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

At the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County (DRC) we are privileged to experience "the power of community" every day.  

Since 1991, the DRC has advanced a vision of a South Sound community that has and uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills. 

Your donation to the DRC is an investment in civic health.

Your financial support helps strengthen civic harmony by helping members of our community repair relationships, resolve conflict and communicate with more respect and civility.

“I give to the DRC in gratitude for the skills I have learned and the spirit of all involved in the DRC’s work, and as an investment in future generations of our community’s peacemakers.”    Donor              

Our Services

Community-based conflict resolution is an essential service.  Dispute resolution helps resolve conflict upstream, before it escalates to courts, eviction, violence, or police intervention.  In today's challenging times, the DRC's community-building role is now more vital than ever.  

The DRC serves residents of Thurston and south Mason Counties through a variety of resources for individuals, families, businesses and organizations, and the broader community, to help navigate and resolve conflict, to prevent conflict when possible, and to communicate more effectively.  

Mediation

When conversations break down, we help people find their way back to understanding. Our certified mediators guide respectful conversations that lead to mutually beneficial solutions.

• Our free Conflict Resolution Resource Line helps people navigate conflict. We provide coaching, resources and referrals, and schedule mediations when needed.
• We strengthen housing stability through Housing Support Services, helping renters, landlords, and others to resolve disputes. 
• Our Restorative Justice Dialogues support healing after harm between people impacted by crime, helping people seek accountability, connection, and closure.

“I was allowed to be heard and felt extremely validated for the first time in years, and I felt empowered to advocate for myself.”   Mediation Client

Facilitation 

Whether it’s a workplace team or a community group, we guide productive meetings and lead community dialogues to build trust, deepen understanding, and move groups toward shared goals—turning potential conflict into collective progress.

"The DRC is such a valuable resource. Our community is so lucky to have the DRC building a network of skilled mediators."       Community Partner

Training

Conflict is normal - how we handle it makes all the difference. Our trainings empower people to communicate better, work together, and grow stronger.

“I was nothing but impressed at the depth and breadth of knowledge exhibited by the staff, coaches and volunteers during our training. They had meaningful, insightful answers to all questions and were clearly so devoted to the work they do. What an inspiration!”    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 am thankful for the DRC’s partnership. Teaching students the peace talk process before there is a conflict helps them to work things out in a more positive way."   School Counselor

Our Impact

In 2024 the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County:

•  Served more than 5,000 people through mediation, conflict coaching, information & referral, group facilitation, training and community presentations.
•  Handled nearly 300 housing-related cases, impacting more than 500 adults and children.
• Trained nearly 2,000 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 more than 5,000 of hours of service to our community in 2024.

“The DRC has high standards for the quality of services volunteers provide to the community, coupled with strong support and a culture of kindness and friendliness.”   Volunteer Mediator

Our Reach
The DRC of Thurston County is one of 21 dispute resolution centers serving communities across Washington State, working collaboratively through our umbrella organization, Resolution Washington.

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.