[hardy5086]

im new to organic chemistry and cant for the life of me figure out how to draw out the mechanism for the reduction of m-dinitrobenzene to m-nitroaniline using Na₂S₂. help would be great.

[AWK]

Na₂S is usually used.
Probably you do not find a specific mechanism fo this reductor. Usually schematic mechanism is written: RNO₂ RN(OH)₂ RNO RNHOH RNH₂
I checked, also Na₂S₂ may be used for reduction of nitro compounds
ArNO₂ + S₂²⁻ + H₂O → ArNH₂ +S₂O₃²⁻

[hardy5086]

That looks much simpler. I was approaching it from, how does everything interact and what electrons are moving and where and when. it got confusing very quickly. thanks for you help.

[phth]

Na₂S is usually used.
Probably you do not find a specific mechanism fo this reductor. Usually schematic mechanism is written: RNO₂ RN(OH)₂ RNO RNHOH RNH₂
I checked, also Na₂S₂ may be used for reduction of nitro compounds
ArNO₂ + S₂²⁻ + H₂O → ArNH₂ +S₂O₃²⁻

I don't agree with this, and I speak from experimental experience.  The molecule has to be first reduced to a nitrosyl, then sulfur can reduce it further.  Sulfenamide formation where there is an electrophilic center at sulfur vs nitrogen.  The nitro compound would have to be activated by something first...
Ellis, M.; Hill, S.; Foster, P. L. Chem.-Bio. Interactions, 1992, 82, 151-163.

[AWK]

The above reference concerns reduction of 1,3-dinitrobenzene and nitrosobenzene by GSH, but not by Na₂S₂.