OMA Committees

Many of OMA’s activities are carried out by committees.  Committees address the many goals and needs of the organization.  As an OMA member, you are invited to participate in one or more committees. A Convener coordinates committee communications, with committee members sharing a variety of tasks.

Committees set their own meeting schedules based on the needs their members. Phone participation is common and provides a viable option for OMA members living or working outside the Portland metropolitan area. Current active committees include:

Advocacy Committee – The Advocacy Committee focuses on promoting the use and institutionalization of mediation at the statewide public policy level through collaboration with decision-makers (e.g. government officials). Contract the OMA Executive Director at director@omediate.org if you are interested in laerning more about this committee.   

2012 OMA Fall Conference Committee – Jim Brooks, Convener (503) 526-2791. This committee plans OMA's annual Fall Conference and meets monthly from January through October.  This fun and focused group produces tangible results! This Committee is currently full, however we welcome volunteers who want to help with special Conference-related activities and tasks.

Executive Committee – Cynthia  Moore, President, (541) 515-2319, President and Committee Convener.  This committee includes OMA's officers and its Executive Director. The committee oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization and focus on the strategic, long-range development of the organization. 
 
Leadership Committee – The Leadership Committee supports the growth of OMA's financial, leadership and human resources. The committee meets every few months. Committee membership is open to current and former OMA Board members.

Mediators Choice Award Gala – Molly Keating (503) 349-8247) and Amy Cleary (503) 655-8700), Co-Conveners. This Committee is planning our 2012 Gala which will be held Saturday May 19th, 2012 at the Tiffany Center in Portland.

Member Services Committee – Cynthia Moore, Interim Co-Convener, (541) 515-2319 and Erin Halton, Co-Convener, (503) 422-4661. This committee works to build awareness and understanding of OMA members' needs and goals, and it tracks membership statistics and trends.  Member Services coordinates ongoing events and activities, including networking and educational gatherings. The Committee meetings monthly or bi-monthly, depending on needs. 

Newsletter Committee – Robin Gumpert, (503) 248-4703, Editor. This creative committee produces and edits OMA’s fabulous newsletter. Contact Robin or the OMA office to see whether the Committee is in need of additional members. The Committee always welcomes volunteers who want to submit articles on an occasional basis.

Standards and Practices Committee –  Larry Coady, Convener, (503) 227-735, ltcoady@msn.com. The OMA Standards and Practices Committee develops and implements: the ethical standards guiding the conduct of OMA member mediators (Core Standards of Mediation Practice); the process of addressing and resolving concerns or complaints about OMA member mediator behavior (Voluntary Mediation Process for Resolving Disputes with OMA Mediators); the process for educating OMA members about the Core Standards of Mediation Practice ("ask OMAr"); Fall conference presentations; and online OMA tools.  As part of OMA's Quality Enhancement Initiative, the committee is has developed model standards for mediator education, experience and training.

Finance Committee – Kevin Grant, Convener, (541) 760-6259. This committee assists the OMA Board of Directors in its oversight responsibilities relating to fiscal management. It reviews and recommends approval of an annual operating budget, reviews financial results, ensures the maintenance of an appropriate financial management structure and oversees the management of organization-wide financial assets.