The Institute, established in 2000, requires its members to make a professional commitment to use, support, and advance the following Ideals of Responsible Dispute Resolution:

1. As an advocate, I will aspire:
   • to treat others with civility and respect.
   • to speak and write truthfully.
   • to consider a dispute from the standpoint of the other party.
   • to make a good faith effort to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
2. As a neutral, I will aspire:
   • to uphold the integrity and confidentiality of the dispute resolution process.
   • to remain impartial and free of favoritism or bias.
   • to help the parties find a mutually acceptable solution.
   • to encourage the voluntary resolution of the dispute.
3. As a decision-maker, I will aspire:
   • to conduct the dispute resolution process in a fair and impartial manner.
   • to serve as an example of propriety.
   • to render a prompt, independent, and deliberate decision.
   • to faithfully discharge my professional duties of trust and confidentiality.