Citizen Mediators Workshop

Democracy is in crisis today. For the first time since the end of WW2, we cannot take either democracy or universal human rights for granted. If we, the citizens of democratic nations do not invest in strengthening our democratic societies, the values we cherish, such as freedom, individual dignity, autonomy and egalitarianism, will be swept aside by xenophobia, intolerance, bigotry and oppression.

Citizen Mediators is part of CitizenDEMOS, a collaborative started by citizens who are concerned about the health and sustainability of democracies across the world. Citizen Mediators is a wholly non-partisan initiative to step back and ask ourselves tough questions about our role as citizens; step away from our echo chambers, conspiracy theories and political biases; appreciate the uniqueness of a democratic society and its vulnerabilities; and find creative ways to strengthen democratic values and institutions and influence the larger society.

Dates and Times

Next Program: Friday, June 9, 2017 – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Registration and Cost

Training tuition is free, but prior registration is required. Space is limited to 24 participants.

Topics to Be Covered

• Learning about Citizen Mediators – the initiative and the movement
• Connect with colleagues elsewhere who are mobilizing to be active citizens
• Brainstorm how you, too, can become an active citizen in our public space
• Appreciate anew the history and unique values of our profession
• Learn how our skills and wisdom are critical to democratic functioning
• Discover the indispensable role we can play in strengthening democracy
• Strategize to collaborate and save/strengthen democracy

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this workshop. All are welcome to attend, both MWI mediators and friends and colleagues alike.

Location

MWI
10 Liberty Square – 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Click here for hotel information.

Workshop Trainer

Ashok Panikkar, founder of Meta-Culture and CitizenDEMOS is a mediator and dialogue facilitator who works extensively with polarized groups. Most recently he has designed and facilitated complex dialogues with stakeholders in the garment/ apparel sector and conservative Muslim/ Hindu and Christian/ Hindu groups. He has also worked on conflicts related to race, gay marriage, immigration and business and has designed and convened creative platforms for civic engagement.

He is a past Board member of the New England ACR and Mediators Beyond Borders International. Meta-Culture was the ACR International Leadership Award winner in 2010. As an ardent student of politics and history he is acutely aware that he has been privileged to live as a free man in a democratic society and is committed to ensuring that future generations will have the same rights and freedoms.

For More Information

For more information about Citizen Mediators Workshop, please contact Marcus Stergio at 617-895-4029 or email mstergio@mwi.org.