An Enid Woman has found a rather unusual way to help the community.
Mary Dillon volunteers her time as a mediator through Early Settlement. Mediation is a process that allows both sides in a dispute to develop an acceptable resolution without going to court.
When she first learned about mediation in 1990, Mary realized, “Conflict seems to always be around – This is something I can use!”
Early Settlement, part of the Oklahoma Dispute Resolution Program, provides an important service to local communities throughout Oklahoma in both community and court-related disputes. The resolution program is funded by the court system and trains volunteers such as Dillon to act as mediators.
Dillon is certified in Basic Mediation, Family and Divorce Mediation, Victim/Offender, and Parent/Child/Teen Mediation.
“Mediating with Early Settlement provides an outlet for me and for other volunteers to help the community in a substantial and meaningful way,” she says.
Mediation allows the parties in a dispute a chance to develop a resolution that is win-win for everyone involved. When people come to mediation with an open mind, they will almost always find a way to reach agreement.
“In all cases, whether small claims, civil, or family and divorce, the parties have the opportunity to find agreements that work for both sides,” Dillon said. “If left up to the court, there would be a winner and a loser. Mediation helps people find agreements they may not have considered before that fit everyone’s needs.”
Early Settlement Northwest is sponsoring a training program April 9 & 10 on the NWOSU – Enid Campus. Applicants need commit 20 hours in exchange for the free training. Volunteers from all counties are welcome, and would likely only mediate in their home county. Persons interested in the training should contact the Early Settlement office at 580-213-3123 or email nwmediator@yahoo.com to enroll. The Northwest program is sponsored by Northwestern Oklahoma State University, with an office located on the Enid campus.
