RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NVMS CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER

On 2026-09-24, Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NVMS CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NVMS CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E976] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NVMS CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER ______ HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center as it celebrates its 35th anniversary of service to Fairfax County and communities throughout Northern Virginia. For 3.5 decades, NVMS has helped individuals, families, workplaces, organizations, and communities navigate conflict through dialogue, understanding, and constructive problem-solving. Originally known as the Northern Virginia Mediation Service, NVMS grew from a student initiative at George Mason University and became a nonprofit organization in 1990. Since then, NVMS has grown into an important community resource, providing mediation in civil, family, workplace, community, and commercial matters, as well as facilitation, restorative justice services, and conflict resolution training. Through this work, NVMS has helped thousands of our neighbors find common ground and resolve disagreements in ways that strengthen relationships and communities. The work of conflict resolution is often quiet work. It requires patience, empathy, careful listening, and a willingness to bring people together even when finding common ground seems difficult. Those values are essential to a strong and connected community, and NVMS has spent 35 years putting them into practice here in Northern Virginia. NVMS has also made an enduring investment in the people who carry this work forward. By training mediators, facilitators, community leaders, and other professionals in the skills necessary to address conflict constructively, the organization has extended its impact far beyond the cases and conversations it directly supports. Those individuals bring the lessons of collaboration, communication, and mutual respect into workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, and organizations throughout our region. This anniversary is also an opportunity to recognize the many people who have sustained NVMS over the past 35 years. Its staff, board members, volunteers, mediators, community partners, and supporters have each played a role in building an organization dedicated to helping our neighbors work through differences and build stronger relationships. Their commitment reflects the spirit of service and civic engagement that makes Fairfax County such a special place to live and work. As the Representative for Virginia's 11th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize an organization that has made such a lasting contribution to the community we call home. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the staff, mediators, volunteers, board members, partners, and supporters of the NVMS Conflict Resolution Center on 35 years of service and in wishing them continued success in the years ahead. ____________________