Welcome to MediationChannel.com — the new home and the new name for Online Guide to Mediation.

I’m still in the process of unpacking, so expect to see the look of this blog change over the next several weeks as I make the transition from Blogger to Wordpress. I was able to import all of my posts from Online Guide to Mediation’s old home, and I’m in the process of organizing those posts into new categories, which will make it easier for readers like you to find what you’re looking for.  Look for other improvements as well.

While I settle in, posting of course will continue, beginning with my series for the first week of January, “New Year (Dispute) Resolutions”.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy New Year!

Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has cut almost $500 million of “‘pork’ and non-essential spending” from the state’s Fiscal Year 2008 budget.

Unfortunately these cuts included funding for a gang mediation program aimed at reducing conflicts and violence in the city’s neighborhoods.

Some day, some day, political leaders will view conflict resolution as an essential service. Hey, a mediator can dream…

(Photo by Clarissa Rossarola.)