It’s true. In the fall of 2022 the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) was nominated for a 2023 Nobel Peace Prize!
Why, you ask? The answer to that question is because of their international efforts to change the way conflict in families is resolved. The same reason all of us have decided to become collaborative professionals– we want to transform the process and look for different, nondestructive ways to resolve conflict in families. And the reason most of the professionals associated with CCDP are also members of the IACP.
How cool is it that an organization whose members include many professionals practicing Collaborative in Charlotte are involved in has been nominated for a Peace Prize? Usually, it’s the scientists, the neurosurgeons (yes we do believe in rocket scientists being the smartest people ever), and novelists but maybe those industries or fields of professionals are just a niche, like peacemakers trying to allow couples to uncouple with respect and dignity. Welcome the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals to the team. The Nobel Peace Prize team.
The world is recognizing that the Peace Prize means much more to the world and, hence, the nomination for a 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. Wow!
Maybe those of us who practice Collaborative law are smarter, like rocket scientists, because we have figured out that divorce does not need to destroy families. Instead, couples can uncouple in a way that allows them to keep their dignity while also instilling values in the family that will likely remain intact throughout the family’s life. We have figured out a better way to handle divorce for people.
For those naysayers who pooh-pooh the effectiveness of Collaborative Law or Collaborative Practice as it is sometimes called, it is time that everyone takes notice. Couples who enter this process are smarter, as they recognize the need to remain civil with their former partner. And those who have been doing this work for 20 years or more, or those that are fairly new to this work, are also smarter because they have recognized that most couples, given the option and understanding the dynamics, would opt for a more peaceful process of uncoupling rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars and many, many months of protracted litigation – let alone the emotional issues that result from months and years of arguing and posturing to get the “win”. Figuratively, it’s a match made in heaven……and the world is taking notice.
No one wins when couples separate, but if done appropriately, there remains respect for each other and there is peace that comes when the separation is formalized. This respect and peace allow these individuals, predominantly parents, to return to their families feeling more secure and safe about their future because they know their former spouse has “their back” and they have the back of the former spouse.
This nomination is such confirmation that those involved with the Collaborative Practice have found something that works. And, the recognition will only continue from this point.
As you likely already know, the Collaborative Process is one of generally four options available to resolve your separation. If the International Academy of Divorce Professionals of which many of us are members is recognized for its efforts in transforming families during conflict, then let us all look to take pride in the more peaceful way we have decided to help people who are separating and join efforts in working towards a more peaceful resolution when uncoupling due to separation and divorce. Boom! Rocket Science brought down to Earth!