About Us

Welcome to what we believe is a unique and dynamic organization. Since 1990 the Ventura Center for Dispute Settlement (VCDS) has served the community well by providing mediation services for individuals with cases in Ventura County small claims court and through private mediations in our Camarillo office.

We recognize that conflict is a normal and often challenging part of life. Knowing how to communicate to avoid conflicts and how to resolve conflicts in a constructive way are important life skills. We believe facilitative mediation is a unique path to successfully resolving conflicts.

Over the years, we have trained hundreds of individuals in conflict resolution and facilitative mediation theory and skills. Through word of mouth and our outreach efforts, increasing numbers of community members from all different walks of life have participated in our Conflict Resolution Training which is held three times a year. Some have gone on to serve as a mediator in the community or in private practice, but most take the skills and experience from the training and apply them in a way that greatly enhances their professional and personal life

As VCDS entered its third decade of serving Ventura County, we realized it was time for us to expand our training program to meet the demands of the community. In order to succeed in the future, we decided to strategically shift our focus from that of a mediation resource to an education organization. Thus, Conflict Resolution Institute (CRI) was born and the legacy and programs of VCDS will continue to provide the foundation for our efforts under this new umbrella.

Core purpose

We empower community members to resolve conflict for a just and peaceful outcome. In doing so, we help create a more empathetic community that values relationships, respects differences, and accords dignity to all.

core values

Community Building

We uplift our community by building a culture of just peace.

>>>We listen to the needs of our community and facilitate grassroots change.

>>>We serve as a conflict resolution resource.

>>>We foster growth though outreach and collaboration.

Education

Conflict resolution education is necessary for a viable and more peaceful world.

>>>We teach community members how to navigate conflict more effectively.

>>>We empower community members to resolve their own conflicts using proven conflict resolution skills and tools.

Relationships

Relationships matter and they are our key to building a more collaborative, inclusive community.

Respect

We value speaking and listening to different perspectives with the ability to disagree in a civil manner and enable others to do the same.