Welcome
The Congress of Neutrals offers the citizens and community organizations of the San Francisco East Bay a full spectrum of conflict resolution services. Our leadership ensures people have the tools they need to respond to litigation, crime, family problems and community and neighborhood disputes.
We provide mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services, including mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and neutral fact-finding. We train individuals and organizations in communication skills, negotiation, mediation, conflict management, emergency preparedness and dispute resolution system design. We also partner with local community groups, schools, neighborhoods, and religious and other nonprofit organizations to promote harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
At The Congress of Neutrals, our mission is simple: We serve community, promote harmony and help resolve conflict, one conversation at a time.
Statement Regarding Black Lives Matter
The Congress of Neutrals shares in the collective hurt regarding the dehumanizing treatment and violence against the Black community and the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, along with an untold number of others at the hands of law enforcement officials commissioned with the care and safety of our community. We unequivocally believe that: Black Lives Matter. We acknowledge that systematic injustice and racism within American society exists and we stand for its elimination in all forms.
COVID-19 Unlawful Detainer (Eviction) Mediation
If you are a tenant or a landlord that has been impacted by COVID-19(Corona Virus), our non-profit organization and team of volunteer Mediators are available to help you. We will work with both sides so the parties can come up with a resolution that allows people to remain in their homes and avoid litigation. Mediation saves the landlord the hassle of filing litigation with court and it saves the tenant from an eviction. If you are interested in this free service, please complete the Intake Form (click here for Landlords or here for Tenants) and either return it by mail (Congress of Neutrals – 1390 Willow Pass Road, Suite 190, Concord CA, 94520) or scan your completed form and email it to chels15woodger@gmail.com. When we receive and review your form, we will contact you to set up a mediation. However, please remember both parties (the tenant and the landlord) have to agree to participate in this free mediation. We will be conducting these mediations over the phone or via Zoom.
Mediator Training
40-Hour Training Course
Date: TBD
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
This intensive and interactive 40-hour training course provides both experienced mediators and those new to the field with the perspective and skills necessary to mediate successfully.
**Earn MCLE Credits** The State Bar of California has approved this course for 35 hours of MCLE credit, which includes one hour of ethics and .5 hours of elimination of bias.
Click here for more details. If you have questions, you can send us a message using the “Contact Us” form at the bottom of any page or give us a call at 925-937-3008.
Mediation Mentoring Program
The goal of the Mediation Mentoring Program (MMP) is to provide practical mediation experience under the supervision of experienced mediators. In order to participate, each trainee must do the following:
- Complete the 40-hour mediation skills training (or equivalent)
- Complete the MMP Application and Pay Fees (Fee $600: $50 Non-refundable Application Deposit & Payment Balance of $550 upon approval).
Upon approval of the program director, the trainee is then assigned to an experienced mediation mentor who regularly handles small claims mediations in one of the branch locations of the Superior Court.
Click here for more details. If you have questions, you can send us a message using the “Contact Us” form at the bottom of any page or give us a call at 925-937-3008.
Do You Need Free Legal Advice?
Did you know self-represented litigants can take advantage of our LAWYERS IN THE LIBRARY program
and receive free legal assistance on the second Tuesday of each month?
Plans for Giving?
Fundraising is an important part of our service mission as many of our activities and services depend on donations to provide direct service to at-risk youth, victims, and to recruit and train the mediators and facilitators, which staff our programs.
