Mediator Peer Consultation - VACCR and the Virginia Mediation Network have teamed up to develop a pilot program of mediator peer consultation (MPC).  The goal is to help mediators develop and maintain a high level of competence by incorporating self-reflection into their mediation practices.  Mediator Jeannette Twomey has initiated this effort and, with others, has developed a model for peer consultation.  Facilitators from across the state have been trained to conduct MPC sessions. The Department o Dispute Resolution Services at the Supreme Court of Virginia has granted up to 4 hours of CME credit for peer consultation for certified mediators.  Here is the information you need to participate:

• The dates, locations and contact information for each scheduled MPC session.
• The critical moments worksheet you can use to prepare for the MPC session.
  
  
  

VIADA Mediation Program - VACCR and it's member centers have teamed up with the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association to provide mediation for dealers and purchasers in problems that arise after the sale. The goal is to find a win-win alternative to expensive and time consuming litigation that can hurt both independent dealers and their customers. Under the plan, VIADA dealers or their customers can contact any regional mediation center near their location to request mediation at cost-effective per-case rates.

VACCR Community Solutions - VACCR has been working for several years to make quality facilitation available for complex, public policy, community-wide, environmental, development and similar issues. The goal of the program is to create capacity across the state so that citizens will have ready access right in their communities for solutions to complex decisions.

The project was initiated in partnership with the great folks at UVA's Institute for Environmental Negotiation and has been funded in part by grans from the Hewlett Foundation and the National Association for Community Mediation. For more information about what's been accomplished so far, check out the PowerPoint presentation created by Christine Gyovai at the IEN.  You can also view a summary of our Final Report to Hewlett on their two and half year funding of the project.

For more information about a decision that needs to be made or a project that needs community input in your area, please contact one of our member centers or send us an email at communitysolutions@vaccr.org.

Some Collaborative Processes at Work:

• In 2001 the City of Harrisonburg used a series of facilitated public meetings and decision-making processes to help the community decide how to revitalize its downtown.

• In 2002 over 150 citizens of Fluvanna County gathered at an open Forum to identify local priorities for protecting open space.

• The town of Front Royal is transforming the Avtex Superfund site into productive uses that will provide jobs and recreation.

• A nursing home staff used the help of a mediation center to identify issues that kept them from having a positive work environment.

• The Bryan Park Interchange Advisory Committee, convened by the Virginia Department of Transportation, developed consensus recommendations to deal with the increasingly congested intersection of I-95 and I-64 in Richmond.

• Charlottesville and Albemarle County found that their court system was outgrowing its current space. An advisory committee comprised of stakeholders representing a broad range of community interests developed recommendations consistent with public interests.

• With the help of a third party facilitator, a Culpeper County public meeting on the land application of biosolids helped reduce tension and develop new ideas.