Mediators' Lounge
Back in 2015, a colleague who lives on the Island, told me about a group of mediators who casually gather once a month to talk about conflict resolution (and other topics). This group was and is still called the Victoria Mediators’ Lounge. A lightbulb moment happened when I realized Vancouver had nothing like this. It was time. The idea of the Vancouver Mediators’ Lounge ('VML' or 'The Lounge') was born. Our first meeting was June 18, 2015.
Attendance and excitement at the first few Lounges made us realize how important it is for all of us to meet and talk about dispute resolution and other related topics.
Years later, our meetings continue each month, usually on the third Thursday of the month and always from 6 to 7:30 pm. Arrive when you can, leave when you want. We alternate between Vancouver and New Westminster (near skytrain) in order for those outside the downtown core to attend.
If anyone is interested in hosting a Lounge outside these two areas, please let me know and follow the principles of the VML, below.
Principles of VML:
- We bring up current ADR news, share learning experiences and discuss new ideas, sometimes even talk about current events unrelated to ADR.
- Should be fun: This time should be set aside for alternative dispute resolution practitioners (ADRPs) to relax and talk to other like-minded individuals.
- All ADRPs are welcome including Lawyers, Arbitrators, Divorce Coaches, Mediators, etc., etc.
- Confidential. This is obvious, but it should be stated anyway: Anything confidential discussed at The Lounge will remain among the ADRPs present.
No meetings July, August or December.
Schedule:
| Day | Place |
| Jan 21, 2021 | Zoom meeting, 6 to 7:30 |
| Feb 18, 2021 | Zoom 6 to 7:30 Enjoy a ‘quarantini’ or a tea (or dinner!) with your colleagues. This on-line, informal time is set aside for our discussions about conflict resolution and sometimes other topics. Stay the whole time or drop in. Topics tbd. Ideas? amanda@mindfulresolution.ca or maria@mediationbc.com |
| Mar 18, 2021 | Zoom 6 to 7:30 Enjoy a ‘quarantini’ or a tea (or dinner!) with your colleagues. This on-line, informal time is set aside for our discussions about conflict resolution and sometimes other topics. Stay the whole time or drop in. Topics tbd. Ideas? maria@mediationbc.com |
| Apr 15, 2021 | Time change to NOON. Still via Zoom. NOON to 1:30 (PT) We have Marie Josee Poirier and Amanda Stuart from Justice Canada joining us today to deliver a 'mini' Divorce Act presentation. Agenda items include: Language of parenting, parenting orders, best interests, family violence, relocation and more. If you missed any of the earlier DA presentations, feel free to sign up for this free session. Stay the whole time or drop in. maria@mediationbc.com for link |
| May 20, 2021 | Zoom 6 to 7:30 Enjoy an on-line drink (or dinner) with your colleagues while discussing something we could all relate to in mediation - client defensiveness. Gerry Bock of Bock, Belisle & Associates is presenting / leading a discussion on client defensiveness. 'Clients defensiveness is one of the greatest inhibitors to a well mediated settlement and collaboration that lasts.' Gerry will lead the group through identifying the three most common types of defensive reactions which sabotage the process (fight, withdraw, and sabotage). Stay the whole time or drop in. maria@mediationbc.com for link |
| Jun 17, 2021 | Via Zoom 6 to 7:30 This informal time is set aside for our discussions about conflict resolution and sometimes other topics. Stay the whole time or drop in. Topics tbd. Ideas? maria@mediationbc.com |
| Jul 2021 | NO meeting in July |
| Aug 2021 | NO meeting in August |
| Sept 2021 | Join us at Mediate BC's on-line annual Vancouver reception contact me or MBC for link to registration |
| Oct 21, 2020 | MIGHT be an in-person, depends on Covid situation.6 to 7:30 This informal time is set aside for our discussions about conflict resolution and sometimes other topics. Stay the whole time or drop in. Topics tbd. Ideas? maria@mediationbc.com |
| Nov 18, 2021 | MIGHT be an in-person, depends on Covid situation.6 to 7:30 This informal time is set aside for our discussions about conflict resolution and sometimes other topics. Stay the whole time or drop in. Topics tbd. Ideas? maria@mediationbc.com |
| Dec 2021 | NO meeting in December |
Note: Locations are subject to change, please check in a few days before event
