A MEDIATOR TO EXPRESS ONESELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A FENCE WAR Previous item The citizens of...

A MEDIATOR TO EXPRESS ONESELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A FENCE WAR

A neighbor worried about sharing the costs of a new fence, a disagreement between the two neighbors and everything breaks out: it’s war. And who says war, also says weapons. Guns and bombs? Of course not. The words represent the arsenal par excellence in their battle and the terms “lawyers” and “justice” fuse from one side and the other of the fence. It’s the beginning of a long fight.

It’s literally a fence argument!

In the past few months, these verbal bombardments were too present to be ignored. Who wants the “argument + neighbor” equation to ruin their quality of life? Very few people, you will tell me.

That’s why Ms. Garreau inquired about the options available to her before going to the lawyers by phoning the municipal services of her city. The receptionist invited the lady to contact the service of Mediation and Conciliation of Neighborhoods in the Laurentians, telling her that this service is being set up “precisely for this type of situation” and that this alternative represents the best solution in this type of conflict.

“What can they do for my situation? Ms. Garreau, who knew the organization MAVN, was questioned. Despite her initial questioning, she made an appointment with one of the mediators for a needs assessment meeting. “I have nothing to lose, so why not!”

The individual meeting with Ms. Garreau finally took place, and when asked what she appreciated the most from her first meeting, she said without hesitation: “the mediator!”. The latter has been able to make her live an excellent experience and answer all her questions. She is very pleased to have had a stimulating discussion and to be able to enjoy active listening from the mediator. “Communication with her was easy and she was very professional.” The lady claims she had a better experience with the mediator than her past experiences with a lawyer.

Moreover, the impartiality of the volunteer mediator was very beneficial for Ms. Garreau: “It is very positive to feel that someone understands the situation without being biased!”

Following this first meeting, the lady wants the process to continue until the end to find a solution to the problem. Since everyone’s participation is voluntary, nothing is safe for the neighbor. Whatever the outcome, this meeting allowed the lady to express herself and take the time to take a look from her neighbor’s vision. Believing in the power of mediation and communication, Ms. Garreau ends by exclaiming: “Can we get along?”

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