Our Services
Transformation
Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center's mediation services have a transformative impact on individuals, families, and workplaces. By providing a neutral and structured environment for communication and conflict resolution, PCRC empowers individuals to express their concerns, understand the perspectives of others, and collaboratively find solutions. This process fosters personal growth, improved relationships within families, and more harmonious workplaces. Through PCRC's mediation services, individuals develop essential conflict resolution skills, families rediscover unity and cohesion, and workplaces become more productive and collaborative environments.
Conflict transformation and mediation are both approaches to resolving conflicts, but they differ in their objectives and methods.
Conflict transformation is a comprehensive and long-term approach to dealing with conflicts. It seeks to go beyond simply resolving disputes to address the root causes and underlying issues that contribute to conflicts.
Mediation is a specific process for resolving conflicts in which a neutral third party, the mediator, assists the conflicting parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution.
Depending on the nature and scope of a conflict, one or both of these approaches may be used to promote understanding, reconciliation, and peaceful resolution.
Benefits
Clients who engage the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (PCRC) for mediation services can expect a range of benefits that can positively impact their personal lives, relationships, and workplaces. Some of the key benefits include:Conflict Resolution: PCRC's mediators help clients resolve conflicts in a constructive and peaceful manner. This can lead to mutually acceptable solutions, reducing the need for litigation or legal action.
Improved Communication: Through the mediation process, clients learn effective communication and listening skills. This can enhance their ability to express themselves, understand others, and maintain healthier relationships.
Empowerment: Mediation empowers clients to be active participants in finding solutions to their conflicts, giving them a sense of control over the outcome.
Cost-Effective: Mediation is often more cost-effective than going to court, as it typically requires fewer financial and time resources.
Confidentiality: Mediation sessions are private and confidential, providing a safe space for open and honest discussions.
Preservation of Relationships: Mediation aims to preserve or even improve relationships, making it particularly beneficial for families and workplaces where ongoing interactions are essential.
Customized Solutions: Mediation allows for tailored, creative solutions that can address the unique needs and interests of the parties involved.
Reduced Stress: Mediation can reduce the emotional stress and anxiety associated with unresolved conflicts, providing a sense of closure and relief.
Faster Resolutions: Mediation often leads to quicker resolutions compared to lengthy legal processes, helping clients move forward with their lives or work.
Conflict Prevention: Mediation not only resolves current disputes but equips clients with conflict resolution skills that can be applied in future situations.
Satisfaction with Outcomes: Clients tend to be more satisfied with the outcomes of mediation because they have a direct say in the solutions that are reached.
Cultural Sensitivity: PCRC may offer culturally sensitive mediation services, addressing the unique needs of diverse communities and individuals.
“No adult has ever given me the credit to make my own decisions until now.”
Families and Parents
For many families in need of additional support in engaging with school services, PCRC is the necessary link between families and schools. We provide trainings and guidance to parents who require assistance in navigating the complexities of the school system, accessing health care and connecting with local services and resources. Our services include:
Nationally-acclaimed Parent Project® parenting classes
Parent workshops on leadership development and capacity building
One-on-one coaching with workshop participants, PTA and ELAC parent committees
Consultation for administrators, staff and teachers to improve family engagement
Facilitated dialogues between school families, staff and administrators to strengthen relationships
Training for service providers and school staff working to increase parent involvement
“Thank you, I loved the class. I learned things that I can apply both at home and at work.”
HOA Mediation
Complex Mediation
Landlord - Tenant Mediation
Community Associations
PCRC works with communities to reduce cultural stigmas related to physical and mental health issues. We also support non-traditional leaders who have the power and skill to make lasting societal change and build partnerships that mobilize groups to take action on issues that are important to them. We are the go-to source among organizations serving our community for projects, campaigns, initiatives and coalitions – efforts that bring people together to make things happen. PCRC can also assist with processes to help groups reach common goals when differing ideas and approaches are slowing progress. We strive to build lasting skills so that processes can run smoothly after we’re gone.
“The meeting on Sunday was fabulous. It was organized to stimulate each person to think not only about what they knew regarding the subject, but to consider a wide scope of options. The facilitators directed the conversation to ensure that everyone had a chance to share. The preset questions were inclusive for all and the instant Spanish translation put everyone on the same page. I love to see a meeting including members from the city, county, and community run like clockwork. Great job!”
Local Government
PCRC helps city and county officials and the communities they serve come together to address pressing issues and polices that have far-reaching impact. We help resolve the disputes that siphon time and energy so that local governments and their residents can focus on the shared goal of improving the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in San Mateo County. For example, many long-time businesses that make up the cultural and historic fabric of our communities are struggling to remain in the county. Preserving such businesses has a lasting effect on a community’s stability and economic vibrancy. PCRC works with communities on redevelopment efforts to increase economic growth without displacement.
“After partnering with PCRC, I understand that authentic community engagement takes a lot more strategy than one meeting with the public. How can anyone understand something as complex as a General Plan update in one community meeting?”
Law Enforcement
PCRC facilitates safe spaces for communities and law enforcement officials to address complex issues around violence, youth access to drugs and alcohol, immigration and other concerns facing residents. Partnerships and collaboration can transform adversarial “us vs. them” attitudes into shared values of safety and togetherness.
PCRC also does annual outreach in each city to patrol officers who are often first responders in neighbor and family disputes.
Businesses
PCRC works with businesses to provide training in areas such as communication skills, conflict resolution and meeting management. We can help plan and facilitate staff retreats or networking and outreach efforts. When challenges arise with customers or business associates, between co-workers or among work teams, we can assist with dispute resolution.
We realized that going along to get along wasn't working very well. Mediation lent clarity to what was going on. It illuminated our dynamic in a crystalline way. We had to let our illusions go and be equal players”
Individuals
Based on the belief that people can solve their own problems, PCRC empowers individuals with tools and processes to address challenges collaboratively while preserving relationships. We provide neutral, facilitative support in a variety of situations to help individuals consider their goals, reach out to others, communicate their interests effectively and find mutually acceptable resolutions to their concerns. If training is needed, we help with skills and capacity building. Throughout our work, we maintain strict confidentiality. First and foremost, we’re here to listen.
Other Nonprofits and Organizations
PCRC works with other local service organizations and nonprofits to provide training workshops in areas such as having difficult conversations, cultural humility, conflict resolution and restorative practices. We can help plan and facilitate staff retreats or meetings with community partners to seek input or form collaborative networks. When challenges arise with clients or partners, between employees or among workgroups, we can help facilitate win-win solutions.
“Without PCRC’s facilitation support we would have been only 10% as effective in our strategic planning”