ELDER MEDIATION INTEREST GROUP (EMIG) 

The Elder Mediation Interest Group's mission is to promote and support quality dispute resolution for elders and those who care for and about them. EMIG raises awareness of how mediation can help elders have more control over the important decisions that affect their lives.

About elder mediation

Elder mediation brings elders (whenever possible), family members, and professionals together to address the major life changes inherent in the aging process. The goal is to help families and caregivers communicate about situations they feel need to be addressed while giving elders more of a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Issues appropriate for mediation include care-giving, housing and living arrangements, financial management, guardianship, estate and probate matters, healthcare planning, medical care and end-of-life decisions.
 
Get involved in EMIG

Attend an EMIG activity.  Everyone is welcome to attend an EMIG event, workshop or activity, regardless of whether or not they are OMA members.  

Join the EMIG Google group online. EMIG members may use the EMIG Google group to share experiences and information, learn about upcoming events and ask questions of their colleagues. To join the Google group, contact Cynthia Nielsen at cynthia@bluevoiceonline.com

Promote elder mediation.  EMIG has developed a brochure and presentation that explains elder mediation to referral sources such as nursing home staff, social workers and healthcare providers. (Download brochure) If you’re interested in using the presentation to promote the use of elder mediation in your community, contact Holly Wells at hollyw25@comcast.net

Join an EMIG subcommittee.  EMIG subcommittees can use your skills and perspective. Consider joining one of the following subcommittees:  

Outreach
Charge: Develop and maintain procedures for educating and marketing to potential users and referral sources; develop communications with related professionals; and maintain and monitor EMIG presentations.

Professional Development & Support
Charge: Maintain website materials; research and develop qualifications and training guidelines; propose and plan educational events and training opportunities; and write articles.  

Legal Community Connections
Charge: Establish and maintain connections to the Oregon State Bar, especially the Elder Law Section; work with court system to encourage elder mediation in probate courts; and establish and maintain connections to key members of the local, state and national legal community involved with elder mediation.

For more information about EMIG, contact the EMIG Steering Committee  

• Dick Eisman, volunteer mediator, Deschutes County, 541-389-7753,  deismanagency@bendcable.com or dickeisman.mediation@gmail.com
• Robert Mandelson, private mediator, 503-544-2722, rmandel@spiritone.com
• Cynthia Nielsen, private mediator, BlueVoice Communication, 503-622-6388, Cynthia@bluevoiceonline.com
• Meg Nightingale, private mediator, 503-806-3767, mjnightingale@comcast.net  
• Holly Wells, private mediator, Neutral Ground Mediation Services, 503-452-0936, hollyw25@comcast.net  

EMIG Steering Committee former members: Barbara Blackstone, Jim Brooks, Judith Chambliss, Maria Iwasyk, Eric Kearney, Michael Levelle, Pat Medford, Lisa Allen