If you answered yes to these questions, then you work in conflict resolution! When we say we welcome a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds on our board and in our membership, we really mean it!

About ACR-GNY

ACR-GNY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and strengthening alternative dispute and conflict resolution (ADR), fostering the use of dialogue, and contributing to the professional development of the ADR field - a “big tent” for professionals and students in the field. The scope of our interest and support is everything ADR - including restorative justice, commercial arbitration, family mediation, institutional ombuds, conflict coaching, community mediation, and much more. As a volunteer-led organization (with part-time staff support), it's hugely rewarding to serve the wider conflict resolution community. We hope you will consider joining us!

Our Mission

The Association for Conflict Resolution of Greater New York connects our diverse membership to advance and expand the field of conflict resolution.

• We grow through inclusivity—inviting new perspectives strengthens our field.
• We convene the conflict resolution community to share knowledge, cultivate understanding, and provide support.
• We advocate for the wider recognition and practice of conflict resolution.

About the ACR-GNY Board

The leadership of ACR-GNY consists of the board of directors, which functions as a working board: each board member, director and officer alike, contributes their time and energy to ensuring the organization fulfills its mission.

Further details on the work of the board and the organization can be found in our bylaws.

We believe our board should reflect the diversity of our professional community. We strongly encourage nominees who are women, indigenous and people of color, LGBTQIA+ folks, people with disabilities, and young professionals.

Board Member Responsibilities

Members are expected to attend monthly evening meetings held via video conference. Other expectations for board members include:

• Membership in at least one of our committees (listed below) and attendance at monthly committee meetings.
• Spending approximately 4-8 hours per month in addition to board meetings on ACR-GNY activities.
• Supporting efforts to plan the Annual Conference.
• Attending ACR-GNY’s Annual Conference and Mediation Settlement Day events.
• Serve a complete two-year term (except for any student member, whose term is one year).

The board is organized into these five main committees to fulfill our strategic goals:

Membership & Outreach Committee: The Membership & Outreach Committee, led by the Vice President of Membership, oversees member development and engagement. They actively support our current membership base by soliciting feedback and advocating for their needs in the organization. They develop campaigns to acknowledge and recognize our members throughout the year and work on recruitment campaigns to increase individual memberships. Additionally, they develop community outreach events or campaigns and encourage active involvement and participation from our membership. At the heart of the Membership & Outreach Committee is a drive to develop a stronger connection with our members and craft a more meaningful experience for them.

***This year we are seeking an individual to fill the Vice President of Membership position on our Executive Board. Click the button below for a more detailed description of this role.***

VP of Membership Role

Programming Committee: The goal of the Programming Committee is to develop and implement programs and special events throughout the year, which may include speakers for practice groups, panel discussions, workshops, training opportunities, and other events for the purpose of professional development and public education, networking, and fostering alliances with other organizations. They work at organizing our yearly marquee events such as our Annual Conference and Mediation Settlement Day. The Programming Committee sets the vision, priorities, strategy, and plans for all programming throughout the year:

• Annual Conference
• Mediation Settlement Day
• Practice Groups
• FORUMs
• Annual Kick-off Celebration
• Roundtable Breakfast Discussions
• Trainings
• Workshops

Fundraising & Development: The Fundraising & Development Committee develops and implements plans for raising funds required to maintain and grow the organization consistent with its mission. They identify and cultivate relationships with sponsors and donors and create and promote fundraising opportunities for events, especially in connection with the Annual Conference. Their work includes managing and engaging with our organizational partners and forging new relationships to support the growth of the organization.

Finance & Analytics: The Finance & Analytics Committee manages and leads the organization's overall budget, supports committees and task forces with creating their budgets, and reconciles the organization’s spending. Furthermore, they develop an investment strategy for the organization and manage the organization's data to support analytic decision-making.

***This year we are seeking an individual to fill the Treasurer position on our Executive Board. Click the button below for a more detailed description of this role.***

Treasurer Role

Communications: The Communications Committee creates and implements external communications plans for ACR-GNY programs and events, together with the preparation of marketing materials and strategies. They support the mission of ACR-GNY by advocating for the use of conflict resolution by serving as a liaison to the media, other conflict resolution organizations, and the public to educate the community about conflict resolution. They implement this by ensuring strategic utilization of newsletters, e-mail, website, and social media.

Student Ambassadors:

ACR-GNY is committed to supporting individuals in their pursuit of a career in conflict resolution. To this end, we offer an opportunity for students to serve as Student Ambassadors of ACR-GNY in one of the support areas noted above. They are able to work side by side with board members and help produce our biggest annual events. Candidates should be enrolled in a higher education institution in the Greater New York area, and their course of study should significantly emphasize conflict resolution. Student Ambassador terms are for one year.

Please note that this program is best suited for undergraduate, graduate, and/or law school students.