In this episode, we feature a conversation with international mediator Julian Portilla. For the past three years, Julian has been one of the instructors of our successful Winter Term class at the college, “Conflict Transformation Skills.” A graduate of Vassar College and George Mason University, Julian works with international organizations and local communities on environmental and social issues. He previously served as director of the Master’s in Mediation program at the Woodbury Institute at Champlain College.

As a practitioner and teacher, Julian discusses both the personal and professional aspects of mediation and conflict transformation. Some of the themes the conversation:

• the role of family conflict and a bicultural upbringing in fostering perspective-taking skills
• how to work within diverse groups, not just bridging opposing sides
• de-escalation and harm reduction as initial steps in transformation
• the critical role of calm, perspective-taking, and an understanding that conflict can be useful

We mention two resources:

1. Hector Black is one of the role models we suggest to students. His Moth Radio Hour talk is here.

2. Paul Wehr and John Paul Lederach’s model of insider and outsider mediators is discussed in their essay, “Mediating Conflict in Central America.” Journal of Peace Research, 28:1 (February 1991): 85–98.