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From: Julie Hicks

I spent a very intense morning with interest-based negotiations by drawing out information rather than providing solutions. The role play and discussions were as excellent learning opportunity. The talks on behavioral basis of team functioning and role of the brain in reaching lasting agreements were both illuminating and very useful for both my practice and in daily life.

   To:

       Central Valley

       Collaborative Law

       Association

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From: Mark B. Baer

I learned that we have biological reactions to money and what it represents. We must understand what it means to each client in order to get them to move away from an impasse. We need to dig deep by authentic curiosity and through appropriate questions to understand the core meaning behind a person's wants, and that the term "interests" means nothing really and should not be used. We need to assess people's (and our own) intentions from the beginning of the process because our intentions actually determine the final result. We also need to realize that people have different personality types and that it is important recognize and address their differences when dealing with them. If parties understand the meaning behind the agreements they reach, they will abide by those agreements.

I loved each presentation I attended, meeting fellow collaborative professionals, re-connecting with others, and the positive energy from being around fellow peacemakers.

It was important that I attended CP Cal Celebration 7 because everything that I obtained, learned and loved could not have been obtained elsewhere.

   To:

        Collaborative

        Divorce

        Professionals

        of the

        Inland Empire

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From: Rosemary Coleman

I participated in the Mock Case which lasted 2 ½ days. It was the most thought-provoking "seminar" I have experienced in attending these meetings for the past 5 to 6 years. Intense "on the job training." Incredibly challenging and therefore, very satisfying and fulfilling.

   To:

       Pasadena

       Collaborative

       Divorce

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From: Charlie Spiegel

What I learned: How many of us are uncomfortable and/or impatient with "interests" and new approaches and insights to them (thanks Gary Friedman and Catherine Conner).

What I loved: Having the importance of our LGBT inclusion work recognized (thanks Randy Cheek). Meeting colleagues in person who I know only via e-mail (thanks for introductions made by Debra Bellings-Kee).

Why it was important to attend: Impromptu, unscheduled opportunities to get to know colleagues in unpredictable ways (thanks Bart Pooley, Sarah Davis, role players Kim Davidson, Nancy Ross, Karen Hendrickson, Warren Sacks, and all).

   To:

       Collaborative Practice

       San Francisco

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From: Fred Glassman

The collaborative movement is a continuum! What better place in the continuum than the CP Cal Celebration! Learning is a joint venture between the presenters and attendees. A phenomenal experience evolves from the CP Cal Celebration! You will love the interplay between these experienced practitioners who stand, ready and willing, to share their practice experiences and those who are attending to get up and get ready for a feedback session. LACFLA intends to produce to rejuvenate your juices and encourage you to plan for CP Cal's Celebration 8 - April 2013 in Manhattan Beach, CA

   To:

       Los Angeles

       Collaborative

       Family Law

       Association

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From: Vera Hartford

There was much to learn during the Celebration. I look forward to trying in a collaborative meeting to use the skills I learned the past two days. All that and much fun and overflow of good feelings for my fellow colleagues - and meeting new colleagues with whom I am eager to work. Even though it was lovely weather outside, it was more than worth it to attend the workshops and sessions.

 To:

    Collaborative

    Practice

    East Bay

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From: Glen Rabenn

Learned: The UCLA has been adopted in 6 states. We need to work with local constituencies to establish dialogues about the UCLA.

Loved: The group's commitment to collaboration, and how I came away with renewed energy to build CP in our community.

What was important: An excellent opportunity to learn about CP and network with other CP professionals.

   To:

       Alternatives -

       A Collaborative

       Divorce Team

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From: Chris Littlefield

What I learned, what I loved, and why it's important to attend CP Cal Celebrations: It's good to see colleagues from other areas; it's helpful to recharge batteries and rekindle enthusiasm for this work. It's a time to be reminded of what is important. There's always something to learn, like about brain functioning, or decision making, or how to help clients reach settlements out of conflict.

   To:

       Collaborative

       Practice East Bay

       and

       all the rest of us

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From: Amy Rodney

I learned a lot about myself as a team member and how to interact in creative, positive ways that appreciate the importance of diverse perspectives and ways of doing things on a team. 

I love being with the collaborative community - networking, playing, sharing. Seeing friends I made from prior Celebrations; always continuing to learn. 

It's an important event because collaborative work is complex and to be good at it, continued learning is critical. And because it's great to be part of this movement of people with whom I share this passion.

   To:

       Collaborative Council

       of the

       Redwood Empire

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From: Mary Ann Aronsohn

The 7^th CP Cal Celebration at the magnificent Claremont Hotel in Berkeley was a smash hit. Each presentation I attended was thought-provoking. For example, I got new nuts-and-bolts tools for deepening the process of understanding clients' interests. I honed my abilities to respond non-defensively to offensive comments, and I practiced strategizing with others in a difficult collaborative case "from 30,000 feet." I loved the chance to meet new colleagues, greet old friends, and be stimulated by fresh ideas. I learned and experienced how to grow my own dendrites! I invite each of you to serious consider coming to Celebration 8 in Manhattan Beach. You will be pleased and invigorated (and so will your practice group[s] when you return)!   With warm regards.

   To:

       Pasadena

       Collaborative

       Divorce and

       Coalition for

       Collaborative Divorce

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From: Jay Bray

CP Cal continues to provide the best training opportunities for collaborative practitioners at all levels of practice experience. What I loved was the Mock Case Intensive which was challenging, a great learning experience, and shifted my perspective on collaborative coaching. I attended because it is fun and a great learning opportunity.  

   To:

       Collaborative

       Practice

       Silicon Valley

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From: David Fink

I learned that the culture of a collaborative team can be more valuable and effective than the team's strategy.  I love the willingness of collaborative professionals to stretch themselves to be better practitioners.  It was important to attend Celebration 7 to take advantage of the opportunities to be with friends and colleagues and to share a rich experience together.

   To:

       Collaborative

       Practice

       San Francisco

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From: Randy Cheek

I look forward every year to attending CP Cal Celebrations. These are wonderful educational and networking meetings. I attended a pre-conference institute offered by Susan Gamache, Ph.D. from British Columbia. I learned about my leadership style and my motivation style. I also learned how I respond/react to conflict. The energy, respect, and collegiality are wonderful. Many of my colleagues from throughout California have become friends. The Celebration is an annual reunion of kindred spirits.

   To:

       Collaborative

       Council of the

       Redwood Empire

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From: Judith Nesburn

I loved the chance to meet new colleagues, chat with old ones and learn about collaborative practice in California. The program on parental alienation was particularly helpful - reframing the dynamic as a family based continuum and one in which the skills and approach of collaborative professionals especially emphasizes how the input of a child specialist offers options to impact the family and make significant changes for the children, the rejected parent, and the rejecting parent. The plenary speakers on "happiness" were terrific - guess what? We can choose to be happy and optimistic! 

So don't miss the opportunity to increase your own professional satisfaction and personal happiness by joining us for Celebration 8 next April in Manhattan Beach!

   To:

       Los Angeles

      Collaborative

       Family Law

       Association

     and

     Los Angeles

     Westside

     Collaborative

     Divorce

     Professionals

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From: Ann Buscho

You missed a great day with Susan Gamache! I learned that I am a "blue" but that I need "reds" and "greens" in my life and work. This came from a self-test called the Strengths Deployment Inventory (SDI). Maybe she can do it again next year! I loved the workshop with Rick Foster and Greg Hicks and I'm sure I won't forget to appreciate the different preferences of team members and clients. I think it is important to stay up-to-date with training and connected to our amazing colleagues from around the state. And it's so much fun! I hope you will come next year too!

   To:

       Collaborative

       Practice

       Marin

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From: Dona Woods Glanz

I learned: that we all have certain personality traits and characteristics, which, if recognized, can help us relate better to team members.      

I loved: the importance of flushing out interests and avoiding going straight to solutions.

Importance of attending CP Cal Celebrations: to become more energized and be reminded of how to get where we need to go.

To:

       Nevada County

       Collaborative    

       Divorce Group

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From: Kim Davidson

What I learned: how to go deeper and mine for interests; all about happy people; the latest on brain research and how it applies to what we do. 

What I loved: seeing my friends from around the state and learning lots of relevant information that I can use immediately; beautiful setting!!

Why it was important for me to attend: for all the reasons above, plus interacting with colleagues who inspire me.

To:

       A

       Better

       Divorce

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From: Jason Crowley

What a good conference! I learned an awful lot about teamwork, the role of other disciplines/personalities, as well as expanding my technical expertise. Perhaps the best part was developing camaraderie and personal relationships with members from the rest of the state.

To:

       Collaborative

       Practice

       Silicon Valley

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From: Barbara Seifer

For those of you who did not attend the CP Cal Celebration at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley, you missed a terrific weekend. Our luncheon speakers, Rick Foster and Greg Hicks, presented a fascinating program on happiness. Their afternoon workshop on different personality types was incredibly helpful. We hope to share some of this interesting information with you all soon.

To:

       Collaborative

       Practice of

       San Mateo

       County

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From: Bruce Fredenburg

I loved the opportunity to meet with so many of our collaborative colleagues, share ideas and insights and enjoy our collaborative community. I learned valuable information I can use in my practice immediately. It was very important for me to attend, meet with colleagues, and be exposed to training I would not get elsewhere. Each CP Celebration I have attended has exceeded my expectations. Join us next year.

   To:

       Collaborative

       Divorce Solutions

       of Orange County

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From: Hal Bartholomew

The best opportunity to meet fellow collaborative practitioners throughout California to share experiences; the seminars and presentations were excellent. Everyone should attend next year's Celebration 8 in Manhattan Beach.

To:

       Sacramento

       Collaborative

       Practice

       Group