In 2019 the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County served 6,168 members of our community through mediation, facilitation, training, youth outreach, conflict coaching and our Conflict Resolution Resource Line - an increase of 35% from the prior year!

This record of service was made possible by more than 140 volunteers who collectively give over 5,000 hours of service each year to help make our vision - a South Sound community that has a uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills - a reality.  The contributions of our dedicated volunteers - the "heart and soul" of our organization - are highlighted in our 2020 Community Impact Report.

The theme of this year's report -"Navigating a Way Forward" - highlights both the DRC's focus on helping individuals, families and organizations navigate conflict, and our efforts to develop innovative new online resources to serve our community as we all navigate through uncharted waters during these challenging times.

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

We are in a period of significant societal transformation—with the COVID-19 outbreak and racial justice movement. The actions we take, as individuals and as institutions, will have a lasting, profound effect on our collective experience. 
 
In my varied roles within this community, I see tremendous potential to create a stronger society IF we navigate this time of conflict well.  It requires each of us to be willing to have uncomfortable conversations, and we need to have them with a spirit of openness and a willingness to listen, understand, and grow. 
 
Navigating conflict, in ways that maintain, restore and rebuild relationships, is as old as human history.  We have sat in circle discussing harm and addressing accountability.  We have asked for support from others to facilitate tough conversations. This practice of coming together in a way that enables us to truly see and understand our fellow humans comes from an ancient interest and need to stay safe by remaining in community with one another. 
 
In this moment that we find ourselves, I keep reflecting on other times in history where significant social change occurred.  The civil rights movement of the 1960s was one of these times. Communities mobilized, catalyzed by feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, and for some, optimism and hope. 
 
This period of uncertainty, change, and conflict contributed to the birth of community mediation centers, via the 1964 Civil Rights Act.   The act established the Community Relations Service within the Department of Justice, which was referred to as “America’s Peacemaker for Community Conflict.” A few years later, the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration funded the formation of neighborhood justice centers, which were the precursors to today’s community mediation centers, such as your local Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County. 
 
We are again in a pivotal time of history, filled with uncertainty, change, and conflict. People may be motivated to seek solutions through litigation or violence.  In Olympia, we are seeing demonstrations that occasionally result in destruction and arrests. In addition, as our state reopens from the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, we are seeing a rise in tenant-landlord disputes, housing insecurity, struggles for at-risk youth, and family or neighbor conflicts.
 
I know from experience that the best solutions emerge when we work together - when we convene people with diverse viewpoints and interests, who are willing to show up, without thinking they have all the answers but with an interest in creating a future that works better than today.

 Since March of this year, we all have experienced a continuous unfurling of events across the globe like nothing most of us have ever seen.  The COVID-19 crisis has affected each of us differently, whether from having loved ones fall ill, to a significant change in employment or retirement savings, to supporting others on overtime due to one’s role in the community, and so much more.  While our experiences thus far have had some differences, the trauma, grief, isolation, and uncertainly is a shared experience.  As a community, we endure together and in our demonstration of resilience, we grow stronger.

The DRC is here to support you in your communication and conflict resolution needs!

Online Dispute Resolution is the newest way that we are available to serve individuals and groups needing mediation.  Call us at (360) 956-1155 to learn more.  Our business line is currently open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Online Communication & Conflict Resolution Training provides both the forum and the process to help individuals and work teams in our region’s businesses, state agencies, schools, and more.  Email our Training Manager to find our about training opportunities and resources for you or your organization.

Online Facilitation is a great way to support your team in this time of adaptive change. We can conduct facilitated dialogues, as well as facilitated meetings, focused on specific strategic outcomes with a proven process and neutral third-party presence. Call us to learn more.

Washington State’s phased re-opening plan is a fluid process that will be responsive to the continually changing public health reality in our regions.  As such, the DRC will have a similarly fluid re-opening process, in accordance with state government directives and guidelines. 

Our office is currently closed to the public.  However you may contact us at info@mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155. 
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Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

As the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak continues to impact our world in profound ways, the Dispute Resolution Center is committed to keeping you informed about our response to service provision for our community.

While the DRC office is currently closed to the public, our Conflict Resolution Resource line remains operational between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

These are trying times and you may be experiencing need for our services.  We are committed to supporting our community now and in the future - increasing understanding, identifying shared interests, focusing on the things which link us, and encouraging creative problem-solving.

We are currently scheduling mediation and training services for mid-May and beyond, some of which may be offered in a virtual setting.  We have been and will continue to adapt our response, as necessary, with our community’s health and safety being our primary interest and concern.

We are actively monitoring the latest recommendations and directives of our local and state authorities and we encourage you to stay informed: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.

Questions?  Contact us at info@mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

The Dispute Resolution Center takes the safety of our clients, volunteers and staff very seriously and want to share with you updated information on how we are responding to the continually evolving Coronavirus/COVID-19 public health situation.

The DRC office is currently closed to the public.  Staff are maintaining modified business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our Conflict Resolution Resource Line and we are currently scheduling in-person mediation and training services for mid-May and beyond.

We have been and will continue to adapt our response, as necessary, with our community’s health and safety being our primary interest and concern.

We are actively monitoring the latest recommendations and directives of our local and state authorities and we encourage you to stay informed: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.

Questions?   Contact us at info@mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

Out of concern for the health and well-being of our DRC Family, supporters and the broader community, and in compliance with the ban on large events aimed at mitigating the growing spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19, the DRC has canceled our April 5th signature fund-raising event, The Toast.
 
We also anticipate that the growing current public health situation will negatively impact our ability to provide mediation, facilitation and training services in the coming weeks.  The potential loss of both fundraising and service revenue will strain our capacity to serve our community going forward.  Therefore, it is especially urgent that we raise the funds that normally would have come from The Toast - our most important fundraising activity - in other ways.

Please show your support for the DRC's vital services by making a special gift today.

I hope you will also consider making a monthly sustaining gift via a recurring monthly charge to your credit card.

If you prefer to give by check, please mail your gift to:
Dispute Resolution Center, P.O. Box 6184, Olympia, WA 98507.

​Your contribution will help us:
- maintain our capacity to serve our community - in 2020 and the years ahead;
- provide mediation services to individuals and families for whom cost is a barrier;
- offer training and support to local schools, which help the next generation communicate through conflict; and,
- recruit, train and support volunteers - the heart and soul of our organization

Your investment in our work and mission in these challenging times is more critical - and more appreciated - than ever.
Thank you!
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

The Dispute Resolution Center takes the safety of our clients, volunteers and staff very seriously and want to share with you updated information on how we are responding to the continually evolving ​Coronavirus/COVID-19 public health situation.

The DRC is currently maintaining regular business hours and scheduling services, with some modifications.  We have  made the decision to cancel or postpone several trainings, and are cancelling our April 5th fundraiser, TheToast.  For information on the status of specific trainings, please contact us at info@mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.
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​We continue to emphasize the need for staff, volunteers and clients to adhere to infection control protocols that are in place, including:

• staying home, if sick;
• reviewing and abiding by posted reminders on effective hand-washing technique;
• utilizing social distancing throughout the office and in Thurston County Courts;
• using hand and surface sanitization products onsite and in Thurston County Courts; and,
• adopting a ‘no handshake or hug’ practice. 

We are developing contingency plans to prepare for changing circumstances, which may include reduced office hours, and further cancellation or postponement of mediations, facilitations, trainings and events. 
 
We are actively monitoring the latest recommendations and directives of our local and state authorities and we encourage you to stay informed: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.

At this time, we are reminded of our deep need as individuals to connect and communicate, especially in stressful times.  While it is true that we need to be creative in our ways of connecting at this time, we still must provide and seek support from one another.  The work of a community mediation center such as ours is rooted in our belief that our strength in connections inform our resilience as individuals and as a community.  None of us is operating in isolation.  Together, we can commit to continuous communication, to creative problem solving, and importantly, to seeking understanding and common ground. 
 
Questions?  Let us know.  Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
 
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

The Dispute Resolution Center takes the safety of our clients, volunteers and staff very seriously and want to share with you how we are responding to the continually evolving ​Coronavirus/COVID-19 public health situation.

The DRC is currently maintaining regular business hours and scheduling services as usual. 
​We have placed some common sense infection control protocols into place, including providing posted reminders on effective hand-washing technique as well as providing hand and surface sanitation options for use onsite and in Small Claims Court.  We are encouraging  a 'no handshake' practice during meditations for the time being.

We are developing contingency plans to prepare for changing circumstances, which may include reduced  office hours, and possible postponement of mediations, facilitations, trainings and events.  We will communicate with clients regarding cancellation policies and adopt a flexible approach to ensure both client and volunteer health needs are addressed within this changing landscape.  We are actively monitoring Washington State Department of Health, as well as, Thurston County Public Health Department recommendations.  We will announce any program or operational changes through all of our regular channels including email, social media and our website.

Questions?  Please contact Jody Suhrbier, DRC Executive Director, at (360) 956-1155 or email info@mediatethurston.org 

Infection Control Practices for Clients, Volunteers and Staff

​

To help prevent the spread of infection and protect the health of our clients, volunteers and staff - as well as the wider community - please follow these infection control practices:

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Handwashing guidelines are posted in the DRC office and restrooms.

• Avoid touching your face, especially with unwashed hands.

• Avoid people who are sick. Steer clear of illnesses if at all possible.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes and dispose of tissues in a waste bin.

• Clean things. Disinfect objects and surfaces often. Conciliators and mediators, avail yourselves of the resources at-hand when starting a shift or a session.

• Stay home if you're sick.

• Stay informed. Follow and share trusted sources of accurate public health information:

             https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

​Jody Suhrbier, Executive Director of the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM).
 
The NAFCM Board is made up of a select group of individuals from across the United States who have a passion for community mediation, its advancement, services, and potential.

​The purpose of NAFCM is to support the maintenance and growth of community-based mediation programs and processes.  NAFCM supports peacemakers by being the hub for advancing the work of community mediation, aggregating the wisdom of community mediation and amplifying the voice of community mediators.
 
Before joining the NAFCM Board, Suhrbier previously served for two years as Co-President of Resolution Washington, the state-wide coalition of dispute resolution centers.
 
Suhrbier has led the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County (DRC) since November, 2016.  The DRC has served Thurston and south Mason Counties residents since 1991 through mediation, group facilitation, training and youth services, serving nearly 5,000 people in the past year.