What is Mediation?

Why Should I Consider Mediation?

Do I Need Mediation?

Mediation Strategies

Who Are The Mediators?

How Do I Get Started?

What Types Of Conflicts Can Be Mediated?

History of Maryland Community Mediation

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Mediations

Trainings & Workshops

Partners

Wish List

Links

Why Should I Consider Mediation?

Conflict is a normal, inevitable part of life and occurs daily in everyone's life in different degrees. Most people are familiar with the traditional means of resolving disputes by avoidance, violence or litigation. Avoidance rarely addresses the underlying issues in a dispute and can contribute to mounting tensions. When tensions are allowed to fester, they can erupt into violence, especially where there is a general sense of powerlessness and often goes beyond the immediate participants to affect the larger society. Litigation is an important and valuable process, however, many disputes can be resolved by less adversarial means. Mediation is a guided negotiation in which you (the participants) determine the outcome - unlike court hearings or arbitration. Mediation is usually an uplifting experience. Relationships are rebuilt and often transformed.

		Mediation is provided at no cost to all residents of Washington County, Maryland, saving you time and money.
		Once the parties agree to mediate, a session can usually be scheduled quickly.
		Mediation can be scheduled for weekdays, evenings, or weekends at a neutral place in your community, to accommodate the participants' schedules.
		People choose to mediate a problem on a voluntary basis, and may end the process at any time
		Mediation is conducted in private with those involved in the dispute. You do not give up your privacy or any legal rights by using mediation.
		Mediation provides an opportunity for you to say what's important to you and to hear the other person's perspectives.
		You are in control and you know what your needs are better than any judge or jury.
		Many business disputes, family conflicts, neighborhood disputes, and one-on-one issues are most effectively resolved in mediation, especially when the people involved have an ongoing relationship.
		Mediation may help you to figure out how to get you needs and the other parties' needs met.
		86% of people who have used mediation feel that they have improved their situation.
		You have nothing to loose!

Benefits of Mediation

While the main goal of mediation is to settle a conflict by reaching a mutual agreement, mediation also promotes communication and cooperation. It allows the participants to control the decisions that affect their lives.




Click here to view a 30 second sample of MACMC's mediation video.

Funding and Affiliations

WCCMC is funded by the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office of the Maryland State Judiciary; National Association for Community Mediation Centers; The Washington County Gaming Office; The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD; and private donations.

WCCMC is a member of the Maryland Association of Community Mediation Centers ; Hagerstown Chamber of Commerce; Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations; and National Association for Community Mediation Centers. .