Community Mediation Tips

Before the Mediation Session

• Decide what your concerns are;
• Consider what the other person’s viewpoint may be;
• Consider:
  • What the best result would be if an agreement is reached in the mediation session;
  • What the worst result would be if an agreement is not reached; and
  • What might be a sensible, realistic, and fair resolution to the issue.
• Prepare to let go of the past and work towards the future.

During the Mediation Session

• Commit to honor the confidentiality of the mediation sessions;
• Listen respectfully to the other person’s point of view;
• Openly discuss how the issues affect you;
• Work with the other person to discuss options that may result in an agreement that works for everyone.

After the Mediation Session

• If you reach an agreement during mediation, carry out all agreement items in good faith;
• If agreement items need further clarification, work with the other person to clarify or adjust the item;
• Ask for help or another mediation session, before things get out of hand, if the situation begins to worsen.