Ku’ikahi Conflict Resolution Day Open House

Ku’ikahi Mediation Center plans to host an open house on Thursday, Oct. 15 in honor of Conflict Resolution Day 2015.

The free public open house will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lineup begins with a 9:30 a.m. showing of the video “Mediation: An Alternative to Court,” a 10 a.m. live demonstration of “Got Conflict? What Happens When You Call Us For Help!,” and a 10:30 a.m. presentation titled “Foreclosure Mediation Program.”

“The highlight of our Open House is our one-hour Brown Bag Series simulation from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.  We will conduct a mock mediation session so that the public can see a live-action demonstration of a mediation in process,” said Ku‘ikahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell.

During the afternoon hours, participants can attend a 1:30 p.m. panel with volunteer mediators on “Why Do You Mediate?” A 2:30 p.m. presentation on “5 Principles of Mediation” and a 3 p.m. presentation on “Youth Peer-To-Peer Mediation” are also scheduled.

According to Mitchell, “the public is invited to meet our staff, watch mediation videos, listen to mediation PSAs, browse literature, explore the office, make a donation, and more.”

Along with the various activities throughout the day, visitors will be given the opportunity to sign the “Hawai’i Mediation Pledge,” which is a document compiled of signers who pledge to strive to resolve all disputes outside of litigation using alternative dispute resolution processes, including negotiation, mediation, ho’oponopono, and other non-legal processes.

The annual event is held on the third Thursday in October to promote awareness of peaceful means of resolving disagreements and encourages the use of conflict resolution in schools, families, businesses, communities, government, and the legal system.

Ku’ikahi Mediation Center is locatedat the Hilo Lagoon Center, Suite PH 1014 B02, located on Aupuni Street.

To learn more, visit the Ku’ikahi Mediation Center’s website or call 935-7844.