Conflicts are a routine part of our existence; they occur whenever two or more parties have, or think they have, incompatible goals.  Often, people avoid conflict for fear that they do not know how to resolve it.  Mediation is a private and voluntary process that lets participants settle their own conflicts with the help of a trained, impartial, third person - a mediator.  The mediator helps parties communicate, identify important issues, needs and interests, express grievances, and develop mutually acceptable solutions.  Conflict resolution education and mediation gives people the skills to work with conflict in a way that does not lead to coercion, intimidation, or violence. Instead, it helps people identify and express their needs in a constructive and collaborative process that yields productive results for the future.