The Allegany Conflict Resolution Center has targeted the Rolling Mill Neighborhood for outreach efforts that are designed to increase the use of nonviolent strategies in low-income neighborhoods.  The Rolling Mill Neighborhood Association has gained attention in the city for its grassroots efforts to rebuild the community and make the neighborhood a safer place for families and children.  Their Neighborhood Association, City Police, and the Allegany Conflict Resolution Center Board agreed that such focused outreach activities could aid efforts to reduce crime and violence in the neighborhood.

“Here’s how it works,” Richard Noreikis, Community Mediation Program Coordinator, explains.  “By getting people together who must coexist -- for example, your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking -- how can you find a solution that works?  Mediation helps them address the underlying issues of the conflict face-to-face.  If you are like most people who face a wide variety of conflicts on a daily basis, perhaps you should consider trying mediation,” he suggested.  “Mediation is a process that brings people together to clarify issues, discuss options, and, if possible, reach an agreement.  Every mediator receives extensive training in conflict resolution to remain neutral and impartial throughout the entire process.  Mediators don’t take sides; they will not make decisions for you, provide any legal advice or recommend the terms of an agreement.”

Any party involved in a dispute who wants to try a free alternative to trial litigation by working with a mediator trained in conflict resolution may request information from the Center at (301) 759-6658 or (240) 727-0408.  All parties involved in the dispute must agree to mediation.  However, by using mediation, they do not give up any legal rights.  If an agreement is not reached, parties can still go to court.  The mediation sessions last about two hours may be scheduled during non-work hours and held in the neighborhood where the dispute occurs.

The organization’s Board of Directors recently elected officers at their July Annual meeting: Terri Bennett, President; Penny Copman, Vice-President, Richard Maslow, Secretary; and Jack Murray, Jr., Treasurer.  “The hoped for result is more conflicts being resolved peacefully through community-based mediation rather than through courts, police intervention, or violence,” said Board President Terri Bennett.  “Remember, the agreement is decided upon by all parties involved in the dispute, so it will more likely be a lasting solution,” stated Bennett.

According to neighborhood leaders and the Cumberland Police Department, many chronic conflicts in such low-income neighborhoods necessitate police intervention, which diverts them from more critical law enforcement.  The long-term success of mediation has been documented by lasting agreements rates.  The concept is being successfully used in schools, in businesses, in communities and neighborhoods, and in courts throughout Maryland.  The Allegany Conflict Resolution Center’s intake staff can arrange a mediation that fits the participants’ schedules when they call the center at (301) 759-6658 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  More information is also available at www.marylandmediation.org.