ASPN
From WikiCODOPN
dareldomli
[edit] American Society for Peace and Nonviolence (Hypothetical Organization)
Standardization of products in the industrial world was a problem until a group called the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) was formed to address the issue. By setting certain "standards," products from different sources can now be used interchangably - this allows users to procure the brand that best suits their need. (Simple example: a "standard" 1/4" bolt may have a page of standards that specifies it strength and how it is made to assure that the threads are consistently cut. This makes it possible to secure it with a "Standard" nut made by a different supplier.)
The ASTM is not a government initiative, but rather one formed in the private sector that has added value to entire industrial sector (worldwide).
We could create "standards" in the Peace industry - we might even start with terminology. For example the terms "Peace / Peacemaking / Peacebuilding / Peacekeeping" may be considered interchangable by some people. Actually they are not interchangeable and there is probably disagreement on their preferred "definition."
The following suggests how we might use the Lessons Learned / Experience from an existing organization, ASTM, and construct an analogy, ASPN, in the Peace industry.
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[What is] American
Society for Testing and Materials |
[What could be] American
Society for Peace and Nonviolence |
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ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Known for their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASTM International standards have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing and trade in the global economy. |
ASPN International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a trusted source for technical standards for conflict management, dispute resolution, mediation, and peacemaking services. Known for their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASPN International standards have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides the understanding of root causes of all forms of violence, the identification of human stress and conflict, analysis and mapping of conflict situations, design of intervention programs, verification and testing of intervention programs, and the implementation of peacemaking practices in the global society. |
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ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), was formed over a century ago, when a forward-thinking group of engineers and scientists got together to address frequent rail breaks in the burgeoning railroad industry. Their work led to standardization on the steel used in rail construction, ultimately improving railroad safety for the public. As the century progressed and new industrial, governmental and environmental developments created new standardization requirements, ASTM answered the call with consensus standards that have made products and services safer, better and more cost-effective. The proud tradition and forward vision that started in 1898 is still the hallmark of ASTM International. |
ASPN International, originally known as the American Society for Peace and Nonviolence (ASPN), was formed over a decade ago, when a forward-thinking group of concerned U.S. citizens got together to address a growing trend of violent behavior in their society. Their work led to standardization in the field of mediation and related areas that ultimately improved the conflict mediation and peacemaking profession for the public. As the decade progressed and new peacemaking developments created new standardization requirements, ASPN answered the call with consensus standards that have made products and services better and more cost-effective. The proud tradition and forward vision that started in 1990 is still the hallmark of ASPN International. |
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Today, ASTM continues to play a leadership role in addressing the standardization needs of the global marketplace. Known for its best in class practices for standards development and delivery, ASTM is at the forefront in the use of innovative technology to help its members do standards development work, while also increasing the accessibility of ASTM International standards to the world. |
Today, ASPN continues to play a leadership role in addressing the standardization needs of the global peacemaking community. Known for its best in class practices for standards development, ASPN is at the forefront in the use of innovative technology to help its members develop new standards, while also increasing the accessibility of ASPN International standards to the world. |
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ASTM continues to be the standards forum of choice of a diverse range of industries that come together under the ASTM umbrella to solve standardization challenges. In recent years, stakeholders involved in issues ranging from safety in recreational aviation, to fiber optic cable installations in underground utilities, to homeland security, have come together under ASTM to set consensus standards for their industries. |
ASPN continues to be the standards forum of choice of a diverse range of peacemaking organizations that come together under the ASPN umbrella to solve standardization challenges. In recent years, stakeholders involved in issues ranging from personal conflict coaching, to family mediation, to labor- management negotiations, to international dispute management have come together under ASPN to set consensus standards for their areas of focus. |
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Standards developed at ASTM are the work of over 30,000 ASTM members. These technical experts represent producers, users, consumers, government and academia from over 100 countries. Participation in ASTM International is open to all with a material interest, anywhere in the world. |
Standards developed at ASPN are the work of over 30,000 ASPN members. These technical experts represent mediators, negotiators, educators, trainers, diplomats, counselors, politicians, therapists, government agencies, and academia from over 100 countries. Participation in ASPN International is open to all with a peacemaking interest, anywhere in the world. |
--MiltH 23:12, 8 April 2007 (EDT)
