(ANNAPOLIS, Md. — May 29, 2009) The District Court of Maryland has been named the recipient of the 2009 Commitment to Conflict Resolution Award. The award, presented annually by Community Mediation Maryland, recognizes the work of the District Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office.

Community Mediation Maryland presents the award each year to celebrate outstanding efforts in conflict resolution in Maryland. Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn of the District Court of Maryland will accept the award during Community Mediation Maryland’s 2009 Gala on Saturday, June 6, 6 to 9 p.m., at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis.

The ADR Office has worked collaboratively to develop partnerships with community mediation centers in the state. Currently, partnerships exist in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Wicomico counties, and the mid- and upper-Eastern Shore. Additionally, the ADR Office is working to develop partnerships with community mediation centers in Baltimore, Carroll, and Washington counties, and to strengthen and expand existing partnerships.

“I’m honored to accept this award because it recognizes the efforts of so many dedicated professionals and volunteers working together to provide help for people in conflict,” Judge Clyburn said. “By reaching out into our communities, these community mediation centers help neighbors right in their own neighborhoods. Whenever it is possible, resolving conflict outside of court helps everyone, and it is an essential part of the Judiciary’s mission.”

Community Mediation Maryland supports the work of 18 community based mediation centers throughout Maryland. These centers provide mediation services in and around the communities in which they are located.

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Editor’s note: Please contact the Judiciary's Office of Communications and Public Affairs for a photo of Chief Judge Clyburn: 410-260-1488; or e-mail darrell.pressley@mdcourts.gov. For more information about Community Mediation Maryland or its 2009 Gala, contact Lorig Charkoudian, 410-227-4941, littlquail@aol.com.