The Mediation Center

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day!

​At The Mediation Center, our mission is simple: to help people resolve conflict peacefully, preserve relationships, and restore understanding.

​Your support ensures that financial barriers never prevent someone from accessing professional mediation, restorative justice programs, and conflict management tools.
​What your donation means to us:

✨ Empowerment: Sponsoring parents and youth through addiction resource classes or family mediation (parenting plans & visitation schedules).

✨ Access to Justice: Funding court-based civil mediations at zero cost to participants so anyone can access fair resolution.

✨ Community: Reducing court burdens and fostering safer neighborhoods.

​Help us continue this essential work by making a secure donation through our online portal today:

Help support The Mediation Center by donating or sharing with your friends.

08/13/2026

Wisdom Wednesday 💡 | Local Resource Spotlight
​When conflicts arise in our daily lives—whether it's an issue with a neighbor, a dispute with a local business, or a family disagreement—most people think they only have two choices: ignore it and let the stress build, or hire a lawyer and go to court.
​But there is a third, better option right in your backyard. 📍
​Having a local community mediation center gives our neighborhood a safe, accessible, and affordable space to be heard.
​Here is why a local mediation center is one of a community’s greatest assets:
​1️⃣ An Accessible First Step: You don't need a legal background or thousands of dollars to get help. We offer an approachable, confidential space open to everyone in our community.
2️⃣ Empowering Local Voices: We don't hand down orders. Our trained, neutral mediators help you retain control and design solutions that actually fit your life and neighborhood.
3️⃣ Building a Safer, Stronger Community: Unresolved tensions strain entire streets and organizations. By offering peaceful conflict resolution, we help keep local disputes out of overburdened courts and preserve peace where we live, work, and play.
​We are proud to be your local partner in turning conflict into resolution. 💚
​💬 Did you know our community had a dedicated mediation center, or is this your first time hearing about us? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
​📌 Facing a conflict and not sure where to turn? The Mediation Center is your local resource. Click the link in our first comment to see how we can help.

08/05/2026

Wisdom Wednesday | Civil Mediation Edition 🤝

When a dispute arises, whether it’s over a business contract, property line, or vendor agreement, it’s easy to feel like courtroom litigation is the only path forward.

Our core piece of wisdom for this week? Resolution doesn't have to cost your peace, time, or savings.

Here is why more individuals and business owners are choosing civil mediation over court:

1️⃣ You Keep Control: In court, a judge decides your outcome. In mediation, you and the other party stay in the driver's seat to craft a solution that actually works for both sides.

2️⃣ Time & Cost Efficiency: Court battles can stretch on for months (or years). Mediation often resolves disputes in a fraction of the time and cost.

3️⃣ Preserving Relationships: Legal battles tend to destroy professional ties. Mediation focuses on finding common ground so you can protect your reputation and future working relationships.

Conflict is inevitable, but expensive legal battles don't have to be.

💬 Have you ever been involved in a business or personal dispute where you wished there was an easier way out? Drop your thoughts below!

Facing a business, contract, or property dispute? The Mediation Center provides neutral, confidential guidance to help you reach a resolution. Give us a call today to learn more.

08/03/2026

🚨 ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT! 🚨

Are you looking to expand your professional toolkit, resolve conflicts in your community, and become a Tennessee Rule 31 Listed Civil Mediator?

The Mediation Center is offering a fully sponsored, 40-Hour Civil Mediation Training this fall—a $800 value, completely covered in exchange for your commitment to volunteer with us!

As a nonprofit, our community volunteers are the heart of what we do. Your service allows us to keep vital conflict resolution services accessible and affordable to those who need them most.

🗓️ Training Details
Format: 100% Virtual (Interactive, hands-on role-playing)

Schedule: Sept 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 & Oct 2

Requirement: Full, open availability across ALL 6 dates is required.

📋 TN Rule 31 Minimum Requirements
To qualify for listing with the TN AOC, you must have:
1️⃣ A Baccalaureate degree (or higher) from an accredited institution.

2️⃣ At least 4 years of full-time work experience in your field.

3️⃣ 100% attendance during this 40-hour training.

⏰ Deadline to submit interest: Friday, August 7th

Spots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants!

👉 Submit your interest here:

Important Reminder Before You Submit: Please note that this sponsored training requires a firm commitment to serve as a volunteer mediator with The Mediation Center. As a nonprofit organization, our mission relies on the dedication of volunteer mediators to remain sustainable. Community volunteers a...

07/29/2026

Another Wisdom Wednesday - Back-to-School Co-Parenting Edition 📚🎒
The back-to-school transition is a huge shift for kids—and for co-parents, too! Between shifting schedules, school supply runs, and endless paperwork, it's easy for communication to feel a bit frazzled.

Here are 3 quick tips to keep your parenting plan running smoothly this school year:

1️⃣ Sync Calendars Early: Share important dates (teacher conferences, school plays, picture day, track meets) on a shared digital calendar before the semester gets chaotic. 🗓️
2️⃣ Over-Communicate School Updates: If you receive an email from a teacher or coach, forward it along or upload it to your shared app. Keeping everyone on the same page prevents last-minute surprises. 📩
3️⃣ Focus on the Kids' Comfort: Transition days can be emotional. Keep drop-offs calm and positive—your children will take their cues from your energy! 💛

Co-parenting isn't about perfection; it’s about working together to give your kids the best possible foundation to thrive.
💬 Co-parents: What's one routine or tool that keeps your family organized during the school year? Drop your best tip below! 👇

📌 Having trouble aligning on your parenting plan or school-year schedule? The Mediation Center is here to help you build calm, workable solutions for your family. Send us an email [email protected] or visit our site columbiamediation.org to contact us.

07/28/2026

We sincerely apologize to anyone who has tried to reach the Mediation Center recently and experienced difficulties. Due to an extended outage with our phone lines, we were temporarily unable to receive incoming calls.
​Our phone system is now fully restored. If you left a voicemail or were trying to get in touch regarding a scheduled mediation, case inquiry, or appointment, please feel free to call us again at (931)840-5583 or reach out via email at [email protected].
​Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to catch up on all inquiries.

07/22/2026

𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆
When tensions rise in a conversation, the fastest way to de-escalate isn't having the perfect comeback - it’s changing how you listen.
Try the "Listen to Understand, Not to Reply" shift:
1️⃣ Pause 2 seconds before answering.
2️⃣ Reflect back what you heard: "It sounds like you're feeling frustrated about..."
3️⃣ Validate their perspective before sharing yours: "I can see why that felt overwhelming."
Small tweaks in how we communicate can transform a heated argument into a productive conversation.
💬 Which step do you find hardest during a disagreement? Let us know below!
Need help navigating a tough conflict? The Mediation Center is here to guide the conversation. Reach out to us today!

07/17/2026

What a great back-to-school event today!
​We officially ran out of giveaways and have packed up our booth, but the main event is still going strong without us until 2:00 PM! If you're heading that way, there's still plenty of community fun to check out.
​We want to wish all of our amazing community kids a safe, happy, and successful school year!

07/17/2026

Don't forget to come by Riverwalk Park tomorrow to get school supplies and learn about many community resources! See you there!

Help us send our community's kids back to school ready to succeed! 🎒 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁. 🖍️🗒️

Come join us! The Mediation Center is proud to partner with The Mental Health Cooperative for their Back to School Bash:

📅 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟬 𝗔𝗠 - 𝟮 𝗣𝗠
🌳 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸

Stop by our tent for some fun giveaways and to catch up with our team. We can't wait to see you there!

07/08/2026

Help us send our community's kids back to school ready to succeed! 🎒 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁. 🖍️🗒️

Come join us! The Mediation Center is proud to partner with The Mental Health Cooperative for their Back to School Bash:

📅 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟬 𝗔𝗠 - 𝟮 𝗣𝗠
🌳 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸

Stop by our tent for some fun giveaways and to catch up with our team. We can't wait to see you there!