​ACR Community Mediation
and
Restorative Practices Section

​Mission Statement, Objectives and Guiding Principles.   
The Community Mediation and Restorative Practices Section's mission is to advance community based dispute resolution centers and to advance the study and exercise of restorative practices.    

Objectives
  • Ensure the viability of community based conflict resolution.
  • Collaborate with communities, courts and others in increasing access to service.
  • Encourage and maintain quality in training and provision of service.
  • Promote early identification of potential problems.
  • Establish communication among practitioners and other interested parties.
  • Educate and empower people to resolve their own differences. [Adopted 10/16/98]
Guiding Principles of Excellence in Practice 
  • Mediation and other forms of dispute resolution should be widely available and accessible to those who need it, including those unable to pay for service.​
  • The use of trained community volunteers is a proven method of delivering high quality dispute resolution services.
  • People can be educated. empowered ad trained to avoid or resolve many of their own disputes.
  • Sharing information, experience, and expertise to improve the practice and development of community mediation and dispute resolution.
  • Educating and training the public, including those in government, business, and the not-for-profit sector in the benefits of various types of dispute resolution and the availability of community based service.
  • Encouraging and assisting community involvement in conflict resolution processes and the extension of service to under-served communities and constituencies.  
  • Working with all others interested in promoting prevention and peaceful management and resolution of conflicts at the community level and at the earliest possible stage. [Adopted 10/16/98]