H  O  U  S  E     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

PROCLAIMING JUNE 6, 2000 AS "RHODE ISLAND MEDIATION DAY"

WHEREAS, The people of the State of Rhode Island should enjoy a justice system that reflects and enhances the values of a just and civil society; and

WHEREAS, The viability of such a system is closely linked to the availability of alternative conflict resolution mechanisms; and

WHEREAS, Access to justice is necessary to enhance the quality of life of all Rhode Islanders; and

WHEREAS, Several years ago, community leaders seeking to bring the popular alternative to litigation to the city of Providence, created The Providence Community Mediation Center; and

WHEREAS, This innovative organization has trained dozens of impartial volunteers representing the state's diverse communities. Dedicated volunteers mediate in heated disagreements and cool them down before they reach the boiling point; and

WHEREAS, The Providence Community Mediation Center, reports that mediation is successful approximately 80 percent of the time; and

WHEREAS, It is in the best interest of the State of Rhode Island to increase the capacity of its residents to resolve their conflicts in the most expeditious and fair manner possible with maximum participation in the process; now therefor be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaim June 6, 2000 as "Rhode Island Mediation Day". We also thank the Providence Community Mediation Center and their staff of dedicated volunteer mediators for their commitment to peaceful resolutions based on a foundation of communication and productive collaboration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Providence Community Mediation Center.