WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Very simply, mediation is a facilitated discussion process with the ultimate goal of conflict resolution. In mediation, people involved in conflict are invited to voluntarily sit down with trained mediators to talk about the issues of concern in a productive and peaceful manner--to explain the situation, express needs, and generate options for future action. Solve-It! Community Mediation Service's volunteer mediators facilitate the entire process, ensuring that all voices are acknowledged and heard and that the conversation does not linger too long on the past, but focuses on future action. Mediation is confidential and full resolution to the dispute can generally be reached in a few hours.

SOLVE-IT! MEDIATION IS…

• VOLUNTARY--It is your decision to participate in community-level mediation through Solve-It!

• CONFIDENTIAL-- All discussions that take place between you and Solve-It! case developers and mediators are private and confidential. (EXCEPTION: if allegations of abuse or imminent violence are made, which must, by law, be reported).

• EFFECTIVE-- With a mediation team's help, all parties work together on the solution to a problem, creating a sense of ownership of its resolution and increasing the liklihood of following through with all terms of agreement.

• INFORMAL-- No official proceedings or formal records are mandated, and any agreements or decisions made are yours.

• QUICK-- Mediation sessions can be scheduled as soon as two weeks after your call, and full resolution of isses can usually be reached in four hours or less.

• AFFORDABLE-- Solve-it! mediation services are available at minimal cost, thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and the funding and support of our partners.

• SUCCESSFUL-- Full resolution is reached in 98% of Solve-It! mediations.

• IMPARTIAL-- Solve-It! mediators do not discriminate due to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLVE-IT! MEDIATION?

Solve-It! mediation is a fast, fair and cost-effective way to settle disputes that might otherwise end up in court or require additional involvement and resources from police, code enforcement or other municipal entities.

Solve-It! mediation provides a win-win solution and helps parties to avoid risk since no one knows with certainty what will occur when a case goes to court.

Solve-It! mediation seeks to resolve disputes to the satisfaction of all parties while preserving positive relationships. Voluntary and mutual agreements leave open the possibility for future relationships.

Solve-It! mediation is conducted by skilled, impartial mediators whose goal it is to help you find solutions. The process can transform disputants by creating a new understanding of other views to the situation.

Solve-It! mediation may be initiated at any point before or during the legal process, whether or not you have an attorney.

Solve-It! mediation allows participants to learn how to improve their conflict resolution and communication skills so that the next time they encounter a problem, they can resolve it on their own.