By
Laura Walcher
If
we need a little hope for the world, we could consider that at the National
Conflict Resolution Center, the organization that selects the awardees for
their annual Peacemaker event, always have plenty of excellent choices. . And, says CEO Steve Dinkin,
“it’s
our mission and pleasure to honor our ‘peacemakers, ‘ and hope they lead folks everywhere
to
solving problems via mediation –a vital, proven process for managing conflict without rancor, without broken
relationships. “
The
2016 Peacemakers are: actor Richard Dreyfuss, the National honoree, recognized
for his Dreyfuss Civic Initiative, where youths learn the importance of civil
discussion and critical thinking; Linda and Mel Katz, community leaders who
have earned the Philanthropy in Peacemaking Award; and, for the local award, “Reclaiming
the Community,” a music project
produced by the Pipeline Project Musicians in southeast San Diego, which has helped to foster positive
change in the historically disenfranchised community.
 |
| Carol and Jeffrey Chang |
NCRC
has also named Carol and Jeffrey Chang Honorary Chairs a dynamic couple devoted
to promoting civility in all aspects of our society. Among other
activities. Carol chairs the UCSD
Foundation, and heads the
Balboa Park Conservancy; Jeffrey
is Professor Emeritus and former head of the Reproductive Endocrinology
Division, School of Medicine at UCSD.
Carol
Chang and I had a talk:
LW: How had your career in Health Sciences
informed the impressive volunteer work you’ve done here; the Balboa Park Conservancy
– and now, co-honorary chair with Jeffrey, of NCRC’s Peacemaker Awards?
CC: My education (psychology & public
health) led me to a career in healthcare delivery and organizational
behavior. On moving to San Diego
and taking early retirement (so Jeff & I could live together – we’d been at
different UC campuses for the first four years of our marriage!), I decided to
see if the volunteer world would have a place for me, to engage my interest and
skills – primarily in education and science.
LW: How did you two connect with NCRC?
CC: Elaine Galinson and I served on the
UCSD Foundation Board. Through
that exposure, I recognized the amazing work that Murray and Elaine had done in
this community. It is hard to be
involved here and not become aware of Murray’s legacy! In any case, Elaine introduced me to UC’s campus civility
program (initially funded by them and operated by NCRC). From both Jeff and I having worked in
higher education, but also being exposed to undergrads and campus life, a
program focused on teaching civility was really on the mark. Giving students
opportunities to learn how to listen, to solve problems, to resolve conflicts
without anger, alienation, etc. –
well, we hope the program will become part of UCSD’s curriculum. The impact from the participating
students is just inspiring! I’m
happy to be an advocate/broker to ensure that the program continues to
thrive.
LW: Tell us about the program– serving
student/faculty? Who are the
mediators? Any outcomes to report?
CC: Right now, UCSD’s program only serves
students, but there is an interest in eventually serving faculty and
administrators. NCRC provides
trained mediators, and along with Student Affairs leaders, are tracking outcomes.
LW: Have you used, or had any experiences
with mediation in your own careers, in your own lives?
CC: In my professional career, I’ve been a
facilitator in organizational behavior, and have worked with outside
mediators
to effect change with numerous organizations.
LW: As honorary chairs, have you had any
input into the choi8ce of this year’s Peacemakers? What are you thought about their merit?
CC: The choices were strictly an NCRC board
decision. That said, we’re delighted that Mel & Linda Katz were chosen as
the community philanthropists!. We
look forward, too, to hearing from the musicians as well as Richard Dreyfuss.
LW: You describe your volunteer work as “
…so much fun!” Dies it qualify for
“leisure” as well?
CC: That is an insightful question! I do think there is an element of
leisure in volunteer work: it stimulates
but relaxes, engages - yet enables
me to control my schedule. So we do have time for theater, reading, travel, and
fortunately, we do lots of it! ###
The
28th Annual Peacemaker Awards will be held Thursday, April 14, 2016
at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
RSVP: Heidi Stafford: 619-238-2400, xt. 222, or hstafford@ncrconline.com
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