In this inspirational talk, Douglas Noll, a nationally recognized speaker and full time peacemaker and mediator specializing in difficult, complex and intractable conflicts, will lead attendees on a journey of peacemaking through the stories of some powerful peacemakers: from Alissa Sears, who responded to the post-tsunami disaster relief in Sri Lanka, to Kimmie Weeks left for dead at 9 years old in a Liberian refugee camp, to the remarkable story of murderers becoming peacemakers. Doug will demonstrate how every person has the power to be a peacemaker and that mediating is not all about settling cases but rather the profound effect mediators have on the world if they choose to do so.
Elizabeth Schwartz, Esq. will give an overview of the unique legal and social issues facing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities. A survey of the state of the law as it relates to LGBT rights nationally and statewide will be provided as will tips on dealing with the LGBT population, including suggestions for being a culturally competent mediator. Specific legal issues will be addressed including those related to the areas of estate planning, immigration, criminal defense, real estate, corporate entities, and family law.