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.

However, most of us benefit from having a list of ingredients, utensils, and instructions for every pie we bake. Yet, even with the best recipe followed to the letter, we know that perfection is not assured. Baking is an artform; so is mediation. Here to help is a list of ingredients and a basic recipe for mediation. We will then discuss how and why some approaches may be more successful than others, and how technique and personality can be key factors for success.