HUMAN RIGHTS MEDIATION SERVICES

The Charlottesville Office of Human Rights seeks professional mediation services for resolution of human rights complaints. The Office of Human Rights receives and attempts to resolve complaints of unlawful discrimination that are jurisdictional under the Charlottesville Human Rights Ordinance (Code of the City of Charlottesville, Chapter 2, Article XV). The Charlottesville Human Rights Ordinance protects individuals against unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and private education. The Office of Human Rights offers parties to a complaint the opportunity for alternative dispute resolution including informal dialogue, mediation, and conciliation. Informal dialogue and conciliation are handled by Office staff, while mediation services are currently contracted through a third-party provider.

The Charlottesville Office of Human Rights and Human Rights Commission were established in 2013 to act as a strong advocate for justice and equal opportunity by providing citywide leadership and guidance in the area of civil rights. Per the Charlottesville Human Rights Ordinance, it is the policy of the City of Charlottesville to safeguard individuals within the City from unlawful discrimination; preserve the public safety, health, and general welfare for the City of Charlottesville; further the interest, rights, and privileges of individuals within the City; and protect citizens of the City against unfounded charges of unlawful discrimination.

A qualified mediation service provider has at least two years’ professional mediation experience and uses a trauma-informed and person-centered approach to working with parties to a complaint. A successful partnership with the Office of Human Rights relies on a commitment to regular and clear communication, as well as a spirit of collaborative problem solving.

A provider can expect to handle between one to six mediations per calendar year. The Office of Human Rights can provide meeting space for mediation in Charlottesville. Providers should be able to facilitate both in-person and remote mediation. Language interpretation and translation services, including ASL, can be provided for mediation-related activities by the Office of Human Rights, upon request.