Nonprofit Mediation

Facilitating Conflict Resolution for Charitable & Community Organizations

Conflict in a nonprofit can be especially complicated as there are a variety of relationships: Between those serving on the volunteer based Board of Directors; between the Board of Directors and the operational staff; within the operation staff positions and departments; and between volunteers and the operational staff. No matter the groups involved, conflict can be a major distraction or even a significant obstacle in carrying out the mission of the organization.


Engaging a neutral third party is an effective approach to work through the conflict. Mediation Partners of New England will explore the conflict, identify the players and stakeholders, facilitate conversations to identify contributing factors, and nurture a collaborative and sustainable way forward.

Value and Benefits

Using a mediator has several benefits. A mediator...

  • Is a neutral third party who will work to gain the trust of those in conflict and organize candid and respectful discussions.


  • Is a professional who is educated in helping people with differing views to discuss sensitive issues and help them identify a positive way forward.


  • Will be sensitive to the mission of the nonprofit and, where possible, nurture solutions that align with its objectives and principles.

Outcomes

The outcomes of using mediation services in a non-profit organization are many: 

  • Mediation is a confidential process. Outcomes of the sessions are reviewed and endorsed by the participants and shared with the Board. The Board typically oversees the communication, if any, of the outcomes.


  • Lingering issues are finally addressed. Also newly evolving one can be detected early avoiding additional difficulties.


  • Those in conflict feel that they have been heard and they have had an opportunity to shape the resolution.


  • By opening the door to candid discussions the organization establishes a model to use in future sensitive situations.   

Explore Some Example Cases:

  • Mediating Communication Between Nursery School Board & Director/Teacher

    The Board of Directors for a community nursery school hired a Director/Teacher nine-months ago and it appears she is not understanding her role nor the expected relationship with Board. The Board just gave the Director/Teacher her first review and it was mediocre at best. Subsequent interactions between the Board and the Director/Teachers have been strained. The Board does not want to hire a new Director/Teacher but understands that the current working relationship is not sustainable. The decision is to engage a mediator to facilitate discussions between the Board President and the Director/Teacher.

  • Mediating Between Volunteers & Board at a National Historic Site

    Volunteers at an national historic site are uncomfortable with recent decisions made by the Board of Directors. The volunteers have formed an informal committee to approach the Board with their concerns and preferences. Though the Board is reluctant to meet with the Committee for fear the conversation will become difficult and political, the Board has hired a mediator to facilitate the discussion.

  • Mediating Programming Disputes in a Community Religious Organization

    The lay leadership of a community religious organization is uncomfortable with some of the programming decisions and approaches of the spiritual leader. Though the lay president has tried to address the concerns with the spiritual leader, their conversation was unsuccessful. The lay leadership agreed to hire a mediator to assist with organizing and then facilitating a meeting. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does a mediation session work?

    • One or several people involved in the conflict would call Mediation Partners New England (MPNE) to learn about its services, approach, and fees. Once MPNE is engaged, the mediator will arrange  to speak to those involved to explore the nature and factors of the conflict.  These are called “pre-mediation interviews” and they are confidential. 
    • The next step is for the mediator to design an approach and work out the mediation logistics, that is the date, time, location and invitees.  Preferred is an in-person meeting but if that is not possible, a video meeting can be arranged.  
    • At the meeting, the initial step is for the mediator to ask each participant to share the concerns and reasons that brought each person to the meeting.  Often these reasons are written on a flip chart so they can be referred to later in the session. 
    • Once the concerns and interests are “on the table,” there is a time for discussion and questions and answers. The mediator will make sure that everyone has a change to express their perspectives and ask questions they might have.  
    • Over time the mediator will guide the discussion to identification of alternatives and how to move to forward.   
    • If desired, the mediator will provide a written summary of outcomes and actions. The summary can be informal as meeting notes or the outcomes may be written up in a note of understandings.

  • How long does mediation take?

    The length of time depends upon the topics, the people, and the time available. Sometimes it takes as little as an hour whereas other times it takes a series of meeting.  

  • When will we know the outcome of the mediation?

    The outcome of the mediation is up to the participants so by the end of the mediation a resolution or how to go forward will be known.

  • Where does the mediation session take place?

    The location of the mediation is decided by the participants and the mediator.  It is best to have a comfortable location. It can occur at a public place such as a reserved function room in a hotel, at a church meeting room, a meeting room in the public library, etc. Comfort is key. 

  • If I am interested in your services what are the next steps?

    The next step is to send a note of interest to Mediation Partners New England. Click here  to complete contact information and someone will get back to you within two days.    If you’d prefer, you can call at 617 799-8706 to speak to Susan directly.