Mid Shore Community Mediation Center will offer basic mediation training in March for those interested in becoming volunteer mediators. The training sessions take place Saturdays and Sundays on three weekends, March 1-2 in Easton, and March 8-9 and 22-23 at Chesapeake College. Attendance at all six full-day sessions is necessary to receive certification.
There is no cost, but pre-registration is required and the organization asks for a commitment from volunteers to participate in the mediation services it offers to Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties. Registration is limited.
In community mediation, parties come together with neutral, trained mediators to air differences and arrive at solutions to conflicts. Instead of top-down impositions of verdicts from judges or arbitrators, participants work out their own custom-tailored agreements that each party can accept and feel is fair.
The 45 hours of intensive and interactive training is led by experienced trainers from Community Mediation Maryland. Participants engage in role-playing situations with other volunteers, learning and practicing the mediation techniques that allow all parties to voice their sides of disputes and reach resolutions peacefully.
Executive Director Cynthia Jurrius emphasized that, while the training is intense, the skills learned are valuable in many areas of life. “Being a mediator is extremely rewarding,” she added. “You are helping others resolve their disputes without resorting either to courts or to violence.”
Following the basic training, there is an apprenticeship and follow-up sessions where new volunteers work with experienced mediators to become more comfortable with the skills. Additional training may be acquired for specialized mediations, such as parent/teen and workplace mediations, separation plans and divorce, large group facilitations and more.
Mediators come from all walks of life, reflecting the wide range of backgrounds and ages found among Mid Shore Mediation clients.
“Our volunteer mediators are busy and we need more of them,” said Jurrius, encouraging anyone interested in learning more about the training to call for information. The screening process prior to training includes an application and interview. Applicants will receive information on session times and locations upon acceptance.
To register for training, for more information on mediation, or to make a contribution, call Mid Shore Community Mediation Center at 410-820-5553 or visit www.midshoremediation.org.
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