Community mediation services in Astoria, Oregon will soon offer classes intended to assist ordinary community members to get along better with their neighbors.  The classes, offered by Clatsop Community Mediation Services, will begin with an introduction to the topic of mediation itself.  The three-hour introduction will take place on August 6^th.

No Cost for Many Community Mediation Services

Like many community mediation services, the introductory class will be provided free of charge to interested persons.  The course assumes no familiarity with the purposes of mediation or the processes involved in alternative dispute resolution.  The introductory course will be taught by Heidi Moore, who has experience facilitating mediation sessions and holds a master's degree with a major in conflict resolution.  During the introductory session, Ms. Moore will concentrate on explaining how mediation can provide benefits to both an individual's personal life and to the community as a whole.

In providing this service, the town of Astoria and the county of Clatsop are joining an increasing number of local governments across the nation who have begun to recognize the importance and usefulness of mediation.  Conflicts between neighbors can easily lead to lawsuits that clog the courts and in unfortunate circumstances can even lead to violence and criminal behavior.  Conflict mediation services can help individuals learn to find inexpensive and peaceful resolutions to their difficulties with neighbors.