@ExpertViewsonADRvidpodcastshow

For the Love of ADR: Mass Awareness Advocacy in ADR via Podcast for Schools | ADR / MDC Centers

The Birth of Alternative or Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) was borne out of delay, frustration and exorbitant cost associated with the adversarial system of settling disputes. The above statement encompasses both developed and developing nations, signifying that the Adversarial System is not the only option; other #appropriate / #alternative methods are available for the masses/citizenry to opt from. #adr has helped the justice system in different jurisdictions -in developed economies, particularly America, UK & developing economies like Nigeria, to dispense justice swiftly. It has restored the trust, hope, belief, and confidence of the litigants/ disputants. However, recent research conducted by the writer points towards the urgent need for mass awareness advocacy via podcasting in society regarding the use/benefits associated with ADR. The writer/podcaster recommends #education -mass advocacy on ADR, particularly making ADR #compulsory in schools. This can be disseminated via podcast channels (using Expert Views on ADR (EVA) as a Case study) because the world is fast becoming a global village. Anyone can now access the Internet and listen to experts/advocates discussing ADR and court-connected ADR. Research conducted by the writer in Lagos, Enugu state and recently on the streets of Washington DC, #usa indicates that most people are not aware of what ADR / Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC) is.

Thus, it is imperative that potential users need to be educated through awareness campaigns via YouTube, #tiktok #twitter#linkedin, conferences, radio jingles, and the most important podcasts on the ADR processes, advantages, and benefits. This is important because the user’s psyche is still Litigation orientated; thus, the need for continuous mass awareness through technology on simplifying the benefits and advantages of the Alternatives method of settling disputes is needed- Some of these benefits include Party Autonomy, the flexibility of the process, saves time and it is cost-effective. Additionally, the need to go back to the grassroots, like primary schools, secondary schools, trade unions and universities, is essential to reorient or reposition people’s mindsets or psyche at early stages is crucial. ADR should be a part of the school curriculum not as an elective but as a compulsory course because it is also available in litigation.

What this does is that it creates a balanced story rather than a one-sided story, as is the case in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It is essential to point out that, in the university system or educational system, 93% of education is focused on litigation in the university and law schools in Nigeria and most jurisdiction, which means that only 7% of the teaching is about ADR. This is largely because ADR is not a compulsory course but an elective. That means that if students graduate eventually, their first port of call is Litigation.

Generally, there is bias everywhere, especially where someone is not yet familiar with the subject matter – humans tend to either criticise or ignore what they are not familiar with. Realistically, the human mind is such that it takes something that it does not know and shoves it into one category in its mind, and sometimes, this knowledge is inaccurate. The one thing that takes away bias beyond every other thing is personal experience. Thus, the need to allow people to experience this new subject matter is through awareness.

Furthermore if more lawyers train to become mediators they will create more opportunities to let their expertise be known. More so, awareness campaigns-opportunities whereby traditional leaders, and religious leaders, who have a substantial influence in society can give words of credence and endorse the use of the ADR and MDC platforms would be a significant step in the right direction. It will go a long way to sensitise the subject matter. These enumerated factors would eliminate subject matter bias regarding lawyers/parents/ schools/ Trade unions/ embracing ADR . Social media via podcasting can be a great tool in advancing ADR and MDC agenda. It can be adequately and sufficiently utilised to create more awareness of the above subject matter.

The podcaster started a podcast channel to generate awareness on ADR, and in just two (2)months of starting and with over five episodes, it has amassed over Five Hundred (500) views. Imagine if an organisation like the LMDC /ESMDC or any other ADR organisation should create one with all its contacts. I will leave that to your imagination.

The writer /podcaster recommend that the ADR/MDC in Nigeria / ADR Centers in the world (countries who are yet to do so) should create a podcast channel to disseminate ADR in settling disputes; wordings used will be simple words so non-academics/ non-specialist can easily understand, this will be distributed on other social media platforms.

However, informal training from home should come first; #parents should #teach their #children about ADR.

Watch YouTube Video on Dr Chinwe Egbunike-Umegbolu’s Presentation on the above subject matter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k01zr79IGnA

And the Podcast links:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expert-views-on-adr-eva-vid-podcast-show/id1538506713

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0270db73-c297-45d3-b0c4-ccc17ed21853/expert-views-on-adr-eva-vid-podcast-show