The major factor distinguishing a community dispute resolution center from other dispute resolution centers is that volunteers play a key role in delivering services. In addition to their allegiance to volunteers, a community dispute resolution center is established as a nonprofit organization or in affiliation with a government agency, or other nonprofit agency. There is usually an open intake process which encourages voluntary participation by the disputing parties. A center also may accept mandatory referrals from public agencies such as courts, district attorneys, the police, or administrative agencies. They have arisen over the past twenty years in a variety of settings and in response to varying community needs and values.
Community centers assist people in developing conflict resolution skills.
The centers, through the tremendous efforts of trained volunteer mediators, provide mediation services to persons in conflict. As a general rule, a few individuals with vision and enthusiasm boost this concept into the realm of serious consideration. Community dispute resolution centers have thrived in environments ranging from community service agencies to city governments to storefronts. Experience shows that no single organizational model and governance structure should be replicated above any other. The Art of Dreaming With the Eyes Open Every organization plans.