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What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or conflict resolution (CR)?
The terms ADR and CR refer to a wide range of processes that encourage nonviolent dispute resolution outside of the traditional court system. Common forms of CR include mediation, arbitration, negotiation, mediation-arbitration, facilitation and restorative justice. The CR field also includes efforts in schools and communities to reduce violence and bullying and help young people develop communication and problem-solving skills.
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Who is ACR Chicago?
ACR Chicago is an association of multidisciplinary professionals who have an interest in or practice managing and resolving conflicts. We are dedicated to the development and advancement of knowledge, skills and tools in the field of conflict resolution (CR) and collaborative decision making.
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What does ACR Chicago do?
Develop our members’ knowledge and skills in employing best practices in CR procedures, provide our members with knowledge and tools to help them develop their CR practices, and increase the use of CR by promoting public understanding of CR processes.
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Who does ACR Chicago serve? Who are its members?
ACR Chicago represents a diverse circle of professionals committed to advancing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as an approach for empowering people to resolve conflict. Our membership consists of individuals from various professions and communities, including judges, attorneys, mediators, educators, human resource professionals, social workers, psychologists, teachers, students and many others interested in CR and collaborative decision-making.
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What are the benefits of being a member of ACR Chicago?
Membership in ACR Chicago provides an opportunity to network with a diverse group of professionals to exchange ideas and share perspectives about ADR, to learn about current dispute resolution issues and approaches, to enhance ADR skills and techniques through informational and skill-based programs, and to meet continuing education requirements for attorneys and mental health professionals. Specific benefits include:
Monthly programs focus on current issues, developments and approaches significant to those involved in the field, as well as skill building to help members grow as ADR practitioners. Programs are usually held in the downtown Chicago area and are free to members.
Members can list a profile on ACR Chicago's online Practitioner Directory free of charge. The directory identifies members who practice in the ADR field and is available to individuals or organizations seeking CR services. Interested parties can locate practitioners by name, type of dispute, or type of ADR service. The directory serves as an important marketing tool for members.
Mentorship Program. The mentorship program matches less experienced ACR members with experienced dispute resolution practitioners through our Practitioner Directory. The scope and duration of each mentoring relationship is mutually defined by the parties. Please indicate your interest in participating on your application
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What support does ACR Chicago offer for people interested in building a practice?
ACR Chicago offers various resources for members interested in building their CR practice. All members are welcome to market their practice free of charge through the online Practitioner Directory. Through the mentorship program and other networking venues, members are able to connect and receive tips from more experienced practitioners. Various programs throughout the year emphasize tips and strategies for building your practice. Members also receive regular email blasts providing updates on relevant resources and events throughout the area.
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What kind of networking opportunities does ACR Chicago offer?
ACR Chicago offers various venues to meet with peers and learn what others are doing in the field. The initial 30 minutes of each monthly program are devoted to networking with other members. In addition, one program each year is typically a social event devoted to networking. Finally, the mentorship program provides less experienced members with an opportunity to connect with seasoned practitioners.
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How do I become a member?
You can become a member of ACR Chicago by paying an annual fee of $55. The membership fee allows you to market your conflict resolution practice using our online Practitioner Directory, attend informative and exciting programs, participate in the Mentorship Program, receive mailings and participate on committees. There are two ways to complete your application: submit it electronically via Pay Pal, or submit a paper application along with a check. Click Here for more information on the application and payment process.
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As a member, how can I get involved with the organization?
There are many ways you can become more involved with ACR Chicago. We welcome your participation on any of our committees and work groups. Standing committees include Programming, Membership, Public Relations and Outreach, and Governance. Work groups and task forces include Diversity and the Mentoring Program. For more information on membership involvement, or to join one of the above committees, please contact Mary Ellen LaCien at mel.medi8@comcast.net.
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How is ACR supported?
ACR Chicago relies on membership dues and donations (both monetary and in-kind) to provide monthly programs and other benefits to our members. Click here if you are interested in making a donation.
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Who leads the organization?
The affairs and activities of ACR Chicago are managed by a Board of Directors which includes Officers – President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer. Committees and work groups, including Programming, Membership, Public Relations and Outreach, Governance, Diversity, and the Mentorship Program, are led by certain Directors and other individuals.
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How does ACR Chicago differ from other dispute resolution groups?
We are a local association of multidisciplinary professionals affiliated with the Association for Conflict Resolution, a national organization, and also partner with other local organizations for programs and other activities. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and other groups and are not limited to a particular area or method of CR or collaborative decision making.
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What is the relationship between ACR Chicago and ACR National?
ACR Chicago is a regional Chapter of the national organization, the Association for Conflict Resolution. The ACR Chicago Chapter provides face-to-face interaction with those who live in the Chicago area and allows members to build local networking relationships, share ideas, experiences, and challenges, and collaborate on issues of mutual interest. ACR National provides additional benefits and resources to their members, including subscriptions to CR publications, access to the ACR Career Center Bank, and discounts to annual conferences, to name a few. For more information on ACR National, or to become a member of the national organization, visit: www.acrnet.org.
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What is the relationship between ACR Chicago and the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR)?
The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) is a not-for-profit organization in Chicago that provides mediation services and conflict resolution training. ACR Chicago is a professional association for individuals interested in the field of CR. CCR and ACR collaborate often to provide programs and resources that are of interest to both ACR members and CCR volunteers.
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What are the requirements for being certified as a mediator?
There is no national or state certification to become a mediator. After completing a mediation training, you may receive certification from the training Provider stating that you have completed the mediation training program. Providers may be approved providers for an entity that uses mediation services. However, completion of a mediation training program is not a guarantee that you will have an opportunity to mediate.
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How do you obtain professional liability insurance as a mediator?
ACR National offers a program covering Professional Liability Insurance for their members. For more information, or to receive a quote through the Quick Quote process, please visit: http://www.acrnet.org/membership/insurance.htm
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How can I find a conflict resolution practitioner?
To locate a CR practitioner in the Chicago area, please visit our onlinePractitioner Directory to identify someone that meets your needs.
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