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. However, you do not need to be referred by a court in order to use our services. Our main goal is to serve our community as a valuable resource for facilitation, training, and education, 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 may not able to resolve otherwise.
The DRC of Tri-Cities serving all of Benton and Franklin counties is one of 21 Dispute Resolution Centers established and authorized by the Revised Code of Washington in Washington State, and is a member of Resolution Washington, the statewide organization of community based mediation centers. Dispute Resolution Centers have been providing conflict resolution and training services in their communities for over 40 years. In 2019, over 100,00 Washington citizens took their dispute to mediation. Washington DRC’s use a unique operating structure that relies on using highly trained volunteer mediators as the primary service 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.
“Mediation at the DRC definitely works!” -P.S.
Executive Director: Paul Shelp director@drctc.org
Board of Directors:
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Kara Vogt, President
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Gordon Beecher, Vice President
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Jan Tucker, Treasurer
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Mark Domarotsky, Recording Secretary
- John Propson
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Joe Montgomery
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Charles LoPresti
Please note: the DRC has a no alcohol, no drugs, and no weapons policy. These items are prohibited from our property. There is no smoking within the building.
