Mediation

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Revision as of 13:36, 4 May 2011 by Rachelyra (talk | contribs)
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This is a page for a mediation process we are developing to help address interpersonal conflicts in and relating to the Noisebridge community. Mediators are committed to helping to de-escalate conflict, seek resolution, and provide community support and protection for the rights of all parties.

ConflictResolution contains general guidance for members of the community who are experiencing problems. These suggestions might help someone who is trying to decide if they should seek mediation or not.

The following people are available to help mediate conflicts and provide a sounding board and guidance for people who are experiencing troublesome interpersonal interactions.

  • Rachel Lyra
  • Rachel M
  • Mitch
  • Kelly

The following resources might be helpful in approaching mediation situations

(internet conflict mediation resources?)

Noisebridge operates by anarchic chaos, doocracy, and, like all organizations, a healthy serving of precedent. There are no rules for how this process should work, but we have some suggestions:

General process:

Mediation:

Mediators can actively mediate a discussion between individuals who are having conflict, or talk to one individual as a proxy for the other.

Mindfulness towards Escalation:

At this point, the Mediator (and indeed everyone involved) should start to tactfully ask around and find out if this is an isolated conflict or a more generalized problem in the community. Most personal problems at Noisebridge can be resolved through a series of mediated discussions. If mediation is unsuccessful, the Mediator may suggest that you bring your problem to meeting level for discussion.

Advocate:

Before a problem with an individual is brought to group level, someone must step forward to act as an advocate for the individual, even if they are widely disliked. It is easy for conflict to make people act in ways that they later regret, and plenty of people are willing to act as an advocate at group level (see mediator volunteer page).


Discussing personal conflicts at group level is rarely necessary, but a supportive group environment committed to discussion and de-escalation can help defuse a problematic situation, or assess if more attention to the situation is warranted. If you try to follow these suggestions, that would be totally excellent.

Specific process

First, talk to the person who asked you to mediate to find out more about the conflict.

(more suggestions coming soon -- rachel lyra)