Mediation Month proclaimed by Governor Northam

03/01/2021

WHEREAS, 2021 marks the 28th anniversary of the passage of the dispute resolution proceedings statute that continues to play an important role in institutionalizing the use of mediation in the courts in Virginia; and

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WHEREAS, with continued adherence to the 2002 Virginia Administrative Dispute Resolution Act, numerous governmental entities in the Commonwealth are demonstrating a commitment to the application of creative problem solving when faced with complex issues and disputes; and

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WHEREAS, the Virginia court system continues to administer the mediator certification program, providing a way for the public to locate a mediator for individual services; and

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WHEREAS, mediators and other dispute resolution practitioners, through their significant expertise in helping stakeholders find durable solutions to important issues, have demonstrated the value of the field of alternative dispute resolution and the value of mediation as a tool for peacemaking between and among individuals, groups, units, neighborhoods, and countries; and

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WHEREAS, many of Virginia’s universities, colleges, and law schools often incorporate mediation into their curricula and programs; leaders, managers, and supervisors apply mediation practices and skills in the workplace; and not-for-profit community-based dispute resolution centers provide opportunities to resolve issues effectively and affordably in communities; and

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WHEREAS, an increasing number of professional entities in Virginia contribute to and provide quality dispute resolution services; and

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WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia continues to be a leader in promoting the use of such principles and practices;

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize March 2021 as MEDIATION MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.