What is mediation ,what does it  REALLY mean and what does that look like for ME?.  Clients often bring such questions when they find themselves being referred by the court to our office for mediation.

Webster defines mediation as the ” intervention between conflicting parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise “. The mediation process is an opportunity to encourage conversation and the nonviolent resolution of differences between people in pursuit of a more just and peaceful world. It is about sitting down in neutral location outside of the court system and having a conversation about whatever conflict has brought you to this point . It is about managing this conflict, and learning to manage future conflicts, in a more constructive rather than destructive manner. Studies show that the earlier in the conflict parties can mediate the quicker  and more likely they are to reach an agreement.

Mediation is NOT about always getting EVERYTHING you want. It is about all parties being able to articulate concerns, needs and wants and then, with the guidance of a mediator, working through a process toward agreement. It is NOT about rehashing every detail of past hurts, it is about moving forward toward a future oriented agreement. It is not about constantly defending your position but rather hearing the other person’s side and working toward solutions  that all parties can embrace. It is about only the parties involved crafting a solution- not relatives, not the court, not an attorney, not the mediator- just the people directly involved with the conflict.

Is it always easy? No, it is not easy. It requires all the parties to move from everything being personal to a problem-solving mindset. How can we, working together, make this better?  The mediator is trained to guide you through this process and to keep everyone focused on the end goal.

In mediation you will have a safe place to be heard and to listen, to express your feelings and ideas without risk. Most other ways of resolving conflict provide no opportunity for this type of openness and creativity, and some even discourage it.

At CMS we mediate three programs: Victim Offender Reconciliation ( VORP),  Teen and Parent Mediation ( TPM) and  Visitation Mediation. All three program strive to be forward thinking and to assist parties in coming up with their own solutions.

Community Mediation Services received at grant award from East Tennessee August 4th as part of the ETF 25th anniversary celebration. In order to demonstrate what the Foundation does in its 25-county service area, ETF awarded  25 grants  of $2,500 grants to one nonprofit in each of the 25 counties they serve. ETF honored CMS for its extraordinary programming and services that help improve the lives of East Tennesseans.  Read more here

Board members; Lisa Winkle, John Hicks, Bill Issel, Willow Reed and Scott Smith, along with CMS Executive Director, Cindy Helton and CMS Program Coordinator, Patti Lamberti were on hand to receive the award from ETF Sr. Vice President for Programs and Regional Development, Terry Holley and  Vice President for Advancement, Bob Caldwell.

Representative John Ragan and CMS ED Cindy Helton

Representative John Ragan stopped by the office to  present Community Mediation Services with a Tennessee House Joint Resolution honoring the positive impact CMS and its three programs have made in Anderson County.

Senator Randy McNally and CMS President Lisa Winkle

At CMS annual appreciation dinner State Senator Randy McNally read the Resolution to a crowd of CMS supporters and volunteers.

We are very grateful both these men took time to be part of celebrating our 25th Anniversary.

UPDATE:   2012 event will be held April 21, 2012. Looking forward to a great event!

April  21,2012, make plans to join the staff and Board of CMS as we run, bike or walk to raise money for CMS at the second annual Wells Fargo Heels and Wheels Duathlon

The Wells Fargo Heels & Wheels Duathlon consists of a 5k run/18k bike/3k run Duathlon, a 5k run, a Fun Walk, a family-friendly, festival-like atmosphere, and lunch. The running portion of the course is on a variety of surfaces: partly wooded trail, grass, crushed stone, and paved road. The cycling portion is all paved roads. The 5k run is on the same course and time as the first 5k portion of the Duathlon. The 1 mile Fun Walk is all paved, completely on campus, and occurs at the same time as the Duathlon.

Fifteen community nonprofit organizations are recruiting volunteers and participants to secure pledges in order to participate. These “fundraisers” can participate in any of the events of the day! 100 percent of proceeds you collect as a  CMS fundraiser go to CMS. If you are interested in participating or fund-raising read more details here or check out the Heels and Wheelsregistration form.

Call our office for details- 865-463-6888

2011 is a special year for Community Mediation! We are celebrating our 25th year of service to Anderson County. Many things have changed during the last 25 years, including how people communicate. Please check out the website, find out about the exciting events that are scheduled, check out the services that we provide, and join us in our celebration!

photo by gepenkoke

INTERETSED IN BEING A VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR?

JOIN US FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION – MAY 24TH.

 

 

 

This will be a short informational presentation, followed by a question and answer time with experienced mediators and staff,  as we enjoy yummy desserts!!  Call the office today to let us know you can join us  or email us an gwen@cms-tn.org

Next training for new mediators will be held in FALL 2012

We will start with basic training which teaches conflict resolution techniques and helps student develop listening skills . The training will last from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the United Way office in Oak Ridge. There is no charge for training  and lunch will be provided. An application must be completed in advance of training.

Basic training is the first component of all three programs. After completion, student may then choose program specific training they are most interested in. 

Upon completing program specific training student participate in an apprenticeship with a experienced mediators. Student are asked to commit to mediating for CMS for at least one year.

Call 865-463-6888 to register or email us at info@cms-tn.org. Class size is limited.

photo by kharied

The Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament is set for April 27th, 2012.  Mark your calendar!

If you would like to be a sponsor give us a call 865-463-6888 .

Sponsors who sign up by January 6th will be included in registration brochure. AFter the 6th you will includes on website, at the tournament and in social media.

All levels of sponsorship are available.

Players can get on our mailing list for the golf tournament by emailing info@cms-tn.org or calling 865-463-6888

photo by purolipan