Please let me start by saying that this IS NOT a political post. This is about respectful communication, behavior, engagement and inclusion. As a mediator I try to stay away from anything political, divisive or exclusive. Not to say I don’t have my personal opinions however I don’t think it is in the best interest
My Blog
We Need To Talk: Ontario Sex-Ed Curriculum Reverts Back to 1998
The Ontario Government has decided to go back to the 1998 sex-ed curriculum, I need to ask WHY? I stay away from commenting on politics as much as possible. As a mediator, I make a living out of being neutral and helping people have difficult conversations. There are certain subjects that I don’t feel should
The Streep vs Trump “Battle” –Effective Communication?
First let me start by saying this is not a political post, this is a post by a mediator on communication. The Streep vs Trump “battle” is fascinating to me. As are many of the other “battles” that Trump seems to find himself in. Sometimes it’s about what is being said, sometimes it’s how it’s
Americans, Trump & Conflict. An Election of Contempt
Americans, Trump & Conflict. An election of contempt. As a mediator today is a hard day for me…my training vs. my personal feelings. But wait! That’s really every day in a mediator’s life. We say that we are “neutral” and “impartial” that’s not really true. What we are, or should strive for is to operate with
Elder Mediation – You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know. Sensitivities – Part 2 of 5
SENSITIVITIES: can shape how people view and manage conflict. Being aware and empathetic during times when people are in conflict or having difficult conversations is central to a successful outcome. I guess I should start by apologizing for the delay in posting Part 2. Having a busy and thriving mediation practice is amazing and I’m so
Elder Mediation – You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know. Family – Part 1 of 5
Hi, my name is Julie Gill and I’m a mediator. (You can picture me standing in a room during at a support meeting can’t you? haha) I run a private practice called Families First Mediation. Each day I go to my office and think – How will I build my mediation empire? Mediators can help
Family Fight Over Elder Care
Yesterday I read an article published by the Toronto Star (you can read the whole article below) about a family that is in conflict with each other and a government agency about the care of a person. Mom is 91 and is living with Alzheimer’s. Dad is 83 and able to care for mom with some help.
Divorce Dilemma
I wasn’t happy…that was not a surprise to me or probably anyone else. The exception of course being my husband at the time who was “fine”. Isn’t that a female term that causes men to fear that however they respond it will be wrong? The dilemma? To stay in my marriage for the sake of
We Need To Talk About…The Sandwich Generation
On this week’s show we talk about The Sandwich Generation with my guests: Brian McMurter from McMurter & Associates Randy Filinski from CARP Ajax-Pickering Are you stuck in the middle of caring for aging parents AND raising your kids? Then you are part of the sandwich generation. There are different definitions but being sandwiched by
We Need To Talk About…Youth & Leadership
On this week’s show we’re talking about Youth & Leadership with my guests: Sajee Baskaran from Boys and Girls Club of Durham and, Katie Zeppieri from Make Your Mark Guess what? They may not be the lazy, entitled, technology addicted people that they are often portrayed in the movies…ok and sometimes in real life 🙂