CALL FOR PROPOSALS 

OREGON MEDIATION ASSOCIATION

22^nd Annual Fall Conference

“Riding the Crest of Change in the 21^st Century”

November 7-8, 2008

Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon

Proposal Due Date:  May 15, 2008

Content

Riding the Crest of Change in the 21^st Century:

Everywhere we turn, there is talk of change.  Candidates for public office tout “change” as the motivation for instilling new leadership.  Continued and frequent advances in technology are changing the way individuals communicate with each other.  These same advances are fueling globalization.  Individuals and organizations are compelled not only to keep up with change but to stay in front of it.  They are recognizing the need for effective communication and experimenting with new forms of collaboration.

For the 2008 OMA conference, we are seeking presentations that consider or address the following focus:  How can mediators, conflict resolution professionals, trainers and related professionals best prepare themselves in the 21^st Century?   The Conference committee encourages presentations within in this focus that consider any of the following questions or other current topics of interest to our OMA members and partners:

Global and Technological Change

Ø      How are conflict resolution professionals and related organizations responding to continued change and the possibilities of change in the future?

Ø       How do we serve and stay abreast of modern consumer needs? 

Ø       What does the modern mediator need to do to catch up to technology, to surpass it?

Quality Enhancement

Ø      What does “mediator quality” and mediator qualifications mean in this non-stop world of change? 

Ø       How do we guide new practitioners?  How do we develop quality mentor relationships?

Ø       How do we enhance the quality of mediation practitioners overall? 

Relevance

Ø      Do tried and true methods still work or do they need modification in light of communication technology? 

Ø       What new methods or techniques or innovations can we offer to assist in the transitions that change brings? 

Ø      Is there old baggage that we need to let go of? 

Ø       Is there old wisdom that can be renewed? 

Partnership and Collaboration

Ø      How might conflict resolution professionals, trainers and related organizations collaborate more effectively to address these questions?

Ø      What new coalitions are needed to provide stability and/or support the necessary changes around us?

Ø      How can we engage partners to expand access to and the use of mediation services by the general public?

Audience

Prior conference attendees have included mediators, attorneys, educators, counselors, social workers, and others interested in mediation and related fields. Each session typically include anywhere from 10-50 audience members.

For the 2008 Conference, OMA hopes to provide presentations that appeal to a broad array of

participants including mediators, lawyers, trainers, public policy and public involvement facilitators, trainers, educators,  youth, family and social work professionals and other related professionals.

 Presentations can be 90 minutes or 3 hours in length and should be interactive

Compensation

Although OMA offers no actual compensation for presenters, they are invited to attend the conference at no charge.

Opportunities to Advertise

There are several ways to advertise your business or product, via handbook pages and display tables at the conference. Inquire at OMA!

Submission

Please note that all submissions must be made through OMA’s online Conference RFP form. Click here to go to the proposal form.   Once the RFP form is completed, a copy will be sent automatically to the OMA office.  All sections of the RFP must be filled in to be eligible for consideration. If you need technical assistance, please contact the OMA office at (503) 872-9775. 

Notification

You will be notified in writing of your proposal’s acceptance by June 13, 2008.