The Value of Mediation in the Community to be Celebrated at September 15th Open House Event

Posted: Sep 12, 2012 at 2:05 PM [Sep 12, 2012]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

THE VALUE OF MEDIATION IN THE COMMUNITY TO BE CELEBRATED AT SEPTEMBER 15^TH OPEN HOUSE EVENT

The Dispute Resolution Center to celebrate its new location and raise awareness on the benefits of mediation and conflict resolution services

 ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Too often the answer to solving a seemingly irresolvable dispute, endorsed by many courtroom dramas and daytime television, is to take the matter to court for a judge or jury to decide.  Or worst the conflict escalates to violence harming everyone involved and the community at large. For many, issues can be resolved through professional conflict resolution practices resulting in a safe and cost-effective positive experience for the parties involved. For community residents, organizations and businesses of Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, The Dispute Resolution Center (The DRC) has assisted in more than 6,500 residents in the last five years.

"Because of the undeniably beneficial qualities of our conflict resolution services, it’s important for us to raise the awareness of community members.  We are excited about our new location in that is allows us to serve more people.  We are much more accessible being located off Washtenaw Avenue and Hogback and have free parking.  We will also perform a mock mediation.  We think it’s important for everyone to see what happens in mediation hoping to raise their awareness and comfort level with the process,” said Belinda Dulin, Executive Director of The DRC.

As an independent non-profit, The DRC provides affordable conflict services. The DRC keeps the cost of mediation significantly lower than the private sector by utilizing over 100 volunteer mediators. Every mediator has completed the State Court Administrative Office approved Mediator training and a ten hour internship. In addition, mediators are required to take advanced specialized training related to special education, truancy prevention, domestic relations, guardianship, child protection and parent/child mediation, if they want to work with cases related to those matters to ensure the best service possible is provided.

 Said Belinda Dulin, “For the past 10 years, The DRC has experienced a steady growth in our caseload and calls.  Ten years ago, we accepted about 200 cases.  Now we accept two or three times that amount in a year.  The new location increases our capacity to service even more cases.  The Open House on September 15 will allow the community to see where and how those services are delivered, raise awareness and lets the DRC be seen as a community resource.”

This event is free, family friendly and the community is invited.  The afternoon includes free food, activities for kids, live demonstration of a mediation, and a tour of our facility.  To RSVP, contact The DRC at 734-794-2125 or www.thedisputeresolutioncenter.org.

The mission of The Dispute Resolution Center is to build peaceful communities by offering a variety of affordable conflict resolution services and trainings.