From December 5 to 8, 2016, MyJustice conducted two introductory trainings on “Interest Based Negotiation” (IBN) in Kawa Township, Bago Region for 51 ward and village tract administrators (W/VTAs) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the United Nations Development Programme.
This project builds on MyJustice’s activities related to community based dispute resolution (CBDR), with an aim to help W/VTAs become more effective negotiators in local level disputes. The workshops focused on negotiation, advocacy, and dispute resolution techniques to overcome common challenges W/VTAs face in their roles as local officials.
In the opening address, Kawa Deputy Township Administrator U Thein Zaw Oo told participants, “In fact, I really encourage all of you to learn as much as you can from this training for your capacity building.”
Experienced Mercy Corps trainers delivered the trainings, which drew on seven elements of interest based negotiation: communication, relationships, commitments, interests, options, alternatives, and legitimacy. Sessions included group discussions, quizzes, case studies, and role playing of common scenarios.
The sessions also offered a chance to gather information on the most common dispute resolution challenges faced by W/VTAs to inform future CBDR strengthening efforts.
The remaining 53 W/VTAs in Kawa Township will receive the training in the first quarter of 2017.