Published: July 18, 2009 11:38 pm      

Rolling Mill area target of efforts by resolution center

CUMBERLAND — The Allegany Conflict Resolution Center has targeted the Rolling Mill neighborhood for outreach efforts in keeping with the goal of integrating the community into the center and non-violent conflict resolution into the community.

A new billboard in the neighborhood features an example of activities used to promote free community mediation — Free Movies, Food & Fun offered in the Martins’ Food Market Community Room. Upcoming free movie nights will be Tuesday, “Willy Wonka,” and Aug. 18.

The Rolling Mill Neighborhood Association has gained attention in the city for its grass-roots efforts to rebuild the community and make the neighborhood a safer place for families and children. Its members, city police and the Allegany Conflict Resolution Center Board agreed that such focused outreach activities could aid efforts to reduce crime and violence in the neighborhood. 

The community mediation theme is that everyone in the community is a potential peace-maker. The primary action people can take is to resolve their own conflicts using mediation and peaceful conflict resolution.

Richard Noreikis, Community Mediation Program coordinator, explained. “It works by getting people together who must co-exist — for example, your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking — how can you find a solution that works? Mediation helps them address the underlying issues of the conflict face-to-face. Mediation is a process that brings people together to clarify issues, discuss options and, if possible, reach an agreement. Every mediator receives extensive training in conflict resolution to remain neutral and avoid making judgments. Mediators don’t take sides; they will not make decisions for you, provide any legal advice or recommend the terms of an agreement. Our belief is that people and communities know better than outsiders what their needs are.”

Anyone involved in a dispute who wants to try a free alternative to trial litigation may request information from the center at (301) 759-6658, (240) 727-0408 or e-mail ConflictResolutionCenter@allconet.org. All parties involved in the dispute must agree to mediation but they do not give up any legal rights. If an agreement is not reached, they can still go to court. The mediation sessions last about two hours and may be scheduled during nonwork hours and held in the neighborhood where the dispute occurs. 

The organization’s board of directors will elect officers at its July annual meeting. Current officers are Terri Bennett, president; Richard Maslow, secretary; and Jack Murray Jr., treasurer. “The hoped-for result is more conflicts being resolved peacefully through community-based mediation rather than through courts, police intervention or violence,” said Bennett. “Remember, the agreement is decided upon by all parties involved in the dispute, so it will more likely be a lasting solution.”

More information is also available at www.marylandmediation.org