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Working with Spanish Speakers in the Mediation Process. 2011 California Conference on Self-Represented Litigants. Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq. Malea Chavez, Esq. Alejandra Siroka. Introductions- Part 1. Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq. Alternative Dispute Resolution Administrator
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Working with Spanish Speakers in the Mediation Process 2011 California Conference on Self-Represented Litigants Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq. Malea Chavez, Esq. Alejandra Siroka
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
Introductions- Getting to Know You Stand up if…
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.
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
Civil vs. Criminal Case Type Fee Structure Mediator Background Mandatory vs. Voluntary Mediation Style Different Types of Mediations
How did you solve your conflict?How did you decide what to do?
Decision-making • American Culture • Latin American Culture
Problem-solving • American Culture • Latin American Culture
Cross-cultural Communication English Speakers Spanish Speakers
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?
Program Development Needs Assessment Implementation Partnerships Community-Based Organizations Recruitment & Training Volunteers Bilingual Preference Administrative Lens
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
Thank you Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq. jalcantara@sftc.org www.sfsuperiorcourt.org Malea Chavez, Esq. mchavez@sftc.org www.sfsuperiorcourt.org Alejandra Siroka alejandra@languagealchemy.com www.languagealchemy.com