IMI has transformed from an idea to an international charitable organization. Demand for its mission is growing and the Foundation needs to address those needs. This means broadening: (1) in scope, to embrace consumer, family, investor-state, community and other areas in addition to business, and (2) geographically, so that high standards in places where mediation is expertly practiced and well-accepted can be leveraged to encourage widespread use of mediation in places where is it little-used, and with less reliance on resources “flown in” from elsewhere. In short, IMI’s mission is poised to increase and diversify on both counts.

Expansion and diversification requires a broader application of the extraordinary expertise in the mediation field, as well as substantial additional funding. So far, IMI has been dependent on its Independent Standards Commission, Advisory Council and Board and on charitable donations of patrons, including the listing contributions of IMI Certified Mediators. Visible expertise and concentrated funding activities now need to step up a few gears."

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