Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation

Tara West, J.D., Ph.D., and Dan Simon, M.A., J.D. have received the 2024 Della Noce prize for Self-Determination in Mediation: The Art and Science of Mirrors and Lights.

A jury of scholars evaluated the submissions received, and chose West and Simon for their book. The book identifies self-determination as the essential value underlying mediation and describes West’s and Simon’s efforts to live up to that value as fully as possible. It includes stories where they fell short and others where they rose to the occasion in the face of complications presented by lawyers, possible power imbalances and other challenges. They provide many anecdotes that show the techniques they use to actively enhance parties’ experience of making their own choices.

In 2021, the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation (ISCT) established The Annual Dorothy J. Della Noce Writing Prize, for a written work that advances transformative theory or practice and that is published in a dispute resolution journal, book, or internet venue.  As many of you know, Dorothy was a brilliant researcher and scholar who made major contributions to the literature of the field before her untimely passing in 2020. She is sorely missed, and this prize honors her memory.

This is West’s second Della Noce prize. She also received it in 2022 for The Mediator’s Approach: Five (and a half)Paths Through Conflict

In addition to our prize winners, two submissions received Honorable Mentions.  Robin Brzobohatý for his article "The inclusion of children in divorce mediation: A continental ‘non-directive’ approach" published in Conflict Resolution Quarterly, and Jacqueline Housel, Colleen Saxen and Tom Wahlrab for their article "Experiencing intentional recognition: Welcoming immigrants in Dayton, Ohio" published in Urban Studies. 

The ISCT thanks all those who submitted their work for consideration. The Della Noce Prize is intended to inspire others to contribute to the written literature on the transformative approach to conflict. Submissions can be scholarly or practice-oriented, and should be aimed at advancing the transformative approach as developed and furthered by the ISCT.  The Biennial $500 prize is chosen from works submitted to the ISCT, and evaluated by a jury of scholars, practitioners and writers on the transformative approach.