2025 House Resolution 186

Whereas, Alternative dispute resolution covers mediation, arbitration, facilitation, restorative practices, collaborative decision-making, and other effective ways to address conflict; and

Whereas, The conflict resolution process enables individuals, families, communities, organizations, and businesses to enhance communication and develop solutions that address the needs and interests of all parties involved; and

Whereas Conflict resolution is taught and practiced by individuals across Michigan and around the world in schools, community colleges, universities, law schools, and graduate programs, both as a method for resolving disputes and as a pathway to fostering a more peaceful society; and

Whereas, Community-based programs serve an essential role in resolving neighborhood and community conflicts in a fair and equitable manner, thereby strengthening local relationships and reducing the burden of costly litigation on both the parties and the courts; and

Whereas, Michigan Public Act 260 of 1988, known as the Community Dispute Resolution Act, authorized the creation of Community Dispute Resolution Centers across the state, to operate under the oversight and administration of the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Community Mediation Association; and

Whereas, The State Court Administrative Office’s Office of Dispute Resolution oversees and supports sixteen centers across Michigan that provide conciliation, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to citizens, schools, and businesses throughout the state; and

Whereas, Thousands of dedicated professionals and volunteers have served as mediators, facilitators, and conciliators in a wide range of cases, helping parties reach mutually satisfactory resolutions efficiently and at reduced cost; and

Whereas, Recognizing these efforts offers an important opportunity to raise public awareness of peaceful and constructive methods for resolving interpersonal and intergroup conflicts of all kinds; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 16, 2025, as Community Dispute Resolution Day in Michigan. We recognize Marquette Alger Resolution Service and the other fifteen mediation centers in the state for 32 years of providing mediation services to Michigan citizens.