As October marks Community Conflict Resolution month, the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) of Thurston County both recognized its volunteers, who help mediate conflicts in the community, and invited the public to consider joining them.
The DRC is a community-based, nonprofit organization that is staffed by volunteers. For three decades, the organization had consistently provided assistance for conflict resolution within the South Sound region. For the past year, DRC was able to come up with new solutions to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release, DRC Community Engagement Manager Joe Sanders shared, “The past year has been a time of challenge for our organization, but also a time of transformation,”
Currently, the organization provides mediation resources to facilitate negotiations between tenants and landlords with its Eviction Resolution program. In addition, DRC volunteers are also equipped to deal with people in conflict both in-person and online with the new Online Dispute Resolution Services. The organization even provides services by phone using their Conflict Resolution Resource Line.
Award-winning services
While the organization is mostly powered by volunteers, DRC continuous to provide outstanding service. In their newsletter, the organization honored five volunteers who worked with its Conflict Resolution Resource Line.
Those who were recognized include, Cathi Greenwood, Susan Havens, Jo-Ann Costantino, Kitty Parker, and Tam Clark. "Volunteering in this past year kept me balanced and gave me a sense of purpose,” long-time mediator Susan Havens shared.
One of the younger volunteers, Tam Clark, believed that DRC provides great experiences, “I have volunteered with a lot of organizations, but the DRC has been the best, most supportive volunteer experience of my life."
Those who are interested to learn more about DRC’s volunteer opportunities may call them at, 360-956-1155, or visit MediateThurston.org.
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