Forty-Hour Weekday Mediation Training

MWI’s Forty-Hour Weekday Mediation Training is designed to prepare managers, executives, lawyers, HR, and other professionals how to become a mediator and to effectively facilitate the mediation process. This comprehensive five-day skill-building program utilizes lectures, demonstrations, interactive exercises, supervised role-plays, and group discussions to prepare participants to lead the mediation process. MWI’s mediation trainings meet the training requirement outlined in the Massachusetts Confidentiality Statute (MGL ch233 sec 23C) and Rule 8(c)(i) of the MA Supreme Judicial Court’s Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution. In addition, MWI’s mediation training programs satisfy the mediation training program requirement for applicants for inclusion on the Category V fee-generating appointment list for Parenting Coordinators and are “Part 146 Approved” by the New York State Unified Court System ADR Office. In addition, MWI offers volunteer opportunities for participants to grow their mediation skill-set by mediating actual cases in court following successful completion of MWI’s Forty-Hour Mediation Training Program (see below for more information).

This Program is Designed to:

• Prepare participants how to become a mediator and how to effectively facilitate the mediation process – from the opening to agreement writing.
• Help participants apply a negotiation framework to the mediation process in order to assist parties in their efforts to define the issues, focus on their interests, and generate options that secure sound resolutions.
• Provide participants with the skills necessary to mediate effectively, including interactive listening, asking effective questions, and overcoming barriers to agreement.

Topics to Be Covered:

• An overview of mediation and other ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) methods; various mediation styles including facilitative, directive and evaluative – the differences and goals.
• The nature and dynamics of conflict.
• The role and skills of a mediator including: setting the stage, defining the issues, identifying interests, transmitting information, communicating effectively, generating options for resolution, drafting agreements.
• Mediating with a co-mediator; Solo mediation techniques.
• The five principles of mediation; Ethical duties and dilemmas facing mediators; Mediator confidentiality and liability; Dovetailing mediation and the law.
• The art of effective questioning; Empathy and the mediation process
• Dealing with challenging personalities, mediator bias and challenges to neutrality; Dealing with power differentials.
• State and national mediation resources; Mediation and ADR web sites, listservs and newsgroups.

Reasons to Attend:

• Build and Expand your dispute resolution skill set.
• Enhance your communication skills and capacity to listen effectively.
• Network with participants and a faculty of seasoned ADR professionals dedicated to your growth as a mediator.
• Learn from lively interactive presentations and personal coaching designed to help refine your mediation skills.

Participants Will Receive

• 40-hours of mediation training, including three role-play opportunities for each participant to mediate with supervision.
• Certificate of Completion in accordance withG.L. chapter 233 section 23C (Confidentiality Statute).
• A comprehensive mediation manual, bibliography, and information on state and national dispute resolution organizations.
• This program satisfies the mediation training program requirement for applicants for inclusion on the Category V fee-generating appointment list for Parenting Coordinators.
• CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
• Licensed Social Workers: This program has been approved for 35 Category I Continuing Education Hours for relicensure with NASW for LICSWs.
• Mental Health Counselors: This program has been approved for 35 Category I Continuing Education Hours with MMCEP for LMHCs.