Conflict Resolution Month

SENATE RESOLUTION 26-004

BY SENATOR(S) Jodeh and Bridges, Amabile, Baisley, Ball, Benavidez, Bright, Carson, Catlin, Coleman, Cutter, Daugherty, Exum, Frizell, Gonzales J., Hinrichsen, Kipp, Kirkmeyer, Kolker, Lindstedt, Liston, Marchman, Mullica, Pelton B., Pelton R., Rich, Roberts, Rodriguez, Simpson, Snyder, Sullivan, Wallace, Weissman, Zamora Wilson.

CONCERNING RECOGNITION OF OCTOBER 2026 AS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MONTH IN COLORADO.

WHEREAS, Conflict resolution encompasses many forms of responses to differences, such as mediation, arbitration, facilitation, collaborative decision-making, ombudsperson activities, and restorative justice practices; and WHEREAS, These conflict resolution processes empower individuals, families, communities, organizations, and businesses to foster communication and design solutions that are acceptable and responsive to the needs and interests of all parties involved; and WHEREAS, Conflict resolution is taught and practiced by professionals in many school systems and universities throughout Colorado and the world as a peaceful, nonviolent way of resolving disputes; and WHEREAS, Community-based conflict transformation programs work to strengthen local relationships by fairly and equitably resolving neighborhood and community conflicts and opening dialogues grounded in reason and mutual dignity and respect; and WHEREAS, Associations of conflict professionals promote peaceful and creative resolutions to disputes, as well as develop proficient conduct

standards; and WHEREAS, Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and restorative justice practices bring cost and time savings to the handling of disputes in the state courtsystem and cost avoidance to the corrections system; and WHEREAS, Additional benefits through conflict resolution practices include creative and more durable interest-based resolution; increased satisfaction for the parties who are active participants and ultimate decision-makers in the negotiation; and the transformation of personal relationships, thereby decreasing the likelihood of further disputes or strained relations; and WHEREAS, The Colorado General Assembly's exemplary collaboration across party lines to enact sound conflict resolution policy has a very real impact on the behaviors of all Coloradans, our economic progress, and community relationships throughout the state; and WHEREAS, Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed the month of October to be Conflict Resolution Month in the state of Colorado; now, therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate ofthe Seventy-fifth General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

(1) That we, the members of the Colorado Senate,join the Governor in recognizing October as Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado; (2) That we invite Coloradans to create events that celebrate and promote the use of productive conflict transformation and dispute resolution in their communities; (3) That we call upon leaders across the state to use Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado as an occasion to discuss the principles and use the practices of conflict resolution in their homes, schools, neighborhoods, congregations, and workplaces; (4) That we encourage all residents of the state to reflect upon the conflicts present in their own lives and to work to resolve those conflicts responsibly and peacefully;

(5) That, in conjunction with Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado, we encourage educational programs that emphasize the benefits of facilitative, interest-based, party-centered, and restorative practices, and we hope to bring these benefits to the attention of judges, other officials, and staff in the state court system, state executive branch, and local governments throughout Colorado; and (6) That we encourage the participation of judges and other officials and staff in the state judicial branch, state executive branch, and local governments in celebrating and observing Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado. Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Senate Resolution be sent to Governor Jared Polis; Chief Justice Monica M. Marquez, Colorado Supreme Court; Sharon Sturges, Office of Dispute Resolution in the Colorado Judicial Department; Matt Riede, Colorado Restorative Justice Coordinating Council; and to each member of Colorado's congressional delegation.

James Rashad Coleman Sr. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

Esther van Mourik SECRETARY OF THE SENATE