The 2026 NAFCM Board speaks with one voice: 

When a threat is perceived, fear emerges and escalation can take hold 

In response, calls can arise to limit rights in the name of safety 

We, as community mediators, will stand firm that eliminating rights is never the answer

We cherish the right to assemble peacefully and the right to petition our government 

We cherish the right to be present in community, with dignity and without fear 

We cherish the right to exercise our vote and select our own representatives 

We cherish the right to live free and to be 

We cherish the right to speak one’s truth without fear of government retaliation 

We cherish the right to travel, gather, and be in public spaces, access public accommodations without harassment, discrimination or intimidation 

We cherish the right to worship freely, and to express identity and belief, with dignity and without intimidation 

We cherish the right for equal protection and due process under the law

We are, because I am; I am, because we are 

Together with you, our voices are capable of continuing to co-create a path toward justice, peace, and belonging.

If you missed the Civil Rights Act presentation by D.G. Mawn and Kabrina Bass on January 29th, you can still access the recorded version here.    Password: trustnetwork

Rise Up

Not being able to breathe did not begin this week, many have not been able to breathe for centuries in our country. Incarcerating hundreds of thousands of Americans has not led to the end of crime, the arrest and persecution of a single officer will not resolve the issue of systemic racism or institutional violence against people of color, especially Black Americans, in the United States. Instead, we are called to take this moment with eyes wide open and step forward and help create the change we need.

As community mediators we are committed to Hallmark 8 and are called to initiate, facilitate and educate for collaborative community relationships to effective positive systemic change.  This requires us to be self-reflective, empathetic, curious; and to recognize that we are all connected in an inter-relational web.   Embracing our role in that web is an essential first step in the process of systemic reformation and transformation.

This is an opportunity to rise up, stand together and claim with hope our mutual responsibility and accountability to hold that space to be brave for ourselves, and others, and create a new institutional culture.

Through the tenacity of the JAMS Foundation and their work with Zoom, we have the ability to distribute, over the next 45 days, 150 two-year licenses for Zoom Pro Accounts that will be at no financial cost to those   NAFCM family members awarded.

 Please click here to submit your application for a Zoom license by June 15^th.

Trauma-Informed Restorative Practices: An Overview

Presenter:  Joe Brummer

March 12, 2020

2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT

Many schools struggle with initiative burnout due to the silo approach of program implementation. This webinar will introduce a unique methodology of creating safe and respectful environments that enable students to build caring relationships with adults and peers, self-regulate their emotions and behaviors, and succeed academically.

What began as a personal healing response to trauma for Joe, he transformed into professional involvement in community and restorative justice. He has helped implement peer mediation programs and school-wide restorative practices, and has designed a trauma-informed approach of restorative practices for Connecticut schools. Most recently, Joe presented at the First Annual Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conference in DC.

This webinar is free for NAFCM members.

Register Now

Connection Circles: A Restorative Approach for At-Risk & Structurally Disadvantaged Youth

Christina Medvescek

February 13, 2020

2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT

The focus of this webinar is on Connection Circles – a researched-based “listening conversation” that amplifies the voice of youth while teaching communication and conflict resolution skills.  

The Connection Circles program was offered to youth in special housing due to extreme trauma and high on the ACE scale.  The program worked exceptionally well and had a positive impact on the teens involved.  

Don't miss the opportunity to hear about this exciting work!

Christina Medvescek (she, her, hers) is a mediator and trainer with more than 30 years of experience helping youth and adults learn and practice cooperative conflict resolution. In addition to being a mediator for the US Postal Service and a Fellow of the Institute on Science for Global Policy, Chris is currently the Community Dialogue Specialist at the Center for Community Dialogue & Training, a program of Our Family Services, in Tucson, Arizona.

Register Now

This article is reprinted from the November 2019 issue of Resolution Systems Institute’s Court ADR Connection newsletter.

My Favorite Resource

My Favorite Resource Featuring Cassie Lively
by Nicole Wilmet, Resource Center Director

Our series My Favorite Resource, features interviews with ADR friends across the country to learn about their favorite resources. This month, I spoke with Cassie Lively, Executive Director at the Center for Conflict Resolution, to learn about her favorite ADR resource.

NW: What is one of your favorite ADR resources?

CL: My favorite resource is the Virtual Library offered by the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM).

NW: Why do you value this particular resource?

CL: NAFCM provides a range of resources for community mediation centers, and the virtual library is one that I reference all the time. There are great tools for new community mediation centers that are developing their governance structure and policies. For more established centers like the Center for Conflict Resolution, there are program-specific resources, training tools, and ideas for expansion and best practices. NAFCM is always looking for new additions to the resource center, so if you have simulations, evaluations, best practices, case studies, or anything else to share, please e-mail admin@nafcm.org.

NW: How did you first learn about this resource?

CL: CCR has been a NAFCM member center for many years. When I was first training as a case manager at CCR, I used NAFCM tools as I was learning more about community mediation, and have always been grateful for their resources over the years as CCR has expanded our mediation programs. This year, I am fortunate to be serving as co-chair of NAFCM’s Board.

NW: For those unfamiliar with this resource, what is one part of this resource you wouldn’t want someone to miss?

CL: Toolkits from NAFCM’s grant program, funded by the JAMS Foundation, are a highlight of the Virtual Library. Toolkits cover topics including branding for community mediation centers, legislative advocacy, building mediation programs to work with veterans, program sustainability, and working in partnership with law enforcement. The newest resource, on working with older adult populations, just became available. The great thing about the resources that are built through this program is how timely they are – each year, a group of community mediation centers works on a project that is very relevant for the field and for the clients we serve.

If you have a favorite resource you would like to share in an upcoming edition of our newsletter, please reach out to Resource Center Director Nicole Wilmet at nwilmet@aboutrsi.org!

This article is reprinted from the May 2019 issue of Court ADR Connection newsletter with the permission of the Resolution Systems Institute. 

NAFCM Webinar:  Applying Trauma-Informed Care to Community Mediation with Chris Mendez

April 11, 2019       2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT

This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to engage the topic of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and trauma-informed practices in conflict resolution. The presentation provides information about the ACE study, along with neurobiology that explains why ACEs impact people’s lives, and what we can all do to dramatically improve health and resilience for this and future generations. Furthermore, there will be discussion on how the long-term biological/physiological effects of trauma manifest themselves within conflict styles and behaviors. It is hoped that participants will be able to expand their understanding of:

• How adverse childhood experiences have a role behavioral development.
• How trauma is a hidden yet integral part of conflict resolution.
• Why it is essential for mediators/facilitators to take deepen their practice with trauma-informed approaches.

Register Now

Dear NAFCM Family Member,

In July of this year, we wrote to let you know of the partnership between George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analyses and Resolution (S-CAR) and the JAMS Foundation to develop and implement a two-phase data collection process in order to determine the present state of community mediation.

The first phase of this two-phase data collection process--the online survey--is now released. You will find the link to the survey below. This online survey will remain open to be completed by you, a community mediation center, until 11:59 PM local time on Tuesday October 23rd. 

All community mediation centers that participate in this online survey will be eligible to be selected as a host for a community listening session.

Phase two of the data collection will begin before the end of the year with the community listening session selection process. Administration of the listening sessions will be completed during the latter part of March 2019. Up to 24 community mediation centers, chosen from the pool of centers who participated in the initial online survey, will be selected to host a community listening session. Each selected community mediation center will receive up to $1,200.00 financial support to defray the cost incurred by participating in the training, implementation, and reporting process of hosting a listening session.

We look forward to you participating in the online survey!

Click here to take the SOCM 2019 Center Survey!

By Cherise Hairston, Dayton Mediation Center

Community mediation centers (CMCs) provide conflict intervention services through the partnership of CMC staff and volunteers. Volunteer community mediators are a force for positive good in local communities. Recent research by Harmon-Darrow & Xu (2018) on volunteer retention estimates that 30,000 people are volunteer community mediators in the U.S. and save communities, courts, and government up about $17 million annually. According to Harmon-Darrow & Xu (2018), volunteer community mediators receive extensive training and apprenticeship and are critical to providing high-quality mediation services in more than 300 community mediation centers throughout the country. The conflict intervention services that community mediation centers provide help build a sense of community and understanding, reduce hostility and hopelessness, improve co-parenting, resolve conflict, and reduce fear of crime. Growth and expansion of community mediation centers in the last 15 years has been exciting as especially with the growing areas of community-based services including police complaint mediation, serving returning military veterans, and prisoner re-entry. Most volunteer community mediators demographically are 60% female, racially diverse but less likely to be of Hispanic origin, are 50 years or older, hold a college degree, and are motivated by the satisfaction that comes from helping others, developing professional skills, and connecting with a mediation center’s mission (Harmon-Darrow & Xu, 2018,pp. 367-368).

On average, volunteer community mediators volunteer for 4 years. Therefore, reducing volunteer burnout by focusing on “relatedness-promoting strategies” that  build relationships and human connection is directly linked to retaining volunteer mediators. According to Harmon-Darrow & Xu (2018, p. 376), fulfilling “relatedness needs” is a protective against burnout: “Community mediation centers and other volunteer mediator roster managers should see true community building among their volunteer mediators as a central key function, rather than side effort, in order to retain mediators in the long term to support mediation service quality and cost savings. Beyond award dinners, fundraisers, and trainings, community mediation centers and other mediation programs might ask how they can forge deeper connections laterally between mediators” (Harmon-Darrow & Xu (2018, p. 377).

Community mediation center staff generally, and volunteer coordinators in particular, work to forge and nurture deeper connections with volunteers through a variety of practices. For most CMCs, the foundation for these practices is first respecting the mediator as a whole person and creating a welcoming space and home base for mediators to feel comfortable and chat with other volunteers is a critical starting place (Harmon-Darrow & Xu, 2018). Regular, frequent, and positive communication, especially through “old-fashioned phone calls, upbeat texts, and email newsletters,” especially after training, after case observations, and co-mediations. Offering continuing education workshops and holding trainings at a variety of times on topics selected by active mediators. Offering “skill drills” for mediators especially when participants are unable to make their mediation session provide impromptu training and debriefing opportunities. Planning purely social events and sending annual birthday cards, holding family friendly events where mediators can meet each other’s families, and hosting self-care workshops. And finally, developing traditions lead by long-time mediators in welcoming new mediators into the Center community, utilizing mediators for basic mediation training and on-going skills training. All these practices build and strengthen the Center community by meeting basic relationship building/sustaining needs that support the intrinsic motivation of volunteers to stay connected, engaged, and contributing to the overall success of a community mediation center (Harmon-Darrow & Xu (2018, p. 377-378).

The Dayton Mediation Center has put relationship-building at the center of its mission for volunteers and with its community partners creatively utilizing a variety of engagement and retention practices to nurture it’s relationships with volunteers. Volunteer mediators help the Center intervene in more than 1,000 conflict situations annually and donate more than 3,000 hours of mediation services. We are fortunate to have volunteers who have remained committed and passionate about serving the community for more than 20 years. Mediation Center volunteer truly exemplify the power of a small group of concerned citizens to make a difference to help others engage conflict constructively.

Reference

Harmon-Darrow, C, Xu Y. (2018). Retaining volunteer mediators: Comparing predictors of burnout.Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 35 (4), 367-381.https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.21216.

Resources on Implicit Bias

The term implicit bias plays a prominent role in both national and local conversations about conflict resolution. Often, it is used without an accompanying explanation of the term's definition or the ways it actually appears in our everyday lives. Implicit bias refers to all of the internalized beliefs that affect our decisions in an unconscious manner. Clearly, implicit bias is an important topic to have an awareness of as community mediators and peacemakers. However, it can be a difficult to explain implicit bias as well as to come to terms with its implications for community mediation work.

If you are struggling to begin a conversation about implicit bias (or just want additional resources for personal growth and reflection), NAFCM is excited to share a compiled list of resources for our members to help them to more fully engage with the topic of implicit bias. You can also find this information as a downloadable PDF.

Some of our past webinars have addressed implicit bias:

• Don't Call Me Honey: Bias Embedded in Our Culture and Center 
  • This webinar explores biases about the aging population and how these attitudes or stereotypes can affect mediation.
• Neighbors and Police Together: Creating a Conflict Resolution Co-Training from the Ground-Up and Creating and Sustaining a Successful Community Mediation Program
  • These webinars, while not solely about implicit bias, talk about ways to integrate community members and stakeholders into dispute resolution processes to create more equitable and accessible spaces.
• Ethical Communication
  • Like the above webinar, this is not specifically focused on "implicit bias." However, many of the skills and techniques introduced in this webinar could help mitigate the inevitable biases within each of us.
• Additionally, keep an eye out for one of our upcoming webinars in the 2018-2019 series which will focus on the topic of implicit bias. This webinar is tentatively scheduled to take place February 14, 2019 and will be presented by Dr. Erik Girvan.

Some of the Basic Mediation Training manuals in the NAFCM Clearinghouse touch on implicit bias and cultural differences:

• East Metro Mediation’s Mediation Manual
• Dispute Resolution Center Manual
• The Mediation Process Trainee's Manual

Additionally, here are a few articles from our partners at Mediate.com that may be helpful:

• Conscious and Unconscious Thinking in Mediators
• Thoughts on Gender Bias in Co-Parenting Mediation
• Understanding Our Own Biases

If you have other resources on the topic of implicit bias that you would like to share, please email admin@nafcm.org and let us know! At NAFCM, we are always eager to share the wisdom of our member centers with the nationwide community of peacemakers and community mediators.

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show

The Dr. Hank Show Podcast

The partnership between NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show continues. This past Monday a new episode of the podcast was released. This latest podcast episode features NAFCM's Winter Volunteer of the Quarter, Diane Cadonau. The episode explores the question, why mediate? Over the course of the hour, this episode outlines the mediation process, lists the benefits of mediating disputes, shares information about what to expect during the mediation process, and provides tips on how to find a qualified mediator.

Visit the the podcast's website to listen or find out more about Dr. Hank's show. There, you can also listen to future broadcasts live and find recordings of other episodes. 

Do you have an idea for a podcast topic that you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Click here to tell us all about it! We'd love to feature the knowledge and practices of you and your organization on the show.

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show

The Dr. Hank Show Podcast

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show are partnering to bring you conversations with mediation experts and practitioners from across the country every last Monday of the month!

In the February podcast, Christine Poulson joined Dr. Hank Clemons of the Society of Emotional Intelligence for a discussion on Charlottesville and how to discuss Confederate monuments.

In Charlottesville, VA, 40 miles from the headquarters of the VA Association for Community Mediation and just a few miles from the Mediation Center of Charlottesville, a conflict over confederate monuments turned deadly. How can the skills of mediators and deep sharing help us have difficult conversations about controversial issues.

This podcast is now available for on-demand listening and can be found by clicking here.

Be sure to visit the Let's Talk EI webpage, where you can also listen to live broadcasts and find recordings of previous episodes. During live broadcasts you can dial-in by calling (929) 477-1423. 

Have an idea for a podcast topic that you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Click here to go to our application form and let us know!

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show

The Dr. Hank Show Podcast

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show are partnering to bring you conversations with mediation experts and practitioners from across the country every last Monday of the month!

In the January podcast,Jed Friedland will join Dr. Hank Clemons of the Society of Emotional Intelligence and the topic for discussion is: "The Power of Presence: Maximizing Favorable Results In Human Interaction".

Visit the Let's Talk EI webpage, where you can also listen to live broadcasts and find recordings of previous episodes. During live broadcasts you can dial-in by calling (929) 477-1423. 

Have an idea for a podcast topic that you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Click here to go to our application form and let us know!

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show

The Dr. Hank Show Podcast

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show are partnering to bring you conversations with mediation experts and practitioners from across the country every last Monday of the month!

In the November podcast,Jeanne Zimmer will join Dr. Hank Clemons of the Society of Emotional Intelligence for a discussion on something to think about, is there "Evidence of a Peace Virus?".

Visit the Let's Talk EI webpage, where you can also listen to live broadcasts and find recordings of previous episodes. During live broadcasts you can dial-in by calling (929) 477-1423. 

Have an idea for a podcast topic that you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Click here to go to our application form and let us know!

ACR is pleased to announce this Notification of Funding Availability (NOFA) and request for initial proposal ideas for the 2018 funding cycle of the JAMS Foundation/ACR partnership in supporting Conflict Resolution Education (CRE)for students and youth. 

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show

The Dr. Hank Show Podcast

NAFCM and The Dr. Hank Show are partnering to bring you conversations with mediation experts and practitioners from across the country every last Monday of the month!

In the October podcast,Renata Valree and D.G. Mawn join Dr. Hank Clemons of the Society of Emotional Intelligence for a discussion on NAFCM creating space for members to excel.

Visit the Let's Talk EI webpage, where you can also listen to live broadcasts and find recordings of previous episodes. During live broadcasts you can dial-in by calling (929) 477-1423. 

Have an idea for a podcast topic that you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Click here to go to our application form and let us know!

The Let’s Talk EI NAFCM & SoEI collaboration podcast is originally broadcast on the final Monday of each month at Noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time. The next podcast is set for August 28th and will feature the NAFCM board member and RJ coach Joe Brummer. Joe and Dr. Hank will be discussing restorative justice. You can listen in by clicking here, and you can call in with questions and comments by dialing (929) 477-1423.

Join in at Noon (ET) on Monday, July 31st for the EI conversation with NAFCM board member Sara Campos.    Dr. Hank and Sara will be discussing community mediation in a law school setting.

Outstanding Volunteer Award: Spring 2017

NAFCM is proud to announce that nominations for the quarterly NAFCM Outstanding Volunteer Award of Spring 2017 are now open. Each quarter, NAFCM assembles a committee of community mediation leaders from across the country to review nominations and select the Outstanding Volunteer Award recipient.

Today, on the first weekday of National Volunteer Week, we urge you to recognize the amazing services provided by volunteer mediators, whom every day contribute to the building of transformative peace in their communities—your communities. Community Mediation Centers can take this opportunity to recognize, highlight, and share the vital work done by their volunteer mediators with their colleagues across the nation. Volunteers are vital for the Center to meet most if not all of the Nine Hallmarks. Such as:

• Volunteers exemplify that the practice of mediation is open to all. (Hallmark 2);
• Volunteers may be a center’s greatest referral source while also serving as one who by their service with the center can reduce barriers to service including linguistic, cultural, programmatic and economic. (Hallmark 3); and,
• Engaging in public awareness and educational activities about the values and practices of mediation (Hallmark 9).

Showing appreciation for the years of service and acknowledging the bright futures of your volunteer mediators will help ensure a diverse, vibrant, and engaged volunteer base that will support your work even outside the mediation room. Nominations for this quarter will begin on April 24, 2017 and will close on May 15, 2017. Take this time to honor a special volunteer from your center and remind them of how important they are to their mediation community.

Nominations can be made by member centers through the following link: http://www.nafcm.org/?page=VolunteerAward.

We look forward to your nominations!

• Priority will be given to projects that focus on developing conflict resolution skills that will assist aging/elder populations to address issues arising between them and caregivers (individuals or institutions). This focus incorporates Hallmark 3, Hallmark 4, Hallmark 6, and Hallmark 7.
• Priority will be given to projects in which the aging population plays a significant or substantive role in the delivery of the process. This focus incorporates Hallmark 2.
• Priority will be given to projects that arise from grassroots efforts, comprised of a strong base of diverse stakeholders, who are representative of their community of aging individuals and caregivers. This focus incorporates Hallmark 1, Hallmark 5, Hallmark 8, and Hallmark 9.

Important dates if you are considering possible participation in this year’s offer are:

Bidders' Conference: Tuesday January 31, 2017 at 2:00 PM Eastern standard time. There is a limited number of spaces for this teleconference. To obtain the link for the conference, and register to attend, please send a notice of interest to NAFCM at admin@nafcm.org.

Interested organizations are required to submit a 1-3-page Solicitation of Interest (SI) (using the guidelines on the following page) to NAFCM no later than 11:59 PM local time of the organization’s legal/main location, Monday, March 13, 2017 to admin@nafcm.org.

If you're invited to write a full proposal you will be notified by Friday, April 14, 2017. A RFP review webinar will be offered on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 2 PM ET. The link for attendance will be sent to those applicants who are invited to submit a full proposal.

Full proposals (with a required application protocol provided upon notification) will be due to the NAFCM Grant review committee no later than 11:59 PM local time of the organization’s legal/main location on Tuesday, June 20, 2017.

Notifications of the final decision will be made in late Summer 2017.

If you have any questions, please write to dgmawn@nafcm.org.

FAQs

Administrative Questions

Was attendance at the Bidders’ Conference an eligibility requirement to apply for the mini-grant?

No. You did not have to attend the Bidders’ Conference in order to submit a reviewable mini-grant proposal.

Where do I find the answers to the questions posed during the Bidders' Conference?

Questions will be answered on the NAFCM FAQ page on the NAFCM web-site.  Please check the web-site proactively to see if there have been any additional questions.  We will be unable to notify every one of new responses to questions. If you have questions that occur to you after this call you can submit them via email to D.G. at (dgmawn@nafcm.org) until Wednesday, March 8^th at 11:59 AM your local time.

What do you mean by Community Mediation?

Broadly, Community Mediation is Community Mobilization. For specifics, please refer to the 9 hallmarks of a Community Mediation Center that located on the NAFCM webpage and within the  Solicitation of Interest.

How are questions being answered about this funding opportunity?

Any questions about this funding opportunity will not be answered in a one on one communication. All answers will be posted on the FAQ page. Please regularly check the FAQ page.

Do we need to be a member of NAFCM to have our proposal considered?

No you do not need to be member of NAFCM at the time of your proposal submission. However, if you are selected we do expect you to become a member of NAFCM.

Would you like us to include IRS and 501© 3 and supporting nonprofit documentation?

This is not required.

Will you answer questions by phone?

No. Please put your question in writing.

Does the Community Mediation Center need to be a 501(c)3?

No. The Center may be attached to local government, (law enforcement, health department, town hall) or be embedded in an educational institution. However, whatever the legal form the Center must meet the 9 hallmarks of the Community Mediation Center.

Does the applicant need to be a community mediation center?

Yes, the lead applicant needs to be the community mediation center.

If we currently receive funding from a NAFCM/JAMS Grant, can we also apply for this Grant?

If you are receiving funds from NAFCM/JAMS at the time of the RFP’s release, then you cannot apply to that RFP.

Can Community Mediation Centers located outside of the United States of America apply?

Yes.

How many Community Mediation Centers will be awarded funding?

Our intent is to move 10 forward to the full submission(RFP) stage, with 5 Centers receiving funding.

Can we partner with other Community Mediation Centers?

You can work with partners but there needs to be a singular entity leading the program.

Are you looking to spread out the money geographically, or would two centers in the same region have a chance of both receiving funding?

Numerous applications from a single region will not affect your chance of funding. Last year award an application in Orange County California and Los Angeles County California, two contagious southern California counties. The first year there were two centers form New York State and two centers from New England. The quality of proposal is the determining factor during the review.

Budget Clarifications

Does the  Solicitation of Interest (Si) require a budget?

No. Please do not present a budget in your response to the SI, if you are invited to submit a full proposal then a budget will be required.

What funding is available, and for how long?

A selected center may receive up to $24,000 over two years. The second year of funding is contingent on a successful noncompetitive reapplication for second year of funding at $12,000.

When does the grant start, and with that reimbursement for expenses?

The grant starts after Labor Day in September. When we enter budget negotiations in August we will also be exploring reimbursement options.

One of the questions asked about including admin support in the budget, which was rejected.  Can we include items such as utilities, rent, telephone, etc. since they are utilized while we are conducting our work?

Again the SI is not asking for a budget. If you are invited into the next round you will be requested to draft a budget. The key is does the item within your budget align with the need of the work. What was stated is that you cannot just write 10% 1,200 to admin. Why? Because we want to help others to know what are the real cost of this work if they opt to move into this area of mediation. Therefore, yes you can spend those funds which are typically administrative expenses, such as telephone, rent, utilities with these resources. You will need to spell out those expenses in your budget so others know that is the real cost.

Our Project has a robust community mediation service already well placed in the community. May we use funds from this grant to support current and ongoing operations, or are the funds intended to support new operations (new expenses)?

The use of the funds should best fit the community’s needs. Therefore, yes, if the submission supports the determination that supporting the current and ongoing operations of the Center is the best use of the funds to continue the Center’s ability to mediate, facilitate and train regarding helping others navigate cultural differences, then this is how they may be allocated. However, there are at the minimum two immediately new expenses of time. First, the lead person for the project would be expected to participate fully in the learning community team. This team meets twice a month for two hours in September, October and November and then monthly thereafter from December to June. Second, there will be data collection efforts using instruments introduced during these sessions. These efforts include the creation of a local logic model, building on the national logic model, a completion of a data log and then the stakeholder process. All of this is designed, as with the two presently on-going learning communities, to both strengthen and enhance the individual Center’s efforts and to offer insight for community mediation as a whole. If you go to the banner on the NAFCM web page (NAFCM.org), you will read more about the individual centers experience of the learning community team.

What percentage of the budget numbers should go toward developing the program and how much toward offering the services?

Budgets will be negotiable. The focus on staff time is key. The proposal has discretion to make some of these choices between the set line items. Budgets may be different from year 1 to year 2.

May we use the funds of this grant to pay for our NAFCM membership?

No, you may not use these funds to pay for your NAFCM membership. Do we have to, in our budget, list the additional financial or in-kind support our partners would be providing? No you do not have to add in-kind to the budget table.  But you should talk about your in-kind support as a response to both questions.  In Part 2 the focus is on how that in-kind demonstrates your community support and your path for sustaining this focus after this mini-grant ends. In Part 3 the focus is on how the resources that will support this effort are larger than the $12,000.00 you are requesting in this mini-grant application.

May we ask for indirect cost?

Yes, but the items must be spelt out. While a budget is not required in the Solicitation of Interest, there will need to be a budget for the RFP submission. Anything that can be justified as needed to support the proposed scope of effort is appropriate to be funded. Each item needs to be specified (so no general “Admin” category) along with the connection to your program proposal. This assist in fully documenting the cost of the proposed scope of work

Initial Expectations of Grantees - Staffing and Evaluation

I was hoping you could clarify the staff member requirement. Given at-will employment, will my organization still be eligible for grant funds if the proposed staff member decides to leave after the grant is received, so long as another staff member is able and available to implement the grant for the original time dedicated to the Mini-Grant in the grant application?

Yes. However, a change in staffing after submission would require a review of that staff person’s resume and most likely a phone call between them and a representative of NAFCM. The key here is that the new staff person has the ability to participate fully in the Learning Community process and has a relationship with both the community that is the focus of your efforts.

How many hours of work will the staff person need?

That is something that is up to the discretion of the program, the SI does not have a particular staff model in mind. These funds may be used to move in different directions and explore opportunities in this area. The staffing will depend on the local circumstances.

Will there be a grantee evaluation process?

Yes, the process will be a collaborative effort between the grantees, NAFCM, and the JAMS Foundation.

Will the work product be shared with JAMS Foundation network?

The work product will be shared through the NAFCM Clearinghouse and other NAFCM platforms.

Will the agency which is awarded the grant have to conduct the needs assessment or can the information be gained by others?

We do not expect a Community Mediation Center to implement a full scale evaluation. However, the items listed in the grant will be expected to be a part of those data points collected or you are not able to obtain a particular data point another data point will be negotiated with you if you are selected. In the learning community, you may gather information from other resources to strengthen your needs assessment for your center and learn how to submit the data.

What sort of documentation/reporting will you be looking for?

Reporting is done on an ongoing basis through the Learning Community. NAFCM files a quarterly report on your behalf the learning community for the JAMS Foundation.

Are there any specific program features you’re looking for to make sure a proposed program is replicable?

We are looking for programs that are sustainable, that have partnerships in their community that know and experience the value of your program, that are able to document concrete impacts after the first year and a half because of the changes you have made and are implementing. These are covered in-depth in the first few months of the Learning Community.

Is there a target number of clients to be assisted with this grant?

No, we are not asking applicants to specify a target number for your program’s reach.

Do we need to know now who our point person on the grant, that person who would participate in the learning community?

No, you do not need to know now, however your application will be strengthened if you were able identify one team member who will be responsible for the implementation of the Mini-Grant and that this member will participate in monthly Learning Community calls and web-based meetings. However, please do not include any resumes.

How much support time to administer the grant?

4 fours a month in meetings for the first few months. Then the team meetings monthly for the remainder of the year. The time between these meetings would depend on your individual circumstances.

Learning Community 

What sort of time commitment is required in the Learning Community?

Initially the group will meet 2 times a month via ZOOM for 2 hours each session, which should taper off to once a month after 4 to 5 months. This is a web-based meeting.This is the time to step back, create a logic model and look at the situation through local needs assessments.

What is the purpose of the Learning Community?

The learning community is there to support everyone and strengthen both individual and collective impact within your local community, across the membership of NAFCM as well as with national stakeholders.

What kind of support does NAFCM provide to the Learning Community?

NAFCM supports the Learning Community through regular group and individual meetings. NAFCM will listen to what you want to accomplish, the needs that have to be met to accomplish that, and what is needed to get there; focused on your sustainable success.

Will there be any written materials coming out of the Learning Community?

The Learning Community will decide what resources and documents to produce. You can view previous Learning Community resources in our Toolkits section on the NAFCM webpage.

If I am not sure about the workings of the Learning Community how can I answer question 5?

Tell us what are you curious about what you do hope to get out of this project beyond the $24,000.00 over two years. Then how will being part of a national learning community designed to help you plan (logic model) assess need and capacity (data log), assess readiness and capacity (listening practice) before planning, implementing evaluating your proposed project be of a benefit to you and your community.

Will the centers be working with NAFCM and the other grantees?

Yes, the mini-grant program looks to strengthen the entire field. Funded organizations will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with NAFCM and other grantees on a regular basis. There is the requirement that all grantees will attend at least one monthly group meeting, beginning in September to enhance programming, shared resources and best practices.

Will monthly meetings for grantees be face-to-face?

No, these meetings will be held electronically.

Will outcomes be addressed in the Learning Community?  Will we be talking about things that we want to track within the Learning Community?

Yes, the first thing we will work on is a logic model which will serve as our road map for our first year together. In the proposal you are asked to present your intents and outcomes in a broad sense, those items will be clarified through the Learning Community process.

Definitions

How are we defining the “aging population”?

We look to you to define “aging population,” but we would expect no younger than the age of 55.

How are you defining “caregivers”?

“Caregiver” is defined broadly—they could be individuals, institutions, agencies, organizations, etc. We hope that you will look at your communities to determine where the greatest needs are that can be assisted to be addressed through the presence of your community mediation center and the use of your community mediation center’s skills.

What is your definition of “sustainable”?

Sustainable for us means that the program will still continue after the lifecycle of this grant. We are not focusing on how that will be continued (i.e. where the funding comes from) but rather that the efforts will continue past the 2 year grant cycle. The intent is for this funding opportunity to strengthen your impact and increase the benefits you offer your community.

Project Focus of Mini-Grant

Are you looking for an example of an efforts we have already done? Or – is it more specific regarding what we are proposing for this grant?

We are looking at capacity – so – what you have done to date – give an example and let the reviewer know how that experience and the steps your took to develop that experience are possibly transferrable to this focus. If you have implement elder and caregiver training, facilitation, dialogues etc.  already mention that in your response.

How are we defining the “aging population”?

We look to you to define “aging population,” but we would expect no younger than the age of 55.

If we already have programs serving the elderly, can we apply for this grant to enhance those programs?

Yes, we are interested in both strengthening or expanding established programs as well as supporting the development of new program.The first few months of the Learning Community you will be working together to help each other step back and look at what is the greatest present need and how best can your center serve to help meet that need.

How are you defining “caregivers”?

“Caregiver” is defined broadly—they could be individuals, institutions, agencies, organizations, etc. We hope that you will look at your communities to determine where the greatest needs are that can be assisted to be addressed through the presence of your community mediation center and the use of your community mediation center’s skills.

What do we need to show to meet the request of question 2?

Describe the nature of the proposed project and the need for this project (what are salient intended impacts and the important benefits to be obtained if the project is funded. The focus here is not on what you are going to do, but the impacts you hope to have with the elder and care giver population, increasing their knowledge of mediation skills, or changing their attitudes as to the best decision making process or event their behavior when conflict arises. In other words, what do you hope to learn or create if invited into this partnership.

For question 3, what hallmarks do we need to cite examples for?

Applicants must cite evidence for three hallmarks. That means one hallmark from priority 1. Priority will be given to projects that focus on developing conflict resolution skills that will assist aging/elder populations to address issues arising between them and caregivers (individuals or institutions). This focus incorporates Hallmark 3, Hallmark 4, Hallmark 6, and Hallmark 7. One hallmark from priority 2. Priority will be given to projects in which the aging population plays a significant or substantive role in the delivery of the process. This focus incorporates Hallmark 2. And one hallmark from priority 3. Priority will be given to projects that arise from grassroots efforts, comprised of a strong base of diverse stakeholders, who are representative of their community of aging individuals and caregivers. This focus incorporates Hallmark 1, Hallmark 5, Hallmark 8, and Hallmark 9. You do not need to be on the top of your game on each of these priorities, but you do need to tell us where you are with them.

In Question 1 (about the target population) do you want us to respond about our work in general, not our present work with the elder and elder caregiver populations?

If you have experience with the elder or elder caregiver population, please answer the question from that rubric of experience. If you do not experience with the population but have strong desire to begin to offer community mediation as tools for these populations to use to address their concerns, then respond with examples of what you are doing now that could be transferable to working with elders and the elder caregiver population.

For Question 3, during the webinar you described how Hallmark 2 must be addressed but the others can be chosen. Why Hallmark 2?

There are three priorities listed, we are seeking centers who are impacting all three priorities. Hallmark 2 is the only hallmark noted for the second priority and that is why when you are going to talk about that priority you would need to address Hallmark 2.

I understand that we will need to demonstrate at least one hallmark listed under each of the 3 priorities, so I am assuming that we will need to meet all 3 priorities to be considered for full application, is that correct?

Yes, as best as you are able to do so. The reviewer will be looking for projects that propose to address the mediation needs of the aging /elder population (priority 1), that the center has or is open to the aging/elder population having a role in the delivery of the services (priority 2) and that the center has or is open to including these diverse stakeholders, aging individuals and caregivers, in the decision-making about how the center develops and connects with the aging and care giver population (priority 3).

Under priority 3, JAMS/NAFCM are asking for this to arise from grassroots efforts, however, if we are seeking partners, the program is really "arising" from our organization, not other grass root sources. Is this correct?

No. The idea to offer the skills and tools of community mediation to the aging/elder population and/or elder caregivers does not need to come from the field (our ability to help others create transformative peace is still unknown by so many); but, that you are committed to have their voice and their collaboration (grass roots) to help in the building of what you may offer. Providing an example of how you have worked with others would help to demonstrate your ability to work among those you are also serving. In other words, you should not and do not need to wait to be approached by people within the elder/caregiver population to qualify for this opportunity.

Can I meet priority 3, grassroots, if I hosted a focus group of elders to inform my center about their concerns and needs?

Yes, that would one way to integrate in grassroots perspectives into the decision making process and could be in proposal if funded.

Can I meet priority 3, that my center has a strong base of diverse stakeholders, if we are partnering with a local senior care center; using elder volunteer/staff mediators of various demographics to deliver training and mediation services; and engaging the residents of this senior center to inform us of their needs/desires?

Yes. The use of trainers from this population would also meet priority two, having the aging/elder population having a role in the delivery of services.

Submission Clarifications

How do you want to receive the proposal?

By electronic mail in a word document.  Interested organizations are required to submit a 1-3-page Solicitation of Interest (SI) to NAFCM no later than 11:59 PM local time of the organization’s legal/main location, by Monday, March 13, 2017 to admin@nafcm.org. No late submission can be accepted.

Can we exceed the page limit ?

No.

Who should the grant be addressed to?

Please address the letters of partnership to Mr. D.G. Mawn, President, NAFCM.

Where should electronic submissions be sent?

All electronic application materials should be emailed to admin@nafcm.org.

May we submit our response by hard copy?

All submissions are to be received electronically.

What attachments should we include?

None. The cover letter is needed as well as the response to the overview and 5 questions.

What should we name this when we send this by email?

When you send your proposal to dgmawn@nafcm.org please make sure in the re: you list the name of your center and what is attached.  For example you may say: Babylon CMC RFP narrative and budget part 1 of 2.   This allows me to know there will be a second email that may say: Babylon CMC RFP Attachment A thru E part 2 of 2.

May an applicant who is currently receiving funds through the NAFCM/JAMS mini-grant apply for these funds?

No.

May the font size in the tables be at Times New Roman 10 while the text is at Times New Roman 12?

Yes.

What attachments should we include?

None. The cover letter is needed as well as the response to the overview and 5 questions.

Before I begin answering the 5 questions what type of introduction should I provide?

In your Si provide first in one or two paragraphs on the first of the up to three pages the following basic information: your Name/Address of the Community Mediation Center; Contact Person (and necessary contact information) for this proposal; and, Community Mediation Center’s previous work that demonstrates the ability to bring mediation concepts to sustainable scale (1-2 paragraphs only).

For the 7 elements in the cover letter, do you want us to copy these verbatim and verify that we are meeting them, or are you looking for people to expand on these?

The only expansion would be either you have met these commitments, or you state that you will meet these commitments. This cover letter is not a time to be creative.

Outstanding Volunteer Award: Winter 2017

Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we urge you to recognize the amazing services provided by volunteer mediators, whom every day contribute to the building of transformative peace in their communities; your communities.

Volunteer mediators give some of their most precious resources, time and empathy, so that we can all move closer to the promise of democracy, justice, and brotherhood and not to drink from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

Showing appreciation for the years of service and acknowledging the bright futures of your volunteer mediators will help ensure a diverse, vibrant, and engaged volunteer base that will support your work even outside the mediation room.

Nominations for this quarter will begin on Tuesday January 17, 2017 (National Day of Racial Healing) and will close on February 1, 2017. Take this time to honor a special volunteer from your center and remind them of how important they are to their mediation community.

Nominations can be made by member centers through the following link: http://www.nafcm.org/?page=VolunteerAward.