The Basics on Technology and Adapting Our Process

Out of necessity, many of us have moved our conflict engagement work online at lightning speed without the thoughtful preparation at a measured pace we might have preferred. From digital group interactions to virtual platforms to matters of confidentiality, moving mediation online presents an innovative challenge for the conflict resolution community.

We need to learn how to use Zoom and to adapt our in-person process to online sessions. With social distancing changing the setting for mediation, there is an abundant set of new scenarios to consider in the contracting process.

How do we host a digital meditation on a platform such as Zoom? What do we do when somebody closes their computer and disconnects from the mediation? What additional considerations do we need to make in terms of confidentiality and privacy?

In this two-hour workshop on the basics, we will cover the following:

• Getting started using Zoom
• Zoom settings, tips and tricks
• Getting your clients and other participants up to speed on the technology
• Adaptations to the process
  • Contracting for online meetings
  • Connecting to people on a screen
  • Confidentiality
• Preparing and taking care of yourself when working online
• Maintaining privacy and confidentiality online
• Other useful online tools

The workshop will be limited to 50 people (but we will schedule another one if there is sufficient interest.)

Facilitators

Catherine Conner

Catherine Conner has been a mediation and collaborative practice trainer since 2004. She is a frequent presenter at collaborative conferences and family law workshops. She authored Collaborative Practice Materials with Steven Neustadter and Margaret Anderson. Catherine Conner’s private practice focuses on family law alternate dispute resolution, including mediation, collaborative practice, and private judging. She graduated from the University of California, Boalt Hall in 1982 and is a founding partner of Conner, Lawrence, Rodney, Olhiser & Barrett, LLP. In 1992, Catherine became a Certified Family Law Specialist.  She has been honored as the recipient of the Rex Sater Award for Excellence in Family Law, the Eureka award by Collaborative Practice California and was the 2018 honoree for Careers of Distinction.  She was on the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals from 2007-2014 and served as the President in 2013.

Kayla Hellal

Kayla Hellal is the CUC’s Communications and Administration Associate. A nonprofit communications and marketing specialist, she has been working remotely for several years. She has a wide array of digital experience working with a wide variety of technical tools. She has a passion for global communication and collaboration and has spent an incalculable amount of time on Zoom.