Conflict Resolution Day

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Conflict Resolution Day was created by the The Association for Conflict Resolution(ACR) to be celebrated every year on the third Thursday of October. It was in 2005 that ACR Board of Directors adopted the following initiatives:

to promote awareness of mediation, arbitration, conciliation and other creative, peaceful means of resolving conflict in schools, families, businesses, communities, governments and the legal system
to recognize the significant contributions of peaceful conflict resolvers; and
to encourage celebrations by individuals and organizations around the world.

In 2008, the event will occur on Thursday October 16.

[edit] Logo

In 2006, International Conflict Resolution Day was adopted and a logo [1] was produced.

The rationale for the logo design is as follows:

On the use of illustration (as opposed to a photographic image) and use of a symbol: For conveying an abstract concept such as the meaning of Conflict Resolution Day, illustration is a better choice. According to Lynne Smears, in the graphic design world, illustration is a very professional look. A symbol rather than a concrete image ‘translates’ better across communities. Given that the image will be used year after year and around the world, and will be used to portray a field that is incredibly diverse in terms of areas of practice, practitioners, settings, processes, etc., it is more effective to use a symbol than to run the risk of concretely depicting only a small segment of the field – or the world, for that matter.

Meaning of the tree symbol: In the image, Conflict Resolution Day is an annual opportunity for the field to demonstrate to the public the benefits of conflict resolution. ‘Conflict Resolution Day’ roots the tree, and as public awareness grows, the field, like the tree, blossoms. The tree symbol also works well because the growth of the day is by “grassroots’” efforts. A tree carries great positive symbolism internationally including, being a symbol of growth and development, and being human (rooted in the earth) but also reaching for the sky (to achieve a better outcome). Trees are part of two worlds, reality (the earth) and what can be (the sky) and therefore, has symbolism for personal development. A tree is considered immortal, for its seeds will live on, its root system shelters and revivifies, and it is home to an entire food chain of life. Finally, the choice of a tree with fall colors provides for a visually appealing image.