WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2021— The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution is joining a variety of law and other organizations on Thursday to spotlight the role an ombuds, historically known as an ombudsman, can play in reducing tensions in disputes and developing long-term solutions.
What:
National Ombuds Day: “Ombuds: Exploring Options to Resolve Conflict Together”
Coordinated by the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution
When:
Thursday, Oct.14, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., EDT
Where:
Online
The primary goal of Ombuds Day is to improve public awareness of those who serve as ombuds and to educate the public about their role; explain the wide variety of services that ombuds provide; encourage greater use of ombuds programs and services; and highlight the value ombuds bring to the institutions and constituents they serve. The concept dates to 1809, when Sweden appointed an independent official known as an ombudsman to investigate complaints against government officials and agencies.
The event is intended for ombuds and leaders from the tech, immigration, K-12 education and long-term care sectors to understand how ombuds help stakeholders resolve problems. But all are welcome. While the ABA program is structured around the lunch hour on the East Coast, other events nationwide are planned for other times during the day.
A toolkit to assist in developing current and future Ombuds Day programs, as well as events nationwide, can be found here. Media are welcome to attend the ABA program. If interested, please email Bill Choyke at [email protected] .
The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement online. Follow the latest ABA news at www.americanbar.org/news and on Twitter @ABANews)