Dispute Resolution
Volunteer Mediator Program
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) Seeks Volunteer Mediators
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is seeking experienced mediators across the state to volunteer their time and expertise in resolving civil rights complaints. As the largest state civil rights agency in the nation, CRD investigated 5,765 complaints in 2023 involving alleged violations of key laws, including:
- Fair Employment and Housing Act (Workplace and Housing Discrimination)
- Unruh Civil Rights Act (Public Accommodations)
- Disabled Persons Act (Disability Rights)
- Ralph Civil Rights Act (Hate Violence)
About CRD’s Dispute Resolution Division
Mediation has been a key part of CRD’s work since the late 1990s, and in 2012, the Dispute Resolution Division (DRD) was formally established as a standalone division. Our team of dedicated neutral mediators facilitates the formal resolution of complaints, helping parties reach fair and effective settlements.
In 2023 alone, DRD mediated 473 settlements, resulting in over $8 million in monetary recovery. These settlements also included crucial affirmative relief measures, such as anti-discrimination training and new policies to prevent future discrimination or harassment.
Why Volunteer as a Mediator?
Many of the cases we handle involve significant legal and financial stakes. Often, these cases may not reach private attorneys but still deeply affect people’s jobs, housing, and relationships. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve these disputes fairly, preserving critical personal and professional connections.
Despite high demand, CRD currently has only 15 full-time and part-time mediators to handle the current volume of cases. Meanwhile, experienced mediators across California are eager to contribute their skills to make a difference in their communities.
Join Us
We are now welcoming applications from experienced mediators who want to volunteer their time to help resolve civil rights complaints statewide. If you have dispute resolution expertise and a commitment to justice, we invite you to be part of this vital work.
Applications should be submitted by email to Lisa.Zeltner@CalCivilRights.ca.gov or DRDOnlinerequests@calcivilrights.ca.gov. Applications will be screened on a rolling basis and the most qualified candidates will be interviewed. DRD will conduct a review of applications received by May 16, 2025. Orientation occurs twice a year in June and December.