The Workplace Dispute Section session, "Small Agency Caucus," was held on Tuesday, 23 February 1999 in the Auditorium at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 801 17^th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. The session was chaired by Martha McClellan, Counsel, FDIC, and attended by representatives of 36 federal agencies. The session was opened at 9:00 a.m. and closed at 10:50 a.m.

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF SESSION
Caleb Mitchell, Jr.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Welcomed the group then explained the purpose and process of the meeting.

• The purpose of this session is to provide an opportunity to create and organize a small agency caucus, identify issues, and network.
• The group is divided into six groups, each of which will spend some time discussing the topic of organizing a caucus. A spokesperson from each group will then present their recommendations to the group as a whole. Before closing the session, a Steering Committee will be created from volunteers and a date set for the next meeting.

SMALL GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMENTS

Each group discussed the following topics:

1. Should the Caucus be permanent?
2. Who can join?
3. What will the structure be?
4. What is the group’s goal/objective?
5. Additional issues

RECOMMENDATIONS AND DECISIONS:

The groups made the following recommendations:

1. Should the Caucus be permanent?

• Yes, because:
• The Small Agency Council does not address ADR issues
• Need for structure
• Need for continuity
• Keep current on information
• Opportunity to share ideas, facilities and people
• Gives group a voice
• No, because:
• Thin resources makes participation difficult
• Potential for added bureaucracy
• Renewal or non-renewal on annual basis

DECISION: The caucus will organize a permanent structure to address the unique ADR issues of small agencies.

1. Who can join?

• 6500 employees or less
• Agencies with similar interests
• Anyone with an interest in ADR
• Anyone – capitalize on ideas
• Can use expertise of larger agencies

DECISION: Anyone may participate who is interested in ADR and in sharing ideas and resources.

1. What will the structure be?

• Informal with one entity acting as central coordinator for the fiscal year
• Committee under Small Agency Council
• Establish a Steering Committee
• Headed by one coordinating agency
• Subgroups that focus on specific issues
• Establish committees sponsored by various agencies
• Quarterly meetings/ every other month
• Short, free discussion
• Breakfast/Lunch meetings
• Central P.O.C.
• Resources should be shared
• Use guest speakers

DECISION: The caucus will convene a steering committee which will set up subgroups to address specific problems and issues as necessary.

1. What is the group’s goal/objective?

• Offer an opportunity to present information and best practices
• Support group for any ADR matters
• Assist with developing a Clearinghouse for small agencies regarding ADR issues
• Develop greater expertise
• Identify milestones
• Establish network
• Develop a Sharing Neutrals program for small agencies
• Share resources
• Share ADR professionals
• Trade experiences and lessons learned
• Focus on all types of conflict – (workplace, EEO/Grievances, procurement/contract, ER, civil enforcement)
• Focus on small agency
• Design ADR processes that fit the agency (not just mediation)
• Address the qualifications and standards for mediators/neutral third parties
• Record keeping

DECISION: The group’s goal is to provide a mechanism for small agencies to exchange ideas and share resources.

1. Additional issues

• Website
• Networking
• Participant list (names, agency, and telephone numbers)
• Roster of experienced persons in the ADR field
• Create a Job Aid – cookbook, checklist developed from several models
• Training at low or no cost
• Cost – minimal
• Consider cost of ADR for resolving problems
• Whether other agencies will form caucus
• Meeting for supervisors

DECISION: The group will address these other issues in future meetings.

NEXT STEPS:

1. Next meeting will be:

• March 23, 1999 at 9:00 a.m.

1. Steering Committee Volunteers: