Our Mission
To help individuals in the community develop the capacity to respectfully resolve conflict.

Our Vision
To be the recognized community resource for developing skills and establishing systems to improve the well being of the community by making peaceful resolutions a way of life.

The Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina (MCEC) is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1989 to develop the capacity of communities in Eastern North Carolina to work with the problems of violence and cultural differences.   Through mediation, education and facilitation, MCEC helps people recognize the root of conflict often caused by acting on stereotypes and fears.  The Center helps individuals and groups solve problems collaboratively and define long-term solutions meeting diverse needs. At the core of the Center's programs is the belief that it is crucial to shape the attitudes and skills of individuals at all levels of society in order to help our community make decisions that reflect the needs of all its members & clients.

MCEC provides five programs to help youth, families and adult community members resolve conflict: Mediation Services; RESOLVE It Together; Teen Court; Building Peace in the Schools (conflict resolution programs); and Truancy Mediation.  These programs focus on respecting and appreciating differences as well as including all parties in the problem solving process.  Other elements include long term skill building in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.

MCEC also provides facilitation and consultation of organizational change, planning, team-building and/or conflict issues.  The Center provides training in mediation, conflict resolution skills, and schools programs.

The Mediation Center provides direct services through four regional offices serving Craven, Edgecombe, Nash, Pitt and Wilson counties.  Additionally MCEC provides resources to and engages in collaborative projects with surrounding communities.  The Center also supports the development of mediation and collaborative problem solving throughout North Carolina as a member of the Mediation Network of North Carolina. 

MCEC is governed by a regional board of directors which provides fiscal and policy oversight.  In addition an advisory council supports the work of each geographic location through public outreach and fundraising.

 Our Goals

I.  Increase Community Access to Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services

Seek ways to increase mediation and collaborative problem solving services to the public. This includes training and supporting a core of community volunteer mediators/facilitators and marketing services to the public.  Encourage organizations to choose collaborative problem solving strategies in planning change and addressing differences.

II.  Improve Families' Ability to use Conflict Resolution and Family Management Practices to Encourage Personal Growth and Strengthen Family Bonds

Provide intensive conflict resolution/family management education for families.  Support parents in defining appropriate roles and boundaries in articulating and consistently managing family rules.  Support youth to choose behaviors that give them positive consequences.

III.  Provide an Educational Alternative to Convictions for School Aged Youth

Expand and develop Teen Court programs to provide both youth offenders and volunteers with appropriate and positive learning experiences.  Work with school systems to establish peer review panels on campus and provide a more immediate response to discipline referrals.

IV.  Enhance the Integration of Conflict Resolution Into the Total School Environment

Encourage school systems to incorporate school-based conflict resolution strategies in the total school environment as well as in the classroom.  Provide skill-building workshops for students and teachers in managing anger and dealing with bullies.