WHEREAS, The Dispute Resolution Center, the oldest community mediation program in the State of Minnesota, founded on December 13, 1982, is celebrating twenty years of service; and

WHEREAS, The contributions of hundreds of devoted volunteers have enhanced the ability of Minnesotan to address their own disputes by empowering participants to resolve conflict cooperatively and generate mutual respect; and

WHEREAS, the Dispute Resolution Center ensures that the highest quality mediation, facilitation, training, restorative justice, information, education, and referral services are accessible to individuals, families, neighbors, businesses, agencies, community representatives, and professional groups; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of Minnesota neighbors, families, community groups, landlords, tenants, agencies, and businesses have benefited from Dispute Resolution Center’s services as a cost-effective alternative to the courtroom; and

WHEREAS, the Dispute Resolution Center has worked to promote peace in Minnesota through effective, safe, affordable, convenient, and respectful mediation and restorative processes,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jesse Ventura, Governor of the State of Minnesota, hereby proclaim Friday, December 13, 2002 to be DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER DAY