Dechutes County courts are seeking volunteers to serve as mediators in small claims, landlord-tenant cases

(update: adding video, comments from volunteer mediators)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Circuit Court is recruiting volunteers to work as mediators in small claims and landlord-tenant cases.

"Covid really reduced our numbers, as people obviously took precautions. So we've slowly been recruiting people," Mediation Coordinator Alyssa Clements said Friday.

These sessions often result in a mediated agreement that is mutually acceptable to both parties and reduces the need for hearings and trials.

Since 1994, more than 13,000 Deschutes County cases have gone through mediation. The settlement rate is approximately 77%.

"It's been a great way to increase access to justice for parties and alleviate the court caseload, because these people are able to reach agreement without having to have a judge make the decision for them," Clements added.

The program currently has 10 active mediators who work 2-4 hours a month. Every volunteer goes through training in court system procedures and basic mediation skills.

More than 100 volunteers have contributed many hundreds of hours of time to the program over the years.

Mediator Charlie Young says he's been volunteering for the program for 27 years. He found out about it back in the '90s, when he was watching KTVZ.

"I got started when we retired. I was watching TV one day and there was an ad for mediators for the court system. And so I called them up and got signed up and got the training," Young said.

He says effective mediators are those who seek growth, show empathy and value meaningful dialogue. Young uses the skills he’s gained from mediation to improve his relationships.

"My wife and I know the skills, and we've taught them together in the past, and it's made for our marriage to be stronger and better," Young said.

Karen Green has also been with the program since the late '90s. She says her experience has been extremely rewarding.

"I’ve met hundreds of people who have found themselves in difficult situations and need the assistance of a neutral third party," Green said. "Many times I’ve watched in awe as people who were barely speaking to one another at the beginning of mediation shook hands, gained a tremendous feeling of relief, and went on with their lives."

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer mediator, contact the mediation coordinator at 541-388-5325.