Mediators empower clients. The goal of Neighborhood Dispute Settlement is to help participants resolve disputes to their own satisfaction. Everything we do in the office, our programs, and our mediation services revolves around that goal. Our mediators do not fix their clients' problems. Instead they empower the clients to do it for themselves. Mediators are trained professionals. Each mediator undergoes an initial training of at least 24 hours and must participate in regular continuing education. Each mediator is required to facilitate at least two mediation sessions per year. May of our mediators do many more.
They are volunteers from the community who provide guidance within a controlled setting where participants can have safe and productive discussions. The mediators help to focus issues that need to be resolved to overcome disagreements and help participants generate ideas to resolve their conflicts.
Mediators are neutral. The mediators for all NDS mediation sessions are impartial neutrals, who are committed to mediating in an honest, open, informed and confidential process. Their job is to give participants an opportunity either to reach agreement on issues that they wish to mediate or to decide that mediation is not the right way for them to resolve the issues. They do not make judgments or decisions, nor do they give legal advice, or provide psychological counseling. Contact us at info@disputesettlement.us or call us at 717-233-TALK (8255) if you are interested in becoming a volunteer mediator. After you complete the required training, you will get experience quickly through NDS’ work. For more information about the world of mediation, including other mediation centers, check out our Links Page. |