The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing the practice and public understanding of conflict resolution.  Based in the United States, ACR represents and serves a diverse national and international audience that includes more than 6,000 mediators, arbitrators, facilitators, educators, and others involved in the field of conflict resolution and collaborative decision-making.

The International Section is one of 18 ACR’s professional interest/topical Sections that provide members with a way to meet other professionals in their special areas of interest.  It is made up of over 500 ACR members from over 40 countries around the world and is one of the fastest growing ACR Sections.  The Section is committed to honoring and building understanding of the differences in cultures, language and approaches to effective conflict resolution and building peaceful coexistence.

We are actively developing international networks, connecting members and colleagues to resources and member expertise, building global awareness both within ACR and of ACR, and promoting capacity building for the effective resolution of disputes and conflict management in all nations and regions of the world.

The International Section has been a source of energized leadership, remaining committed to the fundamental principles of collaboration, inclusion, and innovation within the organization and throughout the world.  In 2007, we launched an e-membership pilot program to invite our colleagues from Latin America to join ACR virtually.  Over 50 new members signed up at our first ever co-sponsored international conference in Bogotá, Colombia in June 2007.  We are currently working with our colleagues in the South Eastern European Mediation Forum (SEEMF) on a similar conference in Croatia, targeted for late Fall 2008.  And we will soon launch our next pilot project: International Organizational Affiliates.

The Regional Networks Initiative is slowly taking shape, with vibrant networks in Southern Africa, India, and Eastern Europe, amongst others.  Please look at their nascent pages on this website, and use our new web comment feature to add new information and ideas.  Section leaders also participated in conferences launching the European Mediation Network Initiative in Vienna, Austria (October 2007) and Belfast, Northern Ireland (March 2008).

As a Section, we continue to promote quality international programming at the Annual Conference with the upcoming fourth annual International Day this year in Austin, Texas.  We also actively support ACR’s commitment to diversity by organizing the Spanish Track during the conference to allow for Spanish-speaking practitioners from both abroad and the U.S. to actively participate in our meetings. The Section’s International Development Committee has finalized a comprehensive directory of professionals and organizations working in conflict resolution and development, sponsored the second annual award for leadership in the development field in 2007, and is reviewing nominations for the 2008 award.

If you are not already a member, please join us in networking and promoting a culture of conflict resolution throughout the world!