NW Collaborative
Futures Conference

Healing Community Divisions: Using Mediator Tools to Transform Mindsets

The idea that people must be divided on one side or the other creates harmful artificial boundaries in our communities. Boundaries between people are imaginary and socially constructed, but with real consequences that can undermine community relationships and community well-being.

Our presentation will talk about Growth Mindset versus a Fixed Mindset, the impacts of both and how we can work toward a Growth Mindset that creates positive change.  Mediation skills naturally support growth mindset.  We will show how some basic mediation skills can be used to become better communicators, better listeners and how we can bring those skills to the larger community.

Speaker: Lori Loranger
Services Coordinator, Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center

Lori did her basic mediation training with Six Rivers in 2010; specialized trainings include Facilitation, Restorative practices, and Foreclosure mediation. Lori has been practicing tai chi for 30 years and nonviolent/compassionate communication for nearly 20 years.

Speaker: Ona Lawrence
MS Program Manager, Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center

Ona brings 10 years of experience in community mediation, restorative Justice and project coordination and design. Ona is a trained mediator and is a passionate believer in the positive effects of resolving disputes through mediation.

Speaker: Debra Pennington Davis, MF
Program Assistant, Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center

Debra comes to mediation with a background in writing, editing, and teaching in both public school and university settings. Debra also serves as a volunteer guardian ad litem for foster children and is particularly interested in helping people get the skills and resources they need to navigate challenging situations.