Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County

Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County Conflict-Resolution, Mediation, Training and Volunteering Civic Harmony Starts Here!

For 30 years, the Dispute Resolution Center has served residents of Thurston and south Mason Counties through a variety of resources to individuals, families, businesses and organizations, and the broader community, to help manage and resolve conflict, to prevent conflict when possible, and to create a more civil and peaceful community. Our Services:
- Mediation - Our trained and certified mediato

rs serve as impartial facilitators to help people in conflict work toward mutually beneficial agreements.
- Conflict Resolution Resource Line - We provide conflict coaching, information and referrals, and arrange face-to-face mediations.
- Group Facilitation - We help work teams and other groups run orderly and productive meetings, and achieve key goals.
- Training - We provide customized training to businesses and organizations to prevent and manage workplace conflict, promote teamwork and improve customer service
- Youth Empowerment & School Support - We partner with local schools to offer training and support to help the next generation communicate through conflict
- Restorative Justice Facilitated Dialogue - We partner with Thurston County Drug Court to help individuals affected by crime engage in difficult conversations in an effort to hear each other, deepen understanding, and heal the harms caused.
- Eviction Resolution Program Pilot (ERPP) – We help to resolve landlord and tenant disputes before they lead to court filings and evictions, at no cost. Our Impact:
The DRC annually serves more than 6,000 members of our community through this array of services. Our Volunteers:
The DRC's services are made possible by the efforts of more than 140 volunteers who collectively give over 5,000 hours of service each year to help create a more civil and peaceful community. Our Reach:
The DRC of Thurston County is one of 21 dispute resolution centers serving communities across Washington State, working collaboratively through their umbrella organization, Resolution Washington.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of former Washington State Senator Sam Hunt, who for many years represented the...
04/30/2026

We were saddened to learn of the passing of former Washington State Senator Sam Hunt, who for many years represented the communities served by our center.

Sen. Hunt was an important advocate for the work of our center - and the state-wide network of dispute resolution centers - and was a strong voice and champion for conflict resolution and seeking civil, constructive dialogue. He will be missed.

04/27/2026

Olympia’s Procession of the Species and artswalk is a fantastic and unique annual event that honors the vibrance of the community and all of its creatives.

Thank you to everyone who showed up and shared their movement, voices, and art. Through dance, song, and collective creativity, you shaped this gathering into a practice of connection and peacemaking; with one another, with the Earth, and with all its life. 🌍🎶🎨

Your creativity creates moments of harmony and care. Thank you for being part of this shared work. ✨

04/23/2026

Conflict resolution begins with listening, understanding, and commitment to common ground.

When we practice thoughtful communication, we strengthen our families, our communities, and the world our kids will inherit. 💙🌱

This Earth Day, let’s care for our planet by caring for one another.

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! 💛Taking a moment to honor our 100+ volunteers who make this work possible.From traini...
04/20/2026

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! 💛

Taking a moment to honor our 100+ volunteers who make this work possible.

From trainings like this recent Conflict Crash Course with Olympia Parks & Rec to sitting in mediation rooms, our volunteers show up with skill, care, and commitment across all of our services. Last year alone, they gave over 6,000 hours in direct service to our community.

“Neighbors supporting neighbors” isn’t just our motto, it’s what our volunteers live and embody every day.

We are so grateful for each of you. We truly couldn’t do this work without you. Thank you.

This month, we recognize Autism Acceptance  Month and the importance of neurodiversity in conflict resolution. Different...
04/17/2026

This month, we recognize Autism Acceptance Month and the importance of neurodiversity in conflict resolution. Different communication styles and ways of understanding can shape how conflict is experienced and resolved.

Our mission is to ensure our services are accessible and inclusive, supporting understanding, clarity, and mutual respect.

Our work is guided by our values of personal empowerment, integrity, respect, collaboration, civility, and trust.

THANK YOU to these local businesses who are providing delicious hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats and alcohol-free libations ...
04/13/2026

THANK YOU to these local businesses who are providing delicious hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats and alcohol-free libations for our Celebration of Peacemakers event:
The Crowded Kitchen Catering Co.
The Popinjay
Encore Teas + Encore Chocolates & Sweets
8 Arms Community Bakery
Three Magnets Brewing Co.

Please make plans to join us at SPSCC's Lacey Campus on the afternoon of Sunday, May 3rd to celebrate the work of the DRC and honor the peacemakers in our community.

This event is free of charge and open to members of the community, but RSVPs are required.

Learn more and RSVP at >

Come join us for an afternoon of honoring peacemakers and celebrating the DRC on Sunday, May 3rd at 1:00 PM!

Our Conflict Crash Course training will once again be offered through City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation. Thanks t...
04/10/2026

Our Conflict Crash Course training will once again be offered through City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation. Thanks to this partnership, we're making our trainings accessible to more members of our community.

Join us on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for this 4-hour in-person training at Olympia Center to learn tips to help you navigate conflict & get to a resolution.

This interactive course introduces conflict resolution and provides practical skills for daily use to improve communication, enhance relationships, manage conflict, and prevent verbal escalation.

Learn More Here:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec/activity/search/detail/13103?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

At our May 3rd Celebration of Peacemakers event, we will be honoring both an individual - Washington State Supreme Court...
04/10/2026

At our May 3rd Celebration of Peacemakers event, we will be honoring both an individual - Washington State Supreme Court Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis - and a group - The "Mosqueteers" - with the 2026 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award.

This event is free of charge and open to members of the community, but RSVPs are required. Learn more and RSVP at > https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-peacemakers-2026-tickets-1981960440029

Justice Montoya-Lewis, the first Native American justice on the court, has been a strong advocate for access to justice and restorative principles. The "Mosqueteers" are a group of interfaith volunteers who stand vigil at the Islamic Center of Olympia - Masjid Al-Nur during Friday prayer services.

Established in honor of the DRC's Founding Executive Director, Evan Ferber, this annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in strengthening civil discourse, and promoting peaceful dispute resolution and civility.

04/09/2026

Did you know we have a resource right here in our neighborhood to help prevent evictions and resolve housing conflicts?

The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County offers free or low-cost tenant-landlord mediation services through grant funding for Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater residents - helping neighbors work through issues and stay housed.

Sometimes having a calm, neutral space with the right support can make it easier to sit down, talk things through, and find a way forward together.

We're pleased to have Parfait Bassalé as the keynote speaker for our Celebration of Peacemakers event on May 3rd. An Oly...
04/08/2026

We're pleased to have Parfait Bassalé as the keynote speaker for our Celebration of Peacemakers event on May 3rd.

An Olympia-based belonging strategist, singer-songwriter, and author, Parfait will share reflections on "The Power of Community".

This event, which includes the presentation of the Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award, is free and open to anyone with an interest in the community-building work of the Dispute Resolution Center.

To learn more and RSVP, click here >https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-peacemakers-2026-tickets-1981960440029



Thank you to Panorama Retirement Community for inviting our Executive Director, Elizabeth Drake, to give a presentation ...
04/03/2026

Thank you to Panorama Retirement Community for inviting our Executive Director, Elizabeth Drake, to give a presentation on "Compassionate Communication" today.
We were pleased with the great turnout and appreciated the many thoughtful questions and insights.

We will be offering an additional new training at Panorama later this spring. Stay tuned.

The DRC is excited to share upcoming affordable half‑day online trainings. Learn more about them at > https://conta.cc/3...
03/31/2026

The DRC is excited to share upcoming affordable half‑day online trainings. Learn more about them at > https://conta.cc/3MLKU2D

Impactful Conversations: Giving & Receiving Feedback | May 12th
• Explore common barriers to effective feedback
• Examine how culture and identity shape feedback experiences
• Practice giving and receiving feedback that supports growth and mutual respect

Culture & Power: In Communication & Conflict | April 7th
• Explore how culture and power shape communication and conflict
• Learn tools to name and navigate power dynamics
• Practice communication strategies that honor difference while getting work done

Clash to Conversation: Finding Connection Beyond Conflict | April 16th
• Learn practical strategies to transform conflict into dialogue
• Practice skills through real-life scenarios and role plays
• Build tools for staying calm, speaking clearly, and listening with respect

Learn more at >
https://conta.cc/3MLKU2D




Address

​2604 12th Court SW, Suite A-2
Olympia, WA
98502

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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