Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in resolving a conflict amongst a plurality of individuals wherein the apparatus provides a hands-on approach to conflict resolution as well as having utility in promoting open discussion toward resolving the conflict. The apparatus includes a plurality of objects wherein the objects are used to identify individuals involved in the conflict and to identify factors, actions and behaviors that are recognized as being significant with regard to causing the conflict as well as being significant for resolving the conflict. To accomplish the hands-on approach to conflict resolution, the plurality of objects are first used by the facilitator, and the individuals, for identifying and promoting discussion of the predetermined factors involved in creating the conflict. Thereafter, the plurality of objects are used by the facilitator and the individuals for identifying and promoting discussion of predetermined solutions to the conflict.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,229 that has a filing date of Feb. 27, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to techniques and methods for conflict resolution and more particularly to an apparatus that encourages individual participation in resolving a conflict by using a hands-on approach in addition to open discussion.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     It is appreciated that the conflicts that frequently occur in social, professional, domestic or political environments are an inevitable part of life, and that learning how to respond or deal with these conflicts constructively is essential. Many of today&#39;s techniques for conflict resolution involve negotiation, mediation, and/or consensus decision-making wherein each technique primarily requires the individuals involved in the conflict to participate in open discussions.  
         [0004]     These discussions are needed to identify, evaluate and facilitate implementation of actions/behaviors that may be used to prevent a similar conflict from occurring in the future, and/or remedy the harms caused to individuals involved in the conflict. In some cases, mediation manuals, videotapes and other audio/visual aids are provided to assist individuals in learning and practicing basic communication skills and techniques that are necessary for reaching mutually agreeable solutions to disputes and providing other lifelong benefits.  
         [0005]     Although many of these devices are useful in teaching conflict resolution methods and techniques, they are not adapted to encourage individual participation in conflict resolution beyond an open discussion session. It is appreciated that open discussions may not always produce desired results, especially when a conflict involves individuals that have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, have introverted personalities, or are simply unwilling to participate in open discussions.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus that encourages hands-on participation as well as open discussion toward identifying the factors, actions and behaviors that create specific conflicts as well as those factors, actions and behaviors that are essential to resolving the conflict.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in resolving a conflict amongst a plurality of individuals wherein the apparatus provides a tangible or hands-on approach to conflict resolution as well as having utility in promoting open discussion toward resolving the conflict.  
         [0008]     The apparatus includes a plurality of objects wherein at least one object is adapted to be disposed with markings indicative of a facilitator for resolving the conflict.  
         [0009]     A first portion of the plurality of objects is adapted to be disposed with markings indicative of at least one of the plurality of individuals involved in the conflict.  
         [0010]     A second portion of the plurality of objects includes opposing sides wherein a first side is disposed with predetermined markings indicative of at least one factor involved in creating the conflict and the other side is disposed with predetermined markings indicative of at least one solution to obviate or remedy harm caused by the at least one factor.  
         [0011]     To provide the hands-on approach to conflict resolution, the at least one object, the first portion of objects, and the first side of the second portion of objects are used by the facilitator and the plurality of individuals for identifying and promoting discussion of the predetermined factors involved in creating the conflict. Thereafter, the other side of the second portion of objects are used by the facilitator and the plurality of individuals for identifying and promoting discussion of predetermined solutions to the conflict.  
         [0012]     Accordingly, the present invention provides a tool for use in conflict resolution that encourages hands-on participation as well as open discussion toward identifying the factors, actions and behaviors that create specific conflicts. Additionally, the invention provides a tangible means for identifying factors, actions and behaviors that can be employed to prevent and/or remedy harms caused to individuals involved in the conflict. Thus, the present invention not only enhances the effectiveness of conventional methods of conflict resolution but also allows for participants in the conflict to be more instrumental in reaching a resolution through hands-on involvement. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout and wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the conflict resolution apparatus as according to the invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a reverse side of the exemplary embodiment of the conflict resolution apparatus of  FIG. 1  as according to the invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates an optional configuration of the conflict resolution apparatus of  FIG. 1  as according to the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  exemplifies a preferred embodiment of the conflict resolution apparatus that includes a placemat for disposing the plurality of objects thereon during the conflict resolution process as according to the invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of objects wherein the objects include symbolism as well as textual information; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates the method of conflict resolution being facilitated through the use of computer technology.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]     The present invention provides an apparatus derived from combining conflict resolution experiences and creative design. The apparatus is used with known conflict resolution techniques for facilitating the attainment of a mutually acceptable agreement between individuals who refuse to admit their involvement in a conflict, lack the ability to see just how their involvement played a part in creating the conflict, and/or how their involvement is a necessary part of the resolution.  
         [0021]     The present invention has utility in assisting individuals in conflict resolution in many environments involving minors or adults in social settings, classroom settings, labor and employment relations, racial relations, gender relations, domestic relations or other settings and environments where conflicts amongst individuals are known to occur.  
         [0022]     With reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the conflict resolution apparatus  10  is illustrated. The apparatus  10  includes a plurality of objects  12  including at least one object  14  adapted to be disposed with markings indicative of an individual who will act as the facilitator of the conflict resolution session. It is appreciated that the named facilitator may be an individual who is a party in the conflict to be resolved. In this manner, the present invention does not require the facilitator to be a professional or individual trained in conflict resolution techniques because the apparatus as provided includes all the instructive materials and tools necessary for a layperson, as well as a professional, to facilitate the process of conflict resolution.  
         [0023]     The plurality of objects may be provided as pieces to a puzzle adapted to be joined together to form a single object. The plurality of objects may be formed of various types of sheet material suitable for such purpose such as cardboard, foam rubber, laminated materials, wood, plastic or other materials known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0024]     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a placemat  30  may be provided for disposing the plurality of objects  12  thereon during the conflict resolution process. The placemat  30  and/or the plurality of objects  12  may be magnetized such that the objects  12  can be removably adhered to the placemat as desired. In this manner, the placemat  30  may be disposed on a vertical support surface such as a wall, chalkboard, easel or other vertical surface whereby a plurality of individuals involved in the conflict may view the apparatus easily and conveniently. It is appreciated, however, that other means of adhering the plurality of objects  12  to the placemat  30  may be employed which illustratively include adhesives or adhesive materials, Velcro®, electrostatic materials, pushpins or other conventional fastening means suitable for such purpose without exceeding the scope of the invention.  
         [0025]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a first portion  16  of the plurality of objects  12  is provided wherein each piece is adapted to be disposed with markings indicative of at least one of the plurality of individuals involved in the conflict. As illustrated, these markings appear as the given names of the individuals involved in the conflict. However, it is appreciated that nicknames, professional titles, group or organizational names, geographic identifiers, demographic identifiers, political designations or other identifiers may be used to indicate the parties involved in the conflict.  
         [0026]     A second portion  18  of the plurality of objects  12  is provided wherein each piece of the second portion  18  includes a first side  20  disposed with predetermined markings indicative of at least one factor involved in creating the conflict to be resolved. Preferably, the second portion  18  of objects  12  are disposed with markings indicative of factors commonly known to promote or create a particular type of conflict amongst a subject group wherein the factors have been obtained from historical data and/or experience from individuals that practice mediation and conflict resolution processes.  
         [0027]     Illustratively, if the conflict to be resolved is one involving juveniles, the first side  20  of the second portion of objects  18  may be marked with factors such as, “rumors, peer pressure, name calling and hitting”. If the apparatus were designed for conflict resolution in domestic relations, the first side  20  of the second portion of objects  18  may be disposed with markings indicative of factors such as, “lack of communication, not listening, finances, not sharing responsibility for children, and decision making”. Accordingly, the apparatus  10  as described may be adapted for addressing factors involved in a plurality of distinct conflicts in which individuals become involved.  
         [0028]     With reference to  FIG. 2 , a reverse side of the apparatus  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is shown. As illustrated, the other side  22  of the second portion of objects  18  is disposed with predetermined markings indicative of at least one solution to obviate or remedy harm caused by the at least one factor disposed on the first side  20  of the second portion of objects  18 . As with the factors that are commonly known to contribute to a specific conflict to be resolved, the solutions or action/behaviors disposed on the other side  22  of the second portion of objects  18  is derived from historical data, research and/or experience relative to the particular conflict. Preferably, the factors and solutions disposed on the opposing sides of the second portion of objects  18  are preprinted on each object piece.  
         [0029]     Alternatively, the opposing sides  20  and  22  of the second portion of pieces  18  may be disposed with the appropriate factors and solutions involved in the particular conflict prior to starting or during the conflict resolution process. In this manner, the apparatus  10  is made readily adaptable for use in resolving a variety of conflicts in a single package or can be adapted to address a specific type of conflict resolution. However, the preferred embodiment includes object pieces  18  preprinted with factors and solutions that relate to a particular conflict to be resolved.  
         [0030]     In using the apparatus  10 , the at least one object  14  to be disposed with the facilitator&#39;s name is disposed on the placemat  30  first wherein those involved in the conflict resolution process are made aware that this individual is responsible for controlling the flow of the conflict resolution process. Thereafter, the first portion of objects  16  that include the names of the individuals involved in the conflict are placed adjacent the object piece  14  preferably by each individual involved in the conflict. Accordingly, at this point the individuals involved recognize and accept the fact that they have either played a role in creating the conflict or are required to play a role in resolving it.  
         [0031]     Next, each individual involved begins to select from the second portion of objects  18  disposed with factors that they believe contributed to the creation of the conflict until as many or all factors involved have been identified and disposed on the placemat  30 . At this point each individual is experiencing hands-on involvement in resolving their particular conflict. This experience is coupled with open discussion of the factors and solutions surrounding the conflict such that an overall comprehensive method of conflict resolution is provided as according to the present invention.  
         [0032]     It is appreciated that the final step in the conflict resolution process using the apparatus  10  involves the viewing and discussion of the solutions disposed on the other side  22  of the second portion of pieces  18  which may be accomplished by simply turning the plurality of objects  12  over to the reverse side such that the other side  22  of the second portion of pieces  18  is presented on the placemat  30 .  
         [0033]     Alternatively, as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 a  third portion  40  of the plurality of objects  12  may be disposed with predetermined markings indicative of at least one solution to obviate or remedy harm caused by the at least one factor disposed on the first side  20  of the second portion of objects  18 ′. The third portion  40  of pieces of the plurality of objects  12 ′ are preferably formed of substantially the same shape and size of second portion of pieces  18 ′. In this manner, the third portion of pieces are operative to be disposed on top of the first side  20 ′ of the second portion of pieces  18 ′ whereby discussion of the solutions is facilitated without having to turn the second portion of pieces  18 ′ to the reverse side.  
         [0034]     Although the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 1  of the apparatus  10  for use in conflict resolution is provided in the form of a board game or puzzle, it is appreciated that the plurality of objects  12  may be provided in other forms without exceeding the scope of the invention illustratively including three-dimensional objects provided in various shapes and sizes which may be formed of various materials. Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the plurality of objects may be disposed with symbolic illustrations/graphics  42  in conjunction with the other markings to further stimulate participation in the conflict resolution process beyond open discussion with visual aids. These symbolic illustrations/graphics may illustratively be provided as images of tools, animated characters, images of nature, images of animals or the like.  
         [0035]     Alternatively, the method and apparatus  10  may be provided in the form of computer software that can be downloaded to a computer system for facilitating an interactive approach toward conflict resolution taking advantage of the benefits of modern technology. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , at  100 , a computer system is provided that is preferably comprised of a plurality of computers networked together either locally or remotely via the Internet. At  110 , the conflict resolution software may either be disposed on each computer within the computer system or run from a service provider website. The conflict resolution software provides a virtual environment having all the elements of the apparatus  10  in computer imagery. At  120 , the individuals use the computer software to resolve the conflict following the same steps as when using the board version. In this manner, a group of individuals can participate in conflict resolution from locations remote from the facilitator and each other simply by employing the power of the computer and the Internet technologies.  
         [0036]     Having described the invention, various alternative embodiments may become known to those having skill in the art that do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention as according to the appended claims.