For Immediate Release

CHIEF JUDGE ROBERT M. BELL, DEL. NORMAN H. CONWAY, AND LUIS A. LUNA TO HOST EASTERN SHORE PUBLIC FORUM ON PLAN TO EXPAND THE USE OF ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE AND LITIGATION

(ANNAPOLIS, MD -- May 24, 1999) The Maryland Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Commission will be holding a public forum on the Eastern Shore to discuss a recently released draft Practical Action Plan that calls for increasing the use of mediation and other innovative conflict resolution processes statewide. Hosted by Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert M. Bell, Delegate Norman H. Conway, and Luis A. Luna (Director, Greater Salisbury Committee), this important regional forum will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 1999, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Salisbury State University, in the Guerrieri University Center's Wicomico Room. Anyone wishing to play a role in efforts to advance the appropriate use of ADR in Maryland's courts, communities, schools, businesses, government agencies, criminal/juvenile justice systems, and other organizations is encouraged to attend. 

"This forum represents a great opportunity for Eastern Shore citizens to help us improve court processes, increase our emphasis on mediation and other innovative dispute resolution techniques, and create new programs to serve the needs of communities throughout the state," Chief Judge Bell said when announcing the forum. "I am looking forward to this chance to discuss our efforts and to get feedback from interested folks in the area," Bell added.

On May 20, 1999, the ADR Commission released its draft Practical Action Plan for public comment and is hosting forums to solicit ideas on how to improve the plan and how to implement it in each region of the state. The May 26th meeting on the Eastern Shore will be the second of four regional forums intended to promote dialogue on plans to improve dispute resolution practices in Maryland's courts, communities, schools, businesses, government agencies, criminal/juvenile justice systems, and other organizations and settings. 

People who attend the forum will have an opportunity to discuss the Commission's draft Action Plan and to participate in small group discussions about (1) advancing the appropriate use of ADR in courts and criminal justice systems, (2) expanding mediation and conflict resolution in our schools and communities, (3) using ADR effectively in business and government, and (4) maintaining high standards for ADR practitioners and trainers.

Based in part on information collected during the Commission's initial round of public forums last Fall, and guidance received from the Commission's Eastern Shore Regional Advisory Board members, the ADR Commission believes that moving forward with initiatives outlined this draft Practical Action Plan will improve dispute resolution practices throughout the state and will, ultimately, reshape the way in which our society manages conflict. 

Copies of the Commission's draft Practical Action Plan will be distributed at the forum, are available online at www.courts.state.md.us/adr3.htm, and may be obtained by calling the ADR Commission at 410-321-2398.

The forum is free and open to the public; light refreshments will also be served. For further information, call the Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission at (410) 321-2398.