Why I Like Being a Mediator
A testimony from Bill Van Buskirk, a mediator at The Center for Dispute Settlement:
"I like being a mediator for many reasons. I became a mediator in my late 20's because I was motivated to grow my professional skills in Human Resource Management. I knew that mediation would teach me unique tools that I could apply to my day-to-day job, and that's exactly what unfolded as I managed the conflict-related aspects of my human resource position.
As I matured in my human resource role and in my alternative dispute resolution experience, I began to see mediation in a new light. I used to value my role as a mediator because it served me and my career. Now, I value it differently because it's a way for me to serve my community. As a mediator, I apply my skills and expertise to help those who are in conflict. If you think about it, it's similar to the way that carpenters can use their skills to construct a house with Habitat for Humanity or to the way that lawyers can volunteer their time to assist a low-income family. In other words, being a mediator is an opportunity for me to give back to my neighbors. Being a mediator is also special in that my clients can determine their own destiny outside of and independent of the court system.
Lastly, I enjoy being a mediator at The Center for Dispute Settlement because of the individuals with whom I work. I'm thankful for the opportunity to continuously enhance my expertise in alternative dispute resolution by learning from others, while also sharing my experiences to help others develop their skills in conflict resolution."
