Diversity Project Access ADR Receives $60,000 Grant

Washington, DC, August 3, 2004 – The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation recently announced that it has authorized a grant of $60,000 over 18 months to the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, a Maryland-based not-for-profit organization, for general support of ACCESS ADR, an initiative to increase the number of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals of color and to enhance their access to ADR clients.

“This grant from the prestigious William and Flora Hewlett Foundation adds to the momentum and support we have received from throughout the country to launch ACCESS ADR,” said Marvin E. Johnson, one of the project’s co-founders.

“ACCESS ADR will give the users of mediation services the opportunity to know the work, the experience, and the qualifications of mediators of color and from various ethnic backgrounds,” said Homer C. LaRue, co-founder of ACCESS ADR. “Greater access for the neutrals will mean building business relationships and will aid in building ADR careers.”

ACCESS ADR – a project supported by the JAMS Foundation and the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution -- is designed to offer training, mentoring and business development support to experienced mediators from various racial and ethnic groups underrepresented as full-time neutrals in the field. Mr. Johnson and Mr. La Rue, who conceived of the project and applied for the grant, are panelists in JAMS’ Washington, D.C. Resolution Center.

ABOUT THE WILLIAM AND FLORA HEWLETT FOUNDATION

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has been making grants since 1966 to help solve social and environmental problems at home and around the world. The Foundation concentrates its resources on activities in conflict resolution, education, environment, performing arts, population, and U.S.-Latin American relations. In addition, the Foundation