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IAM Summer Chautauqua

Recent Events:

Another Peaceful Transfer of "Power"

 After all, that is what mediators do ... transfer peace!

  Prior President Steve Schodde presents a gift of appreciation to outgoing President George Elliott under the watchful eye of incoming President Terry Parsons at the 2010 Annual Spring Conference in Des Moines. 

Collage of conference pictures here

Over 50 IAM members gathered at the Hotel Fort Des Moines on Thursday evening and Friday, April 29 & 30 to elect new leadership, renew aquaintences, share perspectives and particpate in a top notch workshop.  The program was entitled Emotions in Conflict: Finding Wisdom Among Distractions presented by nationally recognized speaker and former President of the Association for Conflict Resolutions, Family Mediation Section, Sue Bronson.

Featuring Sue Bronson

Emotions in Conflict: Finding Wisdom Among Distractions   The conference will focus on one of the greatest mediator challenges, dealing with the emotional content of mediations.    Participants will gain practical insights and tools to  recognize, evaluate, and effectively deal with the emotional aspects of conflicts.    The conference is designed for mediators at all skill levels and non-members are welcome.

 Since 1983, Sue has been a pioneer in mediation with her primary focus on mediating work place disputes, custody and parenting agreements and family disputes involving the elderly. She teaches mediation. She trains Judges, Lawyers, Psychologists, and Social Workers in mediation skills and group facilitation at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee School of Continuing Education and De Paul University in Chicago.

 As a psychotherapist, Sue helps to strengthen relationships, provide healing from trauma, and assist people to regain inner peace. Sue Bronson is the Past Chair of the Association of Conflict Resolution Family Section and a charter member of Wisconsin Association of Mediators. She is the lead author of the Self-Assessment Tool for Mediators, now translated into Spanish, French, and Dutch.

Iowa Bar Journal Article:   "Value of Family Mediation"  February 2010 Issue

  Read the entire article >>

Iowa Bar Approves Mandatory Mediation

December 8, Des Moines    The Board of Governors of the Iowa State Bar Association adopted the recommendations of the Task Force for the Delivery of Enhanced Legal Services throughout Iowa which includes the following language:

"The Committee recommends mandating mediation for all family law matters involving children....."  Read the entire Report here.

Family Mediation Conference, Des Moines -- November 13

Overn 80 Iowa district court judges, associate judges, magistrates, court administrators, family lawyers and family mediators met to address a common effort to establish statewide mediation programs in family law matters.  The following awards were conferred:

	Annie Tucker, Director of Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa presents Sixth District Court Senior Judge Thomas an award reading: Judge William L. Thomas In recognition of your leadership, with brilliance and good humor, in expanding the commitment to mediation in Iowa Courts. Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa, November 13, 2009
	Scarlett Lunning, left, former President of the Iowa Association of Mediators presents former IAM President and Conference Chair, Lois Crane an award reading: Lois Crane, the Johnnie Appleseed of Mediation In recognition of your leadership, with diplomacy, the 'magic of mediation' and good humor, in expanding the use of mediation throughout Iowa Iowa Association of Mediators, November 13, 2009

2010 Spring Conference - April 29 & 30 - Hotel Fort Des Moines