Principles, values and the process

PRINCIPLES OF MEDIATION

  • Restorative approach
  • Voluntariness
  • Dialogue
  • No punishments
  • No guilty parties
  • Human centred approach
  • True encounters
  • Respectfulness
  • Confidentiality
  • Inclusivity
  • Impartiality
  • Solution-oriented approach

The mediation process is based on restorative justice and guided by the principles of mediation. The essential principles are restorative dialogue, impartiality of the mediator, confidentiality of discussions and orientation towards the future. The purpose of mediation is not to determine guilt but to identify common interests, through which solutions can be found.

VALUES

The Community Mediation Centre is committed to the following values in all its activities:

Conflict: Conflicts are a part of life, and it is good to consider them as opportunities, for when they are handled constructively, new information and skills are produced, and learning happens.

Non-violent conflict resolution:  Everyone should have the opportunity to express their needs and views and to participate in non-violent conflict resolution.

Encountering people as individuals:  People are not seen as representatives of demographic groups such as ethnic groups, but as individuals.

Space of open curiosity: The mediator does not position oneself above the customers but looks for solutions together with them. Mediators must be aware of their own preconceptions.

Impartiality in thought and action: Impartiality starts from the level of thinking and actualises in choices of words and in the way the mediator is present and guides the process forward.

Genuinity: The mediator works with his/her own personality and is genuinely present in all interactions.

Respectful listening: Our mediators listen respectfully, as listening enables deeper thinking and understanding of one’s own needs, which are necessary for constructive solutions.

Confidentiality: Genuine communication and interaction require trust. The mediator has to demonstrates trustworthiness in action.



THE MEDIATION PROCESS

Mediation between two or more parties is used when the conflict concerns two or more parties that are known in advance, and when mediation is needed to handle the consequences of a particular event or an issue. Firstly, the mediator meets the parties of the conflict individually. Afterwards, if all parties give their consent, a shared meeting is arranged. Finally, a follow-up conversation is held with all parties.

Mediation between larger groups is used when a bigger group of people is involved and there are tensions in a community, or when there are unsolved disputes related to for example differing values. We start with mapping out all the parties involved and key persons. After finding out their needs and interests, we continue accordingly, and arrange meetings with different compositions.