(Minnesota) (December 6th, 2022) — The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) is honored to learn it has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for its international efforts in transforming the way families resolve conflict around the world by offering families an alternative to litigation, a conflict resolution model called Collaborative Practice. As IACP Past President Francesca King of Milan, Italy states “when you promote peaceful resolutions in family conflicts, you are promoting the growth of peace in society as a whole.”

Collaborative Practice is a unique and voluntary dispute resolution model which provides families the opportunity to reduce the negative impacts of separation by working proactively and cooperatively with teams of specially trained Collaborative legal, financial, and mental health professionals who educate, support, and guide couples to make their own lasting and respectful resolutions, without resorting to litigation or the intervention of judges, magistrates, or court personnel.

As a global nonprofit organization with a longstanding history as the largest community of Collaborative Professionals, IACP works every day to create a more peaceful world. With members in over 28 countries, IACP protects the fundamental elements of Collaborative Practice, expands accessibility to Collaborative Practice worldwide, and serves as a central resource for education, networking, and standards of practice for practitioners around the world. IACP Board Member Selina Jane-Trigg of Christchurch, New Zealand remarks, “This nomination is a wonderful recognition of the immense work undertaken by family professionals worldwide to move away from adversarial-based dispute resolution to an accessible, more respectful and peaceful means of resolving conflict. In working together in this way, we model peaceful approaches for our children to carry into the world in the future.”

The Internationally-renowned and historic Nobel Peace Prize was first stipulated to be awarded to the person “who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.” Since 1901, its significance has evolved and been awarded in recognition of many kinds of peace work and concepts of peace that aim to create a more organized and peaceful world.

Reflecting on IACP’s unique peace work, IACP Past President Chris Farish of Texas, USA, states “Court processes are like a war, and the conflict often escalates to such a degree that the entire family unit is irreparably damaged. Turning to a third-party arbiter to determine what is best for a family takes the power out of the hands of the family itself. Placing that power back into the hands of the family and guiding them through a respectful and dignified process with the ultimate goal being a transition to a new family structure brings peace to families in turmoil.”

IACP, Collaborative Professionals, and Collaborative Groups internationally hope this Nobel Peace Prize Nomination will help create global awareness and access to Collaborative Practice as a normalized dispute resolution model for anyone who seeks it, regardless of family structure, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, class, ability, language, and geography.

As an active member of IACP, Blethen Berens is excited to be recognized for their contribution to the international Collaborative movement and making Collaborative Practice and its benefits an option for families and couples in transition in the Greater Mankato area.  To be connected to Collaborative Law attorney Beth Serrill, please visit blethenberens.com or call our office at 507-345-1166.

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals: The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) is a global resource for learning about and promoting Collaborative Practice, a constructive, healthy approach to creating client-focused processes for resolving conflict. While most members are legal, mental health, or financial professionals, IACP welcomes anyone who supports the vision of the Collaborative Practice movement. For more information on the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals or to find a Collaborative Professional near you, visit IACP’s website at https://www.collaborativepractice.com/.