STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, as a nation of citizens whose lives and liberties are protected and guided by the U.S. Constitution, we continuously strive to uphold the fundamental rights of all people and understand that protecting our freedom strengthens society as a whole and improves all of our lives; and

Whereas, the State of New York recognizes that the advancement of its citizens’ common ground helps maintain a valued quality of life for our families and fellow citizens, and this is achievable in our State, Nation and international community through means of communication which foster the dignity of every human being even while in the pursuit of individual interests; and

Whereas, New York State also recognizes that government and citizens alike must allow for the transformative power of individual human interaction, to promote mutual respect and understanding as a goal, in and of itself; and

Whereas, the New York State Dispute Resolution Association Inc. (NYSDRA) is an organization dedicated to the peaceful resolution of conflict through such processes as mediation, negotiation, facilitation, neutral evaluation and arbitration, maintaining a philosophy based upon self-determination, accountability and the voluntary exchange of reliable information; and

Whereas, the effectiveness of programs that strive to promote peaceful resolution of conflict in our world requires individuals with initiative and innovative ideas, and NYSDRA’s Peace Builders study and explore means of dispute resolution among various international, religious and cultural segments of the global population; and

Whereas, in partnership with New York State, NYSDRA continues its commitment to the principles and concepts of the dispute resolution process among families, communities and the judicial system of this State;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 3-10, 2008 as ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION WEEK in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this sixteenth day of April in the year two thousand eight.