Greetings!
This time of year brings our children's return to school, fall holidays, and elections. With this in mind, I'd like to take a moment to thank our educators for their tireless work, remind us all of our civic duty to impact society through the exercise of voting, and honor the Veterans in our lives by thanking them for their service and their sacrifice.

If you are interested in contributing to the newsletter's scholar's column, submitting a drawing or joke for our funnies, or sharing big news in the members on the move, email TAMNewsEditor@gmail.com. All submissions must include publication citations and photo credits. We hope you enjoy this September edition of the Texas Mediator.

Sincerely,
Angela St. Julien

Discussions with Danette


I hope you all had a very relaxing and safe Labor Day holiday weekend.
First of all, I want to thank Angela St. Julien for these amazing newsletters! She has revamped and enhanced our publication, and I could not be happier! We have a bit of humor, information, and education—a little something for every palate.

Most of you who know me know I can be very expressive, and I must tell you I am full of anticipation for next year’s
conference—like a kid at Christmas! I can hardly wait! The speakers who have submitted requests for proposals are some of the best in our field. I am delighted to report that Elaine Garcia, Elizabeth “Sissy” Preston, Patricia Bradley, and your TAM Board have been hard at work to make San Antonio 2023 the best TAM conference ever! The Riverwalk is enjoyed by millions each year and is one of... Read More
Scholar's Column
Mediation as a Post-Election Tool

In the past two decades, there has been increased scrutiny on election administration, and the systems and process in which we vote. Not surprisingly, a rise in election disputes between community members, state and federal officials, and the candidates or campaigns has followed. The latter resulting in increased election-related litigation. Can these embattled parties use mediation to resolve their conflict? Can peace be restored in local communities through mediated disputes? As mediators, what role can we play in our local community when these disputes arise?

In the article below, Rebecca Green first examines the belief that mediation cannot be used in post-election disputes. She then turns the argument on its head by shining a light on the nuances of these types of disputes and why mediation is perhaps the perfect tool for the job.

Mediation and Post-Election Litigation: A Way Forward Click To Read

Share your thoughts on the Scholar's Column at TAMNewsEditor@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE!
Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk
600 E. Market Street - San Antonio
Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk celebrates the history and charm of the Alamo City with a welcoming spirit and an elegant style. Experience the River Walk in the heart of downtown San Antonio and enjoy top restaurants, museums, and must-visit sites, all within walking distance.

TAM Discounted Room Rate
$219.00 per night (plus applicable taxes and fees)


The conference will open at 9:00 am on Friday, March 24th,
and adjourn at noon on Saturday, March 25th. Early Bird Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities open in October 2022.

TAM Talks provide continuing education opportunities that qualify for both TAM's and TMCA's annual continuing education requirements. Recordings of past TAM Talks are available in the TAM Member Center.

Next TAM Talk
September 22, 4:00 p.m.
Workplace Mediation
Vic Buchanon

FUTURE 2022 DATES
October 27 - November 17 - December 15
A special thank you goes out to all of you who have been regular attendees at our TAM Talks! I so appreciate your presence and support of this event. Don’t forget that all TAM Talks are recorded, and members can find them on our... Read More

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2022
8:25 am to 5:00 pm
 Live via Zoom

BONUS: Each “early bird” 2022 Symposium registrant who has paid in full on or before 10/2/22 will receive a complimentary copy of Hesha Abrams’ new book, Holding the Calm, in ebook or audiobook format (see the registration page for options).

Early Bird Discount by 10/2/22:
$100 (current Credential holders)
$125 (non-Credential holders)
AFTER 10/2/22:
$125 (current Credential holders)
$150 (non-Credential holders)

Click Here for more information and registration.
DID YOU KNOW:

HOW WHEN AND WHY TAFM BECAME TAM

For the first five years of our organization’s existence, we were known as the Texas Association of Family Mediators. In 1990, we dropped “Family” from our name and became the Texas Association of Mediators. This was much more significant than merely a simple name change. It was a total change in strategic direction for our organization. We stopped being an association exclusively serving Texas family law mediators and opened our membership and our focus to all mediators throughout the State.

The President of TAFM at the time was Florence M. Kusnetz, who considered the TAFM/TAM name change “the most significant accomplishment of [her] year as president.” Florence and other founders of TAFM had turned to... Read More
DRC Corner
The DRC Corner has been established to highlight important news about our Texas DRCs, including job opportunities, calls for volunteers, networking events, and any other exciting or impactful work a DRC is doing. 

Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc.

The Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County (DRC-MC) is excited to announce it was recently approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as a provider for educator CPE credits. Accordingly, it will be able to make MCLE, CEU, and CPE credits available for its 40-Hour General Mediation Training in October. Click Here for training details

The DRC-MC also recently received a 2022 Top Rated Nonprofit designation from Great Nonprofitmarking the 5th year in a row it has received this honor. The 3rd Annual Community Peacebuilding Community Awards Contest, sponsored by the ACR Houston Peer Mediation Team and the DRC-MC, will accept nominations for deserving peacemakers in Harris and Montgomery Counties until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022. Click Here for contest details. 


West Texas Community Mediation Center

Members of the Texas DRC Council were invited to form a panel as guest speakers at the County and District Clerks’ Association of Texas Summer Conference held at the Waco Convention Center on July 10-14, 2022. The panel consisted of Kara Hawthorn, DRC Chair and Dispute Resolution Center of Jefferson County, Inc. Executive Director; Janet Lyon, Executive Director, McLennan County Dispute Resolution Center; and Danette Ross Watson, TAM President and Executive Director, West Texas Community Mediation Center. The session was moderated by Velva Price, Travis County District Clerk. Each panelist was given an opportunity to introduce herself and share information regarding her DRC and the services offered.

The session consisted of a presentation of the various types of dispute resolution centers, how they are organized and how they function. The information most interesting to the Clerks was that involving the new laws surrounding the distribution of funds from the various counties to the DRCs: Texas Local Government Code §135.101- §135.103.
There was a lively Q&A portion during and at the conclusion of the session as well.



List of Texas Dispute Resolution Centers

Submissions may be sent to TAMNewsEditor@gmail.com
Members on the Move


Mediator and Arbitrator Felicia Harris Hoss, Esq. (Harris Hoss PLLC (Houston) is playing a pivotal role as co-chair and moderator of the ABA's Mediation Week 2022 program. Click Here to learn more about the program.
Use the TAM Member Locator to find and connect with TAM Members!
Committee Spotlight
TAM Outreach Committee

If you're looking for an impactful way to serve TAM while expanding your network and knowledge of the association, there's no greater way than to join a committee!

The Outreach Committee is responsible for maintaining and fostering relationships between TAM membership and other mediation groups and organizations. Our hope is that the Outreach Committee can pursue partnership opportunities on projects and events within the mediation community and in our local communities that promote and support TAM’s mission and the peaceful resolution of conflict. Join us! Email TAMAdmin@gmail.com to get started.

TAM Membership
Why should mediators be TAM members?

TAM is the ONLY multi-disciplinary networking and education-oriented organization in Texas. That's right, TAM is for ALL Texas mediators.

Benefits of TAM Membership

  • Continuing education with monthly TAM Talks on Zoom (in person and recorded)
  • Listing in a searchable online Membership Directory available to the public with the option to include a bio, photo, and areas of practice
  • Discounted fees for our annual conference which featuring workshops taught by experts of national and international stature
  • Access to malpractice insurance designed especially for mediators through Complete Equity Markets
  • "Members on the Move" in TAM Newsletters
  • Participation in a statewide network of mediators who support TAM’s mission
  • Discounted subscription to ADR Notable
 Show your support for TAM with your membership for 2022.
ADR Employment Opportunities
Are you looking for a new opportunity?
We're on the lookout for any alternative dispute resolution job listing that could benefit our membership.
Current Openings:
  • Circuit Mediator- U.S. Court of Appeals APPLY HERE
  • Mediator Circuit/Family- State of Florida APPLY HERE
  • Case Administrator (Legal Services Administrative Support)- American Arbitration Association APPLY HERE
  • Ombuds- University of California Santa Cruz APPLY HERE
  • Conciliation Specialist- U.S. Department of Justice APPLY HERE
  • DEI Program Manager- ADR Vantage APPLY HERE

 Please Note: The above listings are for your convenience and should not be considered as an endorsement by TAM.

Shared by:
Danette Ross Watson




Source:
Ken LaMance, LegalMatch.com
Texas Association of Mediators
P.O. Box 2537
Galveston, TX 77553-2537