World Summit on Elder Mediation 2012
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow, Scotland
June 11-13, 2012
To date EMIN has organized four international summits (2008-2011) and has introduced an International Certification Program. An internationally accepted Code of Professional Conduct is being utilized in many countries and is available in English, German and French. Elder Mediation world summits have been held in Canada, Ireland, United States and Switzerland connecting over three hundred people from fifteen countries – mediators, lawyers, gerontologists, social workers, physicians, health care professionals, volunteers, family members, caregivers, academics, students, service clubs and professionals considering entering this new field of practice – coming together to share their knowledge, vision and questions. Although the Summit limit is ninety, because of such high demand, it was agreed to stretch this limit for Switzerland with attendance of 120 participants. This year registrations are again limited to ninety participants.
The summits are a testimony of the support and collegiality of numerous individuals and organizations who have supported the goals of EMIN. Such collaboration has enabled elder mediators from different parts of the world, and often from different disciplines and backgrounds, to work together. What they share, along with their knowledge, is a recognition of the uniqueness of Elder Mediation wherein those who can incorporate a legal perspective and a social sciences perspective together with a family mediation approach will enthusiastically welcome the presence and collaborative involvement of participants at the Elder Mediation table.
Past summits have called for much needed advocacy, high standards through certification, continued learning opportunities and continued research – both quantitative and qualitative – to provide concrete knowledge regarding the effects of elder mediation with families. This will lead to the development of further knowledge and programs driven by evidence-based practice. Steadily people are becoming aware of, and participating in, elder mediation services; pilot programs are increasing and outcomes are encouraging. Future world summits will continue to be a venue where interested and invested parties will be present for a conversation around how to best strengthen the elder mediation service. By taking an international approach and reviewing what people have learned, as well as heightening our awareness of what needs to be learned, the profession of elder mediation is coming to be understood and utilized.
Call for speakers and panelists will start immediately with the majority of speakers expected to come from Europe. Workshops will be similar to the highly successful Switzerland format with a twenty minute presentation and time for dialogue. Our goal is to have as many countries as possible represented. Because of the high number of requests to speak from North America and the limited spaces, preference will be given to those who have acquired Elder Mediation certification or are presently working toward their elder mediation certification.
For the 2012 Summit, the Curriculum Committee is particularly interested in the following proposal topics:
• Best practices and innovative approaches in elder mediation
• First hand experiences from voices who have participated in the elder mediation process
• Ageism and its implications for elder mediation
• Financial and estate issues
• Promoting quality of life and ensuring dignity and respect for all as people get older
• Family Life Cycle and intergenerational dynamics
• Dementias and other significant health issues; chronic diseases etc. that may arise as people get older
• Elder mediation and it’s place in reducing abuse and neglect
• Innovative elder mediation programs and special projects
• Elder mediation advocacy
• Elder mediation research
• Why elder mediation is changing the face of health care
• Elder Mediation support teams
• Family and Elder Law ( Scotland and European perspective)
• Guardianship
• Grief & loss, empathy, ethical issues and implications for elder mediation
• Training standards for elder mediators
• Issues of aging around the world
In addition to their professional training, speakers will be selected on the following criteria:
• use of subject matter for expert panels, rather than individual speakers;
• promoting innovative dialogue and highlighting research which advances elder mediation;
• relevance of content to elder mediation professional practice;
• collaborative presentation topics and examples of successful partnerships that include the voices of families, and other’s utilizing the service;
• creative use of presentation formats that maximize adult learning interactions and opportunities for professional educational and practical skill development.
The goal of the event is to bring together all those interested in learning about and supporting elder mediation, and others interested in informative discussions for the benefit of all in the field.