About
At GRCMC, a 501(c)(3) organization founded on September 19, 2023, we’re passionate about helping people find peaceful, collaborative solutions to their disputes and conflicts. We believe that when individuals are empowered to shape their outcomes, they feel more satisfied and their needs are better met.
Geographical Areas of Service
We provide service to the greater Richmond area. And if you do not have a community mediation center in your area, we are happy to help!
We offer a variety of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tools and processes to individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and non-profits. These include:
- Mediation
- Facilitation
- Negotiation
- Conflict Coaching
- Arbitration
All of these processes are guided by a trained, neutral third party who remains unbiased about the outcome. Their mission is to facilitate meaningful discussions, clear up miscommunications, and help all parties understand each other’s perspectives. By identifying common problems and brainstorming workable solutions together, we aim to not only resolve the issue at hand but also heal and strengthen ongoing relationships.
Our Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Pamela K. Struss, a dedicated pracademic (combining research, teaching, and practice), serves on the faculty at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Dr. Struss, with her extensive national and international experience, is a past president of the Virginia Mediation Network (VMN).
During her presidency from 2020 to 2022, Dr. Struss noticed the absence of a community mediation center in Richmond. Her research into best practices led to the founding of GRCMC in the summer of 2023, officially opening its doors in September.
Our Practitioners
Our team of mediators and ADR practitioners are highly skilled and certified by the Virginia Supreme Court. Many hold advanced degrees, including some with terminal degrees in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, law, and social work. Our practitioners specialize in various areas, including domestic relations, business, employment, healthcare, real estate, estate matters, elder care, government, environment, and non-profits.
Our Educational Trainers
Our teaching staff brings a wealth of experience, certification, and a strong academic foundation to the courses they offer. Each trainer is an expert in their field, committed to sharing knowledge and fostering growth in conflict resolution skills.
Mission
At GRCMC, we’re proud to be the go-to choice for individuals and organizations seeking to resolve disputes and conflicts. We use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes to help find solutions that work for everyone involved.
Vision
Our vision is to be the community’s trusted resource for preventing conflicts and fostering collaborative resolutions. We’re here to help create a more harmonious and understanding environment for all.
Values
We are guided by our core values:
- Collaborative: We believe in working together to find the best outcomes.
- Compassionate: We approach every situation with care and understanding.
- Confidential: We respect the privacy of those we serve.
- Consistent: We provide reliable and dependable services.
- Creative: We think outside the box to find innovative solutions.