Question 1

What is mediation?

Accepted Answer

Mediation brings people together to work through difficult situations.  Mediators are impartial, do not take sides and help everyone find their  best path forward. It’s voluntary, confidential, and the decision-making authority rests with the parties themselves.  
 
In mediation, a mediator guides  participants through difficult conversations, providing a safe  environment to discuss their conflict.  The mediator will:
Actively listen allowing everyone an opportunity to build greater understanding. 
Be impartial and not takes sides, give advice, or make judgments. 
Guide the participants through a  collaborative problem solving process during which participants can  develop solutions that meet their needs.

Question 2

What is restorative justice?

Accepted Answer

Restorative  Justice is an impact-centered community response to crime and other  misconduct that focuses on healing harm caused to victims and survivors  by facilitating meaningful accountability processes with those  responsible.

The  goal of Restorative Justice is the creation of safe and healthy  communities. This happens best when there are opportunities for people  to have their lived experience acknowledged, their needs met, and when  those who have both caused and suffered harm can restore relationships  with others and their communities.

http://rjoregon.org/what-is-rj

Question 3

Is community mediation only in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Resolution Oregon is a member of the National Association of Community Mediation (NAFCM).  To learn more about the national movement, check out the NAFCM site below.

Question 4

When did community mediation begin?

Accepted Answer

Community mediation in the United States began in the 1960s during the civil rights movement as efforts to achieve racial, ethnic, class and gender equality gained momentum. The federal government nurtured the development of community mediation by embedding the Community Relations  Service (CRS) within the Department of Justice in the 1964 Civil Rights  Act.  Finding that the capacity for resolution of community civic issues was within the community itself, not necessarily the institutional structures designed to address such conflict, neighborhoods with localized conflict resolution services sprouted nationwide.

Question 5

How much do services cost?

Accepted Answer

No one is denied services for an inability to pay.  Community Resolution Centers provide high-quality professional services at accessible rates.  Some community resolution centers offer all free services,All Resolution Oregon community centers offer a sliding scale that starts at free.  Some programs may be free for all.  Connect with a Community Resolution Center.

Question 6

How can I make a difference?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways you can help! Community Resolution Centers welcome contributions of; legal advice, website design, public relations, press connections, photography/videography, animation, brochure/flier design, contribute testimonials, be a mediator, be a community ambassador, and most accept financial donations of any size.

Contact your Community Resolution Center or reach out to the statewide office.

Question 7

Are services provided in other languages besides English?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Interpretation services are provided for many languages. When an interpretation service does not offer a specific language, Community Resolution Centers will reach out to school districts and other community groups to seek out trusted interpreters.

Question 8

¿Se ofrecen servicios en español?

Accepted Answer

Sí, comuníquese con el centro de resolución de su comunidad para explorar.  Algunos centros cuentan con personal que habla español y algunos centros utilizan servicios de interpretación.

Q: Are Spanish language services offered?
A: Yes, reach out to your community resolution center to explore.  Some centers have Spanish speaking staff and some centers utilize interpretations services.

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