In June, the AAA-ICDR Foundation joined national leaders in Chicago for the Advancing the Field of Alternative Response Convening, centered on the theme "Establishing Permanence," ensuring that alternative response is recognized as a profession and becomes a lasting part of public safety systems.

The Foundation was proud to host "A New First Response: Mediation, Trust, and Community Impact," a panel moderated by Executive Director Tracey Frisch that showcased the success of the Foundation-funded Dayton Mediation Response Unit (MRU). Panelists representing law enforcement, emergency communications, community mediation, and program evaluation shared how the MRU's collaborative, mediation-based approach has effectively addressed low-level conflicts and crises while reducing reliance on traditional policing.

The session also provided a platform to share the AAA-ICDR Foundation's strategic initiative to expand the integration of mediation into alternative crisis response systems nationwide. By highlighting mediation's proven ability to strengthen communities, build trust, and improve public safety outcomes, the Foundation inspired attendees to join a growing national movement to make mediation an essential component of first response.