Neighbor-to-Neighbor currently maintains a diverse roster of trained volunteer mediators and case developers. Many volunteers take on an even greater commitment of their personal time through serving on the Board of Directors, training new mediators, training community groups, speaking at outreach activities and serving on various committees. They come from all walks of life but share a common belief in the ‘magic’ of mediation.
The stated purpose in the original Bylaws is identical to the stated purpose in the Bylaws today. While office spaces, board members, volunteers, and staff members have come and gone, breathing constant life into the community dispute resolution vision, the basic purpose and concept remains unchanged. Neighbor-to-Neighbor Purpose:
- To support the voluntary and participatory resolution of conflict
- To foster acceptance of responsibility by the individual and community for conflict and its peaceful resolution
- To provide a forum for resolution of these disputes and training for volunteers to assist in this process
- To foster the philosophy that conflict has positive value and can be used for beneficial change
- To further develop a sense of community
Neighbor-to-Neighbor handles approximately 500 cases per year, receiving referrals from law enforcement, housing authority, Juvenile Departments, neighborhood associations, community and code enforcement, dog control, manufactured dwelling parks, schools and other local government agencies. The time, effort, commitment and vision of individuals serving on the Board of Directors over the years, in the volunteer ranks, and as staff, is a testimony to the effectiveness, value and the constancy of alternative methods of dispute resolution.
Our Mission
Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Inc. is dedicated to providing peaceful solutions to conflict through mediation, group facilitation, restorative justice, education and training. Our aim is to provide families, neighborhoods, juvenile crime victims, government entities, and private organizations the means to achieve peace and reconciliation.
Our Vision
We are committed to enhancing our local community by supporting individuals and groups to peacefully resolve conflicts, achieve reconciliation, and learn appropriate dispute resolution behavior.
Our Values
In the conduct of Neighbor-to-Neighbor’s operations, we value:
- Conflict as an opportunity for learning and growth
- Appropriate dispute resolution approaches to conflict
- The right and innate ability of each person to find peaceful solutions to conflict
- The primacy of volunteers as mediators
- Professional development of staff, volunteers, and board
- Meaningful compensation for and recognition of staff
- Collaborative relationships with other community groups and organizations
- Open and respectful communications among staff, board, volunteers, community members, and mediation participants
- Sensitivity to and appreciation of community and cultural differences
Our Programs
Community/Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Manufactured/Marina Home Park
Workplace
Landlord/Tenant
Consumer/Merchant Mediation
Juvenile Victim/Offender Dialogues
Parent/Teen
Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance
Large and Small Group Facilitation
Day-of Court Small Claims and FED
Animal Control/Code Enforcement
Training and Education
We offer contract training on Conflict Resolution Skills, Concepts, and Strategies for organizations. We also provide Basic Mediation Training, and other mediation courses for mediators. See our Training Page for specific information.