A 501(c)3 nonprofit, the WDRC was founded in 1992 by volunteers committed to helping the community re-humanize conflict. In 1993 the Whatcom County Council designated the WDRC as the County’s Dispute Resolution Center under RCW 7.75.

 
WDRC's front desk, with the center's logo, vision, and mission on the wall
 

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Watch our video, created by Veritas Media for more information about the WDRC's history, services, & vision

The mission of the WDRC is to provide and promote constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict.

Watch the WDRC’s Executive Director, Moonwater, provide an update to Bellingham City Council in October 2019. Video of the WDRC update begins at 17:12.

The vision of the WDRC is for Whatcom County to be a community in which people approach conflict in creative and healthy ways.

The WDRC values equity, diversity, impartiality, empowerment, collaboration, communication, integrity, sustainability, and kindness.

What We Do

The WDRC offers conflict prevention and intervention services for businesses, organizations, individuals, and families. On a prevention level, the WDRC seeks to build the capacity of community members to better manage conflict as it arises, and to learn ways to minimize the possibility of it occurring. To this end, the WDRC offers training for adults and youth, all in an effort to build skills and reduce unproductive conflict.

Recognizing that conflict is a normal and natural part of life, and sometimes people and organizations need impartial assistance, the WDRC also provides mediation, facilitation, and coaching services.

 

A Permanent Place for Peace

 
Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center's building in downtown Bellingham

WDRC’s building in the present day

206 Prospect St Building in the early 1900s

The building in the early 1900s

In 2018, the WDRC was thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase and renovate the historic building at 206 Prospect Street. The 6,300 sq. ft. space enables the WDRC to continue to meet Whatcom County’s ongoing need for conflict prevention and intervention services, creating “A Permanent Place for Peace” in the community. The new building enables the WDRC to remain close to the courts, to other services and partner organizations, is accessible by public transit and is ADA compliant.

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center is proud to be a part of Resolution Washington, the statewide association of Dispute Resolution Centers as well as the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM); the Washington Mediation Association (WMA); the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR); the Supervised Visitation Network (SVN); the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce; Sustainable Connections; and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.

We were also honored to receive the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency.