Our mission is to bring people together in proven restorative practices that transform conflict, repair harm and strengthen relationships.
Long-standing municipal program • Committed to equity in service • Creative responses to conflict
Our Services#
Our Approach#
Conflict brings the possibility for growth and transformation.
- We support self-determination and choice
- We welcome and include all voices
- We focus on the strengths of each participant
- We work to repair harm and relationship
- We respect each person’s inherent dignity
Giving works! Your support builds community.
Our History#
Volunteers are our foundation.
More than twenty-five years ago, inspired community members saw a need to provide services and took collective action. Community Mediation and Restorative Justice were built by local, grassroots movements.
- 1997
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Vista volunteer started a small Community Mediation program at the City of Fort Collins and recruited the first dozen volunteers.
- 1998-2000
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A group of 50 community members created a taskforce dedicated to exploring alternatives to the criminal justice system for youth and, as a result, created a small Restorative Justice program.
Both seedling programs were nurtured by teams of dedicated volunteers and a small, skillful staff. We are committed to keeping the community voice alive and present in what we do; volunteer leadership makes that possible.
- 2013
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The Community Mediation and Restorative Justice programs came together for the purpose of sharing volunteers and expanding services. Merging these different approaches to conflict is rarely done and the City’s choice brought increased skill and efficiency to our services.
- Present
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Today we continue to meet our growing community’s needs with a stronger staff and volunteer team and more options in addressing conflict.
Learn more about volunteer leadership.