COB establishes problem-solving team
Campus Times
November 14, 1997
As a manner of assisting the La Verne community with general conflict
resolutions, the La Verne Church of the Brethren (COB) has established a
team of individuals trained in the area of conflict resolution and mediation.
"Initially, the team was developed as a community service,"
said Nicki Brandt, mediator for the La Verne Church. "Brethren believe
in social justice, trying to resolve disputes without litigation."
Aware of the La Verne community's conflicts, Brandt acts as a mediator
weekly. Usually, she says, the conflicts result from little misunderstandings.
As part of COB's conflict resolution team, Brandt is an impartial mediator,
"making no suggestions and/or judgments against the disputing parties."
Usually, when a disputing party requests mediation, the dispute may
be regarding anything. Recognizing the problem is the first step, Brandt
says.
"After a party recognizes what the problem is, they brainstorm
ideas to solve it. A written agreement is produced by both parties, then
signed when a resolution is made," she said.
As opposed to a typical litigation, COB's process allows parties to
be heard; thus the power to create one's own solutions is placed upon the
parties.
"It is a chance to vent and be heard," said Brandt.
Litigations, in Brandt's point of view are "more complex, because
outside parties make mediating less worthwhile".
"In litigations, someone wins and someone loses. [COB's] mediation
is less expensive and the process is faster than that of the courts,"
she said.
Participation in the mediation program is open to the community at large,
including University of La Verne students who are interested in taking part
in the service.
Training for the conflict resolution and mediation team requires a $250-$300
fee commitment and in order to become certified as a professional mediator,
one is expected to fulfill a minimum of 25 service and mediation hours.
In reference to this issue, the University of La Verne also offers its
own workshops for ULV faculty.
On Dec. 2, Oris Barber, director of human resources, will facilitate
a video presentation, entitled "Dealing with Conflict and Confrontation."
According to a memorandum distributed to faculty by the human resources
department, the program will enable them to learn how to "keep your
cool, stand your ground, and reach a positive solution."
The benefits of such programs and mediations are rewarding. They "promote
creative problem-solving, preserve ongoing relationships and save everyone
involved both money and time," stated COB's informational brochure.
Those interested in seeking mediation for personal use may contact the
Community Mediation Center, which is headquartered at the La Verne Church
of the Brethren.
"The program's objective is to seek to provide a service that is
collaborative, confidential, and empowering," Brandt said,"We
certainly hope that it will continue to grow."
