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Our Board Values

THE PEOPLE

We value the experience and expertise of each board member.
We value the person and his/her/their professional expertise.
We value board and committee members’ time and energy.
We value being together, humor, and fun.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We value diverse points of view, backgrounds and experiences.
We are a learning board that values practices that embody DEI.

GROUP COHESION AND INDIVIDUAL PERSPECTIVE

We value consensus decision-making.
We value an egalitarian discussion process.
We value open, honest and differences of opinion.
We will honor the ground rules and help each other do the same.
We value full participation and preparedness at meetings.
We value the commitment to board responsibility.
We value a no put down atmosphere.

MAKING MEETINGS WORK AND EFFECTIVE DELEGATION

We value productive dialogue and clear direction.
We value clear desired outcomes.

DECISION MAKING

We value an environment that supports discussion and various perspectives.
We value applying an EDI lens to our decision-making framework.
We value adequate time for processing before making decisions.
We value clear, intentional and effective decision making.

THE BIG PICTURE

We have a responsibility to our members and Oregonians.
We value educating our members and Oregonians about mediation.
We value the need for continuous evaluation of the evolving field of mediation.
We value continuing education and looking at the big picture.

Bridging the Gap Through Mediation and Beyond: Conference Update and Photos

January 10, 2020 by ormediate

Our OMA 2019 Conference was a great success! We hosted our 33rd annual conference back in Portland after spending 2018 in Eugene. We had great turnout – long-time practitioners, volunteer mediators, community members, students, and some new friendly faces to the profession. Our theme was “Managing Conflict: Bridging the Gap through Mediation and Beyond.” Back in 2018, our committee decided to begin providing “tracks” throughout the conference, or certain strings of workshops to attend that would be dedicated to topics such as family, business, or diversity and inclusion. Based on the positive feedback in 2018, we decided to continue expanding upon those “tracks” to develop networking within conference participants. We grew our list to six tracks, and will continue to create robust opportunities for more specialized education throughout the year. OMA also created a new award for 2019, or the “Spirit of Mediation” award. The committee awarded four practitioners who embody the “spirit” of mediation through one or more luminaries. The award winners were: Bryan Egan, Rene Bove, Stuart Watson, and Jack Bevilaqua. The board also shared initiatives each committee is working on during our annual open meeting, including a Mediators of Color network across Oregon. Finally, we introduced our new mentorship program during the conference. Reach out to sosborn@uoregon.edu or c.rob.bearden@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more.

Rene Bouve, 2019 Spirit of Mediation Award Recipient

OMA 2020 New Board Members

January 10, 2020 by ormediate

Please join us in welcoming Gene Tish, Chuck Pattishall, Taren Nader and John Lalla to the OMA Board! Each new member brings a wealth of experience and professional expertise to the table and we are excited for 2020.

In their own words…

John Lalla
I am a full-time domestic relations mediator in Lane County, I am reminded daily of the increasing need for public awareness and cultural acceptance of mediation as an alternative to litigation. Accordingly, my interest in serving on OMA’s board is largely motivated by my desire to foster OMA developed community outreach and promotional programs across the state.

I presently provide domestic relations mediation through Angeletti Law & Mediation in Eugene. In addition, I serve as a volunteer mediator for the small claims docket at the Lane County Circuit Court.

Guided by a resolute commitment to promoting the future of our vocation, my overarching goal as an OMA board member will be to increase public awareness of the many opportunities and benefits inherent to alternative dispute resolution practices. Accordingly, my principal goals will be to collaboratively develop outreach opportunities through which to inform and serve our communities, while normalizing and expanding our services in the private and public sectors alike.

Taran Nader
I am interested in serving on the OMA Board of Directors because I am passionate about mediation and facilitation as integral tools to conflict resolution. As a lawyer and past mediator I found mediation to be an essential (often missing) element in sustainably resolving conflicts. Now, as a frequent facilitator I would love the opportunity to reengage with the Oregon mediator community and help in its development and promotion.

I am currently the Quality Assurance Coordinator for Multnomah County Aging and Disability Adult Protective Services, and have participated in the Multnomah County Small Claims Court Volunteer Mediators program for over a year.

I have a variety of experience with non-project organizations including legal internships at National Law Center for Homeless and Poverty and Al-Haq, and volunteer work for Rogue Climate, 350 PDX, and XR PDX. I am also an avid photographer.

Gene Tish
After retiring from a 45-year career in law and commerce, I began searching for an avenue to remain relevant and to give back to my community. Through a Continuing Legal education course in 2018, I was introduced to the potential of mediation.

Taking a 40 hour basic mediation course from Dr. Clare Fowler in Eugene followed soon thereafter. I was hooked. I have since taken a 40 hr course in Restorative Justice and Victim Offender Dialogue in Beaverton from Carley Adams and Amy Watts-Padilla, an 8 hr course in Facilitation Skills For Mediators in Beaverton presented by Mary Forst, a six hour course in Employment Mediation from Dr. Clare Fowler, as well as shorter training courses offered in both Beaverton and at Clackamas County Resolution services. Mediation and Restorative Justice are now my passions.

Along the way I became aware that OMA is in need of Board Members with knowledge and proven skills in leadership, organizational development and management, non-profit operations, as well as potentially in marketing. In addition to private practice, my career also included serving as in-house general counsel in private sector companies, and migration into Executive management positions including General Marketing Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

Chuck Pattishall
My interest in serving on the OMA Board actually began after I learned about the reduction in funding for the CDRC’s in the state. I had always been interested in OMA, as I feel it is an important organization for promoting mediation in the state. The reduction in funding has made me become interested in the politics involved with funding and how much the citizens of this state need the services of CDRC’s and mediation in their communities.

I have become involved with local politicians and have been invited to deliver a presentation to the House Committee on Human Services and Housing this November. As part of OMA, I would like to focus on building relationships in Salem regarding local and state politicians.

I am also the Executive Director of Your Community Mediation of Tillamook and Yamhill Counties. This is the first time I have been in charge of a non-profit organization. I have served as president of the board of a 501(c)(3) in the past. I have also owned and operated three businesses and hold an MBA in International Management.

If you have questions, give us a call at 503.872.9775 or email OMA at oma@ormediation.org.

Get Involved!

March 18, 2019 by ormediate

OMA is looking for a few good men and women to help fill vital volunteer roles. Commitments and projects vary, so no matter your interests, there is some way to get involved!

OMA’s Member Services Committee has 4 seats to fill. These are volunteer positions that meet four times a year to discuss member benefits, and plan opportunities for member engagement with outside communities.

Specifically, the Committee is looking for members with any of the following:

Human Resources experience,
affiliation with the ADR section of the OSB,
affiliation with a CDRC, or
a commitment to neighborhood conflict.

Interested individuals should contact the office no later than March 28th and the Committee Chair will contact you to learn more about your interest.

OMA’s Finance Committee is looking for members to help brainstorm and evaluate how to best maintain and utilize our financial resources. How do we manage and disburse scholarship funds? How do we best use OMA’s growing reserves? Join the conversation and help us determine a strong financial path forward for OMA!

Tech Gurus Wanted!

We are looking for one or two volunteers to help provide support in two vital tech roles in operations and information management. If you would like to help maintain the WordPress platform for OMA’s website or know about database management, we want to hear from you! Commitment is sporadic, approximately 2-4 hours per month.

Save The Date! OMA’s 39th Annual Conference November 6th & 7th 2025

January 9, 2019 by ormediate

OMA will be hosting it’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference

Save the Dates November 06-07 for the OMA 39^th Annual Conference Homecoming – A Place to Belong

The location is in Portland at MorningStar Assisted Living. Wow! 39 years of bringing mediators together to share ideas, learn, have fun and advance the field of mediation. Beer and wine is available.

Contingent upon the number of speakers, workshops, etc., the conference is structured to have two learning tracks. Plenary sessions are planned. Since this is the first in-person option in years, the theme is, “Homecoming, A Place to Belong”.

Will you provide us with your time and feedback? If you can volunteer or know who can; if you have ideas for the two learning tracs, presenters, workshops, entertainment and games, email us at oma@ormediation.org. Please do so ASAP because there is a lot to accomplish.

Before making any decisions, the Conference committee will consider numerous things. The short list is participant value and satisfaction, cost, resources, logistics and the number of volunteers available.

Speakers wanted for the OMA annual conference. Presenter RFP link.