An Organization Helping To Solve The World's Problems

Hi there fellow Steemians.

A few years ago I decided to leave my career in social work and begin a journey in discovering my true passion in life and figuring out exactly what it was I wanted to do "when I grew up."

Although that process is still in motion, one of the first things I did was sign up for a class to become certified as a mediator. And one of the first questions I ever get when I tell someone that is "what is mediation?"

Mediation is loosely defined as a problem solving process in which two disputing parties participate in a dialogue facilitated by a neutral third party in an attempt to resolve a stated problem between the parties.

Just about anything can be mediated, from two children arguing...

... to countries at war with one another.

I eventually was able to take the class and received my certificate in mediation. I quickly learned, however, that for the most part, mediators do not get paid. And it was even more common, and expected, for new mediators like myself to volunteer for a while in order to gain experience in the field.

So I did, and have been volunteering in the local Courts for over a year now. I typically assist people who are suing one another and the damages are less than $10,000. This is called "small claims" court where I live and there are typically no attorneys involved. Before a case proceeds to a judge, the people are ordered to see a mediator, like me, to try and resolve their issue. This has proven to save the Court system lots of time and money.

But I still don't get paid, and somehow have to make a living.

I began to wonder exactly what it was I was hoping to gain from being a mediator. It felt kind of rudderless for the last six months with no clear direction as to what this kind of skill set could actually offer the world. I started looking ahead, to the long path, as to what mediation could do.

And then a few weeks ago on a local National Public Radio (NPR) broadcast I listened to a gentleman be interviewed about global conflict and his organization's mission to try and help solve some of the world's most persistent and difficult issues. The man's name was Robert Malley and he is the current president of an organization called International Crisis Group. Mr. Malley himself is an attorney, political activist and spcialist in conflict resolution (aka 'mediation').

This is one of the few organizations I see working internationally to address a lot of the world's issues. Their stated mission is to be "...an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world. Crisis Group sounds the alarm to prevent deadly conflict. We build support for the good governance and inclusive politics that enable societies to flourish. We engage directly with a range of conflict actors to seek and share information, and to encourage intelligent action for peace."

They typically do this work by "providing independent analysis and advice on how to prevent, resolve or better manage deadly conflict. We combine expert field research, analysis and engagement with policymakers across the world in order to effect change in the crisis situations on which we work. We endeavour to talk to all sides and in doing so to build on our role as a trusted source of field-centred information, fresh perspectives and advice for conflict parties and external actors."

Robert Malley

I was quite impressed with Mr. Malley's radio interview and wanted to track it down in order to be able to share it with you all here:

https://www.npr.org/2018/02/22/587839977/hundreds-killed-as-syrias-war-grows-more-complex

I do not know for sure what the correct path to peace is. And considering the state of global affairs in the modern world, I would safely argue the solution to this problem continues to remain elusive. Nonetheless, if everybody gives up then nothing will be accomplished and darkeit is peace that is Say what you want about the capacity for peace, but that is my hope in this life. Without that hope, that long hope, that long term goal and dream, it's hard to take in what I see currently happening around me.

This in itself will be a long path for me; that's cool. But just want to share what is happening out there to actually try and make the world a better place on the macro level.

I get that we all kind of get we can each do our piece on the local scene. But sometimes the scope of it in comparison to the "big picture" can be daunting, overwhelming and serve as reason to not even try anymore.

Stay strong. There are people out there working on that bigger picture. Check out their information if you are into it and consider sharing or donating or getting active yourself in making it all good.

Thanks for your time.

This is my first real blog post here on steemit. Please follow me at @polysteemer if you are interested in content like this and feel free to comment and upvote if you really, really like it! My intention on this blog is to discuss all things politics with an intense focus on seeking out and implementing solutions on the micro level.

Blessings to you all.