equity

Civil Rights Mediator Turned Children's Author Inspires a Legacy of Equity and Peace

Civil Rights Mediator Turned Children's Author Inspires a Legacy of Equity and Peace

Perhaps what I appreciate most about the field of mediation is that it is universally dynamic and impactful. Mediators across the globe are making significant inroads in established public institutions and government offices. One example is author, mediator and civil rights leader, William “Bill” Smitherman, based in Arizona, USA. I recently interviewed Bill, who is an IMA associate and participant in our Master Mediator program. I discovered a rare gem in the mediator community. His career has been devoted tirelessly to expanding equity in government, as well as the private business sector, through conciliation and mediation, culminating in a series of children’s books he has recently authored. The world could use more mediators like Bill Smitherman to pave the way for future generations of peacebuilders.

International Day of Peace Challenges Us to Foster Equitable and Sustainable Global Recovery

International Day of Peace Challenges Us to Foster Equitable and Sustainable Global Recovery

Since the early 1980s, September 21 has been observed every year as International Day of Peace. Several peace-focused organizations take the day as an opportunity to inspire creative peacebuilding solutions. For professional mediators, it may serve as a time to reflect on the intimate and impactful nature of the work we do with parties, transforming conflicts into opportunities. The day is also a time to honor those who have made peacebuilding their life’s work. Some communities commemorate the day with festivities, while some agree to a day of cease-fire. Since few of us have escaped the impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic, the 2021 International Day of Peace theme is befitting, “recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.”