The JAMS Foundation and National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) are launching the 2026-2028 Community Mediation Mini-Grant Program, awarding up to five organizations $15,000 per year to develop preventive approaches using community mediation skills to de-escalate family conflict during critical transitions like substance abuse treatment, assisted living moves, or mental health services navigation. Grant recipients will participate in a structured Learning Community facilitated by NAFCM using the Listening for Action Leadership Process, meeting twice monthly for the first six months and monthly thereafter to share challenges, test approaches, and develop replicable resources while creating at least one policy or procedure change over the two years for lasting systemic impact. This collaborative model emphasizes deep listening, collaborative problem-solving, community co-creation, and attention to power dynamics—principles aligned with NCDD values—with all materials shared across the broader field to strengthen community mediation practice nationally and internationally, creating pathways for families to work through disagreements collaboratively before they escalate into formal legal proceedings or institutional interventions.

​A six-month internship (October 2025–March 2026) with peace practitioner Fleur Ravensbergen offers students and recent graduates rare hands-on experience in conflict resolution, combining training design, research, online education, and communications work. Ravensbergen brings over 15 years of global field experience—from armed conflict negotiations to corporate mediation—providing interns with exposure to both international peace processes and community-level dialogue. The role includes creating real-case role-play simulations, supporting negotiation and career-entry courses, conducting conflict research, and contributing to outreach through podcasts and digital platforms. With remote flexibility, occasional meetings in the Netherlands, and a modest stipend, this internship bridges academic learning and professional practice, offering comprehensive preparation for careers in peacebuilding and dialogue facilitation.