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Network Glossary Terms

General Terms

Alternative Dispute Resolution

A class of dispute resolution mechanisms outside of traditional adjudicative processes. Primary processes include assisted negotiation, mediation, consensus-building. An impartial third party may be called upon to assist the parties in developing and implementing an appropriate process for the specific circumstances and skill sets of the parties.

Collaboration

Literally: "to labor together"
A process in which two or more entities work together to achieve their independent and collective interests through a joint problem solving process. Critical elements of collaboration include: all affected interests and points of view are represented; open and frequent communication is maintained; shared vision and clear obtainable goals and objectives are articulated; mutual respect, understanding, and trust are fostered; essential decision makers are engaged; there are clear roles, responsibilities and authorities for each participant; participants share a stake in the process and the outcome.

Consensus Building

Consensus building describes a number of collaborative decision-making techniques in which a facilitator or mediator is used to assist diverse or competing interest groups to reach agreement on policy matters, environmental conflicts, or other issues in controversy affecting a large number of people. Consensus building processes are typically used to foster dialogue, clarify areas of agreement and disagreement, improve the information on which a decision may be based, and resolve controversial issues in ways that all interests find acceptable. Consensus building typically involves structured (yet relatively informal), face-to-face interaction among representatives of stakeholder groups with a goal of gaining early participation from affected interests with differing viewpoints, producing sound policies with a wide range of support, and reducing the likelihood of subsequent disagreements or legal challenges.

Environmental Conflict Resolution

Any alternative dispute resolution method or process of resolving environmental, natural resources, public lands disputes that allow interested and affected parties (governmental and nongovernmental) to work together to craft broadly supported solutions to shared problems. Many ECR processes are voluntary and involve some form of consensus building, collaborative problem solving, or negotiation.

Facilitation

Facilitation is a collaborative process in which a neutral seeks to assist a group of individuals or other parties to discuss constructively a number of complex, potentially controversial issues. The facilitator typically works with participants before and during these discussions to assure that appropriate persons are at the table, help the parties set and enforce ground rules and agendas, assist parties to communicate effectively, and help the participants keep on track in working toward their goals. The neutral in a facilitation process (the "facilitator") usually plays a less active role than a mediator and, unlike a mediator, often does not see "resolution" as a goal of his or her work.

Ho' oponopono

Ho'o = causative verb : "to make something happen"

Mediation

Mediation is facilitated negotiation in which a skilled, impartial third party seeks to enhance negotiations between parties to a conflict or their representatives by improving communication, identifying interests, and exploring possibilities for a mutually agreeable resolution. The disputants remain responsible for negotiating a settlement, and the mediator lacks power to impose any solution; the mediator's role is to assist the process in ways acceptable to the parties. Typically this involves supervising the bargaining, helping the disputants to find areas of common ground and to understand their alternatives, helping to explore possible solutions, and helping parties draft a final settlement agreement.

Talking Circles

Talking circles can vary depending on the setting and nature of the conflict presented. Typically circles create a place where parties can address the issue with truth, mercy, justice and peace where difficult and damaging issues created by offending behavior can be lifted and people enter into dialogue leading toward understanding and building or reparation of relationships. People learn to sit together in ways that honor each other, that are inclusive, respect all who are there, that value the wisdom of all, and that invite full participation. The talking circle is very powerful for communication and building trust with one another in the group.