2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200009D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2034

Offered April 23, 2026

Prefiled April 22, 2026

Commending the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center.

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Patron—Krizek

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WHEREAS, for 35 years, the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center has served the Commonwealth by helping individuals, families, organizations, and communities manage and resolve conflicts constructively; and

WHEREAS, originally known as Northern Virginia Mediation Service, the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center was developed in the late 1980s and achieved nonprofit status in 1990, emerging from a George Mason University student initiative to bring high-quality mediation training and services to Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, currently located in Fairfax, the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center continues to strengthen relationships and improve access to peaceful problem solving across the region; the organization provides a broad portfolio of services, including civil, family, workplace, community, and commercial mediation, as well as group facilitation, restorative justice facilitation, and conflict resolution training; and

WHEREAS, the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center mediators are certified through the Division of Dispute Resolution Services of the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia, underscoring the organization's commitment to professional standards and excellence; and

WHEREAS, in service to Northern Virginia's courts and communities, the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center's work has spanned cases and trainings throughout Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Falls Church, and neighboring jurisdictions, helping neighbors, families, and workplaces heal and move forward; and

WHEREAS, the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center's 35-year legacy has been profoundly shaped by numerous individuals, volunteers, donors, practitioners, and community partners, whose leadership, generosity, and commitment have had a transformative impact on the organization's growth, the services it provides, and its ability to serve the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, these individuals and organizations include the Honorable James Dillard, the Honorable James M. Scott, Susan Shearouse, Ramona Buck, Jeannette Twomey, Diane Wiltjer, Doyle Curry, Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, Marjorie Bleiweis, Richard Bernhart, Norval “John” Settle, Kathy Foskett, Tracey Carnie, William Casey, Elizabeth Jones, Victoria Shoap, John Thompson, the Honorable James Q. Pope, James R. Meditz, Bing Van Nuys, the Honorable Thomas P. Sotelo, Randy Jones Toll, the Honorable Steve Descano, Michael West, George Drucker, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, Resolution Virginia, and the Division of Dispute Resolution Services; and

WHEREAS, the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center has become a bridge-builder across communities, creating thousands of moments of connection, dialogue, empathy, and durable agreements over the course of its history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center hereby be commended for its enduring leadership in building peace, strengthening communities, and expanding access to justice in the Commonwealth on the occasion of its 35th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's legacy of achievements and best wishes for continued success.