ACCORD
 A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.
Out of Conflict Grows Resolution

Mediation

Elder Mediation

Divorce Mediation

Family Mediation

Small Claims

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteer Program

COMMUNITY MEDIATION PROGRAM

Mediation is a method of talking about issues, problems, or misunderstandings that helps people resolve disputes. Mediation is a process in which people in a dispute meet with at least one neutral mediator to talk about their issues, problems, or misunderstandings and to search for solutions that are acceptable to all parties. ACCORD'S Community Mediation services are available to assist in resolving disputes at any stage in their development. Specifically, mediation offers the opportunity to solve a problem before it escalates into violence and/or before legal action needs to be taken. Referrals come from courts, police, community organizations, civic groups, religious institutions, government agencies, and community leaders as well as from individuals who refer themselves, their friends and family members.

Below are key elements of ACCORD'S Community Mediation program that enhance services to our community:

  1. Mediation is accessible to everyone in the community at no cost.
  2. ACCORD mediators are members of the same communities in which they serve. It is ACCORD's goal to have mediators that reflect the diversity of that community in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and educational background.
  3. Community mediation helps develop public awareness about mediation and about conflict resolution, often including conflict resolution training.
  4. Community mediation provides quality services through skill-based training, apprenticeships, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing evaluation. ACCORD'S community mediation program provides mediation training for their volunteer mediators and for other individuals interested in gaining mediation skills.

WHAT TYPES OF CONFLICTS CAN BE MEDIATED?

  • Interpersonal (relationship issues, personal property)
  • Neighborhood/ neighbor (such as noise, property and pets)
  • Landlord / tenant
  • Business (including disputes between businesses and residents)
  • Consumer/ merchant