We are pleased to bring you another issue of the Collaborative Connection, the electronic newsletter of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

Past issues of the Connection are archived on the IACP website at www.collaborativepractice.com [Home > Member Resources > IACP Publications]. If you have comments, questions or any suggestions, please contact info@collaborativepractice.com.

The 20th Annual IACP Forum is now just weeks away! Have Forum-related questions? Like how can you participate in the Pin Swap? What's the dress code? Where do you go to view your Forum schedule and documents? Our Forum panel will answer those questions and much more during a free online webinar, Thursday, October 10th at 9am PDT/12pm EDT!

Everyone registered for the Forum will receive an email invitation to join the event. A recording of the webinar will also be emailed to all Forum registrants after the event.

For some of the latest Forum updates please continue reading below. Also be sure to check out our most recent Forum email for the latest information, including attendee ride-sharing discounts and last chance sponsorship opportunities. 

Global inspiration & local collaboration: From São Paulo to Chicago

I’ve just returned from Brazil, where IACP’s Board President Chris Farish and I were honored to be guests at the 2nd Brazilian Congress on Collaborative Practice. CP has really taken off in Brazil in the five years since it was introduced, with over 1,000 professionals trained around the country. It was truly inspiring to be among so many enthusiastic and energetic Collaborative professionals working to transform resolution of family disputes in Brazil, just as it is inspiring every day in this job to see how CP continues to spread around the globe.

Speaking of inspiration, the time is drawing near for our Annual Forum, the highlight of IACP’s year! This is a particularly special year, as it is the 20th Anniversary of both IACP and the Forum. As the staff, board, and local host committee are in the final crunch to get all the pieces in place, and the presenters are putting the finishing touches on their workshops and PFIs, excitement is also building in the Collaborative community. It is shaping up to be the biggest Forum in some time: with over 400 people registered already, we have had to book an overflow hotel. We are also expecting a real focus on the diversity of our community, with presenters from five continents and more programming than ever addressing topics of equity, inclusion, and anti-bias work. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll want to sign up quickly before your favorite workshops and PFIs fill up.

If you’re new to the Forum, or if you want a refresher on what goes on or how to use your conference dashboard and electronic materials, we’ll be offering an orientation webinar on October 10 to give an overview. You’re also encouraged to attend the “Newbies meet Veterans” special gathering on Friday afternoon, where you’ll have a chance to meet some luminaries in the field and also make some new friends before the Forum even starts. You will find a warm and welcoming community, one that works hard and plays hard, and if you come once, you will want to return!

Of course, one of the highlights of the Forum is the Saturday night party, and this year we’ll be doing a 20’s theme at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. I’ve got my flapper dress and my dancing shoes ready, and I hope to see you there.

With high spirits for the next 20 years,

Anne Tamar-Mattis

Need to vent? Follow this six-step Practice Group blueprint for resolving issues. 

1. First, start by having members share issues/concerns regarding the development of Collaborative process in their area.
2. Then, create an opportunity for dialogue to allow members to vent productively. Schedule the next meeting based on a homework assignment.
3. Have each member create a resolution as to how to confront the obstacles that have been discussed.
4. Then, have each member come with a plan as to how to implement addressing the concern/obstacle.
5. Additionally each member can team up with a “buddy” that will check in with them at predetermined points to encourage/assist/remind the member of the goal and steps that have been taken or still need to be taken.
6. Finally, have the group set the timeline for completion of all resolutions.

Contributed by Anna-Maria Pittella

 Do you have questions about practice group management, or tips for other groups? 
Write to our Practice Group Development Committee at lgephart@nhpa.com.