Board Matter
January 13, 2015

Recognizing March as Alternate Dispute Resolution Month

Madame Chairman:

The Alternate Dispute Resolution process incorporates techniques that act as a means for disagreeing parties to come to an agreement short of litigation. It is a collective term for the ways that parties can settle disputes, with (or without) the help of a third party.  ADR describes a variety of approaches to resolve conflict which avoid the cost, delay, and unpredictability of the traditional processes while at the same time improving workplace communication and morale. 

Fairfax County has often celebrated March as ADR month and has recognized a leader in the field. This year, that leader is Dr. Jarle Crocker, an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution.  He has over twelve years of experience as a practitioner and has focused his work on the design and facilitation of the consensus building processes across a range of public policy issues.  In the past, Dr. Crocker has also provided assistance to many different projects, including the Department of Justice’s Defending Childhood Initiative that addresses issues of children’s exposure to violence.

Without objection, I ask that we recognize March as Alternate Dispute Resolution Month in Fairfax County and that we invite Dr. Jarle Crocker to come before the Board on February 17th to be recognized for his dedication and service.