Community Mediation Section
Community Mediation Articles
“A Community for All”
You may have seen this recent New York Times story about the failure of Marathon County, Wisconsin, to declare itself “A Community for All.”
Virtual Hearings and Mediations Are Here to Stay
As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, every aspect of our pre-pandemic ways of work is under review. Simply returning to our old ways is not the answer.
Effective Disagreement
If we listen to the main stream media, it can often seem as if there is no hope for people of different beliefs, races, religions, politics, gender etc. to be in the same room together much less get along.
Reaching the Finish Line: Using a Neutral Facilitator Can Help Lead the Path to Resolution
In my 25 years of running marathons, I have learned a few critical lessons: Don’t go out too fast.
The Power of Story to Shift Conflict
When I work with clients, I first listen carefully and empathically to their story. They need to tell it and I need to hear it.
New Mediators' Guidance from Youth Conference
This article summarizes the Young Minds, Global Voices Conference. This conference was sponsored by Mediate.com in an effort to hear from newer mediators. These 6 sessions comprised up and coming thought leaders from around the globe, forming a brain trust for how to create peace in ourselves, our community and our world.
Mediation and Access to Justice for All: The Case of Unrepresented Parties
Legal systems around the globe are grounded in the rule of law and in theory, justice is available readily and equally to all. In practice, however, access to justice is easier for some than for others, and for those unable to afford legal services, justice may be difficult to obtain.
Mediate is Top Ranked Mediation Website
Mediate.com is ranked the top mediation website by Alexa in its April 14, 2021 global website rankings. In business since 1996, Mediate.com has over 25,000 searchable mediation articles, blog posts, news items and videos and hosts the most utilized mediator directory in the world.
After Lockdown, Businesses will Need to be More Human Than Ever
Working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for organizations to demonstrate their emotional qualities.
How Can We Best Make and Maintain Quality Mediators?
Under the leadership of Forrest (Woody) Mosten, Mediate.com's Online Mediation Training Task Force is tackling a huge issue: "How can the mediation field now and in the future best make and maintain quality mediators?
Research Shows How Changing the Narrative Can Open the Door to Conflict Resolution
This article explores how the glorification of our ingroup (those whom we share identity with) contributes to conflict.
How to Bring Civility to Political Arguments
Civility, respect, understanding, and the willingness to listen. These are core conversational virtues that are universally appreciated.
Build the Toolbox
Mediate.com is launching a project with mediator-designed resources called Build the Toolbox.
The Lawyerization of the Mediation Process
Imagine my surprise years ago when I went through North Carolina family financial mediation training and I learned that the norm for mediating a couple going through divorce was shuttle mediation.
Pretrial Risk Assessment
Can reformers and chief justices find common ground?
Zoom Fatigue Uncovers Mediators' Secret Weapon
As more mediators practice via Zoom and experience Zoom fatigue, they are discovering something about themselves.
When Three Becomes a Crowd
An example of how dispute resolution can help when the courts can’t.
Survey results: What Do Wisconsin Judges Think About Mediating Cases?
A survey of judges provides some insight on the mediation landscape in Wisconsin.
Mediation, Neutrality, Political Conflicts, and the 2020 Elections
In the US, and in different ways in countries around the world, we are now facing five, and perhaps six significant crises, each with its own distinct set of conflicts.
NAFCM Vulnerable Visions
The National Association for Community Mediation discusses the importance of having a vulnerable vision, and standing up for it.
Conflict Resolution in the Time of COVID-19--Voices from Seven Continents of the World: South America
This article discusses the "Community Spread" of Mediation in a Post COVID-19 World.
The Importance of the Relationship: Using Checklists to Improve Discussions
This article looks at The Importance of the Relationship; What are the expectations; and what should be discussed?
Comparing Mediation Websites
According to brand new 8/16/2020 data from Alexa.com, Mediate.com is most visited and most linked mediation website, by far!
I am no good at making masks, so how can I pitch in during the pandemic?
Is there something more I could do, as part of the human community that might make a difference?
Concerns and Optimism for Future
Frank Sander reflects on his concerns within the field, which include the tension of quality vs. quantity of the practice, the lack of studies of cost effectiveness, disappointments with the court system fees, and the difficulty of getting more young people/apprentices into the field. However, he's optimistic about the future of mediation.