Community Mediation
The Salem Community Mediation (SCM) Project
The Salem Community Mediation Project is part of CGI’s mission to bridge political divides and promote collaborative rather than adversarial government. It is supported by a grant from the JAMS Foundation and the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM).
We are living in a world of almost unprecedented political polarization. People from opposing political parties are having difficulty being in the same room together – let alone working together to solve problems. It doesn’t have to be this way.
The SCM project is bringing community leaders and elected officials together to work collaboratively to resolve challenging issues in Salem, Massachusetts. Instead of the us-them forms of adversarial politics that are used nationally, the SCM project employs the principles, practices and values of mediation and conflict resolution to devise novel solutions to difficult socio-political problems.
If you are interested in learning more about the Salem Community Mediation Project, contact us at mediation@commongroundinstitute.net.
Community Values
Common Ground Institute (CGI) provides mediation services for members of the Salem community. We uphold the values of Community Mediation as advanced by the National Association for Community Mediation and are:
- Community Based: We are a nonprofit organization composed of mediators, staff and a governing body that represents the diversity of the community we serve.
- Open: We use trained community volunteers to provide mediation services. The practice of mediation is open to all persons.
- Accessible: We provide direct access to the public through self-referral. We strive to reduce barriers to service whether they are physical, linguistic, cultural, programmatic or economic.
- Low Cost: We provide services to our clients regardless of ability to pay.
- Inclusive: We provide services and hire staff without discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, disabilities, national origin, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income.
- Timely: We provide a forum for dispute resolution at the earliest stage of conflict.
- Outcome-Oriented: We initiate, facilitate and educate for collaborative community relationships to affect positive systemic change.
- Newsworthy: We engage in public awareness and educational activities to impart the values and practices of conflict resolution and mediation.
If you have a dispute or problem that might benefit from mediation, conduct us at mediation@commongroundinstitute.net.