How can you involve stakeholders in restorative conferencing for mediation?

2 How to invite stakeholders to restorative conferencing?

Inviting stakeholders to restorative conferencing requires careful preparation and communication. You need to explain the purpose and process of restorative conferencing, the role and responsibilities of the stakeholders, and the potential benefits and risks of participation. You also need to address any concerns or questions that the stakeholders may have and ensure that they understand and agree to the ground rules and ethical principles of restorative conferencing. You should invite the stakeholders in a respectful and empathetic way, without pressuring or coercing them to participate. You should also confirm their availability and willingness to attend the conference and provide them with any necessary information or support.

3 How to facilitate stakeholder participation in restorative conferencing?

Facilitating stakeholder participation in restorative conferencing involves creating a safe and respectful space where the stakeholders can share their stories, feelings, and needs, listen to each other, and work together to find a solution. You need to establish and maintain a positive and constructive atmosphere, where the stakeholders can express themselves freely and honestly, without fear of judgment or retaliation. You also need to guide and support the stakeholders through the different stages of restorative conferencing, such as introduction, storytelling, dialogue, agreement, and closure. You need to monitor and manage the dynamics and emotions of the group, intervene when necessary, and ensure that the stakeholders follow the ground rules and ethical principles of restorative conferencing.

4 What are the benefits of involving stakeholders in restorative conferencing?

Involving stakeholders in restorative conferencing can have many benefits for conflict resolution, such as increasing understanding between the parties, fostering accountability and responsibility, promoting healing and forgiveness, generating creative solutions, and strengthening relationships and trust. By hearing each other's perspectives and experiences, the parties can acknowledge the impact of their actions and behaviors. Expressing their feelings and needs can lead to validation and support, while brainstorming and negotiating ways to address the harm and prevent future conflicts can result in a mutually satisfactory agreement. Ultimately, this process can help build trust between the parties.

5 What are the challenges of involving stakeholders in restorative conferencing?

Involving stakeholders in restorative conferencing can also pose some challenges for conflict resolution. Identifying and inviting all the relevant stakeholders can be difficult, especially if the conflict is complex or involves multiple parties or issues. It can be challenging to balance the needs and interests of the stakeholders when their goals or expectations are conflicting or incompatible. Additionally, managing emotions and reactions of the stakeholders can be hard, particularly if they are angry, resentful, or fearful. Furthermore, exposing vulnerabilities and sensitivities of the stakeholders is risky, especially if they are not ready or willing to share or listen. Lastly, facilitating participation and cooperation of the stakeholders is demanding, particularly if they are not respectful or constructive.