The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) was established in 1985 in response to the growth of the community dispute resolution movement in New York. Then known as the New York State Association of Community Dispute Resolution Centers, the organization served as a neutral organization between the Judicial Branch of the government, The Unified Court System, and other state entities in need of alternative forms of dispute resolution.

Contracts with agencies such as the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal and the New York State Department of Education are administered by NYSDRA and subcontracted by its Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) Members which provide direct mediation, arbitration and other alternative forms of dispute resolution.

Since 1996, NYSDRA has also served as the professional association for dispute resolution experts practicing outside of the Unified Court System. By providing training, advocacy and connections, NYSDRA has been instrumental in the development and expansion of the conflict management profession in New York.

NYSDRA celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010 with appreciation for the many New Yorkers who support community dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution through their work. Currently administering seven contracts for dispute resolution, NYSDRA continues to work with various individuals and organizations to provide important services to their communities.

Today, NYSDRA strives to assist its members in examining and expanding their roles in their communities as the economic downturn makes its mark on a long-standing, proven form of conflict management in New York.