Now we contract with a number of municipalities; Denver, Westminster, Thornton and from time to time others.  We receive our referrals from individuals who hear about us, neighborhood associations, city departments, the police, city council, inspections, mayor's office, another neighbor, etc.

Mediation is . . . a communication process managed by a trained professional mediator who will encourage and empower people in conflict to meet together, identify their issues and interests and to resolve their disagreements in a cooperative manner.

• Effective because it is solution based, and saves time and money.

• Focuses on real interests and issues.  Too often we approach the situation with our list of what we don't like.  Our "if you'd just do it my way we wouldn't have a problem" mindset.  We don't know how to talk about the real issues in a constructive way.  CMC's professional mediators help people talk about the real issues and find lasting solutions.

• Creativity is sparked.  The best solutions don't always fit within someone else's lines.  You have the chance to step back and honestly consider a wide range of solutions in an environment that is safe, confidential, voluntary and convenient.  You get to try the ideas on before you buy them.  There is not better way to find resolution to the conflict in front of you.

• People take personal responsibility.  They are empowered to discuss and search for their own solutions, the ones that they know will work best, rather than just complaining and expecting someone else to fix it for them. And in the end to make decisions they are comfortable making.  Personal responsibility = personal satisfaction.

• Better communication tools for the future.  We'll give you a chance to see how to communicate through conflict.  We'll talk about what you'll do when we are gone and the two of you are living next to each other.  Mediation provides an opportunity for you to discover that conflict can be constructive.