Community Mediation Services
Through dialogue, our trained mediators can help you address conflict and move towards shared goals. We understand the possibility of conflict as a generative force.
**At this time, due to a higher than normal case load, we are not accepting new cases.**
Mediation services are provided by trained volunteers, supervised by SEEDS staff. All mediators and case developers volunteer their time to provide these valuable services to the community.
Call us:
510-542-9238
(Remote Number)
What is Mediation?
Mediation provides a supportive place where people can talk through their conflict in a productive manner.
A mediator helps people in conflict:
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Communicate for better understanding
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Identify the issues and each party’s interests
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Develop creative solutions
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Negotiate a lasting agreement that works for everyone
Types of conflicts SEEDS can mediate:
Neighbor
· Noise
· Fence/Boundary
· Pets
· Parking
· Trees
· Construction/Remodeling
· Harassment/Nuisance
Business/Commercial
· Partnerships
· Merchant/consumer transactions
· Real Estate
· Contracts
· Workplace
Landlord-Tenant
· Maintenance and Repairs
· Security Deposits
· Rent
Family/Relationships
· Communication breakdowns
· Divorce/separation*
· Money/Property
· Roommate/housemate
Organizational/Groups
· Schools
· Neighborhoods
· Non-profits
· Land-use
What situations are not suitable for SEEDS Mediation?
SEEDS can NOT:
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Provide legal advice, representation, or services
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Help fill out legal paperwork
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Produce legally-binding agreements/contracts
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Schedule mediations faster than 3 weeks out (after speaking with all parties)
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Mediate if there is an active restraining order
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Force someone to mediate
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Decide who is right or wrong regarding a conflict
For help with a legal matter,
consider contacting:
Alameda County Family Law Services
(510) 272-1393
(800) 551-5554
510-437-1554
For an urgent housing matter,
consider contacting:
Alameda County Family Help Center
(510) 267-8800
1-888-382-3405
(510) 437-1554
(510) 548-4040
(510) 496-0496
(510) 452-4541
75-80%
of cases end with a satisfactory resolution
Fee
The fee for a mediation includes intakes, scheduling, and a 3-hour mediation session.
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The fee depends on the type of case.
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The fee is charged if a mediation or conflict coaching session is scheduled.
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The fee is per person, per session.
Sliding Scale
The sliding scale fee is determined based on income plus other factors as outlined below.
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Start by finding your estimated annual income and determining the number of people supported by that income.
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If you have high debt, please move one bracket lower.
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If you have family financial support, other income including inheritance, or own significant assets (like a house, car, or stocks), please move one bracket higher.
No one is turned away for insufficient funds.
SEEDS offers Remote Mediations!
When in-person mediation is not possible, remote mediations are a great option to work through conflict.
Does mediation still work over a screen?
While nothing can replace meeting face-to-face, parties who have done remote mediations have successfully reduced/resolved conflict, created agreements, and met their goals for the process.
Are there tech requirements for remote mediations?
All parties need to meet the following minimum technical requirements:
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Familiarity with the video platform Zoom
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Reliable internet and a private space to talk
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A computer/tablet (Phones do not meet minimum requirements because they do not have the “gallery view” feature to display all parties simultaneously)
What if I don’t meet the tech requirements?
While you won’t be able to do a remote mediation, you may consider scheduling a one-on-one Conflict Coaching session which can be done over the phone. You may also consider doing an in-person mediation if/when that is available.
How do I start the process for a remote mediation?
To get a remote mediation started, follow the mediation process steps.
SEEDS offers Conflict Coaching!
When mediation is not possible, conflict coaching is a great option to get support and develop strategies to navigate a difficult conflict that’s impacting you.
SEEDS’ provides confidential one-on-one Conflict Coaching sessions to help our clients process and problem solve specific issues. We connect clients with conflict resolution experts with training in effective active listening and communication techniques. In 90 minute sessions, your coach will use deep listening to support you to understand your current situation more clearly and from different perspectives, and walk you through the process from where you are to where you would like to be.
To schedule your conflict coaching session, call SEEDS at 510-542-9238 to complete an intake and get connected with a Coach.
How much does Conflict Coaching cost?
The cost for Conflict Coaching follows the same sliding scale rubric as mediations.
How long does it take to schedule?
Conflict coaching sessions are scheduled 1-2 weeks after a completed intake. (Clients requiring a faster response may want to seek out private coaches or mediators.)
What if I need ongoing conflict coaching?
Designed to support and address a specific conflict, SEEDS provides up to 3 Conflict Coaching sessions. Clients with situations that require longer-term support may want to seek out private coaches or therapeutic services.