How the American Arbitration Association® is Responding to the Greater Los Angeles Wildfires
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the greater Los Angeles wildfires, including our colleagues at our Los Angeles office and members of our roster of arbitrators and mediators in the region. In addition to matching staff donations to qualified tax-exempt and relief organizations, the AAA® remains steadfast in supporting the greater Los Angeles community. We are actively working on multiple fronts to provide meaningful assistance as the community begins to rebuild.
Unfortunately, there will be an innumerable number of disputes that need to be resolved before rebuilding can begin. Getting those disputes resolved efficiently, cost-effectively and humanely will be paramount to getting people’s lives and livelihoods back on track. As the largest not-for-profit provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, the AAA is prepared to support impacted communities, businesses and organizations. We have utilized the power of mediation in the face of natural disasters before through our Mass Claims Disaster Programs, prioritizing collaboration, accessibility and readiness, underscoring our commitment to working alongside communities and stakeholders during times of crisis. We hope to be of service to those suffering now.
Mobilizing Pro Bono Panelists
The AAA is surveying its panelists to identify mediators and arbitrators willing to serve at no cost, allowing those affected by the wildfires to access expert arbitration and mediation services without financial barriers.
Hardship Waivers for Individuals and Small Businesses
The AAA offers hardship waivers for its administrative fees to individuals and small businesses in need, and we realize these waivers will be especially meaningful in light of the financial strain that this disaster has imposed. These waivers can be accessed via the following resources:
- California-Specific Hardship Waivers (California Specific)
- Hardship Waivers for Individuals
- Hardship Waivers for Small Businesses
Supporting Los Angeles Nonprofits Through the AAA-ICDR Foundation®
The American Arbitration Association-International Centre for Dispute Resolution Foundation® (AAA-ICDR Foundation) has already begun working with its grant partner, the Western Justice Center (WJC), located in Pasadena, California. The WJC is providing essential support to nonprofits and community organizations displaced by the fires, and the AAA has provided chargers, blankets and first aid kits to the WJC for distribution to those in need.
In addition, the WJC is curating restorative practice-based tools and resources for principals, educators and parents to help young people process the emotional and social impact of this natural disaster. These materials will be available on the WJC’s Eaton Fire Resources webpage.
The AAA-ICDR Foundation will continue to focus on how it can support the WJC and other community organizations in the greater Los Angeles area, utilizing ADR to assist those affected by the fires.
As a not-for-profit public service organization, the AAA will continue to look for ways to partner with local officials and organizations to aid in recovery relief efforts in the days, weeks and months to come.