Belltower Article

Mediation Services is a group of people representing the diversity of Winnipeg ( 65 Volunteers,12 Staff and 10 Associates) who have committed themselves to non-violent conflict resolution. In 2004, Mediation Services will have completed 25 years of service to the community in the field of peacemaking and conflict resolution. Over the past quarter century, this organisation worked at developing a respectful and safe environment enabling those in conflict to work on a resolution that meets the parties

To mark this important milestone, Mediation Services invited the community to come together to celebrate. On Wednesday evening June 9, 2004, approximately 160 people gathered at the Mauro Conference Hall in the Centro Caboto Centre to share a meal. This celebration honoured the courage and strength of those people and organisations who have participated in this activity of peacemaking. By doing so, they exemplified a willingness to resolve their conflicts in a respectful and healing manner.

Dr. Sean Byrne and Dr. Jessica Senehi of the Arthur V. Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba are two of the people who demonstrate the presence of alternatives to violence in our city. Sean and Jessica provided a dual presentation and through the effective use of storytelling, emphasised the need for individual commitment to peace.

Sharing poignant stories they illustrated that making this choice can sometimes demand enormous sacrifice but in most cases it is a transforming moment both for the individual and their environment. These individual commitments and choices can often lead to major change within our communities. Drs. Byrne and Senehi acknowledged the presence and contribution of Mr. Arthur Mauro who was present in the audience.