Community Mediation DC

R-entry Mediation provides an opportunity for a Justice-involved individual and family members or other support people to meet, with the help of two non-judgmental mediators, before release to have an open, honest, and often difficult dialogue to prepare for the transition back into the community.

Participants choose mediation to:
- Address and resolve conflicts from before incarceration
- Address resentment, anger, and/or shame as a result of charges or things that took place during incarceration
- Address divergent expectations about a participant’s plans after Jail
- Rebuild or strengthen relationships
- Make collaborative transition plans

We provide education about managing conflict through workshops and presentations and to community groups, religious institutions, schools, government agencies, and other organizations. We use interactive activities to teach about and reflect on conflict styles, effective communication, inclusive listening, and the mediation process. Introductory workshops are offered for two hours to groups of 10-20 individuals at no cost, and targeted training series are available for an additional cost.

Many of our mediators are also trained in large group facilitation, and will offer this service when mediation is requested for a group larger than 10 individuals. Large Group Facilitation can also be offered based on requests for support with larger group meetings and discussions. Facilitations may involve conflict, planning for the future, developing or implementing policy changes, or discussions with a variety of stakeholders. CMDC typically speaks with many participants in advance to develop an agenda that works for everyone involved.