The Dispute Resolution Center’s Lunch and Learn Lunch Series educates participants about a variety of topics related to help mediators continuously improve their mediation skills, learn from their peers and discuss and prepare for challenging situations encountered in mediations. Past participants have shared that the Lunch and Learn Lunch Series are: “good for experienced mediators,” “useful if you are transitioning from training to practicing mediation,” and “offer an opportunity for frank discussions about emotional challenges.”
We invite anyone who is interested in learning more about conflict resolution to attend. The sessions will be most valuable for future or current mediators.
An optional $25 certificate* fee provides CLE credits for mediators on the court roster. Contact info@thedrcmi.org for more information about CLE credits.
For the 2023-2024 schedule, participants can join Lunch & Learn sessions via Zoom using this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6942749703 or
in person at the Learning Resource Center in the Huron Room located at 4135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI.
We will continue to monitor Covid guidance throughout the year and communicate any changes to the hybrid approach.
Please see the calendar below for more information about the upcoming Lunch and Learn Lunch Series.
2023-2024 Lunch and Learn
September 6, 2023 - DRC Program Update and Q&A.
Belinda and staff will discuss the status and direction of the DRC programming, training and other goings on. There will also be time for Q&A about any issues or questions that have come up in your experience in volunteering with the DRC.
October 4, 2023 - Considerations in Mediation When a Religious Organization is on One or Both Sides of the Table
In the past year we have had a flurry of mediations involving religious organizations. Our presenter will be Anne Bachle-Fifer who is a talented mediator and trainer with unique experience in this area. She will explore special considerations unique to religious organizations and when there may be a spiritual component in the dispute.
November 1, 2023 – Inclusive Listening –
DRC staff Carolyn Stilwell and Kyoko Yamamoto
December 6, 2023 - Using Mediation to Promote Mental Health Recovery
DRC mediator Novia Nichols will lead a discussion on the use of mediation in mental health matters. Mediation can improve both the system of providing mental health interventions and the treatment and recovery of persons with serious mental illness. Novia is a practicing attorney, a certified Eldercare Coordinator, a frequent presenter for the Washtenaw County Bar Association on mental health and a volunteer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
January 3, 2024 - no session this month. Happy New Year!
February 7, 2024 - Mediation Technique Review
DRC Executive Director Belinda Dulin will lead a discussion and review of mediation techniques.
March 6, 2024- Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
Molly Ranns, Director of the Michigan Bar Association's Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program will lead a discussion on recognizing and preventing compassion fatigue and burnout. Molly is an engaging and experienced presenter on this topic.
April 3, 2024 – De-Escalation
Chardae Koronen, LSW, will lead a discussion on de-escalation techniques in mediation and circles.
May 1, 2024 - TBD