ABA Program Examines Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World

The American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section will mark Ombuds Day 2026 with a virtual program exploring the connections between mediation and Ombuds work. “Options in Action: Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World” will examine the shared skills and approaches of the two professions, as well as the ways different Ombuds models provide an “Office of Options” for those navigating conflict. 

National University Sponsors Ombuds Day 2025 Webinar

National University and its Ombudsman, LaCrisia "Cris" Gilbert, are hosting a fee webinar to celebrate Ombuds Day. After a welcome by NU's president, Donna Douglass Williams, the Ombuds at Pinterest, will offer a keynote address on "Ombuds: Empowering Voices, Resolving Challenges." A panel discussion on Promoting Ombuds & Dispute Resolution follows with Tom Kosakowski, Ombuds at the University of Southern California, and Jack Hamlin, Professor in the NU School of Public Service at National University. Aurelia Bickler, NU Professor Social & Behavioral Sciences, will offer an opening mediation. 

Mediate.com Conference Aligns with Ombuds Day 2025

Mediate.com celebrates Ombuds Day at its next on-line conference, "Rising Tides: Raising the Standards of Mediation Conference," on October 8-9, 2025. This year’s Workplace Track (on Ombuds Day) is dedicated to the evolving role of Ombuds and workplace conflict resolution leaders. The keynote speaker, Chuck Doran, will highlight how Ombuds strengthen organizational culture, build trust, and address conflict before it escalates. 

Ombuds Day 2025: Call for Event Info

The eighth annual Ombuds Day will be celebrated on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with the theme of “Ombuds: Empowering Voices, Resolving Challenges.” The organizers, ABA Dispute Resolution Section’s Ombuds Committee and Ombuds Day Subcommittee, is compiling a list of planned events that will be featured on the Ombuds Day. Any and all Ombuds can submit details about their events using a simple Google form. (Ombuds Day Event Submission Form.)

Podcast: Starting the Hype for Ombuds Day 2025

Alec Chapa is the most recent guest on Chinwe Egbunike-Umegbolu's vid/podcast show, Expert Views on ADR. As Co-Chair of the ABA Dispute Resolution Ombuds Committee, he focused on the upcoming Ombuds Day on October 9, 2025. They discussed the history, goals, objectives, and impact of the annual event, especially Chapa's work on the many state proclamations received in recent years. (YouTube.)

Count Down to Seventh Annual Ombuds Day on October 10, 2024

The theme for this year's Annual Ombuds Day is "Ombuds: Here to Hear You." The goals of Ombuds Day are to improve public awareness of ombuds, to connect Ombuds in their communities, and to encourage greater use of Ombuds programs and services. The event created by the American Bar Association's Dispute Resolution Section has been embraced by Ombuds and professional associations around the world. 

Virginia Commonwealth University Ombuds Announces 2024 Conflict Resolution Day Event

Since 2013, VCU's Ombudsperson, William King, has sponsored a National Conflict Resolution Day program. This year, his signature event on October 17, 2024will feature a keynote by Reese Ramos, University Ombuds for Virginia Tech. The theme for his address is "The Power of the Dark Side – Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable." The rest of the day includes panel discussions and group work on managing conflict with other campus leaders. As usual, the event is free and open to the public.

American Bar Association Endorses Ombuds Again

At its Midyear Meeting last week, the ABA House of Delegates adopted a resolution supports the use of Ombuds for early dispute resolution. Although brief, the measure underscores the association's continued acknowledgement and support for Ombuds as ADR providers.

2023 Year in Review: Top Posts, Cheers/Jeers, and Courage

This is the second post reflecting on the past year. Here are the most viewed posts, highs and lows, and a story about an Ombuds meeting the challenge of her work.

Ombuds Day 2023 Spans the Globe

The 6th Annual Ombuds Day is tomorrow: October 12, 2023. The website hosted by the ABA DR Ombuds Day subcommittee summarizes the many events taking place and, for most, it's not too late to register. The lead evenit is a a webinar featuring Thomas Zgambo, the Ombudsman for the International Monetary Fund. Zgambo has served as an Ombuds for 26 years, including stints at Polaroid, Coca Cola, MIT, and the World Bank. He will offer his insights and a conversation about the growth and evolution of the Ombuds profession. 

Ombuds at Virginia Commonwealth University Celebrates 10th Annual Conflict Resolution Day

For the past decade, VCU's Ombudsperson, William King, sponsors a National Conflict Resolution Day program. This year, his signature event on October 19, 2023, will feature a keynote by Donna Douglass-Williams, Senior Director of the Ombuds program at Pinterest. The theme for her address is "The Conflict Reframe: Maintaining Richness Inspiring Hope for Dialogue and Resolution." The day is rounded out with panel discussions on managing conflict in a range of situations, including Geetha Ravindra, former Ombuds for the IMF and Center for Global Development. As usual, the event is free and open to the public.

Save the Date for Ombuds Day 2023

The 6th Annual Ombuds Day is coming up and planning is already underway. On October 12, 2023, the ABA DR Ombuds Day subcommittee is hosting a webinar featuring Thomas Zgambo, the Ombudsman for the International Monetary Fund. Zgambo has served as an Ombuds for 26 years, including stints at Polaroid, Coca Cola, MIT, and the World Bank. He will offer his insights and a conversation about the growth and evolution of the Ombuds profession. The webinar is one of several free events being planned for Ombuds Day 2023. 

Celebrate the Fifth Annual Ombuds Day

Five years ago, the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution declared that the second Thursday in October to be Ombuds Day. Since then, the event to recognize the work of all Ombuds has grown as practitioners and professional associations around the world have joined. For resources and a free webinar, go to ABA DR Info and the OmbudsDay.com. For the latest updates, including how different Ombuds are celebrating, check out Twitter #OmbudsDay and LinkedIn.

ABA Sets 2022 Ombuds Day Panels

The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution (ABA DR) has announced the panelists for Ombuds Day on October 13, 2022. ABA DR will present two sessions featuring a range of Ombuds practitioners: 

Virginia Commonwealth University Ombuds Resumes In-Person Conflict Resolution Day

Every year, VCU's Ombudsman, William King, sponsors a National Conflict Resolution Day program. After two years of online programs, the signature event returns to campus this year on October 20, 2022. The keynote speaker will be Mark Patterson, the inaugural Ombuds at Cal State Channel Islands. As usual, the event is free and open to the public.

Registration Opens for Ombuds Day 2022

Registration is now open for the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution (ABA DR) Ombuds Day on October 13, 2022. This marks the fifth year recognizing Ombuds — an impactful profession that has existed for centuries yet remains relatively unknown and underutilized. This year’s event “Ombuds: Resilience, Respect, Resolve” is intended to reflect and include the dynamic and diverse range of its practitioners.

Save the Date for Ombuds Day 2022

Mark your calendars! The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution (ABA DR) Ombuds Day Planning Committee has announced that October 13, 2022 is Ombuds Day. This is an international event that celebrates all types of Ombuds. The theme for the fifth annual Ombuds Day is "Ombuds: Resilience, Respect, Resolve." The Planning Committee is being led by Ryan Smith (Michigan State University), and is comprised of liaisons from the ABA DR Ombuds Committee and various Ombuds organizations including IOA, USOA, NASOP, COFO and EON.

Today is the Fourth Annual Ombuds Day

Ombuds of all types around the world are celebrating October 14, 2021, as Ombuds Day. This year’s theme is “Ombuds: exploring options to resolve conflict together” is being marked by individual Ombuds offices and their professional associations, including: the American Bar Association; the International Ombudsman Association; United States Ombudsman Association; Coalition of Federal Ombudsman; and the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. Over two dozen states have issued proclamations in support. It's not too late to register for many of the programs. (ABA Ombuds Day; IOA Ombuds Day Events.)

COFO Opens Registration for 2021 Virtual Conference

The Coalition of Federal Ombudsman's 2021 Annual Conference, “Rising Up With Resilience,” will be held virtually on October 15, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EDT. Registration is now open and, as always, the conference is free and open to all. The agenda is primarily aimed at federal Ombuds practitioners of all models, but includes information and sessions which may be of interest to Ombuds and other ADR practitioners anywhere, as well as those interested in other fields.

UC Davis to Host Conversation with Ken Cloke

In celebration of Ombuds Day, the Ombuds Office at the University of California Davis is hosting a Q&A style webinar for Ombuds and other conflict management practitioners featuring Ken Cloke, internationally renowned author, mediator, and conflict management consultant. Designed as a professional development opportunity for Ombuds to learn from the decades of experience of a seasoned conflict resolution practitioner, this webinar will be a moderated discussion exploring Cloke’s strategies and techniques when mediating and consulting with individuals and organizations.