ACR/Chicago Organizational Overview

WHO WE ARE (MISSION)

An alternative dispute resolution (ADR) umbrella organization
dedicated to resolving disputes.

WHAT WE DO (STRATEGIC THEMES)

1. Increase the demand for ADR by promoting public understanding of ADR processes.
   
2. Develop best practice member ADR skills, knowledge, and abilities.
   
3. Provide knowledge and tools to help members build and grow their ADR practice.

HOW WE OPERATE

1. We support the diversified needs and goals of our membership. Our membership is diverse as to:

A. The form, or forms, of ADR in which they are involved, e.g. mediation, arbitration, etc.;
B. The arenas in which the disputes or problems are being handled, e.g. domestic relations, private organizations, court annexed or related, community, etc.;
C. The subject matter context of the disputes or problems, e.g. divorce, child custody, tort or contract case - and subsets of same, etc.;
D. The objectives, or perceived objectives, being sought, e.g. resolution of a distinct dispute, maintenance or repair of a continuing relationship, creation of a framework for resolution of future anticipated disputes, etc.;
E. The styles and/or methods of operation deemed appropriate or desirable on the part of practitioners, e.g. decision maker, facilitator, evaluator, etc.;
F. The perspective of the practitioners, e.g. being an actor in the dispute resolution, being a trainer, being a teacher, etc.; and
G. The operating philosophy of the practitioner, e.g. self determination, cost effective (time, money, emotions) dispute resolution, personal growth, etc.

2. We serve as a forum for the presentation and discussion of differing views and act as
an advocate for issues/positions taken by a consensus of our membership. We do not
promote narrow or special interests of a minority of our membership. In the absence of
consensus, all organizational presentations articulate the differing positions held by
different constituents. Specialized interest groups may be created, any one of which
may, by consensus, take positions, if it is clearly indicated to be of that specialized
group and not of the organization as a whole.

3. We value partnering with other ADR related organizations to leverage our resources.

4. We have an equal investment in all ADR options and stake holders.

5. We expect demographic diversity goals and interests will be incorporated into all strategic themes and activities.