The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire

06/19/2026

What an incredible two days of learning, growth, and leadership! 🎉

This week, youth from Savannah Youth Ambassadors completed our 12-hour Peer Mediation Training and are now officially trained Peer Mediators. Throughout the training, participants learned conflict resolution skills, effective communication techniques, active listening, problem-solving strategies, and how to help their peers navigate disagreements in a positive and productive way.

In addition to gaining valuable leadership skills, participants also earned community service hours while investing in creating more peaceful schools and communities.

We are proud of each student for their dedication, engagement, and commitment to becoming leaders and peacemakers. The future is bright with these young mediators leading the way!

For more information about Peer Mediation, visit our website or contact us at [email protected]

06/17/2026

🌟 FREE Restorative Practices Workshop – Register Today! 🌟

Are you looking to strengthen your communication skills, build healthier relationships, and learn effective ways to address conflict? Join us for a FREE Introduction to Restorative Practices Workshop hosted by the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire!

🗓 Date: June 26, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Location: 400 Mall Blvd, Building 420, Savannah, GA 31406

This interactive workshop will provide a foundational understanding of restorative principles and practices that can be used in schools, workplaces, organizations, and everyday life. Participants will learn strategies that foster accountability, strengthen relationships, and create more connected communities.

✅ Free to attend
✅ Open to community members, educators, youth workers, parents, and professionals
✅ Practical tools you can use immediately

🔗 Reserve your spot today:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSek-AeKnhsalQgxxKMwYvVAH5T9oEe1ZLmV_vB4z3AYhEuBCQ/viewform

Seats are limited, so don’t wait! Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks.

A 3-hour introduction to restorative practices This interactive workshop is ideal for anyone curious about restorative approaches. Participants will explore the foundations of restorative principles, practice communication strategies that build respect and belonging, and learn how restorative dialog...

06/10/2026

Do you know someone who is helping build a more peaceful Chatham County?

We are now accepting nominations for the 2026 Peacebuilder Awards!!!

Help us recognize the individuals who build bridges, reduce conflict, strengthen relationships, and make our community a better place for all.

From youth leaders and faith leaders to first responders, community advocates, elected officials, and longtime bridge-builders, we want to celebrate those making a difference.

🕊️ Nomination Deadline: September 7, 2026
🏆 Awards Presented at Peace in the Park
📍 Daffin Park | September 27, 2026

Submit a nomination TODAY and help us honor the people who remind us that peace starts with each of us.

NOMINATE HERE: https://forms.gle/yJuYDx4DRnwKufJXA

06/09/2026

We are proud that our own Director of Impact, Vira Salzburn, represented the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire as a presenter at the Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Conference in Savannah.

Vira facilitated a breakout session on TRUST: Transforming Relationships Under Stress Through Trust, sharing practical strategies for building trust, strengthening relationships, and preventing conflict in school communities.

The conference brought together more than 600 education leaders, juvenile justice professionals, emergency management officials, and public safety experts from across Georgia for a day of learning and collaboration.

Thank you to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and Georgia Department of Education for inviting us to present and participate, and for hosting this important event.

05/31/2026

We are grateful for our partnership with the Summer Bonanza program. As part of the kickoff, we facilitated Compassionate Yoga sessions for more than 50 children and youth, ranging from elementary to high school age.

Through movement, mindfulness, and reflection, participants explored skills that support self-awareness, emotional well-being, and compassion for themselves and others.

We also gave parents a simple “homework” practice that families can do together. The exercise is easy to remember: as you breathe in, imagine drawing love and kindness into your heart; as you breathe out, imagine sending that love and kindness to others. Sometimes the simplest practices can have a powerful impact on how we connect with ourselves and the people around us.

Thank you to the Summer Bonanza team for creating opportunities that help young people grow, connect, and thrive. 💙

05/28/2026

We are incredibly proud of our very own Intake Specialist, Aaliyah Betterson, on graduating from Savannah Technical College with her Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies!

Your hard work, dedication, and determination have truly paid off, and we are excited to celebrate this huge accomplishment with you. Balancing work, school, and life is no easy task, but you did it with grace and perseverance.

Congratulations, Aaliyah! Your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish next. 🎓💙

05/28/2026

The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire — Savannah, Georgia’s leading organization dedicated to helping citizens proactively manage conflict — will host a special Open House event at their new office, located at 7505 Waters Avenue, Unit C-11 on Wednesday, June 3 from 4-6 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will feature tours of the office and complimentary refreshments. Attendees will learn about the many important services The Mediation Center offers and discover ways peacebuilders of all ages can get involved in making Savannah a more conflict-resilient community through innovative youth programs and volunteer opportunities.

This event is free and open to the public to attend.

The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire — Savannah, Georgia's leading organization dedicated to helping citizens proactively manage conflict —

05/18/2026

This morning, our very own Taylor Warren and 2025-2026 PPI of the Year, Atlas Gordon, appeared on WTOC to discuss the Positive Peer Influencer Program and the impact youth leadership continues to make throughout our community.

We are incredibly proud of Atlas for representing the program so well and for being a positive example for students across Savannah-Chatham County. Thank you to WTOC for highlighting the important work our students are doing every day through PPI.

Be sure to check out the feature below!

https://www.wtoc.com/2026/05/18/groves-student-named-positive-peer-influencer-year/

Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire

05/13/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to partner with Bryan County Family Connection, City of Richmond Hill, Georgia - Government, and the Richmond Hill Fire Department to bring the Resiliency Enhancement and Leadership Model (REALM) training to Bryan County first responders and community leadership.

At the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, we believe that conflict-resilient communities are also communities with strong mental health, meaningful connection, and access to supportive resources. Investing in the well-being of those who serve others helps strengthen the entire community.

We are grateful to Mayor Cox, Chief Greene, and Mrs. Wendy Futch for these partnerships and for the opportunity to support and serve those who dedicate themselves to serving others every day. 💙

05/11/2026

Join us for the 5th Annual Peace in the Park Event!
Sunday, September 27, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Daffin Park

Get ready for an afternoon filled with peace, community, music, games, fun activities, great food, local vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and positive vibes for all ages. You do not want to miss this amazing community celebration!

Interested in sponsoring, volunteering, becoming a vendor or food truck, or looking for more information? Please contact: Taylor Warren at [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there! 💙✌🏽