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(January 19, 2010)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

National VA Council, President

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In This Briefing:  ADR LUNCHTIME SERIES:  The Power of Asking the Best Questions - Thursday, February 4

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Below is information on the February ADR Lunchtime Series sponsored by the IADRWG Workplace Section.

 

Ø  If you are in DC and want to attend in-person see instructions for in-person registration below.  Please RSVP by January 29 to Cindy.Mazur@dhs.gov .

Ø  If you are outside the DC area and wish to register to participate by conference call, see instructions below.  There will be no video conferencing.  Please RSVP by January 29 to Pamela.Pontillo@hq.doe.gov .

Ø  Also, if interested in receiving credit for the workshop, attached is a VA training form that can be completed and submitted to your Human Resources point of contact to add these training hours to your training record.


ADR LUNCHTIME SERIES

The Power of Asking the Best Questions

 

The most successful ADR professionals ask effective questions strategically.  Participants in this interactive, dynamic, and very practical session will learn about:

·       A discipline of asking the best questions, listening, and facilitating that

o  is thoughtful, balanced, and comprehensive

o  has inherent dignity and respect, as well as accountability

·       The mediation mindset--how to activate, utilize, and strengthen it

·       The principles, perspectives, and practices of Question Thinking

·       Guidelines for facilitating authentic, collaborative conversations that lead to resolution and do not derail or end up in self-righteous “stand offs”


 

Marilee Adams, Ph.D.—Author of the bestselling book: Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 10 Powerful Tools for Life and Work. President of the Inquiry Institute.

 

Sponsored by the Interagency ADR Working Group, Workplace Conflict Management Section


Date:                      Thursday, February 4, 2010
 
Time:                           Noon - 1:30 PM
 

Please allow extra time for security procedures

 
Location:                    U.S. Department of Energy
                                   1000 Independence Ave., SW, Room GJ-015
                                   Washington, D.C.  20585
 

Directions:  Orange/Blue Line-Smithsonian/Holocaust Museum/Bureau of Engraving and Printing Exit; Yellow Line-L'Enfant Plaza/Maryland Ave. Exit

In-Person Participation:  Please RSVP by January 29, 2010, with name, citizenship, and agency/employer to Cindy Mazur, ADR Director, FEMA, at Cindy.Mazur@dhs.gov.  Questions?  Call Cindy at (202)646-4094.  

Conference Call Registration: If you would like to listen via teleconference, please contact Pamela Pontillo at Pamela.Pontillo@hq.doe.gov by January 29, 2010.

Training Form VA-4691

 

Tracey Therit

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Manager

Department of Veterans Affairs

1575 I Street, NW, 10th Floor

Washington, DC 20005

202-501-2935

202-501-2885 fax

tracey.therit@va.gov

 

Workplace ADR Website: http://www1.va.gov/adr/page.cfm?pg=86