Hello All:
The question raised by Kimberly (NM) regarding the cost of the IACP
forums is one I think bears further discussion and scrutiny as we move
forward in the world of ever expanding and evolving Collaborative
Practice.
At the San Diego Forum I was struck (perhaps "dumbstruck") at the
absence of diversity -- primarily ethnic -- and secondarily --
professionally. Are there statistics which the Forum presenters keep
to clarify whether this was an accurate observation?
As I sat/stood in the main ball room for plenary sessions - the lack of
all but a handful of non-caucasion participants was overwhelming. In
the break out sessions that I attended, save for the one African
American attorney who attended the Modest Means panel which I co-
chaired, I saw no person with other than a caucasion ethnic
background. As well, a minimum of non-attorney attendees were apparent.
Certainly cost is but one factor to be examined in trying to address
this situation - but one that I do not think can be ignored. I am glad
to know that IACP will offer "scholarships/subsidies" to various people
and perhaps this program needs to be explored/expanded further. I
could envision "hosting" various diverse groups/organizations at one,
some or all of the IACP Forum events.
Hope to keep this dialogue going and looking forward to seeing you all
in Toronto if not before.
Yours, Karen M. Hendrickson
Attorney/Mediator
Director, Collaborative Counsel of The Redwood Empire (CCRE)
