We empower people to restore and build relationships.

​Conflict is a normal part of life.

It can also be an opportunity for connection and understanding.

Why choose mediation?

Conflict is a normal part of life. It can also be an opportunity for connection and understanding.
Successfully resolving conflict hinges on engaging in difficult conversations in a safe, supportive environment.  

Serving as impartial facilitators, our trained, certified mediators provide a safe, productive space where people in conflict can express their needs and concerns, identify common ground and work toward mutually beneficial agreements.

Mediators follow a process and use a variety of tools to help people to move through conflict with integrity, safety, and respect.
"The mediators helped keep the conversation going in a positive and productive direction.  They also made sure that both sides remained respectful and heard what each other had to say.”

What does it cost?

Our fees are based on a sliding scale of household or organizational income. Our goal is that cost not be a barrier to anyone who is seeking or would benefit from our services.

How do I get started?

To find out if mediation is right for you, call us at (360) 956-1155. We are here Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Please be sure to give yourself at least 30 minutes to talk with our intake volunteers. They will explain the process, ask you about the conflict, find out what you want to see happen, and get in touch with the other person or people involved to see if mediation is the right path forward.

If you’d like to learn more about the mediation process, download our Mediation FAQ.

The Dispute Resolution Center does not ask or record immigration statuses.

Preparing for Resolution in Mediation

One Family's Story

Who do we serve?

Anyone can use and benefit from mediation.  The DRC is here to help anyone in Thurston or South Mason County in conflict.  We work with:
  • Neighbors
  • Tenants and landlords
  • Employees and supervisors
  • Business owners and their customers
  • Divorcing couples
  • Parents working on parenting plans
  • Teens and their parents
  • Elders, their families and caregivers

Most of our mediations are between two individuals.  However, we also offer mediations for groups, such as work teams, families, and community groups.
Tenants & Landlords:  The DRC provides mediation and other resources to tenants and landlords to facilitate dialog and negotiation.  We can also make referrals to resources for legal advice and rent assistance.
Our Eviction Resolution Program is available to help landlords and tenants experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. ​
Parents: The DRC and the Family and Juvenile Court partner to provide mediation services to parents who need to develop a parenting plan.
Businesses & Organizations:  The DRC provides a variety of resources to help prevent and resolve conflict, and improve communication.
  • Workplace Mediation
  • Group Facilitation
  • Customized Training
Drug Court participants: With referrals from the Thurston County Drug Court, the DRC provides facilitated dialogue sessions between drug court participants and individuals harmed by crime.
Small Claims litigants: DRC mediators are available at Small Claims Court every week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 a.m. We can schedule a mediation before the hearing or on the day you are scheduled to appear at court.
Homeowners in danger of foreclosure: The DRC provides mediation between homeowners who are in danger of being foreclosed upon and their lenders. 

Affordable solutions for resolutions.
We empower people to restore and build relationships.