Written by My Collaborative Team President Edward S. Sachs

As a child I remember standing up in school at the start of the day and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.  And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty and justice FOR ALL.

Many people ask why we pledge allegiance to a flag.  That flag is just a symbol.  A symbol of our Republic.  But what is a republic?  A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a public matter (from the Latin res publica) and is not ruled by a monarch. Instead, power is held by the people and their elected representatives.

For many of our Collaborative colleagues, tomorrow brings a new year, Rosh Hashanah.  A new year gives us a chance for a new beginning.  

As Peacemakers we have gained the skills to help make the world a better place.  We use those skills to help families through one of the most trying times in their lives.  Maybe it is time to broaden our reach and use those skills to make the world a better place.  Let’s take that unique ability and make a difference in our current tumultuous times.

As we begin the New Year let’s all make a commitment to sit down with someone from the other side of the aisle and talk.  After all, that is what we do every day in our practice.  Interest-based negotiations require us to have an understanding of the interests, concerns and fears of our clients to help them reach a peaceful settlement.  If we sit down with someone with whom we have differences of opinions and try to understand each other’s interests, concerns and fears we can make our world a more peaceful place.

To those that celebrate, we wish you a very Happy New Year filled with health, happiness and hopefully with a little work, PEACE.