The need to 'be heard' has never been louder

“Listen if you want to be heard.”
- John Wooden

2023 was a year of growth, but also one of challenge. Many of us have been tested, and we have risen to the occasion, but that does not make the hard days any less difficult.
 
Through my work I have come to understand the importance of being heard. When I conceived of Morrow Mediation and thought about the tone and values I wanted to project, the phrase “Be Heard” immediately came to mind. At the end of the day, most of us are looking for someone who will listen, and to hear us, when we are struggling. Whether in debate over world politics, discussions around mental health or addressing conflict with others, the desire to be heard is universal.
 
To mark this holiday season, Morrow Mediation has made donations to four organizations committed to the goal of helping us hear each other better. 
 
Project Rozana Canada is working to build bridges in the Middle East by providing funding for vital health care for both Israelis and Palestinians impacted by war. Project Rozana believes that a ‘robust health system’ is essential to promoting peace and prosperity. 
 
Mediators Beyond Borders International is working to deliver mediation services in some of the world’s most complex disputes. Not only do they mediate disputes directly, they train regional peacebuilders and community members to effectively use communication skills to resolve disputes and foster peace.
 
The World Wildlife Fund Canada continues to work to protect at-risk species and conserve the planet we call home. While humans are in conflict, it’s easy to forget that the world around us needs support, and that the animals most in need are often unheard.
 
Lastly, Jack.org is a Canadian charity working to empower youth leaders to revolutionize mental health care across the country by delivering youth-led presentations and advocacy initiatives aimed at younger audiences. Youth keenly understand what it means to be heard and are working to help the next generation handle mental health better than their parents or grandparents did. 
 
On a personal note, this past month I received the Ontario Bar Association’s Award of Excellence in ADR in recognition of my contributions to the ADR field as a practitioner, mentor and teacher over the past quarter century. I am humbled by this honour – so many others are equally worthy – and grateful for having had the opportunity to share it with family, friends and colleagues at a dinner on November 9th. I’ve included a photo from the evening taken with Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury, who nominated me for the award and spoke so thoughtfully in presenting me with it.   
 
Each day I am given the opportunity to assist others in their quest to resolve conflict. Doing so takes empathy, patience and the desire to listen deeply, to ensure that those in conflict feel heard. It’s a privilege, one that I hope to continue fulfilling in 2024 and for many years to come.
 
On behalf of the Morrow Mediation team, I wish you a holiday season filled with hope, light, joy and warmth.
 
Bernie