Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center Empowering community members to resolve conflict peacefully. We all experience conflict in deeply personal ways.

Whether you are in conflict with a family member, neighbor, or co-worker, it can have a physiological, financial, emotional toll. Every day, people come to the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center feeling this pain. At the heart of all of us is the need to be heard and the ability to problem solve when given the tools, support, and opportunity. The mission of the WDRC is to provide and promote const

ructive and collaborative approaches to conflict through mediation, training, facilitation and community education. When our clients leave the WDRC
- They may have created a parenting plan to bring their child out of limbo through family mediation.
- They may have worked with their bank and saved their home from foreclosure.
- They may have interacted with their child for the first time in years through Supervised Visitation. The WDRC empowers thousands of people annually to resolve conflict, build skills, imagine peace, and know that day by day, it gets better. With a lean staff and nearly 100 active volunteers, we create this space, at little or no cost to those we serve, because of community support. So, if you are caught in conflict, or wish to improve your communication skills, we can help. Give us a call at 360-676-0122 or visit www.whatcomdrc.org to learn more.

Los conflictos son parte de la vida, pero no tienes que enfrentarlos solo/a/e.Ya sea que estés lidiando con desafíos den...
08/04/2026

Los conflictos son parte de la vida, pero no tienes que enfrentarlos solo/a/e.

Ya sea que estés lidiando con desafíos dentro de tu familia, tu trabajo o tu organización comunitaria, contar con un espacio neutral para conversar puede marcar toda la diferencia.

En el Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (Centro de Resolución de Disputas de Whatcom), ofrecemos servicios en español para ayudar a las personas a encontrar soluciones, mejorar la comunicación y construir acuerdos duraderos.

Conoce más sobre nuestros programas en whatcomdrc.org o contáctanos hoy al 360.676.0122 o a [email protected].

07/24/2026

The work we do for others begins with how we care for ourselves. 💙

Our Board Member, Sara Wilson, MA, LMFT, recently led our staff through a powerful mini-presentation on self-care, mindfulness, and strategies for managing vicarious trauma. This was an important reminder that burnout happens when stress becomes chronic and recovery can't keep up, and that compassion fatigue isn't about caring less, but about caring deeply for too long without restoring ourselves.

Here are three mindfulness strategies from Sara's presentation. These simple practices can help us regulate our nervous systems, reconnect with the present moment, and create space for resilience, so we can continue showing up for the people and communities we serve.
We hope you enjoy trying these strategies and incorporating them into your daily life.

Join us for the 2026 Peace Builder Awards as we celebrate the individuals, organizations, volunteers, and public servant...
07/17/2026

Join us for the 2026 Peace Builder Awards as we celebrate the individuals, organizations, volunteers, and public servants who make Whatcom County a more peaceful place to live and work.

Every ticket purchased helps the WDRC continue providing mediation, conflict resolution education, and community programs that strengthen our community every day.

Early Bird Tickets start at $75 for a limited time, with additional ticket options that reflect the true cost of attendance and help make it possible for others to attend.

Learn more and reserve your seat today: whatcomdrc.org/peace-builder-awards

Build practical skills for navigating conflict more effectively in our upcoming Understanding Conflict training series. ...
06/25/2026

Build practical skills for navigating conflict more effectively in our upcoming Understanding Conflict training series.

This interactive training offers an opportunity to strengthen existing skills, explore new approaches, and develop strategies for communicating more effectively at home, in the workplace, and throughout the community.

When: July 14 and July 21, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: WDRC office in downtown Bellingham

During this two-part, in-person training, participants will learn how to recognize their responses to conflict, actively listen and assert their needs, and communicate effectively in high-stress situations.

To learn more and register, visit: https://www.whatcomdrc.org/upcoming-trainings-and-workshops

*Or check out our link in the bio*

This six-hour training is offered multiple times a year and focuses on communication and conflict resolution skills applicable to home, community, and work. Participants learn to understand their responses to conflict, actively listen and assert their needs, and communicate effectively in high-stres...

Happy Pride Month! We were so excited to kick off this year’s Pride Month with Whatcom Youth Pride, and we’re thrilled t...
06/24/2026

Happy Pride Month!

We were so excited to kick off this year’s Pride Month with Whatcom Youth Pride, and we’re thrilled to participate in the upcoming Bellingham Pride Festival at the Depot Market in Bellingham on Sunday, July 12, and Ferndale Pride at the Pioneer Pavilion on Saturday, July 18. We hope to see you there!

To learn more and view a comprehensive list of local Pride events, check out this calendar by the Bellingham Q***r Collective: https://www.bellinghamqueercollective.org/calendar

P.S. A special shout-out to all of the incredible community partners who make these important and joyful events possible!

Thank you to everyone that made it out to this year’s Wander to Wander 1k! We had a fantastic time at this year’s Wander...
06/23/2026

Thank you to everyone that made it out to this year’s Wander to Wander 1k! We had a fantastic time at this year’s Wander to Wander 1K, enjoying a morning filled with fun, connection, and community impact.

This year brought exciting new additions, including a line dance warm-up with over 100 participants, and face painting for all ages. A special thank-you to Miss West Sound for generously sharing her time and talents to help make the face painting station such a success!

We are deeply grateful to our participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible. Together, we raised awareness of WDRC’s services and over $6,000 to support our free and sliding-scale conflict resolution programs. These funds help keep our services accessible to everyone in Whatcom County, so we can continue to share our programs and services to help the people in our community continue to strengthen relationships, foster understanding, and support healthier ways to navigate conflict.

Thanks again to everyone that participated and contributed to this year’s Wander. We hope to see you next year!

06/04/2026

Final chance for Peace Builder Award nominations! Nominations close tomorrow, June 5th at 5:00 PM.

We are seeking nominations for individuals and groups in Whatcom County who have helped bridge divides between communities or otherwise promoted peace and connection in the past year.

Past awardees have included youth, elders, volunteers, and programs from a wide range of backgrounds, including the arts, education, public service, healthcare, environmental advocacy, to name a few.

Visit whatcomdrc.org/nominate to learn more and submit a nomination.

Nominations are due by this Friday, June 5th at 5:00pm.

FLASH SALE: TODAY ONLY!For the next 12 hours only, buy one ticket and get one FREE! Don't miss your chance to sign up fo...
06/03/2026

FLASH SALE: TODAY ONLY!

For the next 12 hours only, buy one ticket and get one FREE! Don't miss your chance to sign up for this unique community event and bring along a friend at no extra cost. This offer disappears at 9:00 pm sharp, so don't wait!

Already registered? You can still take advantage of the flash sale by purchasing two additional tickets for the price of one. Invite more friends, family, or coworkers to join the fun while the offer lasts!

This is more than just a silly foot race. It's a chance to come together, make memories, and support a cause that brings people closer. The Wander to Wander 1k is more fun when you share with people. After all, connecting the community in creative and collaborative ways is what we’re all about.

So nab an extra ticket and don't forget kids 10 and under are FREE. Well behaved pets are also welcome and encouraged.

Visit: bit.ly/Wander1kTickets

06/02/2026

Last call for Peace Builder Nominations!

If you’ve been thinking about submitting a nomination but haven’t had the chance, now is the time.

We are seeking nominations for individuals and groups in Whatcom County who have helped bridge divides between communities or otherwise promoted peace and connection in the past year.

Each year we strive to honor Peace Builders that are representative of our entire community. Past awardees have included youth, elders, volunteers, and programs from a wide range of backgrounds, including the arts, education, public service, healthcare, environmental advocacy, to name a few.

Visit whatcomdrc.org/nominate to learn more and submit a nomination.
Nominations are due by this Friday, June 5th at 5:00pm.

05/30/2026

Wander Back in Time with this Blast from the Past!

Take a 0.62 mile stroll down memory lane with us as we celebrate Wander 1k’s of the past. What began in 2014 as a fun community event to raise awareness and funds for the WDRC has grown into a beloved tradition.

Over the years, the Wander to Wander 1K has brought together friends, families, well-behaved pets, and plenty of JOY! More than just an impactful fundraiser, it’s a one-of-a-kind event filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Now it’s your turn to be part of the tradition! Whether you walk, roll, or skip along, there’s a bit of fun for everyone at the Wander to Wander 1K. Come make memories with us and help continue a community tradition that makes a difference year after year!

Buy tickets today: https://www.whatcomdrc.org/wander-to-wander

Address

Bellingham, WA
98225

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

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