Association for Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Welcome to ACR Houston!

A professional organization dedicated to the practice and public understanding of conflict resolution.

The Association for Conflict Resolution - Houston (ACR Houston) is a 501.c.3 organization dedicated to promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and conflict management, supporting and developing ADR professionals, and educating our community about the many uses and benefits of ADR.

Watch the 2020 highlights of our chapter events and activities in the recap video below.

Announcements

"Bullying and Cyberbullying in Public Schools"

By - posted at 9/5/2021 5:20:59 AM

SB 2050 - Relating to Bullying and Cyberbullying in Public Schools

The Texas legislature recently passed (June 2021) a law requiring schools to "prevent and mediate" bullying between students.

SECTION 1. Section 37.0832. BULLYING PREVENTION POLICIES

AND PROCEDURES amended excerpt:

any necessary procedures, concerning bullying that:

(2) prevents and mediates bullying incidents

between students Read full bill text here

*ACRH PMT: Bullying mediation should be handled by adult (not peer)... [Read More]

"Mediation Offers Potential for a Peaceful Future"

By - posted at 8/4/2021 1:10:03 PM

Varvara Lazaridis

Mediation Offers Potential for a Peaceful Future: Reflection of a Dispute Resolution Center Intern

My remote internship at The Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc. (DRC-MC) began on June 1, 2021, and I have learned so much about conflict and about how it can be managed these last two months. During my internship I have completed numerous tasks, including completing the DRC-MC’s 40-hour General Mediation training; observing mediations and helping out with technology; doing mediations myself as a co-mediator; conducting research on restorative justice; as well as helping to facilitate Peer Mediation Training for high school students. In this article I will provide some background about Community Mediation and then I will discuss what observing and conducting mediations has been like for me as an intern at DRC MC and why I encourage... [Read More]

"Conflict Resolution & Peer Mediation Training"

By - posted at 7/23/2021 7:30:01 AM

Our ACR Houston Peer Mediation Team offers online conflict resolution and peer mediation training, Our Peacebuilding Community, for elementary, middle and high school students. The interactive programs are presented via the Zoom video conferencing platform.

Do you want to help us create the peacemakers of the future? Your donation will make a difference by supporting our mission to foster the practice and understanding of peaceful conflict resolution at all ages. Donations in any amount are appreciated.

Click Here to Donate

Read More]

"Join an ACR Houston Committee"

By - posted at 4/14/2021 5:00:34 PM

ACR Houston is seeking members who would like to serve on one of our 6 committees, listed below. Email us at info@acrhouston.org, and let us know which committee you plan to join.

ACR Houston Committees and Chairpersons:

Program & Events – Diana Pino
Membership – Jim Hughes
Website & Social Media – Darcy Thompson
Peer Mediation Team – Darcy Thompson
Diversity & Equity – Sheryl Jackson-Matthews and Marilyn Myers
Scholarship – Patricia Bastine

This is a great opportunity to become more engaged with the organization. In addition, this is a fantastic way to show the value and commitment you bring to the organization and to stand out as a possible future candidate for the board of directors. It is important to... [Read More]

"Join or Renew ACR Houston Membership"

By - posted at 1/17/2021 5:53:03 PM

NEW MEMBER - JOIN

Annual Rate: $45

1. Click on NEW MEMBER - JOIN.
2. Complete the Membership form and follow the directions to submit payment.

MEMBER RENEWAL
Annual Rate: $45

1. ACCOUNT ACCESS - Go to www.acrhouston.org to login and access your ACR Houston account.
2. Go to Membership button on the purple menu bar.
3. Click on MEMBER RENEWAL.
4. Complete the Membership form and follow the directions to submit payment.

For assistance open the MEMBERSHIP HELP document or send an e-mail to: Read More]

"Phishing Email ALERT"

By - posted at 3/17/2020 3:48:12 PM

*Warning *

BEWARE! There are phishing emails being sent that appear to be from a) Diana Pino, ACR Houston President, seeking money or gift cards; b) from our webmaster’s personal email at Thompson Mediations or c) someone else you may know with an unusual request. Before you open any links, please check the full email “Reply To” address. If the “Reply To” address is different than the “From” email address, please be suspicious. Do not click on or open any links in a phishing email. It may infect your device with a virus... [Read More]

Find a Conflict Resolution Professional

Upcoming Events

September 21, 2021 - Tuesday
UN International Day of Peace 2021

September 21, 2021

"The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution,

Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace."

September 23, 2021 - Thursday
Natalie J. Armstrong-Motin: Will Work for Food Series - September 2021

Will Work for Food Series

by Natalie J. Armstrong-Motin

Mediation Practice Building Courses

September 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM CDT

September 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM CDT

The courses are free. Yes, free. We only ask that you donate what you can to your community food bank and help those folks in your neighborhood who are struggling with food insecurity right now.

Click the registration button and you’ll be sent the Zoom login link. The course is available to the first 100 entrants into the Zoom meeting room.

October 08, 2021 - Friday
Peacebuilding Community Awards 2021

Nominations are Open for 2021 Peacebuilding Community Awards

Guidelines & Nominations Deadline - 2021 Peacebuilding Community Awards.png

October is Conflict Resolution Month! To celebrate, the Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc. and the Association for Conflict Resolution Houston Peer Mediation Team are launching the 2021 Peacebuilding Community Awards to recognize community members dedicated to peacebuilding in Harris or Montgomery County. Nominations are due by October 8, 2021.

Nominees should excel in:

* Establishing/promoting local peace initiatives; or

* Promoting peaceful conflicts resolution practices; or

* Peace training for any age group.

Honorees will be recognized from the following categories:

* Grades K-12 (Student leaders of peacebuilding efforts)

* New Generation (18 – 25 years)

* Community Member or Volunteer

* Organizations

Complete details are posted at www.resolution-center.org.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

ACR International Conflict Resolution Day is October 21, 2021

October 15, 2021 - Friday
National Hispanic American Heritage Month

National Hispanic American Heritage Month

September 15 to October 15

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 a.png

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988.

Since then, the month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

President Joe Biden officially proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month in a release on September 14th, saying: “Hispanic Americans embody the best of our American values, including commitment to faith, family, and country. They serve in our military and protect us as members of law enforcement. In fact, Hispanic Americans make up half of our Border Patrol agents. The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on our government, culture, and economy.”

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the U.S. Department of Education continues to celebrate the exceptional contributions of Hispanic students across America.

Observing Hispanic Heritage Month allows our country to show its recognition and support for the work Latinos are doing in helping this country grow. Along with recognizing the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is equally important to us at the Initiative that we raise awareness on Hispanic Heritage Month resources available from other agencies within the Federal Government. Compiled is a list of different resources relevant to Hispanic Heritage Month, along with their respective agencies.