1. 2011 California Conference on Self-Represented Litigants Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq. Malea Chavez, Esq. Alejandra Siroka

2. Introductions- Part 1 Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq. Alternative Dispute Resolution Administrator Staff Attorney, San Francisco Superior Court Mediator, San Francisco Superior Court Malea Chavez Staff Attorney, ACCESS Civil Self-help Center Mediator, Self-Represented Litigants Mediation Program Alejandra Siroka Communication Consultant Federal and California Certified Court Interpreter Faculty at SF State University Legal Interpreting Certification Program Professional Division Director, California Federation of Interpreters

3. Introductions- Getting to Know You Stand up if…

4. Learning Objectives Create awareness of common issues related to Spanish speakers in mediation Understand key mediation principles and goals which may not be achieved with a Spanish speaker if attention is not paid to some of these points Have an understanding of how Spanish speakers make decisions and solve problems Conduct mediations that are culturally appropriate and competent when working with Spanish speaking participants.

5. Agreements Cell phones on silent or off Active participation is encouraged One speaker at a time Everyone’s input is valid and important Respect differences

6. Different Types of Mediations Civil vs. Criminal Case Type Fee Structure Mediator Background Mandatory vs. Voluntary Mediation Style

7. Reflection Activity

8. How did you solve your conflict? How did you decide what to do?

9. Decision-making American Culture Latin American Culture

10. Problem-solving American Culture Latin American Culture

11. Cross-cultural Communication English Speakers Spanish Speakers

12. Fishbowl Activity

13. Intercultural Communication & Working With Interpreters in a Mediation Who is in the room? What is the mediator’s role? What are the participants’ roles? Do you have informed consent?

14. Administrative Lens Program Development Needs Assessment Implementation Partnerships Community-Based Organizations Recruitment & Training Volunteers Bilingual Preference

15. Outreach How to educate and inform Spanish Speakers about the mediation process? Signage in the Clerk’s Office Notices at Filings Educational flyers The ACCESS “pitch” Outreach clinics

16. Malea Chavez, Esq. mchavez@sftc.org www.sfsuperiorcourt.org Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq. jalcantara@sftc.org www.sfsuperiorcourt.org Alejandra Siroka alejandra@languagealchemy.com www.languagealchemy.com