Today is Mediation Settlement Day.  This annual event is sponsored by FINRA Dispute Resolution, the New York State Unified Court System and a coalition of over 100 alternative dispute resolution programs, bar associations, community based programs, schools, public and non-profit organizations concentrated in the New York City area, and extending beyond to upstate New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California and Washington, DC.   Here is a list of sponsoring organizations.

ADR organizations around the country are celebrating in various ways.  Thanks to Shante Thomas, from the Office of Public Affairs at the New York State Unified Court System, here is how the State of New York is raising awareness about mediation:

PROCLAMATIONS
October 20, 2011 proclaimed as Mediation Settlement Day by:
-New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
-New York City Mayor Michael M. Bloomberg

Statements of Support Received from:
-Carla E. Craig, Chief Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York
-Ricardo Granderson, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

ILLUMINATIONS
On October 20, 2011, in observance of Mediation Settlement Day landmarks across the State will be lit in blue after sundown.

For the second consecutive year:
Albany – Albany Law School (MSD Sponsor)
Buffalo – Niagara Falls. The American and Canadian sides
Poughkeepsie – Mid-Hudson Bridge
New York City – The Staten Island Ferry Terminals in Manhattan/Whitehall will display the message – “Involved In A Conflict? Try Mediation. October 20, 2011 is Mediation Settlement Day. Learn More About Mediation at www.nycourts.gov/adr”

Illuminated in blue for the first time in observance of MSD will be:
New York City – 7 World Trade Center
Buffalo – Peace Bridge (connects NY to Canada)

MSD SPONSOR EVENTS
Today, visitors to the website of the New York State Unified Court System – www.nycourts.gov –  will see a link on the homepage inviting them to learn about mediation services provided by the Community Dispute Resolution Centers Program.

The Training and Events Calendar at www.nycourts.gov/adr has details about MSD sponsor events including:

Association for Conflict Resolution: The Conflict Resolution Day Poetry Contest Theme: Demonstrating Respect at home, in school, or in the community. Deadline 11/1/11

New York Peace Institute & Civil Court of the City of New York (Brooklyn), October 20^th

US District Court, Eastern District of New York: Exit to Impasse 2, October 25^th

National Arbitration & Mediation: Year-End Mediation Day Event, October 20^th

New York State Dispute Resolution Association: NYSDRA 2011 Annual Conference: Eye on ADR on October 26 and 27  Troy, NY

In addition, FINRA has proclaimed October to be Settlement Month, during which FINRA mediators offer significantly reduced mediation prices.  FINRA will be cutting its mediation filing fees in half and mediators will discount session fees throughout the month.  Cases involving claims up to $25,000 will be charged $100/party for a four-hour mediation; from $25,001 to $100,000, $200/party; and over $100,000, $500/party for an eight-hour mediation.

How are you celebrating Mediation Settlement Day?