Alternative Dispute Resolution

What to Expect

This page outlines the step-by-step process I use to help organizations and communities navigate conflict, clarify decisions, and move forward with care and clarity.

Step 1: Intake & Clarification

Purpose: Understand the situation, build trust, and assess readiness.

  • Initial referral or inquiry from a leader, staff member, or board

  • Confidential 1:1 intake conversations with those directly involved

  • Identify key themes, goals, or tensions to guide the process

Step 2: Framing & Agreement to Mediate

Purpose: Establish shared understanding and consent to move forward.

  • Clarify the mediator’s role as a neutral facilitator

  • Review or co-create ground rules for respectful dialogue

  • Provide a written Agreement to Mediate outlining purpose, process, and roles

Step 3: Issue Identification & Mapping

Purpose: Define what the group will address and how.

  • Identify shared concerns and differing perspectives

  • Clarify underlying values and needs (interests) rather than fixed positions

  • Confirm who should participate in the mediation process

Step 4: Mediation Session(s)

Purpose: Facilitate open communication, clarify key concerns, and explore mutually acceptable solutions.

Sessions may include:

  • Welcome and Ground Rules – Review of roles, purpose, and expectations

  • Issue Clarification – Summary of key concerns to focus the conversation

  • Statement of Concerns – Each participant articulates core issues without interruption

  • Guided Dialogue – Structured conversation to explore values and address misunderstandings

  • Option Exploration – Collaborative consideration of possible next steps or agreements

  • Summary and Closure – Recap of progress and follow-up actions

Step 5: Agreements, Follow-Up & Communication

Purpose: Ensure clarity, closure, and accountability.

  • Written summary of any agreements or next steps

  • Clarify responsibilities and timelines for follow-through

  • Optional follow-up session after 30–60 days

  • Support with communication to the broader community, if needed

Optional Add-On Services

These offerings can be added alongside or after mediation, depending on your organization’s needs:

  • Leadership Coaching
    One-on-one or small group support for leaders navigating conflict, transition, or role clarity.

  • Group Discernment Facilitation
    Guided decision-making sessions for leadership transitions, vision setting, or complex choices.

  • Listening Campaigns
    Structured interviews or anonymous input-gathering to surface broader community themes.

  • Healing or Reconnection Circles
    Facilitated group processes to rebuild trust, acknowledge harm, or mark transitions.

  • Conflict Literacy Workshops
    Practical training on conflict styles, communication dynamics, and culture-building.

  • Organizational Mapping
    Visual or narrative analysis of roles, decision pathways, and systemic dynamics.