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October 17, 2024: Community Dispute Resolution Day

WHEREAS, alternative dispute resolution encompasses mediation, arbitration, facilitation, restorative practices, collaborative decision-making, and other responses to conflict; and

WHEREAS, the conflict resolution process empowers individuals, families, communities, organizations, and businesses to foster communication and devise solutions that are acceptable to the needs and interests of all parties involved; and

WHEREAS, conflict resolution is taught and practiced by citizens in many school systems, community colleges, universities, law schools, and graduate programs throughout Michigan and the world as a way of solving disputes and also as a means toward achieving a more peaceful society; and

WHEREAS, community-based programs fairly and equitably resolve neighborhood and community conflicts, thereby strengthening local relationships and relieving the parties and the courts of costly litigation; and

WHEREAS, Michigan Public Act 260 of 1988, known as the Community Dispute Resolution Act, authorized the establishment of Community Dispute Resolution Centers throughout Michigan under the oversight and administration of the Michigan Supreme Court; and the Michigan Community Mediation Association;

WHEREAS, the State Court Administrative Office, Office of Dispute Resolution supports and oversees sixteen centers throughout the State that provide conciliation, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to Michigan citizens, schools, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, thousands of professionals and volunteers have served as mediators, facilitators, and conciliators in a variety of situations resulting in less time and expense to reach mutually satisfactory solutions; and

WHEREAS, recognition of these efforts provides an opportunity for increased public understanding of peaceful and constructive ways to resolve interpersonal and intergroup conflicts of all types;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 17, 2024, as Community Dispute Resolution Day in Michigan.