[Imc] conflict resolution:

[Sascha Meinrath]

hi all,

a few months back several folks starting working on a conflict resolution
system for the UCIMC.  this effort has paralleled efforts to build a
similar system at the Global level.  as both the UCIMC and the Global IMC
Network continue to grow, conflict will become inevitable.  i think it is
a _very_ good idea to both accept this eventuality and have an effective
system in place to facilitate constructive solutions to conflicts before
they arise.

if folks are still interested in working on our own system, please let us
know -- i think this is an incredibly important effort and one that should
be supported.  i'd like to hear any updates people have and, if things
have momentarily stalled, would like to help jumpstart the initiative.
below is an e-mail that came through the global communication and process
lists and we could hook up with a larger group of folks if it would be
helpful.

please let us know,

--sascha

**********

Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 03:15:49 -0400
To: imc-communication at indymedia.org, imc-process at indymedia.org
From: Jay <jay at tao.ca>
Subject: [Imc-communication] conflict resolution

(hi all,

I sent the below e-mail to imc-communication and imc-process a couple
weeks ago.  Sascha responded favorably, but few others.  I talked with a
couple people about this at the northeast imc conference this past weekend
and response was very positive.  If others may be interested, I'd be happy
to request the opening of a list to discuss the development and eventual
implementation of the suggested conflict-resolution space. Thanks.)

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