RSCCM has long celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of the women who have supported and empowered the center to provide the best conflict resolution services in Michigan. I sat down with a long-time Restorative Justice advocate and RSCCM pillar Felicia Underhill to discuss women’s role in conflict resolution. Here are her responses.
What is your history with RSCCM?
In 2017, I took the Restorative Justice 2-day training to become an RJ facilitator. At the time, I had a son graduating from high school and I was raising 2 foster children. Feeling that life was too busy, I delayed taking a facilitator position but I knew it was something that I eventually wanted to do. Surprisingly, a work from home position became available at the center and I was asked to take the position. [Nine] years later, I’ve worked as a data clerk, facilitator and secretary for the center. The work we do at the center matters and I value the opportunities I’ve had in being able to impact others.
How do women impact the world of conflict resolution from your perspective?
Women are resilient and are willing to step in and give support or take leadership as needed to accomplish the goals at hand. Women are known as advocates for human rights, educators, peace keepers, and leaders. Female leaders also inspire other women and girls to advocate for their rights and the rights of others.
Who are the most influential women that have influenced you?
There are so many women who have influenced me throughout my life. The list shifts as I navigate through life. A few of the women are: Rosa Parks, Hellen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Phillis Wheatley, and Joni Eareckson Tada.
These are a few of the women I read about in my teens. These women were trailblazers who disregarded what society expected of them and became agents of change in their respective fields. They fought for social justice and human equality. What they stood for then still applies to my life today.
My mother was my day to day most influential person. She persevered through rheumatic fever where she had to learn how to read, write and walk again, being widowed with 5 children at home, moving to a new city with said kids, and meeting life challenges head on. She taught me to take care of those around you even in the midst of your own struggles. Her quote: “Everyone is going through something. You’re not the only one.”
How do women lead here at RSCCM?
The women at RSCCM have strong, active listening skills. This helps foster trust and break down barriers. They are great at validating the feelings of all parties without taking sides. They also look beyond the surface level facts which help them understand the root cause of conflicts.
How can we celebrate mediation and RJ while foregrounding women?
We can celebrate mediation and RJ while foregrounding women by actively challenging the tradition of male-dominated conflict resolution leaders and promote the unique expertise that women bring to the table.
Felicia Underhill was a Special Education Teacher before starting with RSCCM in September 2017. She has been an elementary education teacher, foster mom, and mediation specialist. She believes “working in a classroom or with any group of people whom you need to be in agreement to move on – you’re mediating.”