ELDER MEDIATION INTERNATIONAL NETWORK Call for Presenters EMIN World Summit Mount Saint Vincent University Halifax, Canada June 25-27, 2014 The call for speakers and panelists for the upcoming Summit is now open. With a few exceptions for keynote speakers, sessions will follow the highly successful format utilized at previous Summits - a twenty minute presentation followed by ten minutes for dialogue. Our goal is to have a broad range of topics with as many countries as possible represented. Because of the high number of requests to speak, preference will be given to those who have acquired Elder Mediation Certification, are presently working toward their Elder Mediation certification, or are research leaders in the field. SUMMIT GOALS 1. Increase knowledge base for elder mediators and all who are interested in heightening their awareness of mediation with age related issues including seniors organizations, nonprofit agencies, practitioners and policy-makers 2. Highlight examples of research and best practice in elder mediation from various countries across the world 3. Facilitate dialogue between mediators, other professionals, representative groups and older people, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges of providing elder mediation 4. Offer mediators a set of practical options for facilitating equal opportunities for older people to participate in decision-making, consultation and complaints processes 5. Provide opportunities for networking. 1
For the 2014 Summit, the Curriculum Committee is particularly interested in the following proposal topics: o Best practices and innovative approaches in elder mediation o First hand experiences from individuals who have participated in the elder mediation process o Ageism o Financial and estate issues o Family life cycle and intergenerational dynamics o Dementias and other significant health issues; chronic diseases etc. that may arise as people get older o Elder mediation and its place in reducing abuse and neglect o Innovative elder mediation programs and special projects o Using elder mediation to change the face of health care as we know it o Elder Law o Guardianship o Grief & loss, empathy, ethical issues and implications for elder mediation o Issues of aging around the world The goal of the event is to bring together exemplary elder mediators and those interested in learning about and supporting elder mediation and others interested in informative discussions for the benefit of all in the field. (N.B. The topics that will be presented at the Summits can be counted toward credit hours for elder mediation certification.) CALL FOR PRESENTERS The Summit Steering Committee invites participants who will be registering for the Summit to submit an abstract of their proposed presentation. Presenters are expected to pay registration, along with other attendees, as the revenue generated through registrations serves as the primary means to cover the expenses of the Summit. Abstracts should briefly describe the title and content of the presentation. Authors may describe their contribution to mediation research, their practice experience, highlight ethical issues or concerns, and provide information of relevance to the field. 2
SELECTION PROCESS A Committee appointed for this purpose will assess and select all abstracts for presentation based on individual merit judged by the overall quality and the importance and relevance of the content. All abstracts will be assessed by two reviewers and the presenter(s) will be advised of the acceptance. IMPORTANT DATES Call for presenters: January 15, 2014 Abstract Submission Deadline: March 3, 2014 Notification of acceptance: March 19, 2014 SUBMISSION FORM FOR ABSTRACT AND BIOGRAPHY Name:... Organization:... Job Title: Postal Address:... Country:... Postal Code:... Tel:... Fax:... Email:... 3
I/We wish to present at the following at this year s Summit in Halifax, Canada: Topic: Abstract of my presentation (250 words): Brief Biography of the author/presenter (250 words): Please email your presentation proposal to: support @eldermediation.ca Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) As a result of the growing interest in Elder Mediation the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) was officially formed in 2007 to: 1) advance the practice of Elder Mediation as a credible, distinct specialty that promotes dignity, respect and optimal health for all people accessing this service 2) improve the qualifications and effectiveness of mediators through the development of high standards of ethics, conduct, education, and achievement and 3) heighten partnership and learning opportunities by sharing knowledge, research, and promoting awareness. To date EMIN has organized six international summits (2008-2013) and has introduced an International Certification Program. An internationally accepted 4
Code of Professional Conduct is being utilized in many countries and is now available in English, German and French. Previous Elder Mediation World Summits have been held in Canada, Ireland, United States, Switzerland, Scotland and Australia connecting over four hundred people from fifteen countries. Mediators, lawyers, gerontologists, social workers, physicians, health care professionals, volunteers, family members, caregivers, academics, students, service clubs and professionals entering this new field shared their knowledge, vision and questions. The Summits are a testimony of the support and collegiality of numerous individuals and organizations which have supported the goals of EMIN. Such collaboration has enabled elder mediators from different parts of the world, and often from different disciplines and backgrounds, to network. Past Summits have called for much needed advocacy, continued learning opportunities and continued research - both quantitative and qualitative - to provide concrete knowledge regarding the effects of elder mediation with families. This will lead to the development of further knowledge and programs driven by evidence-based practice. Steadily people are becoming aware of, and participating in, elder mediation services; pilot programs are increasing and outcomes are encouraging. Future world summits will continue to be a venue where interested and invested parties will be present for a conversation around how to best strengthen the elder mediation service. By taking an international approach and reviewing what people have learned, as well as heightening our awareness of what needs to be learned, the profession of elder mediation is on the way to be better understood and utilized. 5