Programs that provide a neutral third person who is acceptable to all parties to a dispute who facilitates discussion between the parties and aids them in making their own settlement decisions.

Mediation centers in local neighborhoods that help to resolve problems between residents that relate to issues such as noise, the behavior of pets and children, visual eyesores (e.g., trash, unkempt lawns, offensive signs) and property boundary disputes. When disputes between neighbors over nuisance related items can be resolved through alternative methods such as mediation, the local government does not have to become involved with a formal complaint investigation and remediation process.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.