COMMUNITY MEDIATION SERVICES
at the
CENTER FOR NONVIOLENT SOLUTIONS

Call 774-641-1566 or email: mediation@nonviolentsolution.org

Mediation can often help untangle conflicts that the parties have been unable to resolve themselves. When conflicts are overcome, everyone’s life is happier.

Sooner or later all of us experience conflicts. Most of the time we settle them ourselves. We talk it over, and make up, or we decide to forget it. Sometimes, we apologize to the other person. Sometimes conflicts remain and friendships or family relations are seriously disrupted. Friends or family members stop talking to each other for many years. Neighborhoods erupt.

We have conflicts in many different settings. Family members disagree, often about money or perhaps about how to take care of mom or dad. Couples have disputes but do not want divorce or counseling.  There are conflicts between partners in a business, or between employees. Landlords and tenants have disagreements as do home owners and plumbers, electricians or carpenters. Neighbors fight over loud parties as do members of condo associations. Community organizations are not immune to conflict nor are college campuses.

If the conflict proves difficult to resolve, mediation can often help.

In mediation the parties who have a disagreement meet with one or two persons trained to help resolve disputes. The mediators do not take sides; they are impartial. Their role is to facilitate a conversation between the parties to explore whether the conflict can be resolved in ways acceptable to all parties. The conversation continues until the conflict has been resolved or it becomes clear that no resolution is available.

In most cases mediation is successful. A potentially serious conflict is avoided.

Community Mediation Services offers trained mediators for any individual or group who want help dealing with a conflict. These services are offered free of charge, however donations are welcome.