 Greetings, Alta community. My name is Caitlin Hendrickson and I'll be serving as your ombuds at the in-person Alta 44 conference this November. I'm looking forward to meeting you and wanted to share an introduction so you can start to get to know me and the role I'll play as the Alta 44 ombuds. Since this is a new role for Alta, you may be wondering what an ombuds is. Essentially, an ombuds is a conflict resolution expert who can assist with a wide variety of different concerns, issues, conflicts and other challenges. Often referred to as an organization's conscience, an ombuds plays an important role in upholding organizational values and advancing fairness, respect, inclusion and the constructive resolution of matters of concern. As an advanced conflict transformation practitioner with 17 years of experience and a certified organizational ombuds, I am happy to be serving as Alta's inaugural ombuds. There are four core tenets to ombuds practice that will inform my work with you, confidentiality, informality, independence and impartiality. My work as an ombuds is strictly confidential. I will not share anything that you share with me or the fact that we even spoke with anyone at all unless I have your explicit request or permission to do so as part of an informal ombuds process or if you share a situation involving imminent risk of serious harm. All services I offer are informal in nature. As ombuds, every conversation with me is off the record and I do not conduct or participate in formal processes. I function independently of Alta's organizational and administrative structure which supports me in serving all Alta 44 constituents in an impartial manner. I invite you to reach out to me regarding any concern or issue that may arise for you at the conference no matter how small or large, resolvable or impossible it may seem. Whether it involves a communication breakdown, concerns regarding the climate or functioning of the conference, issues related to respect, equity or inclusion or concerns regarding discrimination or harassment. I will be there to listen and assist you in navigating the situation. Please see the conference program for more information including how to reach out to me at the conference. Thank you for your time. Take good care and I'll see you in November.