Community Mediation

We mediate disputes between neighbors, landlords and tenants, coworkers, roommates, siblings, or any willing participants who live or work in Yolo County.

Criteria for scheduling a mediation session are:                                                       

• The case is appropriate for service based on the intake assessment

• All parties are willing to participate

• A reasonably prompt and mutually convenient time and date can be arranged

• 30-60 minute intake with each party.

• 1 hour prep meeting for each party with the mediators.

• 2-3 hour joint session with all parties. Some cases may take additional sessions.

Introductions – Mediators explain their role and explain the procedures, ground rules and logistics for the session. This includes explaining the private and confidential structure of mediation.

Issues and Perspectives – Each party has an opportunity to express to the panel their concerns. The panel assists the parties in expressing those matters that are relevant to the problem and help parties clarify their positions. Discussion between parties will focus on hearing each other’s perspectives and needs.

Finding common ground – The participants, not the mediation panel, develop a mutually acceptable agreement that is practical and realistic for them. Mediators scribe the words of the parties into a written agreement that has been crafted by the parties. Parties can settle on an oral agreement if they so choose.

• Issues you want discussed in the session

• Underlying reasons for your position

• What you may need from the other person

• Your motivation for shifting your perspective

• Your assessment of the other party’s wishes

• Consulting with others who may be affected by any agreement you may sign in the session

• State laws, court rules or local ordinances that may govern situations which are inappropriate for mediation. It is YOUR responsibility to inform yourself about any applicable laws.

YCRC is committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to mediation services, regardless of their financial situation. We offer mediation on a donation basis, starting at zero, with no one turned away due to lack of funds.

Yolo Conflict Resolution Center (YCRC) recruits volunteers from diverse backgrounds who are required to complete a rigorous nationally recognized training program. Mediators are trained to be impartial and are not assigned to a case if they know the participants personally or have any stake in the outcome of the mediation.