Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center’s Diversity in Mediation Initiative Provides Conflict Resolution Scholarships

Photo credit: Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.
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Submitted by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) is seeking bicultural and bilingual community members who are interested in fostering collaborative problem solving among the Hispanic, migrant, Sihk, Russian-Ukranian, ASL and other underserved communities within Whatcom County. The Whatcom Community Foundation awarded the WDRC with a grant to provide scholarships for their Understanding Conflict Workshop and Professional Mediation Training.

WDRC Director, Moonwater shared her hope for this Diversity in Mediation Initiative. “The WDRC is committed to ensuring our organization is wholly aligned with our core value of accessibility, and we realize that as a community based mediation center it is important that our organization reflects the diversity within Whatcom County. Our desire to expand our services to all those in need, and to ensure that our service provision is culturally sensitive and accessible could not be realized without strengthened efforts to diversify the pool of community members trained in conflict resolution skills.”

Scholarship recipients are expected to take the knowledge gained and apply it within their community and places of work, either formally or informally.

Scholarship applications, as well as information about classes offered at the WDRC can be found at whatcomdrc.org or by contacting the WDRC at 360-676-0122 or wdrc@whatcomdrc.org.

The next class available at the WDRC is a 6-hr Understanding Conflict Workshop, Wednesdays, February 18th & 25th, 2:00-5:00 p.m. This interactive workshop is designed to develop participants’ awareness of their own approach to conflict, and to increase their skills and capacity to better manage conflict as it arises in their home, community, and work environments. Participants will learn how to:

  • Listen actively and assert their needs,
  • Understand their own response to conflict, and
  • Communicate effectively in high-stress situations.

One community member and past participant described the workshop as “an invitation to tap into your own authenticity/vulnerability and learn to engage with others without fear.” The Understanding Conflict Workshop is offered quarterly and pre-registration is required. The cost of the class is $75. Classes will be held at the WDRC, located at 13 Prospect St. Suite 201, Bellingham.

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