Principles of Mediation

• assumes the role of facilitator
• seeks consent of both parties before beginning
• establishes a safe environment for both parties by setting ground-rules (e.g. no interruption)
• leads parties through process of communicating (facts, effects, feelings)
• eases communication by paraphrasing: removing emotional words, preserving facts
• requires each side to listen to the other
• encourages parties to propose realistic solutions
• suggests creative solutions
• always preserves own neutrality