The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) is celebrating its 30th year anniversary serving Whatcom County by launching a campaign called “What Does Peace Mean to You.” Individuals can visit https://www.whatcomdrc.org/tell-us-your-story to submit their own interpretations of peace and how the WDRC has enriched their lives.
The WDRC’s story began in 1992: volunteers, committed to helping the Whatcom County community re-humanize conflict, formed a local non-profit organization. Since that beginning, the WDRC has evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs of the community, especially during these times of Covid, civil unrest, and world conflicts. Since its inception the WDRC has helped over 50,000 individuals, children, families, and small businesses resolve conflicts in creative and peaceful ways.
“For the last 30 years, we have mediated delicate, powerful agreements, we have educated and empowered our youth, and we have launched programs that foster and encourage constructive, collaborative approaches to conflict and relationships,” said Moonwater, Executive Director of the WDRC. “I am very proud of the impact the WDRC has had on our community and I look forward to seeing and hearing individuals’ stories of peace.”
“As a board member of Allied Arts, it is a great pleasure to help create a positive and peaceful campaign working with our community members, including amazing local artists to share their stories of what peace means to them, stated Kevin Coleman, Community Outreach and Sales Director, Veritas Media and Allied Arts board member. “Now more than ever it’s time to listen to each other to find the best ways possible of being the best for each other in the future.”
“What Does Peace Mean to You” is presented by BECU and supported by Veritas Media, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, WWU, Allied Arts, and Jansen Arts Center.
About the WDRC:
For the past 30 years, the WDRC has offered conflict prevention and intervention services for businesses, organizations, individuals, and families. With a mission of providing and promoting constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict, the WDRC seeks to build the capacity of community members to better manage conflict as it arises, and to learn ways to minimize the possibility of it occurring. Recognizing that conflict is a normal and natural part of life, and sometimes people and organizations need impartial assistance, the WDRC provides education, mediation, facilitation, and coaching services. The WDRC values impartiality, accessibility, empowerment, collaboration, communication, and integrity.
