[Imc] conflict resolution -- local and global:

[Sascha Meinrath]

Hi all,

I've sent several messages over the last several months about the
similarities between issues that have come up locally, and those faced by
the Global IMC Network.  Over the last few months, we've been discussing
ways to build a conflict resolution system for the UCIMC and I thought
this message from Jay made a good invitation for people who were working
locally to help out the network as a whole.

Several of the documents, proceedures, protocols, etc. that we have come
up with here have been useful for IMCs around the world -- I think it
would be great if we could have a hand at helping create something that
built understanding and supported constructive solutions beyond our local
IMC.

Does this invitation interest folks who are working on local solutions?

--Sascha

************************************************

Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 11:56:08 -0400
From: Jay <jay at tao.ca>
To: imc-communication at indymedia.org, imc-process at indymedia.org
Subject: [IMC-Process] conflict resolution

Hi everyone,

Thinking about indymedia network communications a lot lately, and about
some of the squabbles we've had.  I don't think we've had any more fights
than any other typical international anyone-can-participate internet based
activist/media network. :)  Still, I think the time has come for us to
develop some kind of space for conflict resolution.  Right now when
someone is upset with another person or when an imc feels as if has been
wronged by someone, or by, let's say, the new-imc process, there's really
no recourse other than to get increasingly upset.  I believe we should
have a place for people to air their grievances in a supportive and safe
environment, so rather than having them escalate we can deal with problems
as they arise. I don't know exactly what this would look like, nor have I
ever participated in any sort of formal on-line conflict resolving, but I
have seen conflict resolution be quite effective in real life situations.
Perhaps we need a forum for individuals/imcs to formally and honestly air
grievances, with a system set up to bring people together so we can work
through them.  If anyone has any experience with this kind of thing, or
would be willing to help envision how we could go about it let's talk.

Jay