In The Neutrality Trap, expert mediators and facilitators Bernard Mayer and Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán deliver an insightful and practical exploration of how to understand the conflicts we face as social change agents.

You'll learn about systems disruption and constructive engagement: how to develop the relationships and change strategies that help people, systems, and societies confront their most important social challenges. In this important book, you will:

• Discover how to challenge the status quo in an effective way
• Practice how to "get into good trouble," and pick the battles worth fighting
• Learn to be strategic in your approach to social change and sustain your efforts over the long term

Perfect for anyone interested in progressing and achieving social justice, The Neutrality Trap is an indispensable guide to engaging in and managing the necessary conflict that comes with meaningful change.

Praise for The Neutrality Trap

"Jackie Font-Guzmán and Bernie Mayer describe their journeys as intervenors and activists through truth telling and fiercely honest self-examination. This book challenges us to learn how to balance conflict and cooperation to achieve real, sustainable social change."
-Colin Rule, CEO, Mediate.com and Arbitrate.com

"A valuable resource for any practitioner serious about disrupting structural racism."
-Cheryl L. Jamison, JD, Former Executive Director, Association for Conflict Resolution

"Font-Guzmán and Mayer guide us on how to avoid the neutrality trap, engage in meaningful dialogue, and prepare to endure conflict."
-Rafael Gely, JD, PhD, James E. Campbell Missouri Endowed Professor of Law, University of Missouri School of Law

"An engaging, thought-provoking, and inspiring exploration of the ways we can use conflict resolution practices to engage enduring conflicts that require transformation rather than settlement."
-Jayne Seminare Docherty, Executive Director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU

"With wisdom and compassion, Font-Guzmán and Mayer give us a framework for understanding today's polarization and a road map for moving forward. They model the honesty and vulnerability we all need to function in that intersection of conflict resolution and social justice reform."
-Lucy Moore, Author of Common Ground on Hostile Turf

"The Neutrality Trap makes me very hopeful for the future, and I believe it will encourage more people to step up and take an active role in the fight for systemic change."
-Moya Mcalister, Board Director of the Black Women of Forward Action (Windsor, ON)

"With remarkable frankness and humility, the authors reflect on their experiences to look at how often we stand behind the comfortable shield of neutrality, and in so doing, fail to deal with unjust systems that create and perpetuate harm."
-Susanne Terry, Editor and contributor, More Justice, More Peace: When Peacemakers are Advocates

"Mayer and Font-Guzmán take readers beyond easy prescriptions into difficult, necessary, and fruitful ways to engage and support structural social change. Read this book to change your mind. It can change your neighborhood. Read this book to change the world."
-Michelle LeBaron, Professor and dispute resolution scholar, Peter A. Allard School of Law, The University of British Columbia