Rosa Melendez was the Regional Director for CRS Region 10 from 2000 - 2014.

All Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNEO2g2TpLNxO_LaZxJjcHYS5Rxax7tvD

Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrUGitk5ygg

;Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xz9k6ZMNGI

Part 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXovabVOBUM;

On December 10, 2021, Bill Froehlich interviewed Rosa Melendez as part of the Civil Rights Mediation Oral History Project. Rosa began the interview by discussing her background and her journey to CRS. After serving as a U.S. Marshal, Rosa joined CRS. Rosa joined CRS in 2000 and retired in 2014. Rosa served as Regional Director for CRS Region 10 covering Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Rosa had been a police officer earlier in her career and that experience was beneficial in her capacity at CRS. Her prior experiences were beneficial in facilitating communication on issues relating to local law enforcement. Rosa mentions a situation in Alaska where there were issues between law enforcement and the indigenous community. She emphasized the need for transparency in law enforcement policies and procedures and the importance of the community knowing them. There were meetings and town halls where community members expressed their frustrations with the goal of improving the relationship between the community and law enforcement. Eventually, the police department decided to make their manual of policies and procedures publicly available online, enhancing transparency and trust within the community.

Another case discussed in the interview was the shooting of an indigenous deaf wood carver who was shot by a law enforcement officer in Washington. The facts surrounding the incident were disputed. Rosa was called into the situation. Rosa reached out to the Seattle Police Department to arrange a meeting between the indigenous community and the police. Rosa emphasized the importance of getting people to the table as a starting point for dialogue and change. She highlighted the need for core groups to facilitate ongoing discussions and initiatives. A core group of individuals from both the indigenous community and the police department remained committed to working together to address issues and improve relationships.

The first portion of the interview with Rosa ends with Rosa discussing the importance of being flexible as a conciliator and adapting to the specific needs and dynamics of each case rather than rigidly following a predetermined procedure.

 

 

On April 22, 2022, the second portion of the Civil Rights Mediation Oral History Project interview with Rosa Melendez was conducted.

The interview started with a discussion of common roadblocks that often occurred in cases involving law enforcement and communities of color. One of the roadblocks was the perception that the groups had of each other. Another roadblock that Rosa mentioned was self-promoting individuals. Rosa initiated small group sessions of dialogue that focused on common goals such as safety and treating each other fairly.

The interview also discussed the role of media in the work of CRS. Rosa mentioned that the media’s presence was minimal except in high-profile cases. Due to confidentiality concerns, CRS did not comment on cases to the media and did not frequently interact with the media. Rosa discussed the differences in media presence in different areas of the region. In some areas, the media published stories about a case without fully understanding the situation. Rosa also defined how she measured success as the regional director. She emphasized that getting parties to the table and fostering ongoing dialogues between them were indicators of success for her. She believed that success meant that the parties involved continued to interact and work together, even without CRS's direct involvement. The measure of success varied by region of CRS with DC focusing on numerical indicators of success.

During the interview, Rosa also touched on the impact of political polarization impacted the work of CRS. Rosa mentioned that sometimes senators and attorneys did not want CRS involved in cases. Additionally, Rosa mentions shifts in priorities and strategies during different presidential administrations, with a shift towards more mediation during the Bush administration and a focus on training and dialogue under the Obama administration. The interview covered the impact that the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act had on the scope of CRS.

Rosa concluded this portion of the interview reflecting on the importance of mentorship. She recommended that new conciliators consider shadowing experienced conciliators to gain insights.

On June 22nd, 2022, the third and final portion of the interview with Rosa Melendez was completed. Rosa discusses her experiences in street or community-oriented mediation while working for the Community Relations Service.

One case that Rosa mentions occurred in Alaska where they acted out exercises with the organizers and law enforcement to handle potential issues with white supremacist groups during the We the People march. The goal was to avoid violence and deescalate situations through practicing how the parties would respond to different situations. Rosa discusses the dynamics of different communities and the importance of the involvement or cooperation of those in the community. Another incident that Rosa recounts was a situation in Seattle where someone was shot during a protest, and they had to quickly organize to ensure a peaceful resolution.

During the interview, Rosa mentions the importance of finding individuals in the community that are reasonable and respected in the community to help ensure peace in the community. Rosa went into communities hoping to establish relationships and foster open communication, so the community and police could eventually work together without CRS intervention.

Rosa mentioned that occasionally there were differing agendas amongst group leaders, disagreements over facts, and issues managing organizer expectations. Rosa explains that organizers were expected to adhere to certain guidelines, such as maintaining non-physical interactions, avoiding derogatory or racial language, and following established protest routes. Rosa acknowledges that protests might involve various groups with different agendas. In situations where facts were in dispute, Rosa highlights the importance of relying on credible witnesses and emphasizing the community's perception.

Rosa concludes the interview by reflecting on her career at CRS. She expresses confidence in her ability to enter any community and help them progress, emphasizing the crucial skill of listening for CRS employees.