Community Relations Service

For over 60 years, CRS has been “America’s Peacemaker.” Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, established the Community Relations Service with the mandate to offer “conciliation assistance” to communities where “ disputes, disagreements, or difficulties” threaten “peaceful relations among the citizens of the community involved” regarding “discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin.” CRS assists communities through facilitated dialogue, mediation, training, and consultation to overcome differences and build the skills needed to prevent future disputes.

All CRS services are confidential and provided free of charge to the communities that voluntarily request or accept CRS’s assistance. CRS is not an investigatory or prosecutorial agency and has no law enforcement authority. CRS works with all parties to develop solutions to conflict and serves as a neutral, impartial party.