A Good Web Site Gets Even Better

More than a year ago, I had my first contact with Dr. John Stephens, Coordinator of the Public Dispute Resolution Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, when he informed me of several web sites in the ADR field that might be of interest to me and readers of my column. His tips proved to be quite useful.

I am pleased to report that Dr. Stephens' most recent e-mail to me concerned his own newly updated web site. The Public Dispute Resolution web site can be found at http://ncinfo.iog.unc.edu/programs/dispu... I found the site easy to navigate, an excellent source of information regarding public dispute resolution, and also a good resource for general alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

But some of you may be wondering what is meant by public dispute resolution. It is conflict resolution relating to public issues or controversies. Disputes arising out of the effects of institutional or governmental policymaking would typically be handled through public dispute resolution. A fuller explanation, including examples, can be found on the web site.

Although the Public Dispute Resolution web site concentrates on providing information and guidance concerning disputes in the public arena, specifically in North Carolina, Dr. Stephens has included many links to other sites that focus on mediation in other types of disputes. The site offers links in the categories of "Conflict Resolution with a Peace and Religious Focus," "Academic Resources in Conflict Resolution," and "Other National and International Resources." The site also includes a link to the late James Boskey's encyclopedic directory of mediation web sites. Professor Boskey taught at Seton Hall Law School in New Jersey at the time of his death, and his directory is a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in mediation.

Another section of the Public Dispute Resolution site thst I found particularly useful for a broad audience was the "Framework for Conflict Assessment." The framework consists of six components: Parties, Issues, Relationship between Parties, Positions, Interests, and Resources for Pursuing the Conflict. This scheme, with its accompanying questions and comments, can be used to evaluate any kind of conflict, be it public or private.

Add this site to your list of good ADR resources.

Until next time...

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