Mission & Philosophy

a two-lane asphalt road winds through an autumn forest

ON BOTH SIDES

“Anoka” is derived from a-no-ka-tan-han, a phrase from the Dakota language that means “on both sides of the river.” This is the center of our mission as mediators and peacemakers. We help people build bridges across divisions by facilitating empathy, understanding, effective communications, and helping you move toward workable compromises and creative solutions that bring closure to conflict.

a person wearing a suit coat and tie sits at a table holding an espresso in one hand and making a pointing gesture with the other hand. They are pictured from the chest down..
two people shake hands in front of a detailed wooden room divider. Only their hands and upper arms are in the frame.

Disagreements with those who see things differently from us are a regular part of life. However, a disagreement can grow into a genuine conflict that must be resolved for those involved to move on or to salvage an important relationship.

How often does arguing accomplish actually changing someone’s mind, moving toward resolution or compromise, or sustaining lasting connections and mutually beneficial relationships? How often does approaching conflict in an adversarial manner create distance between us that makes understanding and compromise more difficult?

We believe that understanding the unique perspectives of all parties is essential to resolving a dispute and fostering meaningful connections between people. Our mission is to facilitate respectful communication that honors the subjective experiences of each individual, guiding them towards a peaceful resolution and closure.

We are committed to building stronger, more effective relationships and lasting, meaningful peace by creating a space where all voices are heard, where common ground is discovered, and where every person feels empowered in shaping the world around them. Through empathy, impartiality, and dedication to transformative communication, we strive to turn discord into opportunity, empowering people to move forward with clarity and confidence.