The Occupy Wall Street movement that has been spreading across the country has been a hub for civil protest and ideas, as well as alternative dispute resolution services. Occupy Boston in particular was built on a sound foundation of peaceful protest and mediation. Protesters have been involved in ADR cases with the City, the Boston Police Department, representatives for the Mayor Menino, and various organizations like the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, the location of an off-shoot of the Dewey Square encampment.
The mediation process is well-suited to the Occupy movement’s mission—it is an inexpensive (and therefore more accessible) way to sort through and resolve complex disputes. Boston has been relatively open to the movement, avoiding many of the violent set-backs other occupied cities incurred. Mediation has granted the City, students, and residents an efficient, neutral, positive legal outlet for serious solutions.
