2024 Maryland Mediators Convention

Mediation is a structured, interactive process where an impartial third party neutrally assists disputing parties in resolving conflict using specialized communication and negotiation techniques. All participants in mediation are encouraged to actively participate in the process. 
A community conference is a process, facilitated by an invested restorative justice facilitator, of a community of people affected by harm. The conference provides a space in which those who have caused harm, those who’ve been harmed, their respective supporters, and self-identified resources can seek ways to resolve the incident, minimize further harm, and prevent it from happening again. This process provides the space for accountability, healing, and resolution. 
Purpose of workshop: 
When there has been an incident of harm or conflict, individuals often seek out structured processes to assist in resolving the matter. Most individuals have heard of mediation and assume that that is the process that will support resolution. Individuals rely on professionals to recommend a process that will support their community. 
Mediation and facilitation are often used interchangeably. Although the goal is resolution for both processes, the structure of the process and the techniques of the facilitator vary depending on the process that is chosen. 
This workshop will explore the qualities of both processes to examine and unpack the similarities and differences as well as which structure will support the individuals involved.