Ithastrulybeenaprivilegetoworkalongsidesuchdedicatedandpassionateindividualswho consistentlystriveforexcellenceineverythingwedo.
Reflectingonmytimehere,Iamremindedoftheunwaveringsupportandcommitmenteach ofyouhasshown Yourbeliefinourmissionandyourwillingnesstocollaboratehavebeen crucialtoourachievements.Together,wehavenavigatedchallenges,celebratedmilestones, andfosteredacultureofinnovationandresilience.Thiscollaborativespiritnotonlydefinesour organizationbutalsoinspiresmedaily.
Iamparticularlyproudofthestrideswe’vemadeinenhancingourprogramsandoutreach initiatives Theprogresswe’veachievedisatestamenttoyourhardworkanddedication Itis clearthatwhenwecometogetherasaunifiedteam,wecanovercomeanyobstacleand createpositivechange.
Aswelookaheadto2025andbeyond,IamfilledwithoptimismaboutthefutureofNYSDRA. Thestrongfoundationwe’vebuilt,coupledwiththecollectivevisionweshare,positionsuswell forcontinuedgrowthandsuccess Ibelievethatwithourcombinedefforts,wewillnotonly meetourgoalsbutexceedthem,makinganevengreaterimpactinourcommunity.
Let’scontinuetoinspireeachotheranddriveourmissionforward!
THERESA HOBBS
NYSDRA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Our Mission
Page 6-7
Overview of Achievements
Pages 8-9
NYSDRA’s 2024 Board of Directors
Page 10
NYSDRA Advisory Board
Page 11
Our Members
Page 12
Our Centers
Page 13
Legal Related services
Pages 14-15
IOLA TECHNOLOGY GRANT Pages 16-17
Pro Bono Volunteers Page 18-19
NYSDRA’s Annual Conference Pages 20-23
Meet our Team
Page 24
Trainings
Page 25
Significant Collaborations
Pages 26-27
Civic Legal Service Funding
Page 27
NYSDRA Programs
Page 28-33
OurMission TheNewYorkStateDisputeResolutionAssociation,Inc.(NYSDRA)isanot-for-profit membershiporganizationcommittedtothepromotionofqualityconflictmanagement andpeacefuldisputeresolution.Throughleadership,education,promotionof professionalstandardsandtraining,anddevelopmentofinnovativestatewide programs,NYSDRAprovidesopportunitiesforpeople,communities,organizations,and businessestoeffectivelyrespondtoconflict.
Who We Are Our members consist of volunteers, individual practitioners, conflict management professionals from a variety of industries and the Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) that service the 62 counties throughout New York State. With the continued support of our members and in partnership with the CDRCs, we provide services to over 74,000 New York residents every year.
OVERVIEWOFACHIEVEMENTS NYSDRAistheassociationofthestatewidenetworkof20CommunityDisputeResolution Centers(CDRCs)throughoutNewYorkState.Underaserviceagreementmemorializedin aMemorandumofUnderstandingbetweenNYSDRAandeachCDRC,servicesare providedinall62countiesinNewYorkState.NYSDRA’sprograms,andbyextensionthe servicesoftheCDRCs,areavailabletoallNewYorkers.Theseservicesaredesignedto providethetimelyandsatisfactoryresolutiontoawiderangeofconflicts Becausecourt casesareoftentoocostlyandtime-consuming,manylow-incomeNewYorkersare unabletopursuelitigation.Thismakesdisputeresolutionservicescritical:theyprovide accessible,timelyjusticeandhelpresolveconflictsthat,leftunaddressed,would negativelyaffectfamilies’financialsecurityandcommunitywell-being.
NYSDRAdeliversconflictresolutionservices statewidethroughcontractedCDRCs,ensuring accessforNewYorkersinrural,suburban,and urbanregions Theseprogramsaddressdisputes acrossfamily,youth,disabilityservices,housing, andcommunityissues,withparticularbenefitto low-incomepopulations.CDRCservicesare providedatnoorlowcosttoNewYorkersasavast majorityofCDRCservicesareprovidedprobono byprofessionallytrainedcommunitymediators
DuringthereportingperiodofApril1,2023toMarch 31,2024,NYSDRAprovidedcommunitylegal educationtoapproximately1,226,035individuals throughcommunitydisputeresolutioncenter trainings,liveandrecordedwebinars, advertisementsinvariousmediaoutlets, individualsreachedviaourannualdigital marketingcampaigns(over1millionreachedthis period!),printoutreachmaterialsdistributed(e.g. brochures),socialmedia(e.g.Facebook,
LinkedIn,Twitter,etc.),postingsontheNYSDRAwebsite,communicationsviaSoftEdge (outreachplatform)andGlueUp(clientrelationshipmanagementplatform), communitypresentationsaboutavailableservices,trainingshostedbyNYSDRA,and peoplereachedatconferencesattendedand/orco-hosted.
FromApril1,2023toMarch31,2024,theprimarytargetpopulationforNYSDRAprograms consistedofNewYorkerswhorequireconflictresolutionservices.TheCDRCprograms managedbyNYSDRAwhichexpandaccesstojusticeandprovidehigh-qualityconflict managementoptionsincludeourDisabilityMediationPrograms(EarlyIntervention MediationProgram,SpecialEducationMediation.andACCES-VRMediationProgram), theCommunityMediationServicesCorpsProgram(CMSCAmeriCorps),andtheLemon LawArbitrationProgram.
Severalyearsago,theNewYorkStateUnifiedCourtSystemlaunchedthePresumptive AlternativeDisputeResolution(ADR)InitiativeunderformerChiefJudgeDiFiore.The initiativewasdesignedtoreducecourtbacklogs,improvecaseprocessing,and enhancethequalityofjusticeforNewYorkers.Byshiftingfroma“litigatefirst”toa “mediatefirst”culture,theprogrambroadenedaccesstoresolutionoptionssuchas mediation,arbitration,neutralevaluation,andrestorativejustice.Today,everycountyin NewYorkStateprovidesADRopportunitiesthroughbothcourtsandcommunity-based programs,makingconflictresolutionmoreefficient,accessible,andresponsivetothe needsofdiversepopulations.
AccordingtothemostrecentdataavailablebytheNYSUnifiedCourtSystem’sOfficeof CourtAdministration,approximately60,246individualswereservedbytheCDRC network.Ofthe60,246served,itisestimatedthat39,374individualswereservedbythe CDRCnetworkasaresultofdirectcourtreferralsfromjudicialdistrictsresultingin approximately22,101judicial-basedmediationcases.Anestimated800volunteers loggedapproximately18,000volunteerhoursatanin-kindrateof$75/hour.Preliminary datareportingforthefiscalyearwasprovidedtoNYSDRAbytheUnifiedCourtSystem’s OfficeofCourtAdministration Oncepubliclyavailable,theAnnualStatisticalReportfor fiscalyear2023-2024willbepostedhere: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/ip/adr/Publications.shtml
NYSDRA 2024 Board of Directors JonathanMurray,MBA BoardPresident
ShiraMay,Ph.D. VicePresident.
KimReisch,Esq. Secretary
BoardMembers BernadetteTracy,PhD,PastPresident
DonnaRamlow,PastPresident
DeniseEllison
JohnHarrison
WilmaJozwiak
LoveOdihKumuyi,Esq
AlisonRitchie
NikiLeeRowe
GreggA.Scheiner
WillSawma
GinaTinker-Williams
MaryMurray Treasurer
NYSDRA Advisory Board TheNYSDRAAdvisoryBoardplaysavitalroleinshapingthedirectionandimpactofour organization Composedofexperiencedprofessionals,thoughtleaders,anddedicated advocatesfromacrossthedisputeresolutionfield,theAdvisoryBoardoffersinvaluable insightandguidancetosupportNYSDRA’smission.Theirexpertisehelpsinformstrategic initiatives,strengthenprograms,andexpandoutreacheffortstobetterservecommunities throughoutNewYorkState.Byfosteringcollaborationandinnovation,theAdvisoryBoard ensuresthatNYSDRAcontinuestoleadinpromotingpeacefulconflictresolutionand accesstojusticeforall
TheHonorableLawrenceK.Marks
T.AndrewBrown
Thank you to our members NYSDRAmembersplayavitalroleinfosteringpeacefulresolutionsacrossNewYorkState,bringingexpertise, compassion,anddedicationtotheirwork.Throughmediation,arbitration,andrestorativejusticepractices, theyempowerindividualsandcommunitiestonavigateconflictswithfairnessandunderstanding.Their effortsenhanceaccesstojustice,supportvulnerablepopulations,andpromotecollaborationinavarietyof settings,fromfamilydisputestoworkplaceconflicts.Eachmember’scommitmentstrengthensthedispute resolutionfield,makingalastingimpactonthelivesofthosetheyserve.
Vivian Adimkpayah Obiamalu
Karen Andolina Scott
Craig Atlas
Helaine Atlas
Judy Axelrod
Tamar Barbash
Ingrid Beer
Brian Benevento
Yaneev Bentov
Fredrica Berger
Lewis Bernstein
Deb Best
Jaclyn Brilling
Mitch Bullene
Denise Campbell Sagua
Jeanette Carrington
Karen Carroll
Sonia Casado-Cruz
Michael Cassandra
Hyacinth Charles
Ally Chemtob
Michael Clarke
Katie Cole
Tracy Colvard
Nicholas Crocitto
Todd Cucchiara
Brent Cutler
William Daniels
Dr. Osei Bonsu Dickson
Patrick Donahue
Elizabeth Donlon
Rebecca Doran
Stephanie Dulak Eghigian
Donna Durbin
Denise Ellison
Kacey Ellsworth
Felicia Farber
Henry Fellows
Tara Fishler
Miriam Frankl
LJ Freitag
Toni Garner
Tajae Gaynor
Candace Gonzalez
Michael Graff
Laura Granelli
Tina Hager
John Harrison
Gerard Haskins
Lisa Hershman
Todd Higgins
Theresa Hobbs
Carol Horn
Christy Houck
Jennifer Huttemann-Kall
Natalie Johnson
Carla Johnson
Patricia Jordan
Maryann Joyner
Wilma Jozwiak
Baila Kamman
Amber Kane
Shalini Khan
James Kinney
Wendy Knight
Paul Korotkin
Leanne Lawson
Mark Leuthauser
Martha Lewis
Carol Lieb Himes
Ellie Limpert
Rosalie Lolonga Gedeon
Angela Lucia
Gina Lupino
Kristen Lyndaker
Jennifer Magida
Trisha Mannarino
Nicole Marsh
Sarah Martinez
Donna Martini
Christopher Mason
Shira May
Chenoa Maye
John McCullough
Carole McKelvey
Sally Meisenheimer
Jillian Menna
Fabiana Michel
Stephanie Miller
Wendy Miller
Daniel Mincer
Cassi Miskell
Caitline Monjeau
Wendy Morgan
Jonathan Murray
Mary Christina Murray
Jasmine Nautel
Deborah Nazon
Diane O'Connell
Richard Orth
Alicia Osur
Lauren Osur
Shana-Kay Parchment
Glen Parker
Harry Patel
Tammy Patterson
Kim Pesenti
Andre Politzer
Bernadette Poole-Tracy
Barbara Prignano
Don Raiano
Kim Reisch
Hannah Resnick
Titus Rich
Alison Ritchie
Karen Rodriguez
Niki Rowe
Sarah Rudgers Tysz
Alessandra Ryann
Jill Samuels
Heather Saroney
Stephen Slate
Debra Smith
Katherine Stoessel
Suzie Sullivan
Melinda Sultan
Merle Tessier
Alison Thomas-James
Johanne Tingue
Gina Tinker-Williams
Amy Tirado
Bernadette Tracy
Lindsay Tremain
Brian Ulysse
Dawn Wallant
Edward Watt
Tracy Weintrob
Roberta Williams
Josh Zion
Iriani Zulkifli
Thank you to our CDRCs ACCORD - A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc
Catholic Charities Dispute Resolution Center
Center for Dispute Settlement
Child & Family Services - Center for Resolution and Justice
Common Ground Dispute Resolution, Inc.
Community Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.
Community Mediation Services
Dispute Resolution Center
EAC Long Island Dispute Resolution Centers
Empowered Pathways
Justice and Law Centers of St. Lawrence & Franklin Counties
Mediation Center of Dutchess County, Inc
Mediation Matters
New Justice Conflict Resolution Services, Inc.
New York Center for Interpersonal Development
New York Peace Institute
Resolution Center, Inc.
Rural Law Center of New York
Westchester & Rockland Mediation Centers of CLUSTER
LEGAL-RELATEDSERVICES NYSDRAhasseveralstatecontractsincludingtheACCES-VRMediationProgram,Special EducationMediationProgram,AmeriCorpsCommunityMediationServiceCorps, DevelopmentalDisabilitiesPlanningCouncilProject,EarlyInterventionMediationProgram, andtheNYSAttorneyGeneral’sLemonLawArbitrationProgram.NYSDRAmanagesthese statecontractsformediationprogramsandoverseestheprogramservicedelivery throughthenetworkofCDRCslocatedthroughoutNewYorkstate.Eachcontracthascase metricsandavailablefundingforoutreacheffortstoincreaseawarenessandusageof thesecommunityprograms.Foreachofourprogramswehaveanestimatedcaseload peryearandhaveseenincreasesincertainprogramsasaresultofcommunitylegal educationthroughoutreach,networking,informationalmaterials,andonlineandprint communications.
ADR CASES BY LEGAL PROBLEM AREA: EachprogramworkscloselywithCDRCsand statepartnerstoincreasecaseloadgoals, refineservicedelivery,programimprovements, anddevelopstrategiestoinfluence populationstoutilizedisputeresolution servicesasanalternativetootherdueprocess forumssuchascourtprocessesandimpartial hearings.
ExamplesofOtherLegal-RelatedServices 1.NYSDRAanditsAlbany-basedCDRCpartnerheldseveralmeetingswithanEqual EmploymentOpportunityOfficeroftheNewYorkStateOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralto guidethemonthecreationofanin-housemediationprogram.Thisprogramwouldbe usedtoaddvaluetoexistingprocessesandofferanotherpeople-centeredapproach toaddressingsomeoftheunderlyingissuesinvolvedinaworkplacedisputeorEEO matter Wearecontinuingourdiscussionsintothedevelopmentphase
2.NYSDRA,alongwithtwoofourCDRCpartners,metwithrepresentativesacrossthe administrationoftheJusticeCenterfortheProtectionofPeoplewithSpecialNeedsto conceptualizehowourprogramsmightsupporttheirclients. Duringtheseengagements,weeducatedstaffontheuseofrestorativepracticesasa wayofhealingharmandrepairingrelationships Futureengagementswilltakeplacein 2024todiscusspotentialcollaborations.
3.InContinuingLegalEducation(CLE)programmingandCommunityLegalEducation, NYSDRAcontinuedprovidingcredit-bearing,certifiedprogramsthroughoutthe reportingperiodforbothattorneysandnon-attorneys.Duringthistime,atotalof58CLE creditcertificateswereissued
IOLA TECHNOLOGY GRANT InAugust2023,NYSDRAreceiveda$10,000discretionarygrantfromtheInterestonLawyer Account(IOLA)Fund,dedicatedtoenhancingourtechnologyinfrastructure.Thisgranthas beenpivotalinadvancingseveralcriticalinitiativeswithinourorganization,ensuringwe continuetomeetourmissionwithgreaterefficiencyandeffectiveness
OnlineContractReportingSystemwithAutomations:Aportionofthegrantwasallocated todevelopinganadvancedonlinecontractreportingsystem(OCRS).Thisnewsystem integratesvariousautomationsthatstreamlineourcontractmanagementprocesses, reducingmanualworkloadsandincreasingaccuracy.Theautomationfeaturesinclude automatedtracking,compliancemonitoring,andcomprehensivereportingcapabilities Withoutthesupportofthisgrant,implementingsuchasophisticatedsystemwouldhave beenfinanciallychallenging.Thisinitiativenotonlyimprovedouroperationalefficiencybut alsoalignedwithourstrategicgoalofleveragingtechnologytoenhanceorganizational performance.
RedesignoftheNeonOneWebsite:Thegrantalsofacilitatedacomprehensiveredesignof ourNeonOnewebsite.Theupdateddesignoffersanimproveduserexperience,withamore intuitiveinterfaceandenhancedfunctionality.Thisredesignsupportsourcommitmentto accessibilityanduserengagement,makingiteasierforourmembersandthepublicto accessinformationandresources.Thewebsiteoverhaulwasessentialtokeeppacewith modernwebstandardsandexpectations,andthegrantmadeitpossibletoundertakethis criticalproject
MembershipManagementPlatform:Inourcontinuousefforttobetterserveourmembers, weinvestedpartofthegrantinpurchasinganewmembershipmanagementplatform calledGlueUp.Thisplatformenablesustoefficientlymanagememberinformation,track engagement,andstreamlinecommunication.Itincludesfeaturessuchasautomated membershiprenewals,eventregistration,andmember-specificcontentaccess Priorto receivingthegrant,budgetconstraintslimitedourabilitytoinvestinsuchadvancedtools. Thisplatformisasignificantupgradefromourprevioussystemandsupportsourstrategic objectiveofimprovingmemberrelationsandoperationalefficiency.
ImpactandstrategicAlignment:The2023IOLATechnologyGranthasbeen instrumentalinsupportingseveralkeyprojectsthatalignwithNYSDRA’sstrategic technologygoals.Theseenhancementshave:
•SupportedStaffandServices:Enabledourstafftoworkmoreefficientlyand effectivelybyreducingmanualtasksandimprovingsystemintegrations.
•FacilitatedNewInitiatives:Allowedustolaunchnewsystemsandplatformsthat wouldhavebeenunattainablewithoutthisfinancialsupport.
•AdvancedStrategicGoals:Helpedusachieveourstrategicobjectivesof improving operationalefficiency,enhancingmemberservices,andexpandingour educationaloutreach
PRO BONO VOLUNTEERS TheworkoftheCDRCnetworkisdependentontheworkofcommunityvolunteer mediatorsandarbitrators.NYSDRAprovidessupportandtechnicalassistanceto volunteersacrossthestateaswellastrainingandprofessionaldevelopment opportunitiesintheformofin-persontrainings,webinars,andsessionsatthe annualconference.NYSDRAhighlyvaluestheworkofvolunteersthroughoutthe CDRCnetworkasmediatorsandarbitrators TheCDRCnetworkhasapproximately 800volunteers,whologgedanestimated18,000volunteerhoursannually,ataninkindrateof$75/hour.Thevalueoftheseservicesisestimatedat$1,350,000. NYSDRAcontinuestosupportCDRCwork,focusingonvolunteerrecruitmentand engagementandforgingnewrelationshipswithincommunitiestomakeCDRC servicesmorewidelyknownandaccessible.NYSDRAactivelyrecruitsand encouragesparticipationfromstudentsandmembershipismadeavailableata discountedrate.
NYSDRA 2024 Annual Conference
Embracing the Diversity of Dispute Resolution: From Conflict to Cohesion
This year’s Annual Conference was held virtually in Zoom Events on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24 from 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM. The theme was Embracing the Diversity of Dispute Resolution: From Conflict to Cohesion.
JohnLande,JD,PhD LisaCourtney,Esq
The conference featured 18 dynamic sessions and welcomed two distinguished keynote speakers: John Lande, J.D., Ph.D., and Lisa Courtney, Esq To support NYSDRA’s mission, the even was bolstered by 17 honorary committe members and 21 generous sponsors.
With a total of 237 attendees, the conference highlighted the strength an growth of our community, uniting professionals dedicated to advancing the field of dispute resolution.
Keytopics Community Responsive Court Programs Dispute Resolution in a Politically Charged Climate
Conflict Resolution in a Post-Pandemic World
The Power of Peaceful Disruption
TheHonorable AntonioDelgado
TheHonorable LawrenceK Marks
TheAndrewThomas PeaceBuilderHonoree Following Day 2 of the NYSDRA Annual Conference, NYSDRA proudly honored Sarah Rudgers-Tysz with the prestigious Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award at an in-person ceremony. The ceremony took place at Albany Marriott. As the Executive Director of Mediation Matters, Sarah has championed community-based dispute resolution for Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington Counties Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in strengthening community partnerships, creating impactful conflict resolution programs, and expanding access to mediation across New York
ABOUTTHEANDREWTHOMAS PEACEBUILDERAWARD The award was established in 1996 to honor Tekaronianeken Jake Swamp, Sub-chief of the Wolf Clan for the Mohawk Nation and Director of the Tree of Peace Society. A lifelong advocate for peace, Chief Swamp promoted unity within his culture and beyond, participating in historic events like Wounded Knee and the Akwesasne Bridge Blockade and planting peace trees around the world to share the contributions of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy In 1998, the award was renamed to honor Andrew Thomas, NYSDRA’s first president and a pioneer in dispute resolution. Thomas led efforts in social justice reform and mediator training, empowering thousands through his leadership as Executive Director of Rochester’s Center for Dispute Settlement and as co-chair of the National Association of Community Mediation.
BoardPresidentJohnMurraygivingtheAndrewThomas PeaceBuilderAwardtoSarahRudgers-Tysz
2024 Annual Conference speakers Jessica Baen, Assistant Director, Hate and Bias Prevention Unit
Ayanna Behin, Director, New York Peace Institute
Jeremy Boyd
Courtney Chicvak, Esq , et al, Long Island Dispute Resolution Center
The Honorable Antonio Delgado, Lieutenant Governor of New York State
Duke Fisher, Resolve + Restore
Clare Fowler, ODR.com, Mediate.com
Tricia S. Jones, Ph.D., Director, Center for Conflict Management and Media Impact, Temple University
Jessica Kent
Liz Kent
The Honorable Lawrence K. Marks, Chief Administrative Judge (ret.), New York State Unified Court System
Shira May, Ph.D., Exec. Director, Center for Dispute Settlement
Jonathan Murray, Board President, NYSDRA
Jacqueline Nelson, President of the Rome New York Branch, NAACP
Nick Pozek, Columbia Law School
Deborah Reik, Esq.
Kim Reisch, Esq., Center for Dispute Settlement
Alison Ritchie, NYSDRA Board Conference Committee Chair
Cait Righi
Colin Rule, ODR.com, Mediate.com
Dina Thompson, Executive Director, Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition
Nancy Kramer, Esq., JAMS
2024 Annual Conference Keynote speakers
John Lande, J.D., Ph.D., and Lisa Courtney, Esq
Honorary Committee Members
Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling
Hon. Randolph F. Treece
Jonathan Murray, CFO, Prestige Hospitality Group
Alison Ritchie, President, NYACS
John Harrison, CEO, Community Mediation Services
Dr. Bernadette Poole-Tracy
Dr. Shira May
Wilma Jozwiak
Niki Rowe
Sunil Bhatia, Jedi Ark
New York State United Teachers
Debora Brown, President, Albany NAACP
Debbie Smith
Ramon Peralta, Peralta Designs
New York State Council on Divorce Mediation
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
2024 Annual Conference Committee
Alison Ritchie, Committee Chair
Wilma Jozwiak, NYSDRA Board Member
Jonathan Murray, NYSDRA Board President
Mary Murray, NYSDRA Board Treasurer
Debbie Smith, Volunteer
Deborah Nazon, CMSC AmeriCorps Member
Theresa Hobbs, NYSDRA Executive Director
Jasmine Nautel, NYSDRA Program Associate
NYSDRA Supporting Staff
Jasmine Nautel
Don Raiano
Toni Garner Volunteers
Paula Dischinger
Angela Weller
Alessandra Ryann
Organizational Partners Association for Conflict Resolution: Greater New York Chapter
GoodClix
Fullness of Joy Photography, LLC
Silver sponsors
ADR Notable
Braver Angels
Center for Justice Innovation
Columbia University
Council Service Plus
Community Mediation Services
DAPOM
JAMS
Jedi Ark Corp
Mediation Matters
NAACP, Albany, NY
New York Center for Interpersonal Development
New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc
New York International Arbitration Center
Peralta Design
Prestige Hospitality Group
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Stewart’s Shops
Theresa Hobbs Executive Director
Don Raiano Lemon Law Program Manager
Toni Garner Program Associate, Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC)AmeriCorps
Jasmine Nautel Program Associate CMSC AmeriCorps Alum
Bobbie Dillon Project Director, Special Education Mediation Program
Luke Roe Fiscal and Contract Management Associate
Paula Dischinger Miranda Project Associate, Special Education Mediation Program
Shari Greenleaf Project Associate, Special Education Mediation Program
January2024
1/17–1/19/2024,1/24–1/26/2024-BasicConflictCoachingTrainingandtheYouth-Based ConflictCoaching
1/31–2/1/2024-RestorativePractices
2/1/2024-2-DayIntroductiontoRestorativePracticesandCircles
March2024
3/1,3/7,3/8,3/14,3/15/2024-CustodyVisitationTraining(Five-PartSeries)
May2024
5/28/2024-LemonLawCoordinatorsTraining
June2024
6/17-6/18/2024-NYSDRALemonLawArbitrationTraining
July2024
7/2/2024-NavigatingFinancialStability
7/9/2024-Trauma-InformedPractice
August2024
8/14/2024-AIforNonprofitsLunch&Learn
8/26/2024-Anti-BiasTraining
October2024
10/22/2024-LemonLawRefresherTraining
10/27-10/31/2024-BMT
November2024
11/6/2024-CLMIntroduction
11/15/2024-LemonLawLeaseAwardCalculationsTraining
December2024
12/10-12/17/2024-C Coaching
12/18/2024-SupplementalLemonLawLeaseAwardCalculations
SIGNIFICANTCOLLABORATIONS NYSDRAisthemembershipassociationforastatewidenetworkofCommunityDispute ResolutionCenters(CDRCs),whohavebeenourmemberssince1985.NewYork’sCDRCs providelow-to-nocostdisputeresolutionservicestoNewYorkers,ensuringaccessto justiceforthousandsofNewYorkersandprovidingtoolsforpeopleacrosstheStateto addressconflictpeacefullyandproductively.Lastyear,thenetworkservedover60,000 individualsandresolvedover21,000cases!
NYSDRAcontinuesitscollaborationswithprivatepractitionerslikeattorneyGenesisFisher oftheFisherLawPracticetosupporttheirworkandbuildouttheADRcommunity.Wehave alsocontinuedourpartnershipwithMaristCollege,whichoffersspecialtuitionpricingfor allemployees,members,volunteers,andimmediatefamilymembers.Thisispartofour campaigntoexpandmembershipvaluesanddemonstratevalue.
NYSDRAwillbeanin-kindsponsorpartnerfortheAssociationforConflictResolution(ACRGNY)annualconferencescheduledforJune4-7,2024,whichattractsapproximately200 attendees.NYSDRA’srolewouldbeouractingastheaccreditingbodyforCLEsforthe conference Throughthispartnership,wecontinuetocultivateourpartnershipwithACRGNYandtogetNYSDRA’snameoutinfrontofthisaudiencetopromoteNYSDRA’sworkand thatofournetwork.
OnMarch29andMarch30,NYSDRAhostedatwo-dayvirtualACCES-VRMediationTraining inpartnershipwithstaffoftheNYSEducationDepartment’sCentralOfficefortheAdult CareerandContinuingEducationServices–VocationalRehabilitation(ACCES-VR) program.Therewere45attendeesintotalwholearned‘bestpractices’andsecuredtheir annualcertificationtoprovideACCES-VRmediationservices.
Recognizingtheneedtobringourclientbasestogethertosolvebigproblems,suchas housingsecurity,NYSDRAanditsNYC-basedCDRCpartnershavebeenmeetingwiththe AlbanyHousingAuthorityandtheCommunityHousingImprovementProgram(CHIP)to moveforwardwiththedevelopmentofanevictiondiversionprogram.
NYSDRAcontinueditscollaborativeworkwithschoolsthroughitsAmeriCorpsCommunity MediationServiceCorps(CMSC)program.Inthewinter,CMSCmembersweretrainedin ConflictCoachingandRestorativeCircles.Theyworkedwithalumnimentorstohonetheir skillsworkingwithyouthinschool-basedandcommunitysettingsastheynavigate conflict.
NYSDRAreliesonexpertisefromprofessionalsinmanyrelatedorganizationsandengagesin eventssponsoredbyotherdisputeresolutionorganizations,suchastheAssociationof ConflictResolutionofGreaterNewYork.NYSDRAisanactivememberofseveralorganizations whoseworkiscriticalinenhancingandpromotingthedisputeresolutionfieldaswellasthe nonprofitsector.ThesegroupsincludeTheAssociationforConflictResolutionGreaterNew YorkChapter,Inc.(ACR-GNY),theNewYorkCouncilofNonprofits,Inc.,theNationalAssociation forCommunityMediation,theNationalCenteronDisputeResolutioninSpecialEducation,New YorkStateCouncilonDivorceMediation,theCapitalRegionChamberofCommerceandthe GuilderlandChamberofCommerce.
CIVILLEGALSERVICESFUNDING NYSDRA’s Programs Special Education Dispute Resolution Center (SEDRC) NYSDRA is pleased to announce the award of a five-year contract from the New York State Department of Education Office of Special Education to create the Special EducationDisputeResolutionCenter(SEDRC).
Thecontractcallsforthedevelopmentofavirtualcenterwhichwillprovideprofessional development for special education mediators and other stakeholders; administration of acentralizedsystemtooverseerequestsforandintakeofspecialeducationmediations acrossNewYorkState;providereimbursementofmediationadministrativecoststoNew YorkState’sCommunityDisputeResolutionCenters(CDRC);andcollectandreportdata onspecialeducationmediationsessionsconductedthroughoutNewYorkState.
Duringthe2023-24schoolyear,CommunityDisputeResolutionCenters(CDRCs)played a crucial role in supporting families and schools by responding to 455 requests for mediation, resulting in 286 mediations held across New York State. These efforts helped facilitate constructive dialogue and resolution in special education disputes. Looking ahead,theSpecialEducationDisputeResolutionCenters(SEDRC)willfocusonexpanding the use of mediation as a proactive approach, fostering collaboration to better support students,families,andeducators Formoreinformation,contacttheSEDRCteamatNYSDRA:
EarlyIntervention TheEarlyInterventionMediationProgramwasestablishedin1993toprovideservicesfor infantsandtoddlers,ages0-3yearsold,withdevelopmentaldelayordisabilitiesandtheir families.
In2024,NYSDRA'sEarlyInterventionMediationProgrammadeasignificantimpactby supporting44familiesnavigatingearlyinterventiondisputes.Ofthesecases,22progressed tomediation,providingastructuredandcollaborativeenvironmentforresolution. Impressively,13agreementswerereached,demonstratingtheprogram'seffectivenessin fosteringunderstandingandconsensusamongfamiliesandserviceproviders.These outcomeshighlightthecrucialrolemediationplaysinensuringthatchildrenreceivethe earlyinterventionservicestheyneedwhilestrengtheningcommunicationbetweenfamilies andprofessionals.
ACCES-VR Since1999,theOfficeofAdultCareerandContinuingEducationServices-Vocational Rehabilitation(ACCES-VR)hascontractedwithNYSDRAtoprovidemediationserviceswhen therearedisagreementsbetweenvocationalrehabilitationapplicantsandACCES-VR personnelregardingdecisionsaboutservicesthataffectthem.
In2024,NYSDRA'sACCES-VRMediationProgramprovidedessentialsupportforindividuals navigatingvocationalrehabilitationdisputes.With5caseshandled,theprogramfacilitated 3mediations,offeringastructuredspaceforparticipantstovoiceconcernsandwork towardresolutions.Byfosteringopencommunicationandcollaboration,theprogram playedavitalroleinhelpingindividualsaccesstheservicesandsupporttheyneedto achievetheiremploymentandeducationgoals.
LemonLaw NewYorkState’sLemonLawprotectsconsumerswithdefectivevehiclesthatfailtomeet warrantyterms NYSDRA’sLemonLawArbitrationProgram,administeredbytheNewYork StateAttorneyGeneral’sOffice,ensureslegallybindingdecisions,allowingconsumerstofile claimsagainstanydealer,manufacturer,orleasingcompanyinthestate.
In2024,NYSDRA'sLemonLawArbitrationProgramprovidedcriticalconsumerprotection, handling428casesrelatedtodefectivevehicles.Throughtheprogram,164settlements werereached,while167casesproceededtoarbitration,ensuringconsumershadafairand efficientresolutionprocess.Mostnotably,theprogramfacilitatedtherecoveryof$12.5 million,helpingvehicleownersreceivethecompensationorreplacementstheydeserved. Theseresultsunderscoretheprogram’simpactinadvocatingforconsumerrightsand holdingmanufacturersaccountable.
IOLAINITIATIVES TheInterestonLawyersTrustAccounts(IOLTA)programplaysacrucialroleinexpanding accesstojusticeforlow-incomeindividualsandfamiliesinNewYorkState.Withoutimposing anyadditionaltaxesorcostsonthepublic,interestearnedfromlawyertrustaccountsis pooledtofundcivillegalaidandimprovethejusticesystem.Establishedin1983withthe supportoftheNewYorkStateBarAssociation,theIOLAFundwascreatedtohelpstabilize legalserviceorganizationsimpactedbyfederalbudgetcuts.Today,throughitstwo-year grantcycle,IOLAisproviding$70millioningrantstononprofitcivillegalserviceproviders acrossthestate,reinforcingitscommitmenttoensuringequalaccesstojusticeforallNew Yorkers.
CommunityMediationService Corps(CMSC)AmeriCorps TheCommunityMediationServiceCorps(CMSC)isaprogramoftheNewYorkStateDispute ResolutionAssociation(NYSDRA),withfundingmadepossiblebyAmeriCorpsStateand National.CMSCpartnerswithCommunityDisputeResolutionCenters(CDRCs)tohelp cultivatethenextgenerationofcommunity-baseddisputeresolutionpractitionersthrough extensivetraining,mentoring,anddirectserviceopportunities.
In2024,NYSDRAsawsignificantgrowthinitsmediationprograms,with30membersactively servingat10hostsites anincreasefrom17membersand8sitesinlate2023.This expansionledtoasubstantialriseincaseloads,with352caseshandledcomparedtojust12 inthepreviousperiod.Asaresult,thenumberofindividualsservedskyrocketedfrom28to 669,andthetotaltimespentinsessionsincreasedfrom1,035minutesto9,092minutes. Withanimprovedenrollmentrateof42.3%anda95%retentionrate,thesenumbers highlightNYSDRA’sgrowingreachandcontinuedcommitmenttoprovidingessential disputeresolutionservicesacrossthestate.
Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) AmeriCorps TheAmeriCorps2024NYCSummitbroughttogetherAmeriCorpsmembers,alumni,and communityleadersforaninspiringdayofserviceandcollaboration.Setagainstthe dynamicbackdropofNewYorkCity,theeventfeaturedimpactfulkeynotespeakers,skillbuildingworkshops,andmeaningfulnetworkingopportunities.Attendeesworkedtogether toshareinnovativesolutionstopressingcommunitychallengeswhilecelebratingthe profoundimpactofnationalservice.ThesummitwasapowerfulreminderofAmeriCorps’ commitmenttoempoweringindividualstodrivepositivechange.
TheAmeriCorps2024ProfessionalDevelopmentConferenceinLakePlacidwasaninspiringevent thatbroughttogetherservice-drivenindividualsfromacrossthestate Nestledinthescenic Adirondacks,theeventfeaturedcompellingkeynoteaddresses,interactiveworkshops,andample opportunitiesforcollaborationandreflection Participantsexploredinnovativestrategiesfortackling communitychallengesandsharedinspiringstoriesofservice.Theconferencehighlightedthepower ofcollectiveactionandreaffirmedAmeriCorps’dedicationtobuildingstronger,moreresilient communities.
Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) AmeriCorps Members ACCORD
Richard Orth
Suzie Sullivan
CMS
Sonia Casado-Cruz
Elizabeth Donlon
Denise Sagua
Merle Tessier
Josh Zion
CDRC
Kendra Strong
Paul Korotkin
Wendy Miller
Caitlin Monjeau NYSDRA
Jasmine Nautel
Deborah Nazon
CLUSTER
Jill Samuels
Dan Mincer
Shalini Khan Jefferson & Lewis County
Darleen Patacchia
AttheNewYorkStateDisputeResolutionAssociation(NYSDRA),webelievethateveryconflicthas apeacefulsolution butweneedyoursupporttomakethatareality.Yourdonationhelps providelife-changingmediationservices,youthempowermentprograms,restorativejustice initiatives,andviolencepreventioneffortsacrossNewYorkState. Withyourgenerosity,wecancontinuetransforminglives,preventingconflictsfromescalating, andfosteringstronger,moreinclusivecommunities.
Nomattertheamount,yourdonationdirectlyimpactsrealpeopleinneedofmediation,conflict resolution,andrestorativejusticeprograms.
�� $200providesmediationtrainingforacommunitymembersotheycanhelpresolvelocal conflictsandstrengthenneighborhoodrelationships
�� $500supportsapeermediationprograminaschool,helpingstudentsresolveconflicts peacefully,reducebullying,andfostercollaboration.
�� $1,000fundsarestorativejusticesessiontodivertayoungpersonfromthecriminaljustice system,givingthemasecondchanceandpreventingfutureincarceration.
�� $5,000helpslaunchaviolencepreventionandinterventioninitiative,providingmediation servicestode-escalatehigh-stakesdisputesinvulnerablecommunities
Yourcontribution,nomatterthesize,bringshope,healing,andpositivechange.Whether yougive$10,$25,or$100,youarehelpingNYSDRAprovidevitalconflictresolutionservices thatkeepindividuals,families,andcommunitiessafe.
�� Makeaone-timegiftorsetuparecurringdonationtosupportlong-termimpact.
�� Corporatesponsorships&matchinggiftsavailable doubleyourimpact!
ScantheQRCodetoGiveTodayorvisitwww.nysdra.org
�� ThankyouforsupportingNYSDRAandourmissiontoresolveconflicts,restore relationships,andbuildamorepeacefulNewYorkState.
