A resolution proclaiming October 18th 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, the Tennessee Coalition for Mediation Awareness was 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 includes the following members located in Davidson County, Tennessee:

• Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Inc.
• Institute for Conflict Management at Lipscomb University
• Nashville Bar Association Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee
• Nashville Conflict Resolution Center
• Neighborhood Justice Center
• Ombudsman Office of Tennessee State University
• Tennessee Association for Professional Mediators (TAPM)
• Tennessee Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section
• Tennessee Bar Association Access to Justice Committee; 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, including student peer mediation in the public schools, programs for reducing gang violence, and alternative dispute resolution services in the juvenile courts; and

WHEREAS, Governor Phil Bredesen has issued a proclamation declaring October 18, 2007, Mediation Day in Tennessee and governmental entities across the United States are proclaiming October 18th as an official day of recognition for conflict resolution; and

WHEREAS, at the July 31, 2007 meeting of the Tennessee Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission, the following motion passed unanimously: "The Commission commends the Tennessee Coalition for Mediation Awareness for its support and fostering of Mediation Day, October 18, 2007 and encourages all mediators in the state of Tennessee to participate as best they can in this recognition;" 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, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County encourages schools, public agencies serving young people, associations, businesses, and organizations everywhere to consider the benefits of conflict management and resolution by setting aside one day 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 18, 2007 as Mediation Day in Nashville, Tennessee.

Section 2. The Metro Nashville Council requests the Mayor to annually issue notice of Mediation Day 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-elect Karl Dean.

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: Mike Jameson, Randy Foster, Sam Coleman

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	October 2, 2007
Adopted:	October 2, 2007
Approved:	October 11, 2007
By: