Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC)
AmeriCorps Program
Our Mission
The Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) strengthens the capacity of Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) across New York State to deliver high-quality, accessible alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services. CMSC supports both new and experienced ADR practitioners by combining meaningful service, professional training, and mentorship to promote equitable, community-centered alternative dispute resolution services.
About the Program
The Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) is an AmeriCorps State and National program of the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA). CMSC partners with Community Dispute Resolution Centers across New York State to expand conflict resolution services while supporting members in gaining hands-on experience, refining existing skills, and deepening their engagement in alternative dispute resolution, community service, and public-interest work.
Each program year (typically September/October through August), CMSC AmeriCorps members are placed with Community Dispute Resolution Centers throughout New York State. Members serve under the supervision of host site staff and in coordination with NYSDRA to respond to local community needs while contributing to a cohesive statewide ADR network. CMSC offers host sites structured, flexible support that strengthens organizational capacity while maintaining consistent program standards across the state.
Areas of Service
CMSC members generally support one or more of the following focus areas:
• Youth Services Conflict Resolution
Supporting mediation, conflict resolution education, and restorative practices in schools and youth-serving settings.
• Capacity Building & Community Outreach
Assisting with outreach, program development, data collection, and other activities that strengthen organizational infrastructure and expand access to ADR services.
• Family Services (Custody & Visitation)
Supporting mediation and supervised visitation services for families navigating custody, parenting plans, and family conflict.
Training & Professional Development
Training is a cornerstone of the CMSC experience. All members—whether new to ADR or already experienced practitioners—participate in orientation and ongoing professional development opportunities coordinated by NYSDRA and partner organizations throughout the service year.
Training opportunities may include:
• Basic Mediation Training
• Conflict Coaching
• Restorative Practices and Circles
• Custody & Visitation Mediation
• Trauma-Informed and Anti-Bias Practices
• Additional professional development aligned with members’ experience levels and service roles
Through service, training, and mentorship, CMSC strengthens New York State’s ADR network while supporting both skill-building and skill-deepening for practitioners at different stages of their ADR journey.
2025 - 2026 Host Sites
The following Community Dispute Resolution Centers are serving as AmeriCorps host sites for the 2025-2026 service year. Please click on each Center to learn more:
Community Dispute Resolution Center
Long Island Dispute Resolution Center
Program Growth, Resilience & Impact
In 2022, the Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) intentionally paused member enrollment for one year to undertake a comprehensive program redesign. This pause allowed NYSDRA and Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) partners to reflect on how CMSC could better align with the needs of the mediation network and the communities it serves. Through this process, CMSC was reshaped to be more flexible, responsive, and sustainable — with an emphasis on meaningful service, strong host site partnerships, and support for both new and experienced ADR practitioners.
Following the redesign, CMSC returned with renewed momentum and strong engagement from host sites and members.
Program Growth by Year
- 2023–2024: 17 members placed at 10 host sites
- 2024–2025: 32 members placed at 12 host sites
- 2025–2026: 15 members placed at 10 host sites
The growth seen in 2024–2025 reflected both increased interest in the program and the strength of the redesigned service model. Many host sites and members returned after the redesign, reaffirming CMSC’s value within New York State’s ADR network.
Member Impact: 2024–2025 Program Year
During the 2024–2025 service year, CMSC members delivered meaningful impact across New York State — even amid a period of uncertainty that temporarily disrupted AmeriCorps programs state and nationwide.
Despite these challenges, CMSC members and host sites remained committed to serving their communities:
- 32 AmeriCorps members served at 11 host sites statewide
- 1,482 individuals served, including 144 children
- 386 mediation and visitation sessions conducted
- 28,759 minutes of direct service delivered
- 8,549.75 total hours of service completed
These outcomes reflect the dedication, adaptability, and professionalism of CMSC members and host site supervisors, who continued to provide high-quality mediation and conflict resolution services during a complex and evolving program year.
Looking Ahead
The 2025–2026 program year builds on this resilience. While participation levels shifted following the temporary termination and reinstatement of AmeriCorps State programs, many members and host sites returned or remained engaged — underscoring their confidence in CMSC’s mission and structure.
As an always-evolving program, CMSC continues to adapt to the needs of the ADR network and the communities it serves. With ongoing partnership from CDRCs, NYSDRA, and dedicated members, CMSC remains focused on sustainable growth, meaningful service experiences, and strengthening access to community-based conflict resolution across New York State.
Interested in becoming a CMSC Member or Host Site?
Alumni Members
