Ann Arbor / Michigan / United States
Founded in 1983, The Dispute Resolution Center is one of 20 non-profit Community Dispute Resolution Program Centers operating under the supervision of State Court Administrative Office ( SCAO ). The DRC provides low cost facilitation and mediation services to the public and serves Washtenaw and Livingston Counties through its offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Referrals to The DRC come from the courts, governmental units, social service agencies, The Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the public. The DRC staff consists of 3 full time and 3 part time staff members and over 130 volunteers who are state-approved mediators. There is also a Board of Directors which oversees the operations of the Center and an Advisory Board. Funding for The DRC comes from State Court Administrative Office ( SCAO ), Washtenaw County, The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, individual grants and contributions. The Dispute Resolution Center is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit volunteer based organization. The DRC has developed five court programs working with Washtenaw and Livingston County courts to provide volunteer mediators on-site in the courts to resolve disputes quickly and effectively. Mediation Services: The DRC offers mediation services for many types of disputes. DRC volunteers mediated 500 cases serving 1100 individuals in 2007 and of those 75% resulted in signed agreements. The DRC conducts educational programs to teach attorneys and community members from all walks of life, the skills to become mediators and provide tools for both personal and professional situations. Basic and advanced mediator trainings, workshops in diversity, conflict resolution skills for organizations and individuals are available as well as monthly Brown Bag lunches to hone conflict resolution skills and share insights from experienced mediators.
