I think it would be interesting to see where they are located and what the median income is of the surrounding area.

Volkssport walk on 10K or 5K routes to see the Christmas tree and holiday lights at the state capitol and waterfront neighborhoods in Olympia.

Event Description: Starts at Christmas tree in Capitol Bldg. and goes to the water front and Capitol Lake.

From The Olympian:

OLYMPIA -- Port of Olympia officials plan a presentation Monday about what would be the first harbor dredge here in about 30 years. The port hopes to gain permits to start the $2.4 million job in October. The work would take four months to complete, said Jim Amador, the port's marine terminal director.

The article also mentions that the sediment in the harbor has been tested and is not contaminated, which is a definite concern. One wonders how many samples were taken, and where they were taken from. Does anyone know if there has ever been any industry along Budd inlet that produced toxic waste?

3. Assure a Fair Process

The process for resolving a conflict is often as critical as the conflict itself. It is important to assure that the resolution method chosen as well as the process for affecting that method is fair to all parties to the conflict. Even the perception of unfairness can destroy the resolution.

This is an important point. If one person feels like they are set up, that the entire situation is already stacked against them, difficult to get anywhere. I remember some past shared household meetings where the planned conflict resolution fell apart because of this.

4. Attack the Problem

Conflict is very emotional. When emotions are high it is much easier to begin attacking the person on the other side than it is to solve the problem. The only way conflicts get resolved is when we attack the problem and not each other. What is the problem that lies behind the emotion? What are the causes instead of the symptoms?

Principles of Conflict Resolution