Mediation

A mediator loosens:
Rigidity, stuck communication, control, positions, outcomes
--Thomas Renault

Mediation is a form of conflict resolution where the parties in dispute sit with a neutral third party who monitors the discussion, allowing the parties in dispute create their own solution. Mediation is becoming accepted in many states as a legitimate legal means of settling a dispute, and lawyers are starting to use mediation techniques in combination with traditional law as an alternative to trails.

Both parties in conflict need to agree to mediate, and the mediator is present in the role of “active peace”, rather than of “judge”. With good mediation, the disputing parties each can safely express what is important to them within the dispute. The mediator slows down the conversation and reflects back what is being said so that each party is taking in the same idea to prevent misunderstandings. The mediator does NOT side with either party, nor do they push for a solution. It is the mutual desire of the disputing parties to find some solution which naturally steers the mediation towards a solution.

Mediation training (along with consensus training) is necessary for all Lama year-around residents, according to the by-laws, and Thomas Renault has been coming to Lama Foundation to teach mediation for many years. In the community setting of Lama Foundation, mediation is useful when 2 people are unable to reach a mutual understanding during “one-on-one” discussion. Any community member can go to the “Watch” and request a mediation at any time. Skills used in mediation, such as summarizing what has been said or re-framing an idea, are also useful when facilitating a meeting.