Irvine, Calif. – The JAMS Foundation is proud to support the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) through a $25,000 grant that will provide nationwide access to virtual mediation.
NAFCM, since 1994, has served as the network of community mediation centers and practitioners that offer constructive processes for resolving differences and conflicts between individuals, groups and organizations. The organization’s purpose is to support the maintenance and growth of community-based mediation programs and processes in order to present a compelling voice in appropriate policymaking, legislative, professional and other arenas, as well as to encourage the development and sharing of resources for these efforts.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, videoconferencing platforms have driven mediation processes, allowing parties to continue to resolve conflicts and disputes in a timely manner.
The two-year, $25,000 grant will provide Zoom Business licenses to community mediation centers and practitioners in partnership with NAFCM, providing a reliable connection for virtual alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and increasing access for clientele.
Community mediation centers play a critical role in providing access to dispute resolution for individuals, families and organizations, and will be particularly important as we see an increase in disputes related to the COVID-19 crisis. From addressing housing challenges to helping to resolve family disputes, these centers are an important resource, and we are pleased to partner with the National Association for Community Mediation to increase access to local centers for those who need it. We are so appreciative of Zoom for working with us and NAFCM to provide these much needed licenses.
- David Brandon, Managing Director of the JAMS Foundation
Zoom Business account users have access to all of Zoom’s advanced features such as longer meeting durations, dedicated phone support, an admin dashboard, breakout rooms, private and group chats and the ability to host up to 300 interactive participants.
The ability to offer virtual mediation services helps us to further our membership association’s mission, crafted in the 1964 Civil Rights Act, of advancing the work of community mediation and transforming conflicts into opportunities for engagement, resolution and partnership. This grant allows us to expand our ability to support the work of our members by giving them an additional platform for their community to come and address their issues.
- D.G. Mawn, President of NAFCM
NAFCM offers access to community mediation centers around the world. To find out more please visit NAFCM.
More information on the JAMS Foundation’s ongoing partnership with the NAFCM can be found on the organization’s Partnerships page.
About NAFCM
In communities around the globe, volunteers share their expertise to help others constructively engage, transform and resolve conflict. NAFCM supports these peacemakers by aggregating their wisdom, amplifying their voices and advancing their critical work. An active advocate for constructive conflict-assistive services, NAFCM supports the over 400 community mediation programs across the U.S. and many others internationally.
About the JAMS Foundation
The nonprofit JAMS Foundation was established in 2002 by JAMS, the largest private provider of ADR services worldwide. The mission of the JAMS Foundation is to provide financial assistance for conflict resolution initiatives with national and international impact and to share its dispute resolution expertise for the benefit of the public interest.
The Foundation is funded entirely by contributions from JAMS neutrals, executives and associates, and by a substantial annual donation from JAMS. To uphold the company’s core value of neutrality, the Foundation accepts no donations outside of JAMS. The Foundation currently boasts 300 principal benefactors and has provided more than $9 million in grant funding since its inception.
About JAMS – Local Solutions. Global Reach.
Founded in 1979, JAMS is the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services worldwide. JAMS successfully resolves and manages business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways to overcome barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized dispute resolution services locally and globally through a combination of industry-specific experience, first-class client service, top-notch facilities and highly trained panelists.
With a roster of nearly 400 neutrals and 28 locations, JAMS resolves thousands of the world’s important cases every year. JAMS also offers remote dispute resolution through videoconferencing and other platforms. JAMS neutrals are adept at managing the resolution process whether they are conducting in-person or virtual hearings.
More information is available at www.jamsadr.com, and you can connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our JAMS ADR blog.
