View the full post and click this link http://www.americanbar.org/publications/dispute_resolution_magazine/2013/winter.html to read about community dispute resolution in the American Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Magazine.

  Governor McDonnell Proclaims March Mediation Month Governor McDonnell has proclaimed March “Mediation Month” in Virginia (http://www.governor.virginia.gov/ourcommonwealth/proclamations/viewproc.cfm?id=259).  The Virginia Association for Community Conflict Resolution (VACCR) and Virginia Mediation Network (VMN) have prepared this short description of mediation for those who are unfamiliar with the process.  Please address any questions to one of the contacts listed above or the …

  VACCR’s 30-second video on divorce mediation encourages divorcing couples to consider using mediation to make decisions throughout their separation and divorce.  In mediation couples can divide assets and discuss parenting plans if children are involved.  They can craft  separation agreements and property settlements that make the most sense for them and any involved children. …

This 30-second video describes how mediation can be used to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.  To get more information on using mediation, contact one of the centers listed on this site.

Conflict is inevitable.  If handled well, conflict can be a positive force for individual and societal change.    In the United States people often use courts of law to resolve conflict.  This makes the courts responsible for conflict resolution as opposed to the people in conflict.  And it does not always settle issues adequately.  Many courts …