The mediator training program aims to help mediator trainees identify and develop skills needed to mediate successfully and to practice various techniques that are instrumental in mediation. Emphases are placed on the following areas: mediator behavior/neutrality; various stages of the mediation process; listening, fact finding, and observing behavior; creating a positive climate for settlement; phrasing remarks; transfer of information; exploring options; strategy planning; settlement techniques; writing agreements.

Methodologies include assigned readings; in-class lectures; simulated mediation sessions; role playing. The training is conducted during a 36 hour sequence beginning and ending with 8 hour sessions.

The 'role-play' method is conducted in small groups of 4 to 5 trainees with the role of mediator and disputant assigned to the trainees. Each small group is provided with a trainer/coach to assist the trainees in practicing and acquiring the skills of mediator. The 'role-play' is preceded by a formal presentation to emphasize a specific stage/phase of the mediation process and the appropriate mediator response in facilitating the stages of gathering information; defining the issues; processing the information; and problem solving; and, writing the agreement.

Trainings are held both on and off-site. Off-site trainings can be custom designed to meet an organization's requirements. Besides the 36 hour sequence the program provides pre and post implementation procedures.

Mediation conducted by students, and openly supported by school administrators, pupil personnel staff, and faculty is an effective means of managing the day to day student/student conflicts inherent in our schools.

Inevitably, conflicts arise out of mistrust, misunderstanding, disappointments, un-met expectations, and minor infractions of school policy in school/social relationships. Student Peer Mediation is particularly useful as an intervention tool for resolving these kind of conflicts among students. All too often, minor conflicts escalate to the level of arguments, shouting, shoving, long-term hostility or, out of fear, the reverse behavior of avoidance. Mediation can prevent the escalation of conflicts that often end with traditional student sanctions, suspension, or even expulsion.

Student peer mediation training uncovers and sharpens skills that are innate. With a focus on organizing already held skills of listening, trust, empathy, neutrality and patience, students learn techniques for practicing and applying these skills in a 20 hour training to prepare them for their roles as peer mediators. Methodologies include: training-manual readings; topic presentations; learning exercises; games; and, small group role-play.

During the 20-hour training students practice active listening, trust-building, neutrality, reducing defensive behavior, and building the will to settle as a means of creating a positive climate for settling the dispute. The topic presentations and learning exercises emphasize a specific stage/phase of the mediation process and the appropriate mediator response to facilitate gathering information; defining issues; processing information; problem solving; and, writing the agreement. Students learn to resolve conflicts through the development of critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

Peer mediation is designed to optimize the development potential inherent in the nature of conflict for shaping positive, empowering attitudes in the education of our children.

We offer customized conflict resolution seminars and workshops for organizations, industry and businesses. Workshops frequently explore the nature of conflict, the conflict management styles of staff, interest based negotiation and problem-solving skills. They can be used to train in-house staff who manage conflicts or to improve management teamwork.

Help new staff members build trust and improve group cohesion by training them in conflict resolution skills of active listening and problem solving. These skills can be utilized to assist in developing rules and establishing clear lines of communication. Or, these workshops can help resolve personnel problems that are sapping you organization's energy. In the past, these workshops had been used by organizations to address conflicts about job responsibilities, living within budget limitations, staff inaccessibility and performance expectations