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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
About Us
ADR offers a new
way for resolving conflict. It is an informal process to help the agency mange conflict
with farmers and ranchers, and conflict with our partners. ADR addresses conflict
through the utilization of various techniques including facilitation and
mediation. ADR is available to employees, customers, and partners for disputes
outside of the established dispute resolution systems and is also available
within the grievance, appeals, and Equal Employment Opportunity complaint
processes. The agency program focuses on two areas:
- Use of alternative dispute resolution processes to resolve conflict early and effectively, and
- Development of employee skills for managing conflict successfully.
Mediation
Mediation is an ADR process
designed to assist parties with creating their own mutually satisfactory
resolution. In mediation, individuals in conflict meet with a mediator to
discuss the issues and attempt resolution. Unlike litigation, the mediator does
not impose a decision upon the participants. Nothing is decided in mediation
unless both parties agree to the terms.
- Why consider mediation?
It is: fast, informal, voluntary, future-focused,
collaborative, cost-effective and helps build relationships
- How is it different from the traditional dispute resolution processes?
In mediation, the participants decide the outcome. The process is timely, interest focused and
offers confidentiality.
While not all mediations result in resolution, the chances
for agreement increase significantly the earlier you request assistance.
Mediation might be the answer for a conflict you have right now with a
co-worker, partner or customer. For your convenience, more information is
included in the quick links. For further information you may contact 1-301-504-2181.
These documents require
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word
or Microsoft
PowerPoint
NRCS EEO Complaints
Process (44 kb)
ADR Poster (1439 kb)
Mediation Fact Sheet (91 KB)
ADR BROCHURE (3033 kb)
ADR
Fact Sheet (47 KB)
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