our history

The Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program, Inc., was founded as The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Dispute Resolution in 1984 by Dukes County Judge Herbert Tucker and Clerk Magistrate Thomas Teller. The Program was known as the Edgartown District Court Mediation Program and modeled after the Urban Mediation Project in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Originally the program was court-based, limited to cases referred by the Dukes County District Court. In 1990, the Program expanded to accept cases from the community and became a 501(c)3 not-for-profit.

Today, MVMP is State- certified as a court-annexed mediation program, to provide mediation in cases referred by Dukes County District Court, Probate & Family Court, and Superior Court.

MVMP mediators offers community mediation services outside of court settings for a wide variety of disputes. 

Testimonials

“I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

– Small Claims Client

“I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

– Divorce Client

“You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

– Facilitation Client

“If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

– Conflict Coaching Client

“It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

– Workplace Conflict Management Services