The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) was created in 1998 as a non-profit and tax-exempt corporation 501(c)(3). We work with the Benton and Franklin Court system to help resolve conflicts between organizations and individuals that find themselves in disagreement over a variety of issues. Our main goal is serve our community as a valuable resource for education, training, facilitation and to provide affordable, yet effective mediation services to our clients. We are able to do this by training and certifying a variety of volunteers within the community with the necessary skills and education to assist individuals and organizations to reach mutually acceptable agreements with problems they are often not able to resolve on their own.
The DRC of Tri-cities is one of 20 community dispute resolution centers in Washington State. Throughout Washington, dispute resolution centers have been providing conflict resolution services and training in their communities for over 24 years with a unique structure that relies on using highly trained volunteer mediators as the primary services providers. The DRC offers an in-depth, rigorous mediation-training program that includes a 1-year mentored practicum that produces highly skilled mediators from all walks of life.
Here’s what some of our clients say about us:
“(The mediators) were very helpful in explaining things that I didn’t understand and/or I wanted clarified more clearly.” -R.S.
“I really appreciated the patience and tolerance of (the mediators). Great people!” -C.S.
“DRC definitely works!” -R.S.
Executive Director: Paul Shelp director@drctc.org
Board of Directors:
- Barb Newell, President
- Robin Emmingham, Vice President
- Tom Page, Treasurer
- Fatima Traore, Secretary
- Mark Lee
- Chris Sivula
- Maegan Meacham
- Lenny Perkins
