Volunteer Community Mediation

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Home >> Frequently Asked Questions What is mediation? How do you request the assistance of a mediator? Is participation in mediation mandatory? Is mediation confidential? Where is mediation held? Who is present at the mediation? How can participants prepare for mediation? What happens during a mediation session? What is the role of the mediator? What happens when an agreement is reached? What if participants cannot reach an agreement? What is the mediator's responsibility after mediation? How much does mediation cost? What is mediation? It is an alternative way of resolving disputes that is more informal and less adversarial than a legal process. An impartial third party (the mediator) helps participants resolve their dispute in a non-judgmental way. The mediator facilitates communication between them, but doesn't impose a solution. Participants arrive at a solution voluntarily. Top How do you request the assistance of a mediator? Any West-Islander may request the assistance of a mediator by contacting Volunteer Community Mediation at the YMCA office. The group is available by phone or by e-mail. Top Is participation in mediation mandatory? No. It's entirely voluntary. Sometimes a solution may be agreed upon without the need for mediation. Mediation will only take place if all participants agree. Top Is mediation confidential? Yes. Mediation is a confidential process. What is said during mediation will not be disclosed, and cannot be used in any legal proceeding. Top Where is mediation held? Mediation takes place in a private room at the West-Island YMCA, unless participants agree on another location. Top Who is present at the mediation? Those who have agreed to participate in mediation are present, along with the mediators assigned to assist them. Top How can participants prepare for mediation? To get the most out of mediation, it helps to be realistic and open-minded. To prepare for mediation, it's a good idea to note down the facts of the situation, and think about what matters to you most. You may also want to consider the other side of the situation; develop various possible solutions; and be flexible and realistic in your expectations. Top What happens during a mediation session? In an informal atmosphere, mediators welcome participants and explain the mediation process. They describe their own role, the voluntary nature of the process, and the importance of respectful dialogue. Each participant has time to fully present their point of view. Each can respond, ask questions, and express their own needs. Through listening and dialogue, participants themselves explore various possible solutions. Top What is the role of the mediator? Mediators help people to resolve disputes in a non-judgmental way. They guide them through the mediation process. Prior to mediation, they meet individually with participants to identify issues or answer any questions. During mediation, they can help participants clarify points for better understanding. If necessary, they can also meet separately with participants for a short time during mediation. This can facilitate communication, and help people find common ground. They do not suggest or impose any solutions. Top What happens when an agreement is reached? If the solutions proposed by participants lead to agreement, mediators will suggest signing a form outlining what each participant has agreed to do. Signing this document is simply considered a gesture of good faith as the mediation process comes to a close. There is no obligation to sign, and such an agreement is non-binding. Participants may also prefer a verbal agreement committing them to follow through on what has been agreed. Top What if participants cannot reach an agreement? If participants cannot come to an agreement, several possibilities exist. Mediators can meet separately with each, help them evaluate what matters most to them, and whether they want to continue the process. After individual meetings, another round of mediation may take place. Agreement might still be possible. If there is still no agreement, mediators can continue helping a participant explore other alternatives on their own. Top What is the mediator's responsibility after mediation? The mediator will complete a summary of the mediation. It will state the outcome, and whether the situation was resolved. If agreement was reached, it will outline what each participant agreed to do. No details about what was actually said during the mediation process will appear in the summary. Top How much does mediation cost? Volunteer Community Mediation is a self-sponsored program for which there is no charge. Top