Gary Goes to the Citizens Police Academy - S.04

Who would have thunk it? Who would have thunk learning about the law would be so much fun. And I pulled into the session feeling half past dead. Through a combination of humor, visuals, audience participation, and surprises, Lieutenant Donnelly showed he could hold our attention for nearly three hours.

Lieutenant Donnelly used the first hour and a half of the training to review the rules, or more appropriately, the first ten amendments to the rules. He covered the Bill of Rights in detail with helpful hints thrown into the cocktail for remembering each amendment (e.g., five fingers over the mouth, six letters in lawyer). Beyond entertaining us, Lieutenant Donnelly genuinely wanted us to learn.

The second half of the session was about the exceptions. We learned from this self proclaimed NYC King of Kicking Doors Down about the Gumbyese nature of warrants as provided in the 4th Amendment. We learned that the 4th amendment is poked and pulled by "plain view," "wherever it can fit," "inferred by appearance," and the Carroll Doctrine exceptions.

Hollywoodland is not the real world when it comes to the Miranda right, and many other issues. Little surprise there. Still demythicizing is very empowering, as is learning generally. When learning brings with it the thrill of an amusement ride, all the better. Lieutenant Donnelly will be back in 2 weeks. I am already there!

Is a Legal Blog Advertising?

Well, some people think so. There is a proposal out there from New York's Administrative Board of Courts, that "computer-accessed communications, " which includes blogs, be included in the definition of legal advertising. If this proposal is adopted, legal blogs would have to adhere to the state code of professional responsibility.

Included in the proposal are the following:

• all emails from a law firm must have LEGAL ADVERTISING in the subject line;
• law firms would not use pop up advertising, meta tags or other hidden computer codes;
• testimonials or endorsements about a particular attorney or law firm from a current client would be prohibited.
• no use of nicknames, monikers, mottos or trade names that imply an ability to obtain results in a matter

Wow!!! Having just spend almost a full day on redesigning our virtual presence and considering our target audience and communication goals, this proposals seems like a road bump.

As more and more of us are turning to the internet as a tool for direct dispute resolution work and to market services, is this proposal a sign of things to come?

If I couldn't have a motto that implied results or impact, would the average member of the public even think to use me given the lack of knowledge about our field?

What if one of my repeat clients has the legitimacy to endorse mediation as a process and me as a provider to the larger public, could I not include them in advertisement/brochure?

Although New York Center is a not-for-profit entity providing mediation, not legal, services like attorneys, staff and pro bono mediators subscribe to a code of conduct that includes ethical advertising as well as promotion of the field.

For example, Standard 7in Standards for Conduct of New York State Community Dispute Resolution Centers about Advertising and Solicitation comments that a mediator shall not list names of clients without their permission. Standard 7 of the Model Standards adopted by the ABA, AAA, & ACR has similar guidelines. NYSDRA's tandard on Advertising also comments on the ability to talk about the potential benefits of mediation. All three documents mention that no guarantee as to the outcome of a mediation can be made. Tough Questions without many immediate answers.

********

Update October 2, 2006 - Would you consider this earlier post advertising?

Mediation is a hugely untapped industry

Having trouble remembering what to do? Use the LOCI SYSTEM

The Loci system (the oldest mnemonic system on record) takes a little preparation and practice, but once you are ready, it can be very effective. The first step is to memorize a series of familiar locations in a particular order. You may choose to do a virtual walkthrough of your house (front door, hall, living room, kitchen, etc.), or you may choose to use places along your drive to work. The key is to make sure that you can conjure up a vivid mental image of each location. You must over-learn these locations because they are going to be your memory aid.

The second step is to take each item you are trying to memorize and associate it with a location using a vivid mental image. For example, take this list: clown, banana, giraffe, and moon. You might start by visualizing a clown jumping at you as you enter your front door followed by slipping on a banana as you walk down the hall. Then you could be surprised to see a giraffe eating a plant in your living room. You go into the kitchen and see a lunar eclipse through the window. Now, whenever you need to remember the list, you can do a mental walkthrough of your house and remember each visualization.

Once you have memorized your locations, they can be used over and over again to memorize different lists throughout your life. You can use any type of location, just make sure that each one is distinct.

Don't think it works? check this out ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_loci

And if you get through the wikipedia reading you might find out why the Hannibal Lecter photo is attached.

Peace,
~M~

Brain Works?

Hey All,

Each day when I arrive at work the first task I complete is making sure my brain is working.
My favorite way to achieve this higher state of neurological activity is to visit a sitecalled www.braingle.com.

Each day they e-mail me a "daily brain teaser."

Here's today's:
Which is the odd one out?
Boundaries
Cancerous
Librarian
Scorpions
Chameleon
Keyboards

For the answer go to http://www.braingle.com/24456.html

This is a great site. Even for your students - who more often than not need a little boost to get them going in the right direction. I like to open a training session with a teaser to see if people are thinking.

There's another great page in this site called- "Creativity."
Here's a really great example of the page:

Because we are always thinking, planning, and worrying about things, our minds tend to get cluttered with thoughts and it becomes difficult to focus all of our mental energies on a specific task. You can't think creatively about a problem when half of your mind is thinking about what you want to eat for dinner or how bad the traffic is going to be when you leave work. Before you begin a task where you want to apply all of your creative ability, start by clearing out your mind.
There are many ways of doing this, try this one to start. Sitting comfortably, find a nearby object such as a pencil. Now, stare at it. Try to empty your mind of every thought that isn't related to your object. Your whole universe is the pencil. What would it be like to be a pencil? Without touching it, close your eyes and imagine what a pencil feels like. Does it have a smell? A taste? If any unrelated thought enters your mind, refocus your attention onto your object. With practice you will become better at shutting out unrelated thoughts. Do this for at least 5 minutes (set a timer so you aren't thinking about the time). You should find that your mind is more focused and has fewer distracting thoughts. This is the correct mindset for creative thinking.

I've been using this site for almost two years and you know what it really does wonders to keep me focused and alert.

Silly maybe... But it works.

Peace,
~M~

Introducing Angel Fernandez

Hi, I'm Angel and I am the Executive Assistant, Equal Opportunity Liaison, resident IT person and all around "Girl Friday" for the agency. Do I sound busy? You have no idea!

We're actually all really busy at the NY Center, I can't think of anyone on staff that doesn't wear multiple hats. From doubling as a mediator to organizing special events, we all pour a very special part of ourselves into our jobs each day.

And what, you may ask, makes it all worth it? Why do we take on tasks couldn't even come close to fitting into a job description?

Why? Because the work that we do is so important and has such a lasting impact on the Staten Island community at large that it would be a travesty for the wheels of the NY Center to ever come to a halt.

I have been working for the NY Center for about a year now and am impressed not only by the level of dedication that it's employees possess, but also, and more importantly, by the way that our services change the lives of people throughout Staten Island and beyond.

My mission in this blog - to better acquaint you with the special events we host throughout the year, as well as to keep you up to date on press coverage and matters of interest to us and to YOU.

I will also be updating our calendar on a regular basis, please feel free to check it out, you never know you might just find what you're looking for.

In the interim, be well and I forward to communicating with you in the near future.

I hope you will be just as excited to hear a little more about us as we are in improving Staten Island and the neighboring boroughs for you!

All the best,
Angel :)

Introduction - ~Michael DeVito~

Greetings and Salutations!
I guess a bit about me is in order, yes?
I was born at 1:33 p.m. on March 13th... Nineteen-hundred and well, I don't think I need to go that far back, do I? This type of intro need be a bit more straight forward and not too complex.
So the low down about Michael then would be that he lived in Okinawa, Japan for nearly 12 years. He was an active duty Marine for two tours. (OK enough of the 3rd person).
I worked as a salesmen and a professional photographer after the service and attended Graduate school at night. I have a beautiful 10 year old daughter named Miya who still lives with her Mother in Okinawa. My wife, Natalie, lived with me in Okinawa for 6 years. She and I go back to forever-ah-go. Back to the days when the only thing one needed to worry about was whether or not the girl next door really “liked” you. It took me some time, ladies and gents, but I finally figured it out and it was a little more like “love.” Though, I might have been tipped off by her willingness to travel to a different continent to be with me. After the war began in Iraq it became financially impossible to remain overseas. Hence, we've been living back in New York for a little less than a year.
Now was that too quick, or maybe just down-right to the point save the bullet format?

Well since there's nothing up there that really defines me, I must also divulge that I consider myself a writer.
I do so maybe even before considering myself human, but not before being a father.
Did ya get that? If not it's okay because I’m still trying to figure it out. Being a writer means just as much as being a father, I suppose. And in lieu of this little self-proclamation, I live by a little motto— "The only thing worse than writing is not writing," which is a Richard Price conundrum.
With that in mind, I am in the processes of finishing my first book (currently untitled).
And oh yes... the photograph you see was taken at Pere Lachaise in Paris.
I was sitting in front of the former grave of Jim Morrison.
Here’s what I was writing…

I went to Jim Morrison’s Grave, but he wasn’t there

the sky over Paris was the color of Henry Miller.
the ground trapped the dead like a quiet circus tent.
hoards of people swarmed ‘round
like mish-mosh’ed children at recess
looking for playmates to hide & seek.
the Main Attraction could not be found:
only the remains of a stoned Indian Spirit. ~~~

There – that was nice and disjointed.

All the best.
~M~

Have an ethical mediator dilemma?

Now there is a resource just for you! The New York State Office of ADR Programs (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/ip/adr) has created a Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee for the purpose of fielding questions from community mediators about ethical issues they are facing.

How to get your question answered? Just send requests by email to: cdrcp@courts.state.ny.us or send them in writing to: 25 Beaver Street, 8th Fl., NY NY 10004. Please note that all identifying information is removed from the questions when the committee publishes its response.

Take advantage of this create new resource!

"Mediation is a hugely untapped industry"

So wrote my dear friend S who read my blog entry the other day.

Why does he feel this way?

First hand experience with a business dispute. My friend owns a company that purchases debt. His company had a written agreement with a major international telecommunications company to be paid a lump sum for work completed by his client over the course of several months. When the company stated that they would only pay per month, my friend found himself in a dispute.

How could they change the terms? He had meetings with the company, including the CFO, and was told the same thing. He went back with the lawyer and was told the same thing. This contract would be paid on a monthly basis for each month the client performed the task. My friend was so disgusted he was willing to stop doing business with this company, which had in fact been party to his first deal more than 15 months ago.

What he learned from this dispute?
Working from a positional place does not work. Demanding payment without being open to hearing the company's perspective resulted in an impasse that threatened to damage a long-standing and otherwise profitable business relationship. A more informal conversation with the company by someone willing to hear their perspectives and interests, without the presence of a lawyer, resulted in the sharing of some key information. The matter ended up being resolved and the business relationship with the company was preserved.

Now my friend is going to change his Dispute Resolution clauses from using arbitration to using mediation. He's a convert! Way to go S! Spread the word.

********
Update October 2, 2006 - How can you spread the word if talking about dispute resolution in a blog is considered 'legal advertising?' Read Kathy's posting

Is a Legal Blog Advertising?

Drug Use Declining in 12 - 17 Year Olds

Here's good news -

According to the "2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health," whose publication by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS') Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration was announced earlier this month on JUVJUST, illicit drug use among youth ages 12-17 continues to decline.

According to the survey, the rate of the use of drugs in the past month by youth in that age category has decreased from 11.6 percent in 2002 to 11.2 percent in 2003, 10.6 percent in 2004, and 9.9 percent in 2005.

Looks like the hard work that goes into the afterschool programs and other substance abuse prevention programs just might be paying off.

Gary goes to the Citizens Police Academy

Our own Gary Carsel has decided to go the Citizens Police Academy as part of our effort to work with the Police here in Staten Island. Over the coming weeks, Gary will chronicle his journey.

I had visions of mediating disputes from under overturned stones, and was inspired by a story about a Maryland mediation center’s involvement with their local police department. With this in mind, I started the New York City Citizens Police Academy, as the sole representative from Staten Island.

The Academy is an abridged, but not sanitized, rookie eye view of being a police officer. We learn about the laws, we learn about the successes and failures of the Department, we learn the administrative nuts and bolts of the Department, we get arms training, terrorist training, we do a ride along. You think of an exciting/interesting aspect of police work and we will be doing it in this 14 week program.

I am loving it! I am being exposed to another culture I know nothing about. I am being led by officers who are honest, smart, enthusiastic, and witty. They are people it is a pleasure to spend hours with.

Our first session a week ago Wednesday was an overview of the aspects of Police work we would receive instruction on. Each of the instructors gave a short lively presentation about the area they would be instructing us in. The Chief of the Police Academy gave welcoming remarks.

The second session, last Tuesday evening, we learned all about the hierarchy within the Police Department, the Police Department blemishes, and the ways the Police Department serves their communities.

Next week will be People in Crisis.

I am already there!

Gary

International Peace Day

Yesterday was the International Day of Peace (http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/). September 21st of each year is designated International Day of Peace. Although I knew intellectually that there was a designated day of peace, I did not know the date. Regardless, I have decided today to think about the concept of peace and how to build it into my life and the work I do.

Why was I drawn to the work that I do?
My motiviation stems in part from a sense of service and justice instilled in me by my parents. As a reflective practitioner, I regularly set aside time to consider my practice, my motivations and to check any obstacles and biases that may be present and impact my work.

A favorite quote of mine reminds me that I need to be concerned with the global humanity.

Ubuntu ungamntu ngabanye abantu
"People are people through other people".

This is a Xhosa proverb that I first read about in the book, No Future without Forgiveness, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Having studied Zulu, I was able to see the link of the words from a single root for people, which only emphasized the interlockedness and interdependence we all have with each other.


What will I do?
Although I work in the Staten Island community, and have lived here for more than 13 years, when I was graduating from high school, I thought I would be doing international development work. So, in honor of the International Day of Peace, I am going to spend more time considering the fate of peace in the world.

For instance, I am going to learn more about global initiatives related to reducing poverty and am going to look to participate in an interfaith dialogue. The UN General Assembly is in town and much of the press has been about the vitriole passes back and forth between our President and the leaders of Venezuela and Iran. Lost in the fray, are the events going on associated with that convergence of world leaders, that are working to improve the daily lives of humans around the world.

An example of linking the world need with means to do this is the Clinton Global Initiative (http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org), which focuses on partnering projects with corporate and individual donors. I was fortunate to participate as a facilitator last year; It was an interesting experience. A key emphasis was on Action. From my experience with large groups, one of the biggest obstacles is the ability of a group to balance the need for dialogue/decision-making with the desire and need to take action.

So, for my action, I will commit to read the coverage of news in two international newspapers to get a more balanced perspective on a weekly basis. One from Europe and one from Kenya. I encourage all of you to do the same.

The Riddler

Most people I know like riddles. They are usually amusing and both adults and children enjoy and appreciate them. They can also be a connection to history.

Many cultures have enjoyed riddles and they have become part of their traditions. The best documented is a riddle-poem tradition of the Anglo-Saxon, the Vikings, and The Teutons. These people of the Dark Ages played riddle games around their hearth-fires for more than five hundred years.

Here is an example of an ancient riddle that came from the Red Book of Exeter:
Riddle:

I am fire-fretted
and I flirt with the wind;
my limbs are light-freighted
I am lapped in flame.
I am storm-stacked
and I strain to fly
I am grove leaf-bearing
and a glowing coal

What am I?
Answer: You are a beam of wood

I thought this might be fun, and get our creative juices flowing. You can blog a riddle that you know or we can play a riddle game.

I will start, here is my riddle, when you figure it out, please don't forget to blog me the answer. Here it is:

The Wise Son
An old man wanted to leave all of his money to one of his three sons, but he didn't know which one he should give it to. He gave each of them a few coins and told them to buy something that would e able to fill their living room. The first son bought straw, but there was not enough to fill the room. The second son bought some sticks, but that didn't fill the room either. The third son bought two things that filled the room, so he obtained his father's fortune. Where were the two things that the third son bought?

My First Teleseminar

Yesterday, I participated in my first Teleseminar. I joined in the seminar, 3 Keys to Unlock Mediator Income, hosted by Dina Beach Lynch,(http://www.mediationmensch.blogspot.com)
and (http://www.adrpracticebuilder.com). Dina offered this class free. Although I work in the community arena as the Director of Court Referral and Conflict Resolution Services, I felt that the topic, and the format, would be valuable.

Overall, the experience was very informative and provided lots of food for thought for me and my staff. Some new user tips:

• Be in a quiet space
• Set aside 10 minutes before and after the call
• Use a headset if possible
• Speak up when you can't hear!
• Check out all the information available on any corresponding webiste.
• Don't multi- task

Now the content

Dina offered practical advice about approaching our dispute resolution work from the frame of an entrepreneur. While I have never felt comfortable with selling (yes I will admit that), I have corporate experience which I think has helped me be successful in the not-for-profit field to day. I am always looking to create efficient and workable systems as well as to look for new opportunities.

So, my reflection question for the week is - What business are we in? I intend to reflect on that and ask you, the readers of this blog, to chime in. It is a valuable question and one we always struggle with.

Introducing Candace Gonzalez

I am a hardworking but fun loving individual that loves to be around people. I grew up in a very loving and fun environment. My mother is an artist and a dance teacher and my father was a business man, so I guess I get my business acumen from my dad and my love of music, dance and art from my mom. It strikes a good balance for me.

The first dance that she taught my sister and I was called “mixed pickles”. It was a very fast paced dance from Bulgaria that had a long, funny name that we couldn’t pronounce. In order to keep up with the steps Mom had us repeat the words mixed pickles and we did just fine!

My professional life took a turn 10 years ago when I got involved in the conflict resolution field. I trained to be a mediator with New York Center (YPIS at the time) because I heard that they have the best trainings. After the training, I thought that I would be able to solve everyone’s problems. Well I guess I may not have done exactly that but I did solve my problem about finding a work environment that is fun, caring and helps people.

I am excited about New York Center’s blog and I hope that you are too! We are always interested in meeting new people and hearing their adventures. So please let us know something exciting about you, you never know, you may end up working here too!

To boldly go where no man has gone before

NO, I am not a Trekkie but I am embarking on a new journey with technology and my professional practice. In the past three weeks, I have learned how to use Blackboard for my classes at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (http://www.cuny.edu), how to create & post to a blog, and participated in my first teleseminar on key ideas to promote your mediation practice (more to come on this)

Now…I am about to embark on my first cyber experience with regards to dispute resolution. I am going to be participating in Cyberweek 2006: Shaping the Future of ODR &Online Justice, Sept. 25 – 29 (http://www.odr.info/cyberweek2006/index.php). In the next week, I will be making posts around the theme of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and my experiences. If you have expertise and knowledge in this area, feel free to post resources and provide comments. If you are a newbie, I ask that you keep an open mind. Kathy, OUT.

Can We Count on You?

YES, you can count on me to Celebrate Diversity! with the Mosaic Coalition on Nov. 19, 2006

Send the following information with your ad text and layout to Mike Baver:

Back cover and Inside Back Cover at $750 ______
Gold Page at $350 ______
Silver Page at $250 ______
Full Page at $150 ______
Half Page at $75 ______
Quarter Page at $50 ______
List of Friends at $25 ______

Name: _______________________________________________________ Address/Company:_____________________________________________
Daytime Contact number: ___________________
Email address: _________________

For suggestions on ad content

Not Sure What to Put in Your Journal Ad?

What can you share about your roots in a journal ad? A recipe, a quote, a holiday tradition. Tell us what about diversity or your ethnic or cultural group is important to you? Tell us a story. Make us laugh or make us cry.

Here are some samples to help you get your creative juices flowing -

In memory of my grandmother, a reserved New England WASP who taught me three things:

• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
• If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
• Ladies don’t chew gum.

Ruth Munroe Wentworth, 1894-1961

-- RMW

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

A Brancato family Easter favorite - Carciofi Fritti -- Fried Artichokes

For six people you will need:

• 6 artichokes (they should be firm and feel solid -- soft or light artichokes will probably have fuzzy hearts)
• salt
• 1/2 a lemon
• Flour
• An egg, lightly beaten
• Oil for frying

Squeeze the lemon into a bowl of water, drop the rind into the bowl, and add a pinch of salt and a little bit of flour (not enough to make a paste). Peel away the tough outer leaves of the artichokes, trim the tops perpendicular to the length of the artichokes, and cut the artichokes into eighths. Soak them in the acidulated water for an hour. Then rinse them, pat them dry, flour them, dredge them in the egg, and fry them until crisp and golden in moderately hot oil (you don't want the outside to burn before the inside is cooked).

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

You may go to France, but you will never become a Frenchman. You may go to Greece, but you will never become a Greek. You may go to China, but you will never become Chinese, to Japan and never become a Japanese, but anyone can come to America and become an American. This is the greatness of the country we call the United States of America.

-- Angie Papadakis

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

Once at a dinner party, I listened to an Indian (from India, not Arizona) telling funny stories about his mother. I listened with interest for he looked thoroughly Indian, and finally I could no longer resist. I asked in mock amazement, “Is your mother Jewish?”

He looked at me quite calmly and said, “My friend, all mothers are Jewish.”

Isaac Asimov

Here’s to all our Jewish mothers…whatever their origin…
Best wishes to our honorees

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

Four Day Wedding Ritual of Pakistan

First Day of the Celebration: On the first day, the bride and groom's families each dress in yellow, and celebrate the upcoming nuptials separately. The betrothed couple will not see each other from this day until the ceremony.

Second Day of the Celebration: The second day is reserved for a big celebration called Mendi that includes dancing and singing ancient songs. On this day, the groom's family delivers the wedding dress to the bride's family, and then her family takes the groom's wedding attire to his family.

The bride's family string hundreds of colored lights to announce their daughter's forthcoming marriage. The bride’s hands and feet are stained with henna in intricate, traditional Muslim designs. The bride-to-be is waited on by her family while the henna stain dries overnight.

Third Day - the Marriage Ceremony: The wedding rites and ceremony in Pakistan take places on the third day. The Pakistani bride and groom who continue their traditions wear garments of red. The bride's gown is very elaborate, as are her veil and jewelry. Men wear a distinctive traditional turban. After wedding vows are exchanged, the Holy Koran is held over the new bride's head as she joins her husband's family. The official paperwork is signed in the presence of an Islamic priest and the guests.

Fourth and Final Day: On the fourth day, the couple hosts their first dinner as husband and wife. The groom's family invites all of the guests to their home for a feast.

Best wishes from the Khalid Family

The Public, The Police and Mediation

Mediation as a means to resolve disputes is an idea whose time as come. In today's New York Times, there is an article about a mediation between police and citizens that was mediated through the Civilian Complain Review Board (http://www.nyc.gov/ccrb).

• What do you think as a member of the public, or as an officer with the NYPD?
• What would make you participate in a process that would enable you to give voice to what happened from your perspective AND allowed you to influence the outcome of the process?

Read the article. Please post your comments.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/20/nyregion/20mediation.html

Introducing Kathy Vaughan

Hello! Bonjour! Sawubona! Konnichiwa! Dia Duit! Jambo!

A hundred thousand welcomes to my first online blog.

So…who am I? I am a dispute resolution professional who provides direct service, trains and teaches…plus I love to dance and enjoy different cultural traditions. Why? Well, I love the mix of interacting with different people through mediation and providing a process that empowers them to share information and make decisions, while at the same time challenging myself to convey these concepts to others (especially young people in an educational setting who are always ready to test and laugh at me!)

I like to say, “Have suitcase, will travel,” and I am not kidding. I go as often to the ends of this city as I do the ends of this earth as part of my involvement and interest in the field. I participate in the larger dispute resolution community in my area, mediating in different community programs and on different rosters in the 5 boroughs of our city. I also look up DR professionals when I am abroad, most recently in the country whose main language is listed above. Can you guess?

I look forward to trying to make this blog informational, entertaining and engaging. I look forward to blogging with you.

Kathy

Introducing Diana Perez-Miller

"Who Am I?"

Well…… for starters

I am a hard-working, loving mother and wife. Taking care of my family is very important to me. I spend quality time w/my family. Due to our busy schedules, quality time is all we have.

I learned from one of my professors that it's best to spend short quality time with your family and make it a lifetime of fun, rather than spend long hours without speaking a word. Therefore, I make every minute count.

I am a Social Worker for New Beginnings High School at the NY Center. I'm also an adjunct professor, so I've to put together a curriculum, Introduction to Psychology, which I began to teach at New Beginnings this September.

I work with the at-risk population (teens), which for me is an exciting and rewarding experience. There is not a thing I rather do than help people, especially young people in need. We laugh, we cry, we learn, and most important, we grow together. That is how each student become a part of me.

I put into practice with my students' what I do with my family. It takes 15 to 20 minutes of sharing and caring, and building strong relationships rather than long sessions of lost time and work.

This is who I am. Now, I would like to know who you are.

Diana :o)

Introducing the NY Center's Blog Spot Team

You've probably noticed that I'm the one doing all the posting - But no more! Over the next week you'll have the opportunity to meet a handful of the staff at the NY Center who will join me posting here.

We're a hardworking and passionate crew, dedicated to the NY Center's mission. We love sharing what interests us and hope it will interest you.

Let me go first -- Introducing Ruth Wahtera...
I edit the enewsletter (please sign up in the box on the sidebar). I'm also a Board member and staunch supporter of the NY Center. I pay my bills by writing - mostly for non-profits - grants, websites, brochures, and such.

For the staff, I'm the voice on the phone. I sit in on meetings via conference calls, since I live in the Hudson River Valley, some distance from Staten Island. Because I work long distance, I push technology. How else can I do it faster and easier long distance?

I like to know what the facts are; what the reseach shows; what the participants think; who the target audience is. You've probably gathered that!

Does the Internet Encourage Dialogue?

The NY Center sponsors the Mosaic Coaltion to create opportunities for people to learn about those who are different from them. Respectful dialogue is key.

The controversy about the Pope's speech raises an issue that's been bothering me. Does the Internet make it too easy to react to information out of context?

This article from the Christian Science Monitor has a link to the whole speech. I read the speech, and I have to say that the Pope's intent was not clear to me. This lecture is highly academic - weaving history, philosophy and theology. He was speaking at the University where he had been a faculty member.

I think I agree with Lord Carey's comment.
Pope Benedict creates international furor with remarks | csmonitor.com

Asked about the Pope's remarks, [Lord Carey] said: "I cannot comment on a few phrases in what was clearly a long speech. The Pope is a distinguished scholar and one unlikely to say offensive things. If he quoted something said 600 years ago, we should not assume that this represents the Pope's beliefs about Islam today.

"But Muslims, as well as Christians, must learn to enter into dialogue without crying foul. We live in perilous times, and we must not only separate religion from violence but also not give religious legitimacy to violence in any shape or form."

What do you think about the Pope's comments? Does a reaction like this stifle meaningful dialogue instead of encouraging it? You can read the whole speech in the Guardian here.

Mosaic Coalition
Sponsored by New York Center for Interpersonal Development
and Wagner College

Wednesday, September 20^th

At Brighton Heights Reformed Church

320 St. Marks Place

Meeting will go from 6:00pm-7:00pm

Immediately followed by

Latino Civic Association’s Heritage Celebration

Join Us for Food, Performances, Presentations

This is not a pot luck meeting!

If you care about getting accurate information...

I hate feeling manipulated by politicians, political parties, or the media. I've come to rely on Factcheck.org to put the claims into perspective. So this caught my eye -

PoliticsOnline - News, Tools & Strategies: "For the seventh year in a row, PoliticsOnline subscribers and visitors from around the world are invited to help select the top 10 individuals, organizations and companies having the greatest impact on the way the Internet is changing politics.

This prestigious award seeks to recognize the innovators and pioneers, the dreamers and doers who bring democracy online. "

Reading a paragraph about each of the 19 nominees broadened my perspective on freedom of information around the world. Take a look.

I cast my vote for Factcheck.org. I depend on it.

Effective Interventions for reducing youth alcohol consumption

Erica Schmitz recently conducted a literature review regarding court diversion programs for juvenile alcohol offenses.

There are some surprises in her findings -- some things, like group sessions, don't work. Here's what does.

Brief intervention is the only strategy solidly backed by research to reduce drinking by youth. Extensive experimental research has found the brief intervention model (a focused, 5-10 minute, one-on-one meeting using motivational interviewing and social influence strategies) to be just as or more effective than longer, more comprehensive interventions (such as longer interviews, multi-session educational programs, or multiple counseling sessions). NOTE: This does not apply to youth who require treatment for alcohol dependence.

It always comes back to that 1:1 relationship with kids. They need to know we care enough to spend that 1:1 time and make it meaningful.

She says she's happy to send a copy of her full paper to those who are interested. For a copy of the literature review, write to Erika at:

eschmitz@mcd.org
Erica Schmitz, MPP, Coordinator
MESAP: Maine's Environmental Substance Abuse Prevention Center
& Portland CMCA: Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol
Medical Care Development, Inc.

Thanks, Erica, for putting this together for us.

NY Center and YABC Offer a 'Last Chance'

Can you imagine being 18 and feeling this is your 'last chance?' This article in the SI Advance made me more aware of how discouraged and lost these young people feel when traditional high school doesn't work for them.

It's wonderful that the YABC alternative proves sucessful for so many of them. Thanks to Theresa Doyle and the other NY Center staff who do such great work mentoring these young people. And to the teachers who have chosen to work with these high-risk students.

If you click on the article you'll get a bigger image. I hope you can read it; it's a bit blurry.

Shopping Day to Benefit Children's Campaign

From Liz Bonici -

Planning to do some fall shopping? Save money while making a contribution to the SI Children's Campaign.

September 16^th, Macy's Shopping Day to benefit local non-profits, is fast approaching –please contact me to purchase your $5.00 shopping passes – these passes will give you 10% & 20% discounts throughout the store all day on Saturday, Sept 16^th.

All proceeds from the purchase of these passes goes to the SI Children’s Campaign – and our agency benefits directly from this campaign every year – therefore it is very important that we make a good showing on this day.