by Michelle Wilkinson | May 2, 2022
Civility seems to have become an old-fashioned concept, however as members of the alternative dispute resolution community, we understand its utility in our communication toolbox. Being civil and keeping an open mind is often the best way to resolve conflicts and improve relationships. Unfortunately, as political division and polarization in our society deepens, incivility is expanding, and it is creeping into some mediations, too.
Promoting civility awareness this month is one way we can each do our part to advance civility. Although it has been 20 years since the original publication, P.M. Forni’s book Choosing Civility: the 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct still has lessons that are relevant today. Throughout the book, Forni discusses rules of conduct to help us connect, do the right things for each other, and be a contributing member of the community. Each of the 25 rules is a guide to behaving civilly in our personal and professional dealings. While the rules may seem like common sense, it is clear that mindfulness is needed to be successful. Behaving civilly is as simple as taking time to stop and think before we act.
As we embark on the month to increase civility awareness, here are the 25 rules from Dr. Forni:
- Pay Attention.
- Acknowledge Others.
- Think the Best.
- Good Listening.
- Be Inclusive.
- Speak Kindly.
- Don’t Speak Ill.
- Accept and Give Praise.
- Respect Even a Subtle “No.”
- Respect Others’ Opinions.
- Mind Your Body.
- Be Agreeable.
- Keep It Down (and Rediscover Silence).
- Respect Other People’s Time.
- Respect Other People’s Space.
- Apologize Earnestly and Thoughtfully.
- Assert Yourself.
- Avoid Personal Questions.
- Care for Your Guests.
- Be a Considerate Guest.
- Think Twice Before Asking for Favors.
- Refrain from Idle Complaints.
- Give Constructive Criticism.
- Respect the Environment and Be Gentle to Animals.
- Don’t Shift Responsibility and Blame.
by Michelle Wilkinson | Jun 15, 2021
It has come to our attention that our organization was listed on a letter to Governor Inslee from a third party where a link was included in an article published by the Seattle Times on June 4, 2021 as supporting an extension of the current statewide eviction moratorium. Dispute Resolution Center of King County did not authorize any such statement.
by admin | Nov 9, 2020
Small Claims Court Intensive Applications now open for Winter/Spring 2021
The KCDRC offers a Small Claims Court Mediation Intensive Training program twice a year. Part I of this hybrid program consists of 25 hours of Online Modules, plus a series of in-person training sessions (currently remote/virtual format due to COVID-19 pandemic), completed over approximately four months. The Online Module component is largely self-paced, with recordings and practice exercises. Part II of the SCC Intensive is an In-Court Apprenticeship. Students will be evaluated and receive coaching feedback throughout the program. Completion of a DRC Basic Mediation Training, or an equivalent facilitative mediation training, is a prerequisite. To be accepted to the Intensive training program, potential students also need to be able to make a one year volunteer commitment to the KCDRC (two half-day Small Claims Court mediation shifts per month).
For more information about the Winter/Spring 2021 Intensive click the following:
SCC Intensive Training Description Winter-Spring 2021
To apply for the Winter/Spring 2021 Intensive click the following:
SCC Intensive Training Application Form 2021
The deadline for submitting your application is December 18, 2020.
by admin | Jun 30, 2020
We are moving into our second year of levy funding from King County for alternative dispute resolution services. This levy provides free housing conflict resolution services for veterans, seniors and others who have typically been underserved in King County.
Here’s the new rack card we will be distributing to affordable housing complexes and senior centers, as well as through our partners at King County Veterans Programs, the Tenants Union and Public Defender Association:
Rack Card print on demand 2020We have also updated our website, to make it easier for eligible individuals to schedule an appointment to ask about their conflict resolution options.
by admin | Mar 17, 2020
Dear DRC Community,
During the past several weeks, our volunteers have been so supportive in keeping us up to date with information about the coronavirus public health emergency as well as continuing to provide services to the court and our other programs. We thank you for putting yourself on the line to keep the agency moving forward. We are also appreciative of those volunteers who monitored their health and decided to step away for everyone’s safety. The health of our volunteer community, staff and board is extremely important. Because of the increase in cases, here is where we are now:
We are following the governor’s request to practice social distancing now through the end of April and we will reassess as we are updated. DRC staff will be working from home for the majority of the time. The Good Shepherd Center is still open but no training rooms are available for more than 10 people. As long as Good Shepherd Center is open and 501 Commons is able to do our payroll, and financials, I will go in and work with Eileen, our bookkeeper, to make sure people are paid.
Small Claims Court: As of March13th all small claims calendars have stopped. No date was given as to when they will consider reopening. During this time the leads and staff will be collaborating with the court to see if we can provide mediation to the parties through tele/video conferencing. As we receive information, we will pass it along to the court mediators.
Mediation Rooms: Our mediation rooms will not be available for rent during this time. We will reopen once we know it is safe to continue. All board meetings will be conducted via Zoom.
Mediation Services: We are rescheduling all March and April mediations from in person to online via Zoom. We are in the process of establishing online mediation. Some of you were previously trained for this type of mediation and have responded to Caroline’s email to sign up. We really appreciate your willingness to volunteer in this way because this will allow the practicum students to move along with their observations. It may take us a few weeks to perfect the process, but we are determined to make this work. If you would be comfortable conducting online mediation please let Caroline or your court lead know and we will be in touch soon.
Veteran Seniors Human Services Levy (VSHSL): We will continue our program design, reach out to our partners remotely and complete our Outreach plan.
Additionally, we will be offering coaching and mediation services via telephone or video conferencing in April
Best Starts for Kids (BSK): Tukwila School District is following Governor Inslee’s orders and closing school from Monday March 16th through Friday, April 24th. We will be working remotely on evaluation and reporting, and catching up on other restorative practices work. Programming, however, is cancelled/postponed until schools re-open. Best Starts for Kids is still supporting all of the organizations that receive funding through this grant.
Foreclosure Department: Department of Commerce has made an exception to in-person mediation; Mediations will be moved to phone/online for the near future. Sharon Moon can answer any questions you may have.
Training Department:
- Basic Mediation Training has been cancelled for April and we will make a decision about June at a later date.
- Practicum: We continue to move forward with the hope that our move to virtual or audio will allow students to finish their observations and the theory to practice sessions. We will assess whether the students can begin their work in small groups at the end of April.
- Court Intensive: This track was established to allow students to complete their work using online modules and then receiving feedback from mentor mediators and leads. The program includes 2 in person sessions. The one for March 21st will be postponed.
This situation is quite fluid and can change at any time. We will do our best to keep you informed. When you do return, please know we have increased our in-house sanitization. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes have been placed in each room and extra cleaning is being done in common areas of the Good Shepherd Center.
The Board and Staff wish you and your families the best of health through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Patti Dinsmore
Executive Director
DisputeResolution Center of King County
by admin | Feb 18, 2020
Thanks and much appreciation to Senator Curtis King and the Senate for Senate Resolution 8665, honoring Resolution Washington, the Association of Dispute Resolution Centers across Washington state.
“…for assisting to create safer, more peaceful communities in Washington by assisting residents in resolving conflicts from a position of strength and authenticity. ”
Read the full resolution here.
Civility seems to have become an old-fashioned concept, however as members of the alternative dispute resolution community, we understand its utility in our communication toolbox. Being civil and keeping an open mind is often the best way to resolve conflicts and improve relationships. Unfortunately, as political division and polarization in our society deepens, incivility is expanding, and it is creeping into some mediations, too.