We were delighted to host the Seoul Volunteer Centre’s (SVC) delegation in October – three delightful staff and an excellent interpreter were joined by Freddie De Luca, Camille Privé, Matilda De Luca and Elizabeth Paterson to discuss approaches to community mediation.
The conversation began with an outline of each organisation and their approach to delivering mediation as a tool to support neighbour (& neighbourhood) relationships.
The SVC explained that, whilst conflict resolution provision was the focus for their visit to us, they also run an enormous range of other services for Seoul residents – their volunteer base numbers 400,000 across 25 geographical areas.
Our discussion included the difference between Neighbour’ and ‘Community’ mediation – at Calm we differentiate by saying that Neighbour is for up to 6 households and Community is where there are bigger numbers or different groups or where there is also an agency involved. For example, where park users and the residents of adjacent apartments are experiencing clashing needs. This distinction resonated with the SVC representatives who also experience ‘inter-group’ difficulties arising.
Both Calm and SVC are familiar with anti-social behaviour stemming from differing needs and expectations (including cultural differences and societal changes). The mediation option, when appropriately, offers a confidential and less formal way to engage with all participants, to ensure that all are heard and that realistic solutions can be generated.
We considered the Neighbour Mediation process itself; having Individual and Joint meetings, co-mediation and the opportunity of a ‘Next Steps meeting’ if one neighbour declines.
It was a fascinating opportunity to understand that both our communities, though so far apart, shared so many similarities. Not least that mediation is a powerful tool to address difficulties. The time/cost benefits of the process (in comparison to alternative options for managing behaviours) are clear but perhaps more beneficial, on reflection, is the range of individualised outcomes which the participants can create, together with the opportunity to maintain long-term relationships after a period of dispute.
We thoroughly enjoyed the exchange with SVC and look forward to further partnership with them.
