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

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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.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners, and the Olympia City Council have each proclaimed October as Community Conflict Resolution Month.  October 17th has been designated, internationally, as Conflict Resolution Day.

Please join us, and all 21 member of the Resolution Washington network, in celebration of the power of strengthening connections through communication and conflict resolution.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who helps advance our vision of a South Sound community that has a uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills.  Your involvement and support - as a volunteer, a donor, a community partner - is making this vision a reality - one connection at a time.

As we strive to strengthen our service capacity in response to increasing and evolving community needs, your advocacy, time and financial support is critical in this effort.  

Each year, we help thousands of our neighbors move through conflict with confidence, integrity and respect.  This is an achievement worth celebrating - this month and throughout the year.

Is there an elephant in your office?Workplace conflict, lack of communication and incivility are common in many organizations, but, too often, ignored or avoided.  Unaddressed, they can have significant negative consequences for employers - emotional costs to you and your team, as well as financial costs:

• Decreased job performance and productivity
• Poor customer service
• Staff dissatisfaction, grievances and turnover
• Time-consuming hassle and stress

​Congratulations to Steve Tilley, a member of our DRC Family for more than 20 years, who was honored at our recent annual volunteer appreciation picnic as our Outstanding Volunteer for 2019.

"When we were considering who to honor as this year's outstanding volunteer, the themes that came up in regard to Steve were: his tireless dedication, steady presence, and quiet humility," emphasized DRC Executive Director Jody Suhrbier.  "Steve is one of the first people I mediated with as an apprentice. I was then and continue to be impressed by his calm demeanor and genuine interest in a fair process."
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"Steve has an authentic interest in ensuring that the processes he uses support long-term health and well-being for those touched by our services - whether that may be a child whose parents are separated or an incarcerated adult seeking to make reparations in our community."

To read a special profile of Steve recently published by Thurston Talk, click here.

The Dispute Resolution Center's new Community Impact Report, "Strengthening Connections", has  been published and is being distributed throughout Thurston and Mason Counties.

This year's report highlights the many collaborative partnerships that, collectively, are helping advance our vision and creating a more civil and peaceful community.

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

If you would like to receive printed copies of the report, please contact Joe Sanders, Community Engagement Manager, at jsanders@mediatethurston.org.

​Thank You to all of the individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations who have made an investment in the mission and work of the DRC through their financial, in-kind and service partnership support.

To see a complete list of our 2018 supporters, click here.

The ballroom of the Hotel RL in Olympia was filled with community leaders and members of the DRC family who came together on Sunday, April 14th to celebrate and support the work of the Dispute Resolution Center.  This year's theme, "Strengthening Connections", highlighted the many personal connections and community partnerships that help advance the DRC's vision - a South Sound community that has and uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills.
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Thank You to all of our table hosts, volunteers, business partners, vendors and, especially, our generous donors, who made this event a success.

Our guests at the 2019 edition of The Toast:
- Enjoyed savory hors d'oeuvres from the Hotel RL chefs, sampled sweet treats from local chocolatiers and bakeries, and sampled libations from local wine-makers, cider-makers and distillers;
-Joined us in honoring Rev. Carol McKinley, recipient of this year's Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award;
- Heard from DRC Executive Director Jody Suhrbier and our keynote speaker, Olympia High School teacher Jason "Blue" Peetz, addressing the theme of "strengthening connections";
- Gave generously to support the DRC's efforts to build a more civil and peaceful community;
- and enjoyed re-connecting with long-time DRC supporters, as well as introducing first-time guests to the work of the DRC.

Click on the gallery thumbnails below to view the full-size photos:

​Jesse Laird has joined the Dispute Resolution Center's staff as our new Volunteer Manager.  In this role, he will lead volunteer recruitment, retention and coordination activities, as well as manage the DRC's mediator practicum program.

A native of Portland, Jesse earned Masters degrees in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University and International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco.  He brings to the DRC extensive experience in developing and implementing educational curricula, and has created and presented trainings covering a wide variety of topics, including conflict resolution, facilitation and advocacy.  
 
"Stepping into the role of Volunteer Manager, Jesse brings several years of experience in conflict resolution as an educator," notes DRC Executive Director Jody Suhrbier.  "He has been a curriculum designer and teaching faculty, which has honed his interest in strengthening adult learning with a tailored, person-to-person approach.  We look forward to Jesse's active engagement with our DRC family and the broader community."

Jesse can be reached at jlaird@mediatethurston.org .