Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County

Mission

Our Mission:
The Dispute Resolution Center empowers people to resolve their disputes by providing conflict resolution services and training community members in those skills.

Our Vision:
We envision a South Sound community that has and uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills.

Description

Expanding the Circle

Through our mediation, training, facilitation and youth services, the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) strives every day to expand the circle of belonging - helping neighbors, co-workers, family and community members feel seen, heard and connected.

With your financial support, we can continue expanding the circle and creating spaces where people can move from conflict toward understanding.

Our Services

The DRC serves residents of Thurston and south Mason Counties through a variety of resources that help people navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, and build healthier communities

Mediation

When conversations break down, we help people find their way back to understanding. Our certified mediators guide respectful conversations that help people address conflict, improve communication, and develop mutually beneficial solutions..

• Our free Conflict Resolution Resource Line helps people navigate conflict. We provide coaching, resources and referrals, and help determine whether mediation is the right next step.
• We support housing stability by helping renters, landlords, and others to resolve disputes before conflicts escalate. 
• Our Restorative Justice Mediation supports healing after harm by brining togerher people impacted by crime toseek accountability, understanding, and closure.

“You are very thoughtful, compassionate mediators and I'm grateful for your focus and expertise.”   Mediation Client

Facilitation 

Strong communities depend on productive conversations. We help organizations, teams, and community groups navigate complex discussions, make decisions, and work toward shared goals.

“This was a wonderful conversation.”   “Inspiring.”  “Thank you for giving us this safe space.”    Community Dialogue Participants

Training

Conflict is normal. How we respond makes a difference. Our training helps adults and youth develop practical skills for communication, conflict resolution, and leadership.

“This training fundamentally reshaped how I listen, communicate, and navigate challenging conversations.”    Training Participant

Youth Empowerment

We believe in the power of the next generation. Our Youth Empowerment Services teach students how to listen, lead, and resolve conflict with empathy and respect.

“I learned that you can solve a conflict by talking and working it out.”   Elementary School Peacemaker Club Participant

Our Impact

In 2025 the Dispute Resolution Center:

•  Served 4,221 people through mediation, conflict coaching, information & referral, group facilitation, training and community presentations.
• Facilitated 358 2-party mediations.
•  Handled 329 housing-related cases, impacting more than 500 adults and children.
• Trained nearly 1,200 adults and youth in mediation, communication, conflict prevention and conflict resolution skills.

Our Volunteers
The DRC's services are made possible by the efforts of more than 150 dedicated volunteers, including 100 certified mediators, who provided 6,300 of hours of service to our community in 2025.

“I thought I was just taking a class and doing a practicum, but I was overjoyed to find that it was so much more. I’m happy and excited to be part of this community.”   New Volunteer Mediator

Our Reach
The DRC of Thurston County is one of 20 dispute resolution centers serving communities across Washington State, working collaboratively through our umbrella organization, Resolution Washington, which collectively served more than 188,000 people in 2025.

Recognition

The DRC is powered by a dedicated community of supporters and volunteers who share a commitment to foster civility, respect, and peace.
Our efforts are made possible by many individuals, businesses and organizations who have made an investment in our mission through their volunteer, financial, in-kind and service partnership support.