Julie Mitchell is the Executive Director for Ku’ikahi Mediation Center which was established in 1983 for the purpose of bringing peaceful resolution to conflicts in our community.  Their services are available to individuals and businesses alike as well as a peer to peer mediation program at local elementary schools.  

 

Julie explained the differences between litigation, arbitration and mediation as means of conflict resolution.  Mediation is voluntary and not binding like arbitration or court order and is more likely to lead to a “win-win” while maintaining peace and good relationships.  Another benefit of mediation is the low cost relative to alternatives.  If mediation is referred by the court, there is no fee.

 

Julie noted that one of the keys to successful mediation is for both parties to be aware of the need to listen and fully comprehend the other person’s position.  It takes discipline and practice to shut off your own desire to jump in before the other person has made their point and could lead to misunderstanding or misinterpreting the actual message.  Repeating your perceived understanding to confirm with the other person will speed the resolution process.

 

To bring this full circle to Rotary, Julie introduced The Rotary Mediation Pledge which was created by The Mediation Center of the Pacific and adapted to align with the 4 Way Test and our community values.  You are encouraged to sign the pledge and to be mindful of it to maintain healthy conflict free relationships.

 

For more information, please visit:  https://hawaiimediation.org/mediation/#faq