Planting the Seeds of Dispute Resolution

We are working to help sow the seeds of dispute resolution throughout FOIA programs. (NARA Identifier 195586)
We are working to help sow the seeds of dispute resolution throughout FOIA programs. (NARA Identifier 195586)

Do you or your colleagues need help sharpening your communications skills? Would you like to hear tips for avoiding or narrowing disputes with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requesters? OGIS is here to help!

As you might know, about twice each fiscal year we plan day-long dispute resolution skills training sessions for agency FOIA professionals. Since we first offered the training in March 2010, we have held the program 27 times, serving roughly 650 FOIA professionals from about 60 Departments and agencies, including all Cabinet-level agencies. These sessions regularly receive the highest marks from participants and fill up quickly: our last training session filled up two days after we opened registration. Look for the next session this fall by following this blog or following @FOIA_Ombuds on Twitter.

In addition to our regular training, we are also happy to work with agencies to provide dispute resolution skills training that is tailored to their needs. Carrie McGuire, our Mediation Team Lead, recently provided a session on dispute resolutions skills at the Department of Labor’s FOIA conference, and led a more in-depth session for FOIA staff at the National Labor Relations Board.

If you want to know more about our training program, please let us know.