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 16, 2020 | Cancelled due to bad weather |
| Feb 20, 2020 | Diva at the Met, 6pm Guest speakers Joan Braun and Vivian Kerenyi, both lawyers and mediators, will be joining us to talk about Elder Mediation |
| March 19, 2020 | To limit the potential impact of Covid-19, we will not be meeting this month. April’s schedule is pending. |
| April 16, 2020 | No meeting this month |
| May 21, 2020 | Zoom meeting, 6 to 7:30. Sharon Sutherland co-hosting. Some topics include: collaboration approaches with other businesses during COVID-19 and Mediate BC's Quarantine Conflict Resolution Services and even sharing some of your 'quarantini' recipes! Email maria@mediationbc.com for link to Zoom meeting |
| June 18, 2020 | Zoom meeting, 6 to 7 (note change from 7:30 to 7). Last month we had our highest number of ADR practitioners join us so far and so we're doing the Zoom thing again this month. Thank you for your interest and conversations about conflict resolution. This month, Amanda Semenoff, the Quarantine Conflict Resolution Service manager with Mediate BC will be co-hosting with me. Some of this month's topics include: 1.Mediation styles, do you change it up, depending on your client? 2. Heather Wojcik from Access Pro bono will talk about their new remote technology for BC's Lawyer Referral Service - Qase 3) New Divorce Act. Let me know if you'd like to attend and I'll send you the link. maria@mediationbc.com. Friendly reminder that you are able to join any time after the actual start time. |
| July 2020 | NO meeting in July |
| August 2020 | NO meeting in August |
| September 24, 2020 | Join us at Mediate BC's on-line annual Vancouver reception contact me or MBC for link to registration |
| Oct 15, 2020 | Zoom meeting, 6 to 7:30pm. Bring a Quarantini or your preferred beverage and join us for a casual conversation. Topic: Conflict Resolution Week - How are you participating? How can we support one another to raise awareness of mediation? https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82667190797?pwd=NnlIemszbmhWV1ZjS01BTUZ1K0hJZz09 |
| Nov 19, 2020 | Zoom meeting, 6 to 7:30pm. Bring a Quarantini or your preferred beverage and join us for a casual conversation. Topic: Overcoming the polarisation inherent in elections. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82667190797?pwd=NnlIemszbmhWV1ZjS01BTUZ1K0hJZz09 |
| December 2020 | NO meeting in December |
Note: Locations are subject to change, please check in a few days before event
