KELSEYVILLE >> Lake County Mediations will host training classes consisting of 32 hours of classroom instruction during five sessions.
“This is an opportunity for volunteers to be a part of the solution to promote peaceful dispute resolution for residents of Lake County,” Barbara Johnson, executive director, stated. “With the assistance of volunteer mediators, mediation allows parties in conflict the opportunity to communicate, to define the issues of their dispute and explore the interests, needs and desires of both parties. By working cooperatively, the parties and a trained mediator can come together to discuss to potential solutions or construct an agreement that works for each party.”
Classes will be held at the United Methodist Church, on these dates and times:
• Fridays 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 17
• Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 11, 18 and 25
Working in teams, participants will learn to: improve listening skills; deal with strong emotions and biases; identify conflict styles; work with diverse populations; learn interest-based problem solving methods; find common ground in disputes; build agreement writing skills and address mediator after-care. All training materials will be provided.
The training will be led by experienced mediation trainers and will consist of a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience performing role-play case studies. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to the participants who complete all of the classes. Twenty-eight hours of MCLE credit is available for legal professionals.
The cost of the training is $250 and includes a training manual. Lake County Mediations offers a reduced-fee of $125 to anyone who has a demonstrated financial need and agrees to commit 25 volunteer hours to Lake County Mediations co-mediating and/or shadowing with experienced mediators. Individuals seeking the reduced-fee option are required to participate in an interview prior to acceptance into the class.
For more information about the training and to register, call Johnson at 263-6800 or email at LCM@Lakecountymediations.org.
There will also be Lake County Mediations Volunteer Reception & Basic Training Certificate of Completion celebration at Saw Shop Bistro on Oct. 25 5:30 p.m.
The United Methodist Church is located at 3810 Main St. in Kelseyville.
