Toch, Courtney Connolly, 1985-2011-08-262011-08-262011-06https://hdl.handle.net/1794/11516ix, 127 p. : col. ill., col. mapsCommunity mediation programs exist to provide the general public a low cost and efficient way to resolve disputes peacefully. Community mediation is a voluntary process in which skilled mediators facilitate a conversation between the disputants, but do not advocate or impose solutions. I question whether community mediation practices, mediators and mediation programs are responsive to minority cultures. This thesis conceptualizes culturally appropriate dimensions to add to dispute resolution practices for a Latino demographic. Using a comparative analysis of community mediation programs in Oaxaca, Mexico and in Oregon, I highlight areas of departure from more traditional views of mediation. I argue that such programs will be more effective by incorporating practices grounded in the Latino cultural context of each region, including greater attention to group-oriented priorities within families, engaging in more personal contact with disputants, provision of childcare, enhancing efforts to attract Spanish-speaking mediators, and training mediators in intra-generational cultural competency.en-USInternational relationsCultural competencyDiversityMediationMexicoOaxaca (Mex.)OregonThesis