Irvine, Calif. -- The nonprofit JAMS Foundation is proud to continue their support of the Divided Community Project (DCP) with a $300,000 grant, enabling the project to continue its mission to expand mediation and training initiatives that serve communities across the country.
Based at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, The Divided Community Project is a multi-pronged initiative to help communities address issues leading to polarization and to foster collaborative approaches for transforming community division into positive action. The project was conceived in response to the recurring violence and civil unrest in cities across the country and aims to bring together a broad coalition of dispute resolution professionals, government leaders, law enforcement officials, community organizers and other interested stakeholders across the country.
The JAMS Foundation’s support of the DCP began in 2016, when it approved a $400,000 grant over two years, supporting the dissemination and implementation of resources through pilot programs in select cities nationwide. This year’s grant will support the organization through 2021, allowing the DCP to build upon the success of previous years’ initiatives and prioritize their upcoming efforts on the techniques that have proven most effective in helping divided communities bridge their differences.
We are pleased to continue our support behind a program that is making available such important resources to community members across the country. We are looking forward to the continued expansion of this project and are proud to participate in an initiative that embodies our own commitment to resolving conflict.
- David Brandon, JAMS Foundation Managing Director
Components of the efforts over the next two years will focus on expanding the use of simulations with multiple stakeholder groups, intensive one-on-one work with mediation colleagues at universities and expanded direct intervention service through the Bridge Initiative. The Bridge Initiative seeks to provide communities grappling with increasing civil unrest and tension with a mediation expert who can assist local government, law enforcement and community leaders as they work to mediate conflict.
We thank the JAMS Foundation for their generous support. This contribution will allow the Project to provide real-time dispute resolution to those who are in need of our services, strengthening our efforts to promote unity and support local community leaders working to keep people safe and address the underlying issues that divide communities.
- Becky Monroe, Director of the Divided Community Project
For additional information about the Divided Community Project, please visit their website.
About the JAMS Foundation
The nonprofit JAMS Foundation was established in 2002 by JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services worldwide. The mission of the JAMS Foundation is to provide financial assistance for conflict resolution initiatives with national and international impact and to share its dispute resolution expertise for the benefit of the public interest.
The Foundation is funded entirely by contributions from JAMS neutrals, executives and associates, and by a substantial annual donation from JAMS. To uphold the company’s core value of neutrality, the Foundation accepts no donations outside of JAMS. The Foundation currently boasts 300 principal benefactors and has provided more than $9 million in grant funding since its inception.
About JAMS – Local Solutions. Global Reach.
Founded in 1979, JAMS is the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services worldwide. With 28 locations, JAMS and its nearly 400 panelists are responsible for resolving thousands of the world’s important cases every year.
JAMS successfully resolves and manages business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways to overcome barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized dispute resolution services locally and globally through a combination of industry-specific experience, first-class client service, top-notch facilities and highly trained panelists.
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