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Organizational Overview

The Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) of Missoula is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services throughout the community. By offering high-quality mediation and conflict resolution services, we empower individuals to resolve disputes collaboratively, efficiently, and affordably—often without the need for litigation. Our mission is rooted in relieving pressure on the court system, fostering community-based solutions, and bridging the justice gap for under-resourced individuals and families.

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Each year, the CDRC provides mediation training for community members through Foundations of Mediation and Family Law Mediation courses. These volunteers go on to serve as neutral mediators in cases ranging from small claims and housing disputes to family law matters and restorative justice conferences.

The Importance of Mediation

Mediation is a critical tool in ensuring Access to Justice—providing people with equitable, affordable pathways to resolve disputes without entering the formal legal system. It offers a safe space for individuals to tell their stories, re-establish communication, and co-create sustainable solutions with the support of trained, neutral mediators.

CDRC Services and Impact

Justice Court Mediations​

  • A majority of cases filed with the Missoula Justice Court are referred to mediation prior to trial. The CDRC mediates approximately two hundred of these cases annually.

  • Approximately 80% of Justice Court mediations involve landlord/tenant disputes, a particularly urgent area given the increasing housing challenges that exist in our community.

  • Over 50% of mediated cases are successfully resolved prior to trial, resulting in meaningful cost savings for the court and taxpayers.

  • These mediations significantly reduce courtroom congestion and promote durable agreements between parties.

​District Court Mediations​

  • In partnership with the District Court, the CDRC now mediates approximately 150 cases per year, with a focus on family law and civil matters.

  • The CDRC also mediates over sixty parenting plans annually in the 4th Judicial District, helping families navigate challenging transitions outside of adversarial court proceedings. The CDRC provides these mediations at no cost to the parties.

​Restorative Justice and Community Mediation​

  • The CDRC facilitates restorative justice processes in which individuals who have caused harm and those affected engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at accountability and healing.

  • We also mediate neighborhood disputes and workplace conflicts, supporting healthier relationships across various community settings.

Opportunities to Support​ and Get Involved

Your support will help the CDRC:

  • Expand mediation services to underserved populations.

  • Increase restorative justice offerings.

  • Provide scholarships for training programs.

  • Develop outreach to recruit and train volunteer mediators to serve our communities.

  • Strengthen operational capacity to meet growing community needs.​

​Training and Volunteer Engagement

The CDRC trains and certifies volunteer mediators who provide essential services across our case types. Training offerings include:

  • Foundations of Mediation

  • Family Law Mediation

  • Facilitation Skills

  • Workplace Conflict Resolution

  • Fundamentals of Restorative Justice

Our volunteer mediators contribute approximately 400 hours annually, assisting with small claims, housing issues, and parenting plan cases. To ensure broad access to these opportunities, we offer scholarships for training and keep participation costs low.

Why Fund the CDRC?

Funding the CDRC directly supports:

  • Access to Justice: By offering services on a sliding fee scale, we make dispute resolution accessible to low-income individuals who might otherwise lack recourse. The CDRC serves all citizens, regardless of their ability to pay.

  • Court Efficiency: Our services reduce the caseload of overburdened courts, lowering public costs and improving outcomes for litigants.

  • Community Resilience: Our training sessions are designed to build local capacity and manage conflict constructively, leading to more sustainable and collaborative communities.

  • Volunteerism and Equity: We empower community members to serve as mediators and offer financial support to ensure inclusiveness in training and service.

  • Restorative Approaches: We promote healing and accountability through dialogue, a process particularly impactful in youth justice and community harm cases.

Conclusion

The Community Dispute Resolution Center plays a vital role in Missoula’s justice ecosystem. With your support, we can continue to provide fair, accessible, and effective resolution services that strengthen individuals, families, and the broader community.

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