Challenges of Being an Advocate and Neutral Facilitator (Mediation)

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Advocate and Neutral Facilitator � PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT �1�

Challenges of Being an Advocate and Neutral Facilitator (Mediation)

Reginald Griffin

Advocacy and Mediation BSHS-442

February 27th, 2010

Nicole Fogel

University of Phoenix

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Challenges of Being an Advocate and Neutral Facilitator

Mediators and advocates are essential in the human service profession. Unfortunately, most individuals are not knowledgeable about their rights and or laws that pertain to their particular situation. Mediators make certain to treat parties fairly and are responsive of their rights, which make mediators a valuable tool when conflicting parties cannot come to an agreement. Advocates are also an important aspect to the human services profession especially for groups of people who cannot defend for themselves like homeless veterans and their families, mentally, and the physically disabled.

As a military veteran, I have a special interest in assisting and supporting veterans dealing with life challenges like homelessness and drug and alcohol additions in the greater Seattle area.

Although I share my personal opinion, my personal approach and philosophy to advocating or mediating will differ in working with veterans. Distinct differences exist between working as an advocate and bringing parties together toward resolution as a mediator. As an advocate, working for the rights of our veterans, I would be responsible for facilitating intervention(s) with all local resources, and actively working to obtain and keep the veterans in a safe environment.

Advocates for veterans who are homeless have the position of contacting appropriate agencies to follow up and make sure that support services needed by the veterans are coming through with the promised aid for their shelter, sobriety, and support. This aid may include the possibility of providing ancillary support to the veteran; however, it is a fine line to cross. As the advocate for homeless veterans the first priority is...