Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County

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.

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

03/24/2026

The DRC is looking for a Finance Manager who can bring both strong financial expertise and a commitment to community-centered work.
Learn more > https://www.mediatethurston.org/job-opportunities.html

At the DRC, we help people navigate conflict through mediation and training in communication skills. Behind our work is a need for clear, reliable, and accessible financial systems.

This position isn’t just about managing numbers. It’s about helping a mission-driven organization make sound decisions, stay accountable to our community, and grow sustainably.

In this role, you will:
- Oversee accounting, payroll, and financial reporting
- Ensure compliance with grants, contracts, and state requirements
- Strengthen systems and improve how financial information is used across teams
- Partner with leadership to support strategic decision-making

We’re looking for someone who:
- Has 3–5+ years of nonprofit accounting experience
- Can translate financial data into clear, usable insights
- Is detail-oriented, proactive, and collaborative
- Cares about equity, access, and community impact

Details:
35 hours/week , hybrid schedule
$31.25–$36.00/hour + pro-rated benefits (health, PTO, 403(b) match)
Olympia, WA

Full job description and application instructions >https://www.mediatethurston.org/uploads/5/7/3/0/57304137/finance_manager_job_description.pdf

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references (two of which must be current or former supervisors) to: adominguez@mediatethurston.org
Subject: Finance Manager Position
Attention: Elizabeth Drake, Executive Director
Application deadline April 17th at 5:00 p.m. PST

03/10/2026

“The training was stellar—practical, well-designed, and valuable for both personal and professional growth.”

40-hour Professional Mediation Training
In-Person Training
June 3rd - 5th & 10th - 12th
Wenesdays 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Thursdays & Fridays 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Being together in person creates space for real dialogue, hands‑on practice, and a sense of community that supports meaningful learning.

Whether you want to become a certified mediator or are looking to strengthen your relationships at home or at work, the concepts and skills in this training are easily transferable and designed to improve communication in all settings.

Learn More >> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1640676179619?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/26/2026

The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County is pleased to offer three new affordable half-day online trainings. Learn more about them at > https://conta.cc/3MLKU2D

"Impactful Conversations: Giving & Receiving Feedback" - March 3rd
Explore barriers to effective feedback, how culture and identity shape feedback experiences, and practice delivering and receiving feedback in a way that promotes growth and mutual respect. Next training coming up is May 12th.

"Culture & Power: In Communication & Conflict" - April 7th
Go beyond surface-level communication to explore the deeper forces that shape how conflict unfolds: culture and power. Learn tools for naming and navigating power dynamics and for fostering communication that honors difference while still getting the work done!

"Clash to Conversation: Finding Connection Beyond Conflict" - April 16th
Learn practical strategies to transform conflict into meaningful dialogue. Through real-life scenarios, role plays, and civil communication tools, you’ll practice staying calm under pressure, expressing yourself clearly, and listening with respect.

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

02/23/2026

Thank you to the Zonta Club of Olympia for their generous support of the recent community dialogue, "Centering Women's Voices", which the DRC facilitated in partnership with the South Sound YMCA and YWCA of Olympia.

02/20/2026

Are you experiencing conflict with your landlord or tenant?
Has communication broken down with your housemate?
Are relationships strained with your neighbor or HOA?

You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. The Dispute Resolution Center offers a wide range of resources to residents of Thurston County to address and resolve housing-related conflict. Many of these services are available at low or no cost.

Learn more > https://www.mediatethurston.org/housing-services.html

Housing Services

02/19/2026

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, February 21st 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/12920?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

02/13/2026

🌟 Strengthen Your Communication Through Better Feedback

Join us for this interactive half‑day online training where we’ll dive into the art of providing and accepting feedback. You’ll learn intentional communication practices that build trust, accountability, and clarity while exploring what shapes our feedback experiences in both professional and personal settings.

A valuable opportunity to elevate how you engage with others.

Learn more > https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1689149003139?aff=oddtdtcreator

Let's chat about how to give and receive feedback in a way that really makes a difference!

02/08/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Kathy Baros Friedt from all of us in the DRC Family for your many years of dedication to and support for the mission of the Dispute Resolution Center - and for the broader impact you've made through your service to our community.
Best wishes as you begin the next chapter of your life in a new community.

02/06/2026

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for promoting peace and civility in our community?

There's still time to nominate them for the 2026 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award.
The deadline for nominations is March 1st.

Learn more about the award and how to nominate someone by clicking here >

Email from Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County Please consider nominating someone who deserves recognition for their community service Do you know someone who deserves recognition for promoti

02/03/2026

We're pleased to offer our popular Professional Mediation Training Course on Saturdays in March, to make it more accessible for people whose jobs or other commitments make it challenging to attend weekday sessions.

40-hour Professional Mediation Training
March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
Saturdays 9:00AM - 6:00PM PST
In-Person Training

We are offering Saturday trainings to reduce barriers for those who can’t attend during the week, because access matters. Being together in-person creates space for real dialogue, practice, and community.

Whether you want to become a certified mediator or are looking to strengthen your relationships at home and at work, the concepts and skills taught in this training are easily transferable and designed to improve communication and enhance relationships in all settings.

Register Today>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1640576641899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Build skills to resolve conflict, strengthen relationships, and make a difference—join our 40-hour mediation training today!