Building bridges since 1979.
The Community Dispute Settlement Center is a nonprofit mediation and training center in greater Boston dedicated to providing an alternative and affordable forum for resolving conflict.
We are committed to making our services accessible to underserved populations and to addressing emerging community needs.
What We Do at CDSC
CDSC promotes better ways to understand and deal with conflict through skilled teams of pro bono mediators and facilitators, training programs in mediation and conflict management, and broad community outreach.
Mediation
In mediation, people with differing views discuss issues they need help resolving with an impartial third party. A mediator’s guidance and facilitation helps the people involved arrive at solutions.
Facilitation & Conflict Coaching
Using time-tested principles of constructive dialogue, we help groups in conflict carefully prepare for constructive discussions.
Trainings & Workshops
Deal with conflict effectively and get tools for your toolbox. Join a CDSC training, or request a customized skill-based workshop.
Who We Work With
For nearly 50 years, CDSC has been a non-profit provider of affordable conflict resolution services to individuals and community organizations in Greater Boston.
For Clients
Our services offer a confidential way for clients to resolve any type of conflict with the help of a CDSC-qualified neutral mediator. Each of our clients has a voice and is part of the solution. Our goal is to reduce stress and help clients move forward—without the high cost, time commitment, or complexity of legal action.
For Volunteers
CDSC’s professional mediation training program prepares volunteers to guide clients through a range of conflicts toward peaceful resolution, limiting the role of the legal system. CDSC nurtures an environment of personal growth and networking within its community of volunteer
For Community Partners
CDSC provides coaching, training, facilitation and mediation to resolve conflicts. By partnering with CDSC, you will better address the conflict resolution needs of your community. Our goal is to enable our partners to focus on their core mission, improve their reputation with their members, and optimize their resources.
Latest News & Events
Now Hiring: Executive Director
The Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1979 to provide mediation and conflict resolution services in Greater Boston. As one of Massachusetts’ oldest community mediation centers, CDSC promotes collaborative,...
Sponsor Our 2026 CDSC Bash!
CDSC promotes better ways to understand and peacefully resolve conflict through skilled pro bono mediators and training programs in mediation and conflict management. CDSC also provides free and low-cost mediation and conflict resolution services, which helps keep...
Register Now for the Fall 2026 Basic Mediation Training Program
The Basic Mediation Training Program provides skills development for responding to conflict. This 32-hour training is for you, if you are interested in: learning to become a mediator incorporating mediation skills into your current work making a shift in your...
Read CDSC’s June Newsletter
Download this newsletter as a PDF. Hello CDSC Friends. As we welcome summer, this newsletter will update you on all things CDSC. Our Board of Directors is leading the search for our next Executive Director while our staff and volunteers continue to do their...
Now Hiring: Communications and Operations Manager
Communications and Operations Manager The Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC) provides mediation services, as well as training in mediation and conflict resolution throughout Suffolk and Middlesex Counties and beyond. One of the first community mediation...
Read CDSC’s March Newsletter
We are proud to announce that this past fiscal year we mediated over 30% more cases and trained over 55% more people compared to the previous fiscal year, for a total of over 2,000 people served last fiscal year between our training and other conflict resolution services. This means we more than doubled our services in less than two years.
Contact CDSC
60 Gore Street, Suite 201
Cambridge, MA 02141-1236
Phone: 617-876-5376
To request mediation, facilitation or conflict coaching: cdscintake@communitydispute.org
For all other inquiries: cdscinfo@communitydispute.org