APB agenda 112205 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J `.t "I'll stop by Betty's house so we can exchange information and explore the issues." Sometimes talking, information sharing, respect and reason don't resolve your concerns. Still more obstacles block the way. "How -wdl we preserve, "How do I have a rather than darnage, conversation with relationships ?" someone who doesn't seem to listen ?" ".Flow do 'we get agar cement on the facts, rules, and regulations ?" "How will we handle complex, scientific, or technical information ?" ,wow can use explore the available reMedies ?" "How- do we agree on next steps ?" So consider oslier cooperative options. Often this ineans turning to an "honest broker," some- one trusted who can help you and your neigh- bor have a more productive conversation, Many times, the person who can offer the most effec- tive help will have some training in mediation skills. It can be useful to involve a trusted third person even if you have some of these skills yourself. When the issue is more complex and involves many people and interests, try a. com- niuni.ty -based problem - solving process. Both two- pasty mediation and cornniunity- based problem solving are described below. 28 G4 d s ie'l�- Mediation. Let's start with the simpler process, mediation by an honest broker. Mediation is a good second step when you and your neighbor are unable or unwilling to talk directly, Mediation is a voluntary process. It involves a small number of people agreeing to meet and trying to cooperatively resolve their differences. The mediator facilitates the conversation with - out taking sides, giVing advice, or pushing peo- ple to agreement. Mediation allows each person to gain clarity about options and resources. It Also provides an opportunity for listening and considering someone else's perspective. Once people are helped to talk without shouting and ja.bbi.ng and defending, tliey frequently come up with an agreement that satisfies all those involved. If the mediation fails, the parties can pursue whatever other options exist for dealing with their concerns. In New York State, the Unified Court. System funds a mediation center in every county; the centers offer- mediation services at little or no cost. Mediations conducted through these cen- ters are confidential. Some Agricultural Farm- land Protectiorr Boards (AFPB) recommend .mediation to farmers and neighbors in conflict. (See The Resources at the end of this guide for a Web address that lists these centers and infor- mation about contacting your local AFPB.) Why mediate? Because mediation: 1 encourages communication and. cooperation. 1 fosters relationships M allows people to shape their own solutions