Whereas, The conflict resolution process empowers individuals, families, communities, organizations, and businesses to foster communication and devise solutions that are acceptable to the needs and interests of all parties involved; and,

Whereas, Conflict resolution is taught and practiced by citizens in many school systems, universities and graduate programs throughout Michigan and the world as a way of solving disputes and also as a means toward achieving a more peaceful society; and,

Whereas, Community-based programs fairly and equitably resolve neighborhood and community conflicts, thereby strengthening local relationships and relieving the parties and courts of costly litigation; and,

Whereas, Professional associations of conflict mediators and facilitators promote peaceful and creative resolutions to problems; and,

Whereas, Michigan Public Act 260 of 1988, known as the Community Dispute Resolution Act, authorized the establishment of Community Dispute Resolution Centers throughout the state of Michigan; and,

Whereas, The oversight and administration of the state Supreme Court and the Michigan Supreme Court Office of Dispute Resolution supports and oversees 20 Community Resolution Centers throughout the state, which provide conciliation, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution to Michigan citizens, schools and businesses; and,

Whereas, Professional and volunteer conflict resolvers are serving as mediators, facilitators and conciliators in a variety of situations, resulting in less time and expense to reach mutually satisfactory solutions rather than solutions imposed on the parties; and,

Whereas, Recognition of these efforts provides an opportunity for increased public understanding of peaceful and constructive ways to resolve interpersonal and intergroup conflicts of all types;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2009, Conflict Resolution Day in Michigan.  I encourage all citizens to acknowledge the value of conflict resolution methods to resolve disputes and to support the availability and use of conflict resolution services throughout Michigan, the country and the world.