Supporter Profile: Mary McLain, LLM, JD

How long have you been involved with Roots of Peace?

My introduction to the organization was in November 2011, at a gathering in the home of Dr. Nancy Todes-Taylor featuring a young Israeli boy and the inspiring work of Roots of Peace was. I was inspired from that moment to get more involved with the transformative work of ROP and the vision of Heidi Kuhn, the Founder.

What intrigues you most about Roots of Peace and our mission?

There are layered components of the ROP mission that peak my interest:
The first is the work to restore safety to the landmine regions by removing the landmines and repairing the land for agricultural use. That provides a sustainable future for the region and the citizens. This also assists in my concern for climate change.

The second component is the action by ROP of nation helping nation giving future generations a role model for peacemaking by restoring peaceful business ventures between nations that were at war. It is a business plan for peace and shows that peace building is a viable and sustainable plan.

The third component is that it provides a pathway to forgiveness when there has been harm done.

As a mediator, I want to create opportunities for sustainable resolutions between people that are in conflict. That goal is shared by ROP by its actions.

Tell us about your life?

I am a 35+ years Marin resident, a transplant from Montana and North Dakota. I live in Mill Valley with my husband Barry Bram where we raised four children and now enjoy our two grandchildren. My interests include social justice, health issues, conflict resolution, travel and tennis. I am a bereaved mother as my oldest child, Summer Skye, passed away 14 years ago. That experience inspires within me a srtonger sense of making each day matter and to choose livegiving activities.

After practicing litigation for 20 years, I knew I loved the legal profession but believed there must be a better way to resolve cases instead of litigation where clients were still disappointed after winning their cases. I went back to law school and obtained a Legal Masters Degree in Conflict Resolution. I founded McLain Mediation providing mediation services to Federal Courts, State Courts, individuals and organizations. I am a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators. I am a sought after lecturer, educator and trainer, training over 700 mediators nationally and internationally. I taught mediation, meditation clinic, international negotiation, negotiation, and business leadership and management skills for UC Berkeley School of Law, UC Hastings CNDR and HULT International Business School. I enjoy being involved in my community and am Past President of numerous professional, community and international boards.

How would you describe your personal mission?

I want to be of service in creating a more caring and understanding world. As a mediator, I want to create opportunities for sustainable resolutions between people that are in conflict. I describe myself as a passionate educator.

Why did you first give to Roots of Peace?

I believe in its mission and want it to succeed.

What would you say to someone who is considering giving to Roots of Peace?

Giving to this organization will help build a sustainable plan for peace building and life enhancing work.

Mary McLain, LLM, JD is a Mill Valley based Attorney Mediator and is the Board President of the Send It Foundation - Inspiring positivity, courage, and gratitude in young adult cancer survivors through adventure and community. We thank Mary for her years of support, advice and insight.