Are You Ready for Mediaton Training?

Do you find satisfaction in helping others resolve their conflicts? The Washington County Community Mediation goal is to empower community members to mediate community disputes and to provide access to mediation services at various neutral locations throughout Washington County. The program offers mediation services free of charge to individuals and organizations involved in conflict who wish to preserve their respective relationships.

We are seeking volunteer mediator applicants for an upcoming 50 Hour Basic Mediation Training Course. Training is provided at no charge, to those that qualify, and requires a commitment to complete the entire 50 hour course. Individuals interested in volunteering for the Washington County Community Mediation Center attend a forty-five hour classroom training in which they learn the skills, process, and philosophy of mediation. This is followed by an apprenticeship which includes observing mediations, mediating with more experienced mediators, and evaluation and strategy sessions.

To participate, you must agree to volunteer at least 100 hours to support the Washington County Community Mediation Center and it's programs, and you must attend one mandatory orientation session. Our program will be clearly defined at this time and the mediation process will be fully explained. Each participant's commitment to the program will be clarified. This is an opportunity to learn how mediation is interactively being used as an alternative to traditional conflict resolution.

Following this initial step, anyone interested in pursuing mediation training may fill out an application and enter the interview process. There is a downloadable application under the forms tab. Print this off and mail it to WCCMC c/o Volunteer Coordinator at 101 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740. For more information about Basic Mediation Training or inquiries about volunteering for the Mediation Center, please call 301-665-9262 and ask for Steve Graybill, the volunteer coordinator, or Jack carpenter, Executive Director. You may also register any friends who may be interested as well. After receipt of your application, you will be contacted by the volunteer coordinator or executive director to set up a day and time to interview.

The training dates for 2011 have been posted under the training section and under current events as well. It is imperative that you attend every day of the course. You will receive your certificate after you have completed the course work and Phase 2, which consists of two (2) mediation observations, participating in one-mediation as a co-mediator and attending the last five (5) hours of training, which has not been scheduled at this time. Your volunteer hours begin upon completion of the Evaluation/Strategy and Follow-up Session with the Director and Staff. You must agree to commit volunteer hours to the Washington County Community Mediation Center & its programs. Please contact us via email or phone, if you are interested or require further information.