What is Mediation?

"Mediation is a voluntary procedure whereby an independent and impartial third party or parties promote and facilitate the resolution of a dispute between the parties. Mediation is based on the principal of self-determination by participants." (MCI Standard Definition*)

What does a Mediator do?

"The primary role of a mediator is to assist the participants to gain a better understanding of their own needs and interests and the needs and interests of others and to facilitate agreement among the participants." (MCI Standard Definition B.*)

*Source: Mediation Council of Illinois Professional Standards of Practice for Mediators