On the afternoon of Sunday, April 15th, the ballroom of the Hotel RL in Olympia was filled with community leaders and members of the DRC family who came together to celebrate and support the vital work of the Dispute Resolution Center.  This year's theme, "Civic Harmony Starts Here", highlighted the importance of community collaboration in promoting civility and respect.
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Thank You to all of our table hosts, volunteers, business partners, wine & chocolate vendors and, especially, our generous donors, who made this event a success.

Our guests at the 2018 edition of The Toast:
- Enjoyed savory hors d'oeuvres from the Hotel RL chefs, sampled sweet treats from local chocolatiers and tasted vintages from area wine-makers,
-Joined us in honoring Olympia Downtown Ambassadors Teal Russell and Katherine Trahan, recipients of this year's Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award,
- Heard from DRC Executive Director Jody Suhrbier and our keynote speaker, Congressman Denny Heck, addressing the theme of civic harmony, 
- Viewed the premier of the DRC's new video, "Civic Harmony Starts Here",
- Gave generously to support the DRC's efforts to build a more civil and peaceful community,
- and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as you can see from the photo gallery below (click on thumbnails to view photos):

Download our Training Services Flier

Custom Training 
Tailored for Your Organization's Needs 
The DRC provides customized training to businesses, organizations and government agencies to help prevent and manage workplace conflict, de-escalate intense situations, increase understanding, promote teamwork and improve customer service. 

Custom communication, conflict prevention and conflict resolution training benefits: 
- Supervisors & Managers      - Customer Service & Sales Staff   
- Human Resources Staff        - Public Safety Professionals   
- Work Teams                                - Educators & School Staff

"I found the DRC's training invaluable and applicable to any facet of my life. I have already recommended it to my colleagues." 
Training Participant

Standard Trainings
Facilitating Effective Meetings 
This training provides valuable concepts, processes, and skills for anyone who runs or attends meetings in businesses, government agencies, schools, non-profits, civic groups, faith communities or other organizations. 
16 hours over two days     Courses offered February & July 

Collaborative Negotiations 
Useful to anyone who manages or participates in work teams, this training provides powerful, common sense tools to advance your goals while preserving valuable relationships. 
16 hours over two days     Courses offered in March & November 

Professional Mediation Training 
These skills are beneficial to anyone who wants to help others resolve conflicts more peacefully, to build relationships with neighbors, co-workers, family and friends, to strengthen professional skills, or to become a certified mediator with the DRC. 
40 hours over five days     Courses offered January, June & October

Learn more about the DRC's Training Services and how they can benefit you and your organization.   
Contact Oriana Noël Lewis, Training Manager, at onlewis@mediatethurston.org
  call (360) 956-1155 or visit MediateThurston.org/Training 

Dear Friends,

What is your picture of peace? When I picture peace, I see hope and inspiration that begins in the hearts of each of us. In fact, it cannot begin anywhere else. Our vision inspires our actions and those actions define us. This vision then radiates out to touch untold lives - far beyond our community and far into the future.

You are a part of our vision: a South Sound Community that has and uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills. Each year, we help thousands of our neighbors to manage and resolve conflict, and to communicate more effectively so that they can prevent conflict whenever possible. This combined effort enhances our ability to feel at peace within ourselves and see how it can manifest in our community and world.

Your special year-end gift will make it possible for the Dispute Resolution Center to:- provide mediation to individuals and families for whom cost is a barrier
- provide training to individuals and organizations with limited financial resources
- offer restorative practices in local schools, which support and mentor the next generation

Please make a secure online donation today by clicking here:   DONATE  

Your generosity of spirit creates a more civil and peaceful community - and world.

Thank you!
Jody M. Suhrbier, Executive Director

​Is there an elephant in your office?
Workplace conflict and incivility are common in most organizations, but, too often, ignored or avoided. Unaddressed, they can have significant negative consequences for employers - emotional costs to you and your staff, and financial costs that impact your bottom line:

• Decreased job performance and productivity
• Poor customer service
• Increased staff grievances and turnover
• Time-consuming hassle for management

Join us for a special breakfast workshop to learn insights and skills to effectively address workplace conflict. 
Thursday, October 19, 2017       7:15 – 9:00 a.m.
Lacey Community Center   6729 Pacific Avenue SE , Lacey, WA
Check-in, coffee and networking begin at 7:15, with breakfast served at 7:30.
Cost: $30

The Dispute Resolution Center's new Community Impact Report, "Finding Common Ground", was recently published and distributed throughout Thurston and S. Mason Counties.

In this report we share a brief overview of the DRC's three primary areas of focus - Mediation, Training and Youth Services - along with statistics and testimonial quotes that help demonstrate the many ways our efforts contribute to the current and future well-being of our community.

We hope you will take a few moments to read the online version of our report by clicking here. 

If you would like to receive printed copies of the report, please contact Joe Sanders, Community Engagement Manager, at jsanders@mediatethurston.org.
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The DRC Family came together on July 27th for our annual Volunteer Recognition Picnic at the Rose Garden at Priest Point Park.  Organized by the DRC Board of Directors, this annual event celebrates the more than 100 volunteers whose commitment makes the DRC's work possible.

At this year's picnic, the DRC Board served a bountiful feast, energizing entertainment was provided by the Samba OlyWA drummers, and Vicki Martin was honored with the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award.   

Thank You to all of our amazing volunteers for your dedication to promoting peace and civility in our community.

Earlier this year, the Dispute Resolution Center Board and staff committed to both expanding conflict resolution services in local schools and being responsive to community needs by offering high quality training resources.  We are excited to announce an internal re-alignment that allows us to address these service objectives and meet growing community needs. 

​Carrie Stringer, who previously oversaw both training and youth services, will now focus solely on Restorative Practices and Youth Services.  Former staff member Oriana Noël Lewis has returned to the DRC and will again be filling the role of Training Manager.  ​