THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA IS ORGANIZED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES: TO PROMOTE THE USE AND PRACTICE OF MEDIATION AS AN EFFECTIVE PROCESS FOR RESOLVING CONFLICT AND DISPUTES AND MANAGING CHANGE; TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIATORS; TO ENGAGE IN EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES IN THIS COMMUNITY WHICH FURTHER THE INTERESTS OF THIS COUNCIL AND ITS MEMBERSHIP; AND MAINTENANCE OF NON-PROFIT STATUS. THE COUNCIL IS ORGANIZED AND SHALL BE OPERATED FOR THE PURPOSES SET FORTH ABOVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED.