peace

From Child Soldier to Mediator: A Memoir to Inspire Peace and Unity

From Child Soldier to Mediator: A Memoir to Inspire Peace and Unity

Many would look at Deng Atem's life, shaped by conflict and displacement, and wonder why he is not bitter and resentful. Instead, Deng has enabled his experiences as a former “Lost Boy of Sudan” to fuel his pursuit of a more positive reality for others growing up in his homeland.

Deng now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. His impact as a visionary and leader in the global South Sudanese community has been enhanced by recently acquired mediation skills.

From child soldier to mediator, Deng has dedicated his life to inspiring a future characterized by peace and unity, culminating in his memoir, Jumping Over the Ram

How Appreciating Conflicting Social Norms can Promote Social Harmony

How Appreciating Conflicting Social Norms can Promote Social Harmony

The value of protocol, etiquette and codes of behavior shape our everyday life. Social norms and rules can be complicated, but they serve an important role in conflict management. In most cases, they exist to preserve social harmony, communicate expectations, deter conflict and foster respect. They vary from situation to situation and culture to culture. Some are formal, others informal but equally important to preserving harmony within groups. As the world becomes interconnected, these variations can also lead to conflict. While we may not all agree on the rules, in my experience, most people are inclined to want peace and harmony at the end of the day. Sometimes the simple act of appreciating conflicting social norms can promote social harmony.

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.