Inclusive Mediation - Tourist or Guest

Successful group mediation depends upon mutual understanding. How we, as mediators, can approach and define mutual understanding may well define our differences in mediation style. All agree that genuine understanding requires knowing other’s needs through knowing their history and situation. This is not always…

Community Mediation Phase Four

Measuring Community Mediation Success: A Realistic Approach

            The success, or failure, of the community mediation project is subjective. Small wins for one stakeholder may be a monumental accomplishment for another. Mediation participants may even see their original resolution objective evolve during the process.  This is good news because it demonstrates the ability to learn and develop one’s opinions and beliefs. The efficacy of…

The Community Mediation Process

Phase Three – The Mediation

            Phase Three of the community mediation process examines the “mediation table” essentials. We have laid the groundwork in Phase One and Phase Two – Planning and Preparation.  Those who have, or who are, involved in community dispute resolution will testify that the heavy lifting involved in community mediation really begins with these stages. Once fully planned and…

Design for Justice: Community Mediation

Community conflict is a fact of life. This year has created new and critical challenges that fuel social and cultural unrest. Many communities are turning to mediation as a way to achieve understanding, resolve conflict and create a better future for their citizens. This article is part one of a four part series addressing the four important steps in the community mediation process: planning, preparation and design, process, evaluation and monitoring.

            Mediation is unique…