Let’s Mediate!
The Bible (Matthew 18) emphasizes the importance of respect for each other
in human relationships, and directs that differences should be reconciled
and problems resolved in a spirit of humility and Christian love.
MEDIATION
Mediation is available to all volunteers who consider they have a “grievance” which
could have adverse consequences such as dismissal, reassignment, or variation
of status, position, or benefits. It does not apply in situations such as:
insurance claims, debt collection, or a volunteer’s dispute with civil
government or a law enforcement agency.
Mediation allows for a third party to help the disputants
discuss the differences and negotiate an agreement, but
the Mediator has no authority to impose a settlement.
The parties themselves reach what they consider to be
a workable solution. Disputants enter mediation voluntarily
and may withdraw at any time. The result of mediation
is not binding unless the parties agree otherwise in
writing. The outcomes of mediation shall be recorded
by the organization where the volunteer is engaged and
it shall send a copy to the Secretariat of the higher
body.
A volunteer may request a mediator no later than 14
days after a “grievance” has been identified
in writing. Both the Volunteer and the Institution must
agree on the Mediator selected within 14 days of the
request. The mediation process shall be completed within
21 days of the Mediator being appointed.
CONCILIATION
If mediation fails and the organization decides to maintain its original position
regarding a volunteer, the volunteer may appeal in writing within 14 days to
the administrator of the next higher body for a conciliation hearing.
The higher authority shall appoint a review committee
of five persons within 14 days. The committee shall include:
an independent chairperson agreed to by both parties;
two members nominated by the volunteer; two members nominated
by the administration of the host organization.
The committee must hold its initial meeting within 14
days of being appointed, and the volunteer and the nominee
from the host institution are required to present their
cases in each others presence at this time. The committee
may invite any persons it considers may have relevant
counsel or information to any or all of its meetings.
The decision regarding the grievance will be made in
a closed meeting. The review committee is not authorized
to award financial compensation. Government laws have
preeminence over the requirements of these guidelines.
Contact your host division volunteer coordinator for
a copy of the complete AVS Mediation and Conciliation
Guidelines which outlines these procedures in detail.
