, President and Co-Founder of Mediators Beyond Borders, a wonderful mediator, arbitrator, attorney, coach, consultant and trainer. For more info on Ken visit http://www.kennethcloke.com/.
The event will take place Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at the University of Baltimore's Student Center, in the Performing Arts Theater (5th Floor), 21 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201

Refreshments 6:30 p.m.
Program 7-9 p.m.
Admission is free

Sponsored by:

The Mediation & Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) & The Negotiations and Conflict Management Program University of Baltimore

FUNDAMENTAL MEDIATION AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION SKILLS TRAINING

2010-10-29T15:10:00.000-04:00

Baltimore Mediation is pleased to announce a 40-hour certificated course open to the public in fundamental mediations skills.

9:00am-5:30pm

Monday, December 13, 2010 - Friday, December 17, 2010

Gramercy Mansion Carriage House

1400 Greenspring Valley Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21153

• Our training was selected for the national pilot program headed by renowned authors in the mediation field, Baruch Bush and Joseph Folger, The Promise of Mediation, 1995 and 2005, and was part of the national Transformative Mediation Project for trainings across the country and is affiliated with the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation.
• We were the first mediators in Maryland to offer basic, domestic and advanced mediation training from the transformative approach
• Our expert trainers have over 50 years of combined mediation and training experience

We will focus on:
• Understanding theory and practice as mediators, shapers of policy and academics: the mediation process and your own type and style
• Understanding the broad array of issues involved in mediation
• Hands-on conflict intervention skills necessary to mediate disputes
• Understand the nature of conflict and what you can do to transform difficult situations
• Individual feedback from trainers addressing participants’ specific strengths and areas for continued development and excellence

A certificate noting 40 hours of attendance will be provided at the end of training, which is nationally approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution, is recognized by the Federal Shared Neutrals Program, and may satisfy the requirements of such state entities as the Maryland Circuit Courts, the MACRO Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence, and the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. It may be used to apply for state circuit court rosters of approved mediators and for continuing education credits from the participant's accrediting institution.

Your trainers will be Louise Phipps Senft, CEO and Founder of Baltimore Mediation, and Beverly Hovmand, LCSW and mediator.
Hope to see you all there!
Contact Megan Burnett for more info @ 443-524-0833.

Cost is $1395 and includes materials & light meals. Please make checks payable to Baltimore Mediation. Limited enrollment. Credit cards accepted. To guarantee your reservation, Reservation Form and payment must be received by December 5, 2010.

Personal Conflict -- Workplace

2010-02-24T07:59:00.002-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me how most of my training and so much brain power tends to leave me as the vessel when the conflict is personal. Not always, thankfully. Often on those days where I'm just trying to get too much done. Curiously, the more petty the conflict, the more I lack (internal) composure. The larger the conflict, the more composed I remain. In realizing this about myself, a trained professional, I realized how frustrating the day-to-day ins and outs of the workplace must be to someone who has no idea the toll misinformation, neglect, and disrespect take on a person.
Now, I'm not talking about throwing chairs because someone gets sassy at a meeting and then calmly asking an open-ended question if I lose a client due to a preventable act. I'm referencing more the thoughts that run through my head, my personal, internal experience of shock and self-talk. Sometimes even the need to tell others of my perceptions. Although, when a major conflict arises or is brewing, I tend to keep it in. Quite the contrary to my teaching and preaching. Why is that you ask? Because I think I can handle the big ones and soon, if not now, will understand all motivation and behavior forgoing the need to discuss it.
Well, what a waste of energy. We have found offices that deal with what I'll call the day-to-day conflicts in creative ways. They may have a buzz word for their staff, or role plays in team meetings exaggerating behaviors, or even a weekly session with an external mediator to help facilitate dialogue. Whatever their course of action, the point is they take action. This actions saves time and precious resources that can then actually be productive instead of wearing out the carpet at the water cooler.
As we know, "talking it out" usually alleviates a lot of stress. Imagine what "writing it out" will do! I'm looking forward to hearing my self-talk in March. Monica

February 20 Hr. Training

2010-02-07T07:45:00.004-05:00

Baltimore Mediation would like to invite you to our 20 hour Mediation Skills Training focusing on Ethical and Legal Issues.

The training begins at 5:00 p.m. on February 24th and goes through Friday at 5:30 p.m. Our trainings are dynamic and participants often leave revived. Our relational approach is based in strong theory and philosophy that resonates with people.

We would be excited to speak with anyone who has questions regarding content or where to go next with their goals in developing their skills.

40-Hour Fundamental Mediation Skills Training

2009-11-27T14:45:00.006-05:00

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, and we are grateful for our many blessings. The holiday season has arrived, and with it can come stress, conflict, and uncertainty. If you would like to learn how to better resolve family and workplace conflicts, or have been considering a career as a mediator, then Baltimore Mediation has an upcoming training course for you.

What: 40-Hour Fundamental Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills Training
When: December 14-18, 2009, daily from 9am-5:30pm
Where: The Gramercy Mansion Carriage House at 1400 Greenspring Valley Road, Baltimore, MD 21153
Cost: $1395, including meals and materials

This 40-hour course offers practical training in mediation and conflict resolution skills, all the from transformative approach. Louise Phipps Senft, an attorney mediator, has trained thousands of people, from individuals looking to enter the mediation field, to corporate entities and government agencies. For seventeen years, Baltimore Mediation has been a leader in the field of transformative mediation and training. Louise and her co-trainer Beverly Hovmand, LCSW, teach mediation and conflict transformation theory, as well as hands-on conflict intervention skills necessary to mediate disputes. Trainers give individual feedback to address participants' specific strengths and areas for continued development and excellence.

This course will provide theoretical frameworks and practical experience to participants to ensure successful conflict resolution in any area. Call the Baltimore Mediation office at 443-524-0833 to reserve your space. Or make your reservation online at our website, www.baltimoremediation.com.

International Peace Day

2009-09-28T15:19:00.006-04:00

In honor of International Peace Day, Ambassador John W. McDonald was invited to speak on his experiences as well as current events in the Middle East. Louise hosted over eighty people from all walks of life interested in peace as advocates, mediators, lawyers, activists, educators, law students, and media, including writers and newspaper/magazine editors. Ambassador McDonald's message, which was recounted in a storytelling fashion for almost an hour and a half, highlighted the notion that Americans should guard against our tendencies toward arrogance, poor listening skills ,and impatience. Peace and negotiation are about relationship-building, and successful interactions can take time to achieve. There was an obvious relational approach to the Ambassador's teachings and stories.

The event was a great success, and we are looking forward to our next opportunity to spread the word on how you and others are transforming conflict, one relationship at a time.

Tune in Tonight for Elder Care Mediation Series

2009-09-02T10:55:00.003-04:00

Tonight on BlogTalkRadio, Louise will be a guest on the internet radio show "Texas Conflict Coach." The hour-long program airs at 7:30pm on September 2, 2009.

To listen to the podcast, go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/texas-conflict-coach/.

Call in with questions or comments for Louise at (347) 324-3591.

Episode description from "Texas Conflict Coach":

This is the 3rd episode in the Elder Care Series. Families today are assuming responsibility for the informal care of over 75 percent of elderly family members. These families often face difficult decisions and a bewildering array of choices, e.g. estate planning, financial issues, and guardianship...With the help of a trained professional mediator, family members can share information and perspectives, explore and evaluate options, and develop workable solutions through a process that promotes open and positive communication. The mediator is remains neutral, believing that each family is unique and knows the solutions that will work best for them. For families in conflict or those who simply need guidance through a transition, eldercare mediation offers a process which can reduce stress and prevent a family crisis.

International Peace Day Celebration Invitation

2009-09-01T13:47:00.003-04:00

As a founding member of Mediators Beyond Borders (MBB), Louise is honored to present Ambassador John McDonald, internationally renowned peacemaker & master storyteller, at MBB's International Peace Day Celebration. Ambassador John McDonald will discuss his extraordinary ongoing peace work in the Middle East, Africa and Kashmir.

What: International Peace Day Celebration, with refreshments
When: Monday, September 21, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Where: Roland Park, at the home of Louise Phipps Senft, MBB Training Committee Chair

Also learn about MBB's projects working: to build a Jewish/Arab co-mediation service, to repatriate former child soldiers to Liberia, with community members in the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans, with Somali-Bantu refugees in Pittsburgh and more. Come learn how you can help.

Please RSVP to the Baltimore Mediation office at 443-524-0833 or louise@baltimoremediation.com.

Ambassador John W. McDonald is a world famous peacemaker, who spent twenty years of his diplomatic career in Western Europe and the Middle East, and worked for sixteen years on a variety of United Nations missions around the world. He is currently the President and CEO of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy (IMTD), in Washington D.C., a nonprofit organization that focuses on national and international ethnic conflicts. He was a senior adviser to George Mason University’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and was president of the Iowa Peace Institute. Through IMTD, he has worked on creative conflict-transformation projects in Cyprus, Israel-Palestine, Georgia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Great Lakes region of East Africa, Liberia, Nepal, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Libya, India, Pakistan and Kashmir, and with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. He is also involved in drinking-water and sanitation issues, noting the deep relationship between access to water and peace. Ambassador McDonald is an esteemed member of the Mediators Beyond Borders’ International Advisory Board.

Mediators Beyond Borders is a 501 C3 organization of skilled volunteer conflict resolvers who make long-term commitments to help grassroots groups in troubled locales build sustainable conflict resolution capacity. Meet MBB Board members Rachel Wohl and Deborah Laufer, and the members of MBB's MD/DC/N.VA Regional Chapter. For more information, visit the website at www.mediatorsbeyondborders.org.

Basic Mediation Skills 1: June 24-26

2009-06-02T15:41:00.002-04:00

Hi All,

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer and got a chance to read Louise's article in the post below. We are gearing up for our next training and have a few slots remaining. Below is a link to information about the training. For new mediators - this is a perfect place to start in our series of 3 basic trainings. For experience mediators - this is a great class for continuing to develop your mediation skills and learning more about your own personal reactivity when mediating.

http://baltimoremediation.com/tw_20b_basic1.php

Recent Publication - Vocational Truthfulness

2009-05-29T15:29:00.002-04:00

We are happy to announce that ACResolution's Spring 2009 Edition published an article, "Vocational Truthfulness: Having the Courage to Discover Deeper Meaning in Our Work," written by Louise Phipps Senft and Michael John Aloi. It is an excellent article about the wonders of finding truth in the work we do and how one goes about finding meaning in his or her work.

Please read the article here.

Wishing you all well and hope your summers are off to a great start.

Elder Mediation Gets Publicity

2009-04-16T09:47:00.006-04:00

Elder Mediation has been getting some well deserved and much needed press recently. As curiosity about the process grows, radio shows have approached mediators to get the scoop on elder mediation.

On March 26th, Louise participated on a panel on a Denver radio show called "How on Earth." Also on the panel were Martha Ridgway, an elder law attorney/mediator, and Debbie Reinberg, a geriatriccase manager/mediator. Click here to listen.

Also, April 13th, on NPR Radio "Morning Edition" Rikk Larsen, an elder mediator and partner at Elder Decisions in Massachusetts, Bob Rhudy, an attorney and mediator in Maryland, and Penny Hommel of The Center for Social Gerontology in Michigan discussed Elder Mediation. Click here to listen.

These are exciting times for the growing field. For more information about the Elder Mediation with Baltimore Mediation, click here.

Louise to be inducted into the Circle of Excellence for Maryland's Top 100 Women

2009-03-25T16:34:00.002-04:00

Press Release

March 25, 2009

LOUISE PHIPPS SENFT TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE FOR MARYLAND’S TOP 100 WOMEN

Baltimore, Maryland (March 25, 2009) – Louise Phipps Senft, President and CEO of Louise Phipps Senft & Associates/Baltimore Mediation, has been named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and selected as an inductee into the 2009 Circle of Excellence for sustained achievement. This is the third time Senft has been chosen as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. She was also recognized in 2004 and 2007. Senft will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Meyerhoff on May 11th, 2009.

Maryland’s Top 100 Women Award recognizes high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring. Senft is known nationally for her elicitive design and delivery of conflict resolution and transformation skills training and mediation for professionals, court systems, companies, contractors, real estate management firms, hospitals, assisted living facilities, higher education and government agencies. Ms. Senft, also an attorney, has provided mediation and facilitation services to thousands of individuals in divorce, employment, business, closely held family businesses, trusts and estates and civil litigation. She is also on faculty at the University of Maryland School of Law and Harvard Law School’s Global Negotiation Insight Initiative.

Senft’s dedication and active involvement in the mediation field is evidenced by her work as Co-Chair of the Baltimore City Bar Association’s first ADR Committee, appointment by Chief Judge Bell to the Maryland Court of Appeals’ ADR Commission and the task force on Professional Responsibility in ADR, leadership as co-architect of the state’s mediator grievance process and role as a past President of the Maryland Council for Dispute Resolution.

The Circle of Excellence Award is given to a select group of women who have demonstrated a continued proactive involvement in leadership, community service and mentoring. As a resident of Roland Park, Senft is an active member of her community. She is Vice President of the Roland Park Civic League whose recent focus is on the preservation of historic green space in Baltimore City as well as the monitoring of other land developments. She is currently an elected member and serves as Treasurer on the executive board of Network 2000 whose mission is to place women on corporate boards and mentor rising female executives, is an elected board member for the Coalition of Geriatric Services in Maryland, and is a founding member of the Tuesday Girls whose mission is to provide peer to peer networking opportunities for women executives and business owners. She has been selected to be part of the 2010 class for Leadership Maryland.

Louise Phipps Senft & Associates/Baltimore Mediation was established in 1993. For over a decade, the members of the Baltimore Mediation team have been in the day-to-day business of mediating interpersonal and multi-party disputes and facilitating divergent group dialogue, as well as training and mentoring some of the best mediators in the state of Maryland.

Keswick withdraws Bid for BCC Property

2009-03-18T11:19:00.007-04:00

Happy first day of Spring! Good news for Baltimore City green space.

After much debate and hard work by Roland Park community members, Keswick Multi-Care Center has removed its bid to purchase Baltimore Country Club property in Roland Park. Keswick withdrew its bid reportedly because Baltimore City public officials told Keswick they would not introduce legislation to change the zoning of the property.

http://www.mddailyrecord.com/article.cfm?id=10997&type=UTTM

The removal of this bid ensures, for now, that this Roland Park property will remain green space.

Workplace Training and Upcoming Enneagram Trainings

2009-03-13T14:13:00.004-04:00

This week we had our first public 20-Hour Workplace Mediation Skills Training and it was a major success. We enjoyed our time with our very insightful participants and look forward to our next workplace training. If you missed this one, we also organize private 20-Hour workplace trainings.

We are pleased to announce that we will offer four Enneagram Self-Awareness 8-Hour trainings. The topics and dates are below.

April 8, 2009 - 8 Hour
The Enneagram and Conflict: Transforming
Your Own and Others. Responses

May 19, 2009 - 8 Hour
The Enneagram and Relationships: Reducing
Conflict and Enhancing Understanding

July 21, 2009 - 8 Hour
The Enneagram and How to Interface with
the World and Each Other

September 22, 2009 - 8 Hour
The Enneagram at Work: Managing Yourself
and Others

We also have an upcoming 20-Hour Conflict Transformation and the Enneagram Training:

June 17-19, 2009 - 20 Hour
Basic Mediation Skills Training
Mediator Self-Awareness and Third Party
Intervention: The Enneagram as a Catalyst

Ethical Dilemmas - Developing Your Mediator Philosophy

2009-02-06T10:13:00.005-05:00

Situations raising ethical issues occur without warning. We do not have a warning bell or a voice that tells us, "In 15 seconds you will get an ethics problem." This makes it essential that mediators not only know and understand Mediator Standards of Practice and the Maryland Rules, but also adopt a personal mediation philosophy, in order to be able to respond to ethical questions as they arise.

Are you able to quickly respond when ethical questions arise? What is your personal mediation philosophy?

Consider the following example. During a mediation the parties turn to you and, in desperation, ask, "What should we do, or what do you think we should do?"

My personal mediator philosophy as well as the Ethical Standard of Party Self-Determination, say it is far better for the parties to develop their own solutions than for me to tell them what action to take or to make a decision for them. I believe making one’s own decisions provides a sense of self worth and a good foundation for the parties to inter-relate better in future conflicts.

It is often helpful if parties can see the issues they are facing and break the problem into manageable pieces instead of trying to come up with a big global solution. My focus on preserving the parties’ self-determination and helping them to get unstuck often leads to their best decision making.

The dilemma is that the parties need help and often do not know what to do. How would you respond? How does your training and mediator philosophy affect how you proceed? As a transformative mediator, I would:

- Remind the parties that I am not the one to make decisions for them, but tell them I am here to assist them in making the most informed decision they can
- Ask them to look at the various goals and needs that have surfaced from their discussions
- Ask them to decide which needs and goals are most important or would be best to deal with right now
- And, ask them if they didn’t deal with these issues now, what might be the next steps or consequences

There are many solutions to this ethical dilemma and different mediators would proceed differently. The key is to know the ethical standards, know the laws in your state, and develop your own personal mediation philosophy so you will be able to address ethical issues swiftly and appropriately.

For more information or to learn more about Mediator Ethics, check out our website http://www.baltimoremediation.com/ and our upcoming Mediation Skills Training: Focusing on Legal and Ethical Issues here.

Wishing you all well,
Louise

Training Starts Tomorrow

2009-01-27T15:41:00.004-05:00

With a wonderfully light snow today, we are ready to welcome our next group of trainees tomorrow evening. The training is a 20-Hour Advanced Mediation and Conflict Transformation Course, focusing on Child Custody, Visitation, and Child Support.

For those of you who you are unable to attend this training our next two trainings are:

TRANSFORMATIVE MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING: FOCUSING ON LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
20-Hour Certificated Course
February 25-27, 2009
Gramercy Mansion, Baltimore
Register: www.baltimoremediation.com/tw_20b_basic3.php

This training offers a variety of experiences including skill exercises, role plays, mediation demonstrations, individual feedback from coaches, and instruction on topics including:
- Ethics and the Mediator
- Legal Issues in Mediation
- Transformative Approach to Mediation - Communication Skills and Transformative How-To's
- Supporting Party Empowerment and Inter-Party Recognition
- Conflict Theory

WORKPLACE CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING
20-Hour Certificated Course
March 10-12, 2009
Gramercy Mansion, Baltimore
Register: www.baltimoremediation.com/tw_20a_workplace.php

This training offers a variety of experiences including skill exercises, role plays, mediation demonstrations, individual feedback from coaches, and instruction on topics including:
- Conflict Transformation and Communication Skills How To's
- Mediating for Co-Workers, Union Reps, and Management
- EEO Law
- Civil Rights Law
- Relational Approach to Negotiation
- Conflict Theory
- Transforming Difficult Workplace Situations

Wishing all well and looking forward to meeting our new trainees tomorrow.

Best,
Louise

Conflict Transformation: Small Steps towards Big Change

2009-01-21T15:40:00.002-05:00

Right now, right here in the United States and here in Baltimore, is a time in history with great opportunity and possibility. If change is what our country wants and if change is indeed what our country needs, then how do we make it happen?

Much of the country is uplifted by words of hope from our new President, but, we also know that in the past, hopes and unity have been left unfulfilled and broken. The people of our nation know that speeches alone cannot lead to lasting change. And that short-lived unity and kindness can be just that – short-lived. To effectuate real, lasting change there must be leadership with a vision and dedication from the people to advance, to grow, and to change.

Change does not happen automatically and does not happen without effort and dedication. What we can do today, in the now, is start to make positive movements in our lives towards change.

As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The transformative concepts of empowerment and recognition that we apply to mediation and facilitation can be applied to everyday living and to effectuating change. Imagine if in conversation with someone whose views differ from yours, you offer him or her recognition of what they are telling you. Instead of first offering your point of view, you listen and truly seek to understand the other. You acknowledge your colleague’s opinion as valid and true to him. You may not agree, but you care enough to listen and to engage.

Imagine too if you, while engaging the other, also empower yourself. You have strength in your views and you do not shy from expressing them, even when it may be uncomfortable or may cause a ripple in the conversation. As you are able to offer recognition to another, perhaps he or she will be able to also see your point of view.

As we try new things, it will be important to acknowledge that change takes time, and we must not give up if we face failure. There will be times when efforts to use empowerment and recognition go unrecognized by the other, but not often. Recognition, empowerment, and engagement are powerful in and of themselves. If we can know that we have accomplished a powerful task by listening differently and by attempting to engage, then we can continue movement in a positive direction.

Right now, there is opportunity for people to unite and find connection in shared purpose and values. While large scale change is necessary, change begins in relationships and conversations. With dialogue and communication, there could be vast opportunities for transformation around the globe and here at home in the United States.

There are relationships to mend and nurture. There is graciousness and appreciation to be extended to the past. There is the opportunity to focus on people and care for one another for the future. And now is the time. Start today with empowerment of self and recognition of other.

Baltimore Mediation Welcomes Associate Julia Messick, Esq.

2009-01-06T16:35:00.008-05:00

I'd like to share with you a recent announcement about our new associate Julia Messick. I would wecome any feedback and look forward to you getting to know Julia, who is a very capable young mediator.

Baltimore Mediation would like to introduce Julia Messick as an associate of Louise Phipps Senft & Associates/BALTIMORE MEDIATION. In her new position, Messick will serve as a mediator and conflict resolution trainer for the firm. She will also provide divorce and workplace mediation and assist with business development for the firm’s family and organizational clients.

Messick’s first assignment was to lead a conflict transformation training, attended by youth from around the globe, for the United Nations Youth Assembly Leadership Seminar.

She has also worked for Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Loyola College.

A graduate of the University of Maryland College Park, Messick earned her M.S. degree in Psychology from Loyola College and her J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore. She is certificated in mediation by the National Institute for Conflict Resolution and Louise Phipps Senft & Associates.

Messick, a resident of Federal Hill, has volunteered as a counselor at Mercy Hospital and as a youth group leader at Woods Church in Severna Park, Maryland. She is also a volunteer for the S.T.A.R.S. program at Severna Park High School.

Since its founding in 1993, Louise Phipps Senft & Associates/BALTIMORE MEDIATION has resolved more than 2,000 family and organizational conflicts using Transformative Mediation, an innovative, interaction-focused approach through which the mediator acts as a neutral facilitator for informed decision making. More information can be found at http://www.baltimoremediation.com/.

We are so glad to have Julia on board. Please join us in welcoming her.

Best,
Louise Phipps Senft

Conflict Transformation Skills Offer Help in Stressful Situations

2008-12-19T16:16:00.015-05:00

Today's economy is impacting almost everyone. The stress and strain of everyday life is heightened with financial fears many of us are experiencing. Conflict transformation skills are life skills which are as important now as ever before. The mediation skills that we teach are helping people deal with these difficult times both at work and at home. When the stress of financials and lack of job security and other future issues that so many of us took for granted is so pressing, having the skills to deal with these situations in family and in work is critical. This is why we continue to offer, as well as expand, our conflict transformation skills trainings. This spring we are offering the following trainings:

January 28-30, 2009 Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills with a focus on Parenting, Custody, Visitation, and Child Support

Along with a review of the basics, this training teaches skills that are essential when dealing with conflict in domestic issues such as domestic violence, divorce, separation, child support, custody, and visitation. Also includes a special section on creating ParentingPlans: Psychological and Cognitive Issues.

February 25-27, 2009 Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills with a focus on Legal and Ethical Issues

This training seeks to foster an understanding of the ethical and legal considerations for the mediator as well as contrasting directive mediation and proactive facilitative mediation.

March 10-12, 2009 Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills with afocus on Workplace Issues

This training, with a focus on workplace interactions, prepares one to better deal with discussing conflicts and difficult issues in the workplace. There is instruction on understanding labor law and EEO programs for informal and formal complaints, protocol for how mediation works with EEOC and inhouse programs, and hands-on skills for workplace conflict and conflict transformation how-to's.

We know that being able to deal with conflict both at home and in the workplace will help all of us through these tough times. We hope you will consider joining us for one our upcoming trainings and offer our continued support as the world around us changes and we all continue to grow. I wish you all many blessings during this holiday season!

Louise's Role in the Roland Park Community Meeting

2008-12-04T14:33:00.003-05:00

Louise Phipps Senft's role as moderator at the Roland Park Civic League Community Meeting with Keswick and Baltimore Country Club was highlighted in the latest edition of the Roland Park News. Titled "Roland Park's Great Mediator," the article can be found at this link and begins on page 8 of the News. The meeting was attended by over 800 people and in the article Louise discusses her role and views about the meeting. It is an interesting read for mediators and community members alike.

You may also view the article here: http://www.rolandpark.org/foundation/documents/RPN_Winter08.pdf

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T10:56:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to friends of Baltimore Mediation and your families! May you be happy, your turkey be fat, and your bellies be full. Best wishes from your friends at Baltimore Mediation.

December 40-Hour Training

2008-11-17T10:26:00.002-05:00

Baltimore Mediation is offering a 40-Hour Fundamentals of Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Skills Training, December 8-12, 2008. This 40-Hour mediation training is designed for those who are interested in developing mediation or negotiating skills and those interested in learning more about conflict and difficult decision making from a transformative approach.

Dates: December 8-12, 2008 (Monday-Friday)
Time: 9:00am-5:30pm
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: $1395 (discounted from $1490)

- Want a broad overview of ADR and strong foundation of mediation skills?
- Interested in using conflict transformation skills at home or the office?
- Want to get on a court mediation roster? Louise Phipps Senft & Associates/Baltimore

Mediation has delivered the highest qualitymediation training for 15 years and is nationally recognizedas a leader in Conflict Transformation and Mediaiton training in the Transformative Framework. Louise Phipps Senft and the Baltimore Mediation team will provide you with a training experience consistently rated a "10" by participants. Our trainings are approved by the Maryland Circuit Courts, Federal Mediation Rosters, Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, and the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation.

To register for the 40-Hr Mediation Fundamentals click here: http://www.baltimoremediation.com/tw_trainform.php. Or, for more information please call 443-524-0833 or email office@baltimoremediaiton.com.

Wishing you well,
Louise Phipps Senft
Owner/President

Women of Excellence Luncheon

2008-11-17T10:15:00.002-05:00

On Friday, November 14, Louise and the office attended the Women of Excellence Luncheon. The speaker was Jamie McCourt, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. At the event, women and men from Baltimore and surrounding areas joined Network 2000 as the board discussed the necessity for women on boards and women in leadership in businesses and Jamie McCourt spoke on the great balancing act: working and family life were discussed. The talk was great and we are thankful to the people who joined Baltimore Mediation at this event.

October and Upcoming Trainings

2008-10-27T14:01:00.005-04:00

Louise and Nancy would like to say a special thank you to those who attended our Basic Mediation Skills Training II last week – what a success! We received good feedback from training participants, one of whom said, “I truly believe I will be able to use these skills in work and home life. The instructors were wonderful!” Some favorite parts of the training were the role-plays, Louise and Nancy's demonstration of triangling, and learning about empowerment and recognition.

With the October training just behind us, we are ready to take sign-ups for our next trainings.

Trainings for Court Mediators:
- January 28-30 we offer a 20-hour course focusing on Custody, Visitation, and Child Support. We usually require that participants have previously completed 40-hours of mediation training. Click here for more information.
- February 25-27 we offer a 20-hour Basic Mediation Skills course focusing on Legal and Ethical Issues. Click here for more information.

Trainings for Federal Government Employees, Human Resources Personnel, Business Managers, or Court Mediators:
- February 25-27 we offer a 20-hour Basic Mediation Skills course focusing on Legal and Ethical Issues. Click here for more information.
- *NEW* March 10-12 we offer a 20-hour Mediation Skills Training focusing on Workplace Issues. We usually require that participants have previously completed 40-hours of mediation training. Click here for more information.

Baltimore Mediation offers new training packages!

2008-09-26T11:07:00.002-04:00

In response to the number of inquiries about possible workplace mediation and in light of the steps needed to get on the Court Approved Mediator list in Maryland, Baltimore Mediation is excited to offer new training packages.

If you:

· want a broad overview of ADR and strong foundation in mediation skills;
· are interested in using conflict transformation skills in your home or workplace; or
· want to get on a court approved mediator roster,

one of the new packages is for you!

As those of you who have participated in training in the past have learned, and as those signing up will find out, Baltimore Mediation has delivered the highest quality mediation training for 15 years. For all those signing up, Louise Phipps Senft, nationally recognized as a leader in Conflict Transformation and Mediation training in the Transformative Framework, will provide, along with an outstanding roster of co-trainers, a training experience consistently rated a “10” by participants

“Louise presents a different way of relating to each other that empowers the individual and recognizes our potential as peacemakers in our own lives. Feel the power!”

DATES:
40 Hour Fundamental Mediation Skills Training: November 10-14, 2008
20 Hour Custody & Parenting Mediation Skills Training: January 28, 29, 30, 2009
20 Hour Workplace Mediation Skills Training: March 10, 11, 12, 2009

40 HOUR FUNDAMENTAL MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING
40 Hour Fundamental Mediation Training
Reg Price: $ 1490
Introductory Price: $ 1395

CUSTODY AND PARENTING PACKAGE
40 Hour Fundamental Mediation Training (Reg. price $1490) + 20 Hour Custody and Parenting Training (Reg. price $745)
Reg Price: $ 2235
Package Price: $ 2090

WORKPLACE PACKAGE
40 Hour Fundamental Mediation Training (Reg. price $1490) + 20 Hour Workplace Training (Reg. price $745)
Reg Price: $ 2235
Package Price: $ 2090

SPACE IS LIMITED. To Register, call 443-524-0833, email office@baltimoremediation.com, or click here and fill out a reservation form online.

We look forward to seeing eveyone!

Louise Speaks at UN Youth Assembly

2008-08-29T15:58:00.002-04:00

Last week, Louise spoke at the UN, addressing an assembly of over 600 young leaders worldwide on matters of constructive conflict engagement, how to use an elicitive approach to cultural, gender, and religious differences, how to partner with the international non-profit group Mediators Beyond Borders, of which Louise is a founding member, and how to use those mediators to assist as "communication brokers".
Louise shared stories of Mediators Beyond Borders' work in Liberian settlements rehabilitating and reintegrating child soldiers, many of whom are now adults with family of their own. Also in Liberia is a group of female lawyers focused on addressing domestic violence and child support failures while empowering women through economic self-sufficiency. In New Orleans and surrounding Mississippi, in areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, communities are attempting to rebuild through collaboration and resource brokering. Mediators Beyond Borders has new projects beginning in Jerusalem and South America as well. Through these stories, Lousie was able to convey how the human experience of conflict is hauntingly similar regardless of cultural context. Louise reflected that one complementary approach to any type of rebuilding is to restore people's strength to speak about what they need.
Capitalizing on American leadership while treading lightly on our problem-solving bravado, Louise shared a different approach, one that designs and implements programs with knowledge of the historical context and ensures current cultural relevance. This has been embraced by so many in impoverished areas, political factions and areas of economic development. Members are innovative practitioners in a multitude of settings with enormous experience in creating sustainable and self sufficient conflict resolution programs across the globe. Louise used storytelling to relate to her young audience and a real connection was made. She was given such an enthusiastic reception, we hope these youths are compelled to carry on the work of Mediators Beyond Borders in their own communities.

United Nations Youth Assembly

2008-08-13T12:04:00.000-04:00

Today, Louise will present at the United Nations Youth Assembly, at the United Nations in New York City, New York. Almost 900 youth from around the globe will be in attendance and Louise will present them with information about Mediators Beyond Borders. She will lead a panel of Beyond/Without Borders organizations including EngineersWithout Borders, Education Without Borders and Reporters Without Borders. Other presenters at the Youth Assembly include Arun Gandhi, Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Kathy Ireland, and Pete Griffin, the Manager of 'Think MTV'.

Last Thursday, Julia Messick and Nicole Davis, two associates at Baltimore Mediation, led a three hour special program at the United Nations Youth Assembly Leadership Seminar. They had a blast working with youth from around the globe, including Jordan, Puerto Rico, Austraila, Nigeria, and more. The special program Julia and Nicole led was titled "Conflict Transformation Skills Mini-Training." The young leaders had the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences with conflict and to consider alternative approaches to addressing conflict in the future. A great time was had by all.

Louise, Nicole, and Julia would like to say a special thank you to Elaine Valdov for coordinating their trainings/presentations and being a great host!

Possible Training

2008-07-18T16:28:00.000-04:00

There has been recent interest from past training participants in Baltimore Mediation providing a training focused on Workplace Conflict Resolution from the Transformative Approach. We are very excited at this prospect and would like to get some feedback from our colleagues and friends about whether you or your colleagues or clients would be interested in such a training. It would ideally be held early next year. Here is some more information about it:

Topics would include-
*How to resolve employee dissatisfaction - turning problems around before it requires EEO action.
*How to develop positive interpersonal relationships in the workplace - what works and what is appropriate when forging bonds with co-workers.
*How to bridge the generation gap - working productively and respecting colleagues of all ages.
*Understanding body language – how to read and understand the guy who uses his Blackberry as a shield and the gal that won’t talk without her arms folded tight.
*Use of defense mechanisms - breaking down the walls when things really need to get done.
*Diversity – how far we have come and what we still need to work on.

Please - if you have some helpful feedback please post a comment or respond to Anne's email.
Thanks everyone, for all the help!

Louise Steps in as Community Mediator for Roland Park

2008-07-11T14:27:00.001-04:00

July 1, 2008
St. David's Church

Protesters, many of them children, lined the streets of Roland Park, hoping for club members driving by to notice the outcry from the community.
The dispute is over the 17 acres of 'green space' in the community, owned by The Baltimore Country Club. Residents of Roland Park, many with young children who enjoy the winter sledding there, are distressed that the 'Park' in Roland Park, might be sold off.
The Keswick Multi-Care Center has offered $12.5 million for the property, with plans to build a high-end assisted living facility, including 225 independent-living units, 58 assisted-living units and 40 beds for residents who require skilled nursing. The Roland Park Civic League feel strongly that the BCC and Keswick should have kept them informed of the sell-off, and given them a chance to buy the property.
The Roland Park Civic League have a history of over three years of requests and offers to buy the land, which have been largely ignored. They have offered millions in the past to preserve and protect the green space. The community is outraged by the misinformation passed along to BCC members as well as the selling of the last piece of green space in the neighborhood.
The Roland Park Civic League hosted a 'town hall'-type meeting for community members, club members, and anyone interested in the decision. Louise Phipps Senft, our founder, was called upon to facilitate dialogue for the large crowd. She used her experience and skills to ensure that good dialogue and exchange of ideas and feelings were made. Concerns that were aired in the open dialogue on July 1st are over the impact that noise, parking, pollution and destruction of wildlife and stream life, which are integral the the Stoney Run area, would do to the community's beauty. The removal of trees and building concrete structures will also raise the temperature up to 5 degrees in the summer. Ongoing problems with the water and sewage systems, as a result of building at Roland Park Country School, will be further pressured if a large housing facility is constructed, while removal of the green space displaces a natural crime barrier.
To some, the selling of this land and potential building of a new facility goes in direct opposition to the integrity of the Olmstead tradition. Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect and founder of Roland Park, held a lifetime commitment to the preservation of nature wherever he built. He summed up his philosophy as such:
“In dealing with existing real landscapes, I have been guided by an injunction impressed on me by my distinguished father: namely, that when one becomes responsible for what is to happen to such a landscape his prime duty is to protect and perpetuate whatever of beauty and inspirational value, inherent in that landscape, is due to nature and to circumstances not of one’s own contriving, and to humbly subordinate to that purpose any impulse to exercise upon it one’s own skill as a creative designer.”
Perhaps we could learn from him.

Dear Mediation Community Colleagues who are Members of ACR

2008-07-08T13:12:00.000-04:00

My good friend and long time colleague, Michael Aloi, an attorney mediator from West Virginia who has been many times the recipient of various state awards for peace building and leladership for the WVa State Bar Association, is running for President of ACR in a contested election. Michael has been a presenter at many ACR conferences and is one of the founders of the Spirituality Section of the ACR, which is also one of the fastest growing sections. He is smart, respectful, full of optimism and energy and knows how to work well with others to get things done. And he has been a leader for mediation in West Virginia for both court referred matters, community matters and private sector matters. I would urge you to vote for Michael Aloi. A flier is attached for more information. Hope you are well and having a great summer too!
Best, Louise

What's New

2008-07-02T16:10:00.000-04:00

Baltimore Mediation's Basic Training: Self Awareness and Third Party Intervention happened last week and it was great. We would like to say a special thanks to our participants, especially the talented actors and actresses who played mediation parties in our large group role-plays. You were all great and we look forward to seeing you back again.

The training was lead by Louise Phipps Senft and Larry Hoover. Larry and Louise led a great three days, which flew by because they were information packed. Larry and Louise used role-play demonstrations, small and large group discussions, the enneagram self-discovery tool, some lecture, best practices, and more to teach mediation to the participants. We received positive feedback about the training methods. Also, everyone enjoyed the carrot cake.

Our next training will be October 22-24, 2008. This is a basic training and focuses on Sources of Conflict and Systems Approach. It will follow a similar format as June's training. The trainers will be Louise Phipps Senft and Nancy Good Sider, LCSW. For more information please email: office@baltimoremediation.com.

Happenings

2008-06-19T16:30:00.000-04:00

Tuesday evening, Julia Messick, a new member of the Baltimore Mediation Team, attended Maryland MACRO's presentation "Collaborating for Social Change." The presentation was a review of how Maryland MACRO used the collaborative process to advance Alternative Dispute Resolution in Maryland. What an interesting topic. Effectuating change is hard to do and it is quite impressive how Maryland MACRO organized people and advanced ADR.

Upcoming Event

2008-06-19T13:36:00.000-04:00

ADR "Evening With" Series:
Featuring: An Evening With Robert A. Baruch Bush. This is a rare opportunity to hear from and converse with one the founders of the transformative approach to mediation Professor Bush will discuss the latest developments in thinking on transformative mediation especially regarding the central role that empowerment shifts play, in both the theory and the practice of this approach. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in dialogue with Professor Bush about this or any other topic.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.Venable Beatjer Howard Moot Court RoomJohn & Frances Angelos Law CenterUniversity of Baltimore1415 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201
A Reception will follow in the lobby
Seating is limited and you must register to attend:
To reserve your seat, you must respond by July 7, 2008 to Felicia.Watkins@mdcourts.gov or call 410-260-3540. If you would like to receive a parking pass, you must respond by Wednesday, July 2 and include your name, phone number and complete mailing address.
Photo identification will be needed to enter the law center. The sponsors are presenting the “Evening With” series without charge to attendees.
About the Speaker: Robert A. Baruch Bush, J.D. is the co-originator of the transformative approach to mediation, as explained in his best-selling book, The Promise of Mediation (1994, 2d ed. 2005), which has been called one of the most influential works on mediation in the last decade. Bush is the Rains Distinguished Professor of Law at Hofstra Law School, where he teaches courses on mediation, ADR, and other subjects. He has practiced, taught and written about mediation for nearly 30 years, and has authored over two dozen books, articles and chapters on mediation and ADR. He is Co-Founder and President of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation (ISCT).

2008-06-17T16:09:00.000-04:00

Louise departed this morning, heading to a conference in Monterey, California, called "9 Illuminations of Light, 9 Illuminations of Love". It is being held by The Association of Enneagram Teachers in the Narrative Tradition. Louise herself does trainings on the Enneagram, which is a model of personality types which can be a helpful tool in mediation. We'll let you know when our next Enneagram training, taught by Louise, is announced.
The Enneagram is a nine-pointed structure and can be traced back over 4,000 years, and was passed down through the oral, or narrative tradition. Louise continues to practice in this tradition. It is thought to have been woven in to the Kabbalah and practiced by Sufi mystics. The theories associated with it were later defined by psychologists in the 1960's and 1970's.
The enneagram is powerful, for while learning about our own personality type, we also learn the other types that people inhabit. This helps us to consider how others' perceive the world and gives us a fuller and compassionate view of one another.
Find out what your type is, and learn more about the Enneagram and yourself!

News on Trainings and Workshops

2008-06-16T13:48:00.000-04:00

Our next training, Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills, Focusing on Self-Awareness and Third Party Intervention is fast approaching! We have had a great response for this June 25-27 training...spaces have been filled for weeks. Don't worry, we will have that traingin again. But, if you're interested in our next training, it will be held October 22-24, 2008 and the topic focus is Sources of Conflict and Systems Approach. If you would like to register, either give us a call, or register online at http://www.baltimoremediation.com/tw_20b_basic2.php. Our trainings are useful in so many ways. The skills you learn are a great compliment to any profession. If anyone who has had our trainings is reading this, tell us what you thought. Was it helpful? How have you applied what you learned in your life? We look forward to hearing from you!

2008-06-06T16:56:00.000-04:00

There are three ways of dealing with difference: domination, compromise, and mediation. By domination only one side gets what it wants; by compromise neither side gets what it wants; by mediation we find a way by which both sides may get what they wish.
-Mary Parker Follet

Welcome To Baltimore Mediation

2008-06-06T15:11:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Louise Phipps Senft and Associates/Baltimore Mediation's new newsletter blog! We are so happy to have another way reach all our friends and colleagues with exciting news from the world of mediation. Please let us know how you like this new format. We look forward to some feedback.

What's Happening at Baltimore Mediation:

We have been really excited about the response we have had to our June training that focuses on self-awareness and third party intervention. Spots filled quickly, and we're busy getting prepared for it. Our next training is in October and focuses on sources of conflict and systems approach. (info at http://www.baltimoremediation.com/tw_20b_basic2.php)

If you have an interest in training and facilitation for yourself or your business, learn more about all we have to offer at our website: http://www.baltimoremediation.com/

Transformative Practice in a Protective Order Case
A Wild Ride in District Court!!
Walking back into courtroom after a successful Peace Order mediation, my co-mediator and I saw a tearful woman testifying to alleged abuse in a Protective Order hearing. As she finished, the Judge asked the husband’s lawyer if they were ready to present testimony. The young lawyer responded “Yes, your honor, but we were really hoping to try mediation this morning.” The judge answered, “Okay.” Pausing in the middle of the hearing, he said, “Our mediators just returned to the court. Go back and talk to them.”
The woman was initially reluctant until we assured her that mediation was a voluntary process and that she would not have to (indeed she shouldn’t) agree to anything she wasn’t comfortable with. The mediation conversation started with high energy – the husband sobbing and pleading that he wanted to do whatever it would take to make amends and meet his wife’s needs. The wife was tearful, sat shoulders forward and was alternately silent and demonstrative – angry at her husband’s interactions with herself and their children. She felt at a great disadvantage because he had a lawyer and she couldn’t afford one. We followed their conversation and reflected the content, angst and energy of their interactions. An hour into the mediation, the discussion turned to the impact of a protective order upon the husband’s employment and his ability to support the family. I stated that I was uncomfortable with the discussion. Wanting to be transparent, I said “We don’t normally mediate domestic violence related protective order cases, and I suspect that many advocates would consider the income issue coercive.” The young lawyer agreed that the discussion could be considered coercive. The husband said “It is what it is – I can’t do anything about it.” At this point the wife agreed, saying “That’s right - it is what it is. I’m okay with that because I’m now very clear on what I need.” This was a remarkable shift in empowerment that set the stage for considerable progress in recognition. Within minutes, they agreed to a period of separation, custody and visitation for their children, disposition of vehicles, and required financial support for the wife and children.
The lawyer agreed to read it into the court record as a pre-trial settlement. After ensuring that the wife fully agreed with all conditions as a prerequisite to dismissing the protective order request, the judge accepted the results. As the lawyer left the courtroom, he thanked us, saying that they never could have had the conversation without our help. The judge also expressed his appreciation. For us, it was an unexpected, exciting, and ultimately rewarding experience in District Court – supporting this couple’s efforts to transform the quality of their conflict interaction from negative and destructive to positive and constructive!

About Louise Phipps Senft, Founder:

Founded in 1993 by Louise Phipps Senft, Baltimore Mediation was the first mediation firm in Maryland that focused on relational approaches to conflict resolution. In 2006, BMC was expanded and renamed Louise Phipps Senft and Associates/Baltimore Mediation. Louise was name "Baltimore's Best" mediator by Baltimore Magazine, one of "Maryland's Top 100 Women" twice by the Daily Record, and honored with one of the Baltimore Business Journal's "Most Enterprising Women" awards for 2007.

Ms. Senft, an attorney, has over twenty years of mediation training and experience, including mediating over 4000 family and organizational conflicts. She was featured on ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson, a documentary called Resolutionary People produced by Emmy-award winner Richard Chisolm, and her work in elder care mediation was featured in the book the Promise of Mediation. Ms. Senft has pioneered the value of self-awareness training and practices for conflict interveners teaching for Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and Insight Initiative for attorneys, CEO’s, professionals and executives worldwide as well as for Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, MBA Biotechnology Program and the Business of Medicine Program.

We will continue to post more information and stories. Please give us feedback! We want this to be helpful and informative. Also, visit our website: http://www.baltimoremediation.com/