by Meg S | Sep 11, 2024
The Dispute Resolution Center of King County (KCDRC) is thrilled to announce our move to a new office space in the heart of downtown Seattle. This transition represents more than just a change of location; it’s an investment in accessibility, community connection, and our role in supporting the revitalization of the city.
For years, we had been searching for a new office space that could accommodate both our team and our vision. Our former location, as well as the fully remote office, became challenging in some ways. As our Executive Director, Dave Martine, shared, “We realized that our location was becoming a barrier to the community we serve. Moving to downtown offers a place that’s easier to access for everyone.”
After a thorough search, Seattle’s downtown became the clear choice. While there were initial concerns about parking and safety, Martine explained the shift in thinking: “We want to be where the people are. Being downtown means we are more centrally located, and it’s easier for both our team and the public to reach us.”
This move also aligns with KCDRC’s values of equity and accessibility. “It’s really about being accessible to everyone,” said Martine. “We’re a people business, and downtown Seattle opens doors to new opportunities for collaboration with other organizations and businesses that we couldn’t have imagined five years ago.”
In addition to accessibility, the new office presents exciting prospects for community engagement. “We want it to be a place used by the community, our volunteers, and staff,” Martine added. “Ideally, it could become more of a social hub—maybe we’ll even host events like ‘conflict coaching’ hours, where people can come to us instead of heading to the bar after dealing with a difficult coworker.”
KCDRC is also proud to contribute to the revitalization of downtown Seattle, a city still grappling with post-pandemic recovery. “When we first started looking, the occupancy rate downtown was around 37%, which has probably worsened,” Martine said. “But you still see people there—it’s not a dead zone. By establishing ourselves here, we’re not only placing a foothold in the community, but we’re also supporting the growth and vibrancy of the area.”
A special thanks goes out to the team who helped make this move possible, including our real estate agents, board members, and staff like Michelle, Caroline, Daniel, Ryan, Meg, and others. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” Martine shared. “This new chapter for KCDRC marks an exciting step forward, and we look forward to continuing our work in serving King County from the heart of Seattle.”
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by Meg S | Jul 19, 2024
Ross Geoghegan, a retired mathematics professor from Binghamton, New York, found himself drawn into the world of conflict resolution and mediation, and eventually practicing in King County. His journey began long before, as a seasoned educator at the State University of New York, where he taught and chaired the mathematics department before retiring.
“I was sliding towards retirement,” he chuckled, reflecting on his transition. “I knew about dispute resolution from a friend back in Binghamton.”
Ross Geoghegan
In 2019, Ross underwent training with Accord, Binghamton’s own dispute resolution center, where he learned the ropes of mediation. Initially handling cases involving custody and small claims, his role evolved with the pandemic’s onset, pushing proceedings online. Courts increasingly required mediation before legal battles, a shift Ross embraced cautiously, aware of the emotional stakes involved.
“When Covid hit, everything went online,” he noted. “I focused mostly on family cases, trying to find common ground in difficult situations.”
Moving to Seattle in the fall of 2021 to be closer to his grandchildren, Ross eagerly sought out opportunities at The Dispute Resolution Center of King County (KCDRC). He joined our eviction mediation program under the ERPP initiative, aimed at preventing eviction amidst economic turmoil.
“One case that stands out,” he shared thoughtfully, “was an older woman facing eviction… and it was heartbreaking.”
Through mediation, Ross sought not just conflict resolutions but also emotional support for vulnerable tenants like the older woman. His efforts under ERPP were impactful until legislative changes ended the program in mid-2023, prompting a shift to VISTA, a voluntary mediation initiative for landlord-tenant conflicts created by KCDRC.
“VISTA has been a bit slower,” he admitted. “Many landlords aren’t keen on mediation unless it’s mandated. I would describe ERPP as eviction mediation, and VISTA as tenant-landlord mediation. The cases I’ve had in VISTA, there have been one or two that have involved avoiding eviction, but most of them are disputes between landlord and tenant, where the tenant is not in danger of eviction, but each is angry with the other, or one is angry with the other over something.”
Beyond mediation, Ross remains active in research mathematics, collaborating both nationally and internationally, while cherishing time with his grandchildren- the primary reason for his move to Seattle.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be close to family,” he remarked warmly. “It’s been a fulfilling chapter.”
Looking ahead, Ross contemplates further contributions to mediation, considering small claims as a potential next step. His journey underscores the transformative impact of mediation in resolving disputes with empathy and understanding. Ultimately, his dedication to mediation stands as a testament to the power of compassionate conflict resolution in building stronger communities. KCDRC feels incredible lucky to have such passionate and dedicated volunteers, Ross being a primary example.
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This article was originally posted in the KCDRC
newsletter.
by Meg S | May 21, 2024
As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, spring marks a season of renewal and growth. It’s a time for clearing out clutter, both physical and emotional, and this includes tidying up the relationships in our lives. Just as we declutter our homes, it’s essential to engage in some “spring cleaning” for our relationships, particularly when it comes to managing conflicts that can affect our mental health.
Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship, whether it’s with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague. How we handle conflict can significantly impact our mental well-being. Unresolved conflicts can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression if left unchecked. However, navigating conflicts effectively can strengthen relationships and promote emotional resilience.
Here are some strategies for spring cleaning your relationships and managing conflict for better mental health:
- Communication is Key: Effective communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Be open, honest, and respectful when expressing your thoughts and feelings. Avoid bottling up emotions or resorting to passive-aggressive behavior, as this can escalate conflicts.
- Practice Active Listening: Truly listening to the other person’s perspective is crucial for resolving conflicts. Practice active listening by giving your full attention, summarizing what you’ve heard, and asking clarifying questions. This demonstrates empathy and shows that you value their viewpoint.
- Choose Your Battles Wisely: Not every disagreement needs to turn into a full-blown conflict. Learn to differentiate between minor annoyances and issues that genuinely matter to you. Focus on addressing the most significant concerns while letting go of smaller grievances.
- Seek Compromise: Conflict resolution often involves finding a middle ground where both parties feel heard and respected. Be willing to compromise and negotiate solutions that are acceptable to everyone involved. Remember that it’s okay to agree to disagree on certain points.
- Take Time for Self-Care: Dealing with conflict can be emotionally draining, so it’s essential to prioritize self-care during these times. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, whether it’s exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies.
- Consider Professional Help: In some cases, resolving conflicts may require outside assistance. Don’t hesitate to seek the guidance of a therapist or counselor who can provide objective support and teach valuable communication skills.
- Set boundaries and Enforce Them: Communicate your needs, expressing what you’re comfortable with, and asserting your limits regarding topics like personal space, time commitments, and communication preferences.
- Take the FREE Conflict Resolution for Everyone Training: Come learn basic conflict management skills that anyone can use to help resolve problems in everyday life.
(This article was originally published in the KCDRC May 2024 Newsletter. Subscribe here to receive all future stories: Dispute Resolution Center of King County (list-manage.com))
by Michelle Wilkinson | May 14, 2024
The Dispute Resolution Center of King County today announced their participation, in partnership with more than 2,300 leading brands, nonprofits and cultural leaders globally, in the fourth-annual Mental Health Action Day, to be held on Thursday, May 16. Spearheaded by SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios and TaskForce, Mental Health Action Day is an open-source and decentralized global movement to encourage and empower people to take action for mental health. This year’s call to action is to dedicate one hour to social connection. KCDRC is proud to be activating this year by encouraging people to settle disputes that interfere with their emotional well-being.
Conflict Resolution and Mental Health
KCDRC Executive Director, Dave Martine notes, “We know that conflict is everywhere, and unfortunately, unresolved conflicts in our relationships have a negative effect on our emotional well-being. Research shows that relational stress can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stress. On this Mental Health Action Day, we are encouraging everyone to think about the conflicts that are worrying them and look for ways to finally resolve them”.
“We are proud to come together with this diverse group of influential and purpose-driven partners who share our commitment to empowering and encouraging people to shift from mental health awareness to mental health action,” said Erika Soto Lamb, Vice President of Social Impact Strategy at MTV Entertainment Studios. “When we recognize that mental health is health, we have an opportunity to demystify, destigmatize and normalize taking actions to help ourselves and each other.”
Will You Take an Hour to Connect?
This year’s call to action is to dedicate one hour to CONNECTION. Participants are encouraged to take their first steps towards mental health action — whether for themselves, for their loved ones or to advocate for systemic changes through a wide range of tools. Free resources and tools, such as an employer toolkit and platforms for hosting and organizing events, are available for organizations and groups to help support their audiences through a myriad of ways – from starting a meditation practice to learning how to support a friend to advocating for change.
KCDRC is proud to join more than 2,300 organizations, brands and influential leaders around the world including SHOWTIME/MTV, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pinterest, NBA, Sesame Workshop and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy who are encouraging everyone to “dedicate one hour to connection”. A full list of partners is available at mentalhealthaction.network/partners.
“Please remember that this is the perfect time to take action that resolves your disputes and improves your mental health” Martine adds. “Afterall, mental health is health”.
Learn more at MentalHealthIsHealth.us or you can follow along at #MentalHealthActon.
by Michelle Wilkinson | Feb 25, 2024
In January, the Dispute Resolution Center of King County was proud to receive the 2023 Community Partner of the Year Award, along with Solid Ground, from the Eastside Legal Assistance Program. When members of the three organizations gathered together, it was a first-time meeting in person after collaborating for more than a year virtually.
ELAP bestowed this shared honor on KCDRC and Solid Ground thanks to a partnership forged and managed by KCDRC’s Strategic Development and Special Project Advisor, Marilyn. She created a weekly housing clinic that provided information and conflict coaching for people with rental housing eviction issues during COVID-19. The weekly clinics started in March 2022 and concluded in June 2023 as the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) ended. The other organizations involved in the partnership included Tenant Law Center (TLC) of Catholic Community Services, Northwest Justice Project, and the Rental Housing Association of Washington. We are proud to accept this award because it represents the thousands of people helped to preserve rental housing in King County as a result of the pandemic.
The housing clinic partnership was also presented by ELAP at a recent Access to Justice conference as a best practice model. We hope that other organizations learn from the success we had and that they will create new collaborations to address all sorts of community issues.
KCDRC has been an active part of the King County community since our founding in 1986. We understand how important it is to connect with other organizations and groups throughout the community to gain the best understanding of who we are serving. Establishing effective partnerships is vital to our ongoing success. We are always seeking new partnerships that help strengthen our mission, and we welcome ideas from our community about new opportunities for collaboration.
by Michelle Wilkinson | Oct 20, 2023
The Dispute Resolution Center of King County is excited to announce the launch of a new program to help stabilize rental housing throughout King County. The Voluntary Initiative for Stable Tenancy and Affordability (VISTA) is an alternative to court proceedings that can be costly and time-intensive for everyone involved.
Caroline D., Director of Mediation Services, explains, “We saw a big need in King County to assist tenants and landlords in rental housing communities to find solutions to their conflicts in order to increase housing stability. Instead of immediately heading to eviction court when tenants have unpaid past-due rent, VISTA parties can voluntarily come to KCDRC for conflict coaching and mediation that will create another option to solve their problems. In most cases, it is a faster, less expensive, and more satisfactory resolution for everyone.”
VISTA Housing Program Manager, Sarah G., notes that 15 number of professional mediators have already signed up to volunteer their services for this new program. “The enthusiasm that our community has shown for this new program is really exciting. Many volunteers were involved with the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) over the last few years, and they want to continue this important work to increase housing stability and reduce the number of people becoming homeless in our community.”
KCDRC is a non-profit in King County that has been providing alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation and conflict coaching, since its founding in 1986. Last year, more than 7,500 residents and businesses used DRC services to solve disputes. To learn more about our services, visit www.kcdrc.org.
