Facilitation and Mediation

What is Mediation?

A facilitated conversation between two or more disputing parties using a trained, certified mediator. The philosophy of the mediation process is that people have God-given resources to resolve their difference. In extremely rare cases reconciliation is not possible because of the mentally or emotionally troubled state of the person with whom differences exist. The process provides space and opportunity for the creation of a safe environment in order for people to deal with the differences in a constructive and productive manner.

Why would someone want or need to participate in mediation (facilitated conversation)?

If one party

• is not comfortable meeting with the other party one-on-one without a facilitator.

• feels at a disadvantage in conversation with the other party.

• has greater power (real or perceived) than the other.

If

• emotions are intense.

• the conflict is complex.

• the conflict has a long history

Signs that intervention may be needed*

• Conflict is viewed as wrong or dangerous.
• Members blur issues and people.
• Indirect communication flourishes (triangling).
• Long ledgers are never balanced.
• Members spiritualize conflict to avoid it and diminish others.
• The atmosphere is reactive.
• Leaders discourage disagreement and ignore problems.
• There is low tolerance of uncertainty.
• When other means have not worked to resolve the differences.

Description of a Facilitated Conversation/Mediation

The purpose of a facilitated conversation (mediation) is to allow participants to talk with each other in a safe, constructive, respectful environment using a process that guides the participants through the conversation. At the beginning of the conversation all parties will be asked to create their own guidelines to provide that safe environment for them. Those guidelines often include no interrupting. During the conversation each person will have an opportunity to talk about his/her perspectives and what has brought him/her to this place. In this setting the participants will be able to hear and understand each other.

Two trained mediators facilitate the conversation. They will have at least 40 hours of mediation training, have at least 1 year of experience, and be certified through the World Church Peacebuilding Ministries Office. Their job is to facilitate the process that will give opportunity for the participants to recognize their own resources for resolving the differences and to create a safe environment that allows the participants to hear and understand each other's perspectives. The mediators will make no judgments, decisions, suggestions for resolution, or give advice or counseling. The process is confidential.

Meetings usually last 2 to 3 hours. Depending on the complexity of issues and the length of the conflict, more sessions may be scheduled. The meeting would occur in a neutral place.

*From Two Paths of Conflict, Mennonite Conciliation Service.

How to Request Facilitation Services

Call Sandee Gamet, Peacebuilding Specialist at 1-800-825-2806, ext. 2353, or e-mail.

When to request assistance	As soon as possible. Don't wait until the situation is ready to explode or the conflict has gone for so long that people won't or can't come to the table.
Requesting assistance	The referring party calls the Peacebuilding Specialist and gives an overview of the situation. Together they will consider the best next steps to approach the situation. If assistance is deemed appropriate, it will be decided who is the best person(s) to contact the parties regarding help.
Preparation	In coordination with the Peacebuilding Specialist the parties will be contacted, a meeting arranged, and mediators assigned. Confidentiality of partipants and issues will be maintained.
Conclusion	If one party declines the opportunity to be involved in a facilitated conversation, the facilitation will not take place. The referring party will simply be informed that the opportunity was declined. If the facilitation takes place, it is up to the parties to determine what (if anything) will be shared with the referring party and/or jurisdictional administrators. That will be decided at the close of the mediation.
Cost	Facilitation is done by teams of two mediators. The costs of travel, housing, and other expenses will be born by the requesting jurisdiction.  We will do our best to make it possible for all to receive this ministry.