A resolution proclaiming October 15 through October 21, 2006, as Conflict Resolution Week, and October 19th as Mediation Day in Nashville, Tennessee.

WHEREAS, conflict resolution has made an impact across the nation as more and more people and organizations seek creative and productive methods of resolving problems and strengthening relationships; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 was enacted in January 1996 to establish court-based alternative dispute resolution on a state-wide basis, and there are currently over 900 individuals who are Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Mediators in Tennessee, a 285% increase over the past ten years; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the actions of the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Tennessee, there is a Metro-funded Victim and Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) provided at the Neighborhood Justice Center in Nashville, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the Nashville Bar Association was instrumental in the formation of the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, which provides free mediation services at the Davidson County General Sessions Court; and

WHEREAS, MediationWorks! is a Nashville program that promotes peer mediation programs in Metro Schools; and

WHEREAS, the Institute for Conflict Management (ICM) at Lipscomb University, launched in June 2006, is a local, regional and national resource, offering courses and training for students, professionals, businesses, governmental entities, and other organizations in the expanding field of conflict and dispute resolution, including an interdisciplinary approach to conflict management in healthcare, education, business, employment, and religious organizations; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee State University has established an Ombudsman Office that assists students, faculty and staff by providing information on university policies and procedures and by facilitating conflict resolution using informal fact-finding and mediation; and

WHEREAS, the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Inc., which is celebrating its 45th anniversary, provides a range of services to the community including a neutral setting for resolution of conflicts between consumers and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Bar Association's Dispute Resolution Section and Access to Justice Committee, the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, the Neighborhood Justice Center, MediationWorks!, the Ombudsman Office of Tennessee State University, the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Inc., the Nashville Bar Association Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee, the Tennessee Association for Professional Mediators (TAPM) and the Institute for Conflict Management at Lipscomb University are members of the Tennessee Coalition for Mediation Awareness, a state-wide coalition formed in 2006 to maximize the resources and expertise of various groups in Tennessee committed to increasing awareness of mediation as an alternative to litigation; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Coalition for Mediation Awareness is supporting programs and activities that educate the public on the benefits of mediation and other forms of conflict resolution; and

WHEREAS, all people experience conflicts in their families, neighborhoods, workplaces, business associations, religious groups and governments at every level, and for many people conflict has a harmful and even destructive effect on emotions, health, relationships, and finances; and

WHEREAS, all people can learn to understand, manage and resolve conflicts, and can benefit from giving respect to others, the art of compromise and the search for common ground, listening skills, empathy and other positive problem-solving values and techniques; and

WHEREAS, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution services continue to assist the courts and citizens in Nashville, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Governor Phil Bredesen has issued a proclamation declaring October 19, 2006, Mediation Day in Tennessee and governmental entities across the United States are proclaiming October 19th as an official day of recognition for conflict resolution; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County encourages associations, businesses, and organizations everywhere to consider the benefits of conflict management and resolution by setting aside one week for activities dedicated to increasing public awareness of mediation and other forms of conflict resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming October 15th through October 21st, 2006, as Conflict Resolution Week, and October 19th as Mediation Day in Nashville, Tennessee.

Section 2. The Metro Nashville Council requests the Mayor to annually issue notice of Conflict Resolution Week to Nashville Metro Government employees and citizens of the community and encourage all citizens to join in this worthy observance.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: David Briley, Sam Coleman, Brenda Gilmore

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	October 3, 2006
Adopted:	October 3, 2006
Approved:	October 10, 2006
By: