Notwithstanding the pandemic and to no surprise, the mediation committee has been active this summer. Kudos to our past and present committee leaders who are vested in building our membership and driving the practice benefits of an educated mediation process.
Listserv – In the annual ABI Committee Leadership meeting, the ABI gave a special acknowledgment to the Mediation Committee’s implementation of its successful and active Listserv. As ABI states, the committee Listservs are a free service to members. Their purpose is to foster useful discussion of bankruptcy-related topics among ABI members. Every Friday our Committee posts a mediation inquiry for discussion, comment or advice from our committee members. Typically, we receive no less than 6 to 12 replies making suggestions, offering different approaches for addressing the situation or just a simple thank you for free educational advice. Two of our members are putting together an article of the best discussions. Stay tuned.
Education – As with all matters during these challenging times, our educational programs have been delayed, but not stopped. Our 2020 ABI Annual Spring Meeting program with the International Committee, entitled Peace Bridge or Bridge of Sighs: Cross-Border Mediation of Insolvency Related Disputes, has been planned, and ready to be presented. It has been approved for the 2020 ABI Winter Leadership Conference, now anticipated to be a virtual conference. Fingers-crossed with proceeding.
Membership – We are growing, and quickly approaching 200 members. We are always looking for new committee members and we strongly encourage participation. We are discussing periodic virtual happy hours for our committee members and those interested in joining. Be on the lookout for future postings about these efforts.
Thank you to our new leadership, our co- chairs: Judith Elkin and John Loughnane; Communications (you know the Listserv): Ian Bifferato and Ed Schnitzer; Education: Judge Fitzgerald, Russ Bain, and Chris Candon; Membership: Howard Gorney and Frank Monaco; and Newsletter: yours truly, Mo Bauer. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us to explore our continued happenings and how to get more involved with our “happening” committee.