The Ray Corollary Initiative (RCI, Inc.), where Dr Katherine Simpson serves as Vice Chair, has been short-listed for a GAR Award 2022, in the Pledge Category.
The Ray Corollary Initiative is a detailed plan for action to increase the number of diverse persons selected as arbitrators and mediators.
Voting is now open. Click here to place your vote.
The RCI would be grateful for your support.
The RCI published its year-end report on webspace donated by the National Academy of Arbitrators (while the RCI builds its own website), which you can find here: https://naarb.org/rci/
Dr Katherine Simpson explains,"In 2022, the RCI will improve the appointment of diverse neutrals by requiring that those who join its Pledge seek to ensure that at least 30% of each arbitrator roster is made up of “diverse” neutrals. The RCI includes “the 30% metric” because of the demonstrated effect that 30% diversity has on the likelihood that a diverse neutral will ultimately be appointed. The RCI hopes to expand by establishing a Council of Advisors, publishing the RCI Pledge, and studying the impact of the Pledge and of diversity on dispute resolution, and by drafting a “corollary” or similar to American Bar Association Resolution 105, which focuses on the lack of diversity in alternative dispute resolution. For more on the ABA’s recognition of the lack of diversity in ADR, see https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/images/abanews/2018-AM-Resolutions/105.pdf
The real "winners" will be those institutions, organizations, and appointing authorities that adopt the 30% metric and, with it, choose to drive the selection of more diverse neutrals. The actual hiring and appointing of diverse neutrals is an essential step that will ensure that all of the talent available can be deployed to resolve disputes.
The RCI can make a difference and improve diversity in the dispute resolution profession, and I would be grateful for your support."