conflict mediation services for Cducational institutions

Conflict Mediation Services

The Town Project offers conflict mediation services for educational institutions. We also offer training and coaching to support schools in creating youth-centered peer mediation programs.

What is conflict mediation?

The Town Project utilizes a restorative approach to mediation with a structured and inclusive process focused on repairing harm, fostering understanding, and building relationships. Our practitioners incorporate the following key elements in the mediation process:

Voluntary Participation

Participation in the restorative mediation process is voluntary for all parties involved. It is essential to ensure that participants willingly choose to engage in the process, as this promotes a sense of ownership and commitment to finding resolution.

Neutral and Trained Mediator

A neutral mediator(s) will facilitate the restorative mediation process. Our mediators are trained in restorative practices and possess strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Their role is to create a safe and respectful environment, guide the conversation, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.

Dialogue and Active Listening

Restorative mediation emphasizes open and honest dialogue. The mediator encourages participants to express their feelings, needs, and perspectives, while others engage in active listening. This promotes understanding, empathy, and the development of meaningful connections between the parties involved.

Reflection and Accountability

During the restorative mediation process, participants are encouraged to reflect on the impact of their actions and take responsibility for their behavior. This reflection helps individuals develop a deeper understanding of the harm caused, fostering accountability and a willingness to make amends.

Problem-Solving and Solution-Seeking

The focus of restorative mediation is on finding solutions that address the needs of all parties involved. Through facilitated dialogue, participants are encouraged to collaboratively generate ideas and explore creative options to resolve the conflict. The goal is to reach a mutually agreeable resolution that repairs harm and promotes future positive interactions.

Agreement and Follow-Up

Once a resolution is reached, the mediator helps participants document the agreement in a written form. This agreement outlines the actions and commitments made by each party to ensure that the resolution is implemented. Follow-up sessions may be scheduled to review progress, address any challenges, and provide ongoing support if needed.

Healing and Rebuilding Relationships

A restorative approach recognizes the importance of healing and rebuilding relationships that may have been strained or damaged by the conflict. The mediation process provides an opportunity for individuals to express their emotions, be heard, and work towards repairing the harm caused. This promotes a sense of closure and paves the way for the restoration of trust and positive relationships.

How is the conflict mediation process different from conducting a restorative circle?

The conflict mediation process and conducting a restorative circle are two distinct approaches to addressing conflicts and building relationships. Here are the key differences between the two:

Structure and Format

Conflict mediation typically follows a structured and guided process facilitated by a neutral mediator. It involves separate sessions with the conflicting parties, focusing on the specific conflict at hand and working towards resolution. On the other hand, a restorative circle is a group process that brings together all affected parties, including those directly involved in the conflict and other community members. It is conducted in a circle format, where participants take turns speaking and listening to one another.

Focus and Goals

Conflict mediation primarily focuses on resolving a specific conflict and finding a mutually agreeable resolution. The goal is to address the immediate issues, repair harm, and promote understanding and reconciliation between the conflicting parties. Restorative circles, on the other hand, have broader goals of community-building, relationship-building, and fostering a sense of belonging. They aim to create a safe space for open dialogue, healing, and developing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of individuals within the community.

Inclusivity

Conflict mediation typically involves only the parties directly involved in the conflict and the mediator. It is a more private and confidential process. In contrast, restorative circles are inclusive and involve a wider range of participants. They provide an opportunity for community members, affected individuals, and other relevant stakeholders to come together, share their perspectives, and contribute to the collective understanding and resolution of the conflict.

Power Dynamics

Conflict mediation often focuses on balancing power dynamics and ensuring that all parties have an equal voice and opportunity to express their needs and concerns. The mediator plays a crucial role in facilitating this balance. Restorative circles also address power dynamics but in a different way. The circle format promotes equality, respect, and active listening among participants. It allows for the sharing of stories, experiences, and perspectives, creating opportunities for empathy, understanding, and building relationships.

Long-Term Impact

Conflict mediation typically aims to resolve the immediate conflict and repair the harm caused. While it may have a positive impact on the individuals involved, the focus is primarily on addressing the specific incident. Restorative circles, on the other hand, have a broader and long-term impact. By fostering open dialogue, building relationships, and promoting community connection, restorative circles contribute to the overall culture and climate of the community, creating a foundation for future conflict resolution and community engagement.

If you are not sure whether your situation warrants a conflict mediation process or a restorative circle process, we can help you determine which process is more suitable during our intake process.

Endorsement from private school regarding The Town Project’s conflict mediation services provided: 

“The Town Project supported us through a very difficult moment as a school with clarity, grace, and expertise. Their responsiveness, candor, and openness to the messiness that we brought was a relief- both to me as a school leader, and to the community as a whole. I appreciated their professionalism, deep knowledge, and dedication to this critically important work. They will remain top of mind for me if and when scisms arise in our community that we are simply not equipped to handle ourselves.”

The Town Project: Intake Form for Conflict Mediation

Thank you for your interest in accessing conflict mediation services provided by The Town Project.

Please complete the following intake form to help us understand your specific needs and tailor our services accordingly.

All information provided will be kept confidential.