Tennessee’s community mediation centers (CMCs) provide mediation services and training, regardless of ability to pay, with priority given to those who cannot afford to pay market rates for mediation.
Besides mediation of disputes, community mediation centers may offer a wide range of services to area businesses, schools, community groups, and individuals. CMC expertise includes such topics as mediation and conflict management training, educational presentations, as well as mediation and facilitation services.
Community mediation centers rely on public monies as well as private donations and grants because of their work with the county and state courts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic response, most CMCs safely provide “mediation at a distance”, using platforms such as Zoom, Skype, emails, and telephone conferencing. Some CMCs are still able to do socially distant face-to-face mediations using the courthouse or other large spaces. Volunteers are trained to conduct these mediations confidentially. Please be sure to ask each CMC for more information.
If you are interested in using mediation to resolve a conflict or dispute or if you wish to volunteer, contact the CMC in your area.
Community Mediation Center (CMC)
912 South Gay Street, Suite L-300, Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 594-1879
Judicial District 6 (Knox)
Community Mediation Services (CMS)
P.O. Box 4081, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-4081
(865) 463-6888
Judicial District 7 (Anderson, City of Oak Ridge)
VORP/Community Mediation Center
584 Highway 70 East, Crossville, TN 38555
(931) 484-0972
Judicial District 13 (Cumberland, Overton, Putnam)
Nashville Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC)
50 Vantage Way Ste. 250, Nashville, TN 37228
(615) 333-8400
Judicial District 20 (Davidson); also serving District 16 (Rutherford), 18 (Sumner) & 30 (Shelby)
The Mediation Center (TMC)
One Public Square, Suite 10, Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-5583
Judicial District 22 (Maury, Giles, Wayne); also serving District 17 (Bedford, Marshall, Lincoln, Moore) & 21 (Williamson, Hickman, Lewis, Perry)
Mid-South Community Justice & Mediation Center (CJAM)
262 German Oak Drive, Memphis, TN 38018
(901) 431-5660
Judicial District 30 (Shelby)
Solomon Family Solutions (SFS)
391 Broad Street, NW Suite 201
Cleveland TN 37311
423-790-3747
info@solomonfamilysolutions.org
Judicial Districts: 10, 11, 12 (Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn, Monroe, Rhea)
Tennessee Community Mediation Center (TCMC)
PO BOX 281344
Memphis, Tn. 38168
901-351-4125
tcmc901@gmail.com
Judicial Districts 10, 20, 25 (Fayette, Henry, Tipton, Madison & Shelby)
More Info About Community Mediation
CMCs offer mediation at any point in the conflict. Individuals can request mediation before a case is filed, pre-court, before the case is heard by a judge, or during litigation. The process is designed to be voluntary, transparent and without undue pressure to reach an agreement.
CMCs often are asked to mediate when one or both disputants are self-represented and there is no access to legal advice.
CMCs screen cases carefully to make sure that the parties have the capacity to give informed consent to mediate. Parties may be referred to attorneys, social service agencies, or to the court clerk before mediating.
CMCs conduct mediation so that each participant understands the process and feels empowered to engage with the mediators and the other disputants in order to solve their own problems and come up with a solution that works for both sides.
CMCs train and supervise volunteer mediators who come from a variety of backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the community.
If the CMC offers remote mediation, they can provide dispute resolution services regardless of the distance between parties and mediators. Self-represented parties can participate easily with a smart phone, tablet or laptop. Please call and inquire!
2022 Community Mediation Brochure
Becoming a Tennessee Community Mediation Center (CMC)
An organization wishing to be designated as a “Tennessee Community Mediation Center” by the ADRC and listed on the AOC website and in any other AOC/ADRC official references to “Tennessee Community Mediation Centers” must first present documentation establishing that certain status prerequisites have been met. Specifically, an organization must submit documentation establishing that the organization:
1. Is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in good standing;
2. Has bylaws in accordance with all legal requirements; and,
3. Has been specifically organized to provide dispute resolution services within the State of Tennessee at low or no cost to the participants.
The Application Process. To be listed as a Tennessee Community Mediation Center, the organization must submit an application to the ADRC. The application will be processed by the ADR Program Manager. Once the Program Manager determines the above stated status prerequisites have been met, the Program Manager will forward the application to the ADRC for review and approval. If approved by the ADRC, the organization will become listed as a “Tennessee Community Mediation Center” subject to renewal requirements as determined by the ADRC.