The Dispute Resolution Center offers a range of training opportunities for the public and our volunteer mediators. Our trainings are in-depth and highly interactive, geared to build and enhance the conflict management skills of participants.
Trainings include brief presentations, exercises, demonstrations and role-playing. Sessions are lively and engage participants in a variety of ways to capitalize on different learning styles and the diversity of the training group.
Current DRC Training programs include:
Basic Mediation (40-hour program)
The basic mediation training program is designed to train people to be volunteer mediators for the DRC of Tri-Cities. All of our mediators work on a pro bono basis. The training is offered as a standalone class, for which you receive a certificate of completion and is the first step in becoming a DRC certified mediator.
CLICK HERE to register for the next 40 Hr Basic Training.
Our next regularly scheduled 40 Hour mediation class will be March 9,10,11 and 23, 24 & 25. We are currently accepting registrations for the class. We are especially in need of bilingual Spanish speaking mediators at this time.
Family Law Mediation (20-hour program)
This 20-hour advanced training is intended for those who have already completed the basic 40-hour Basic Mediation Training course. This course is required for DRC mediators who wish to mediate family cases, e.g., divorce and parenting plan cases. Please check back here for the dates of the next class which will be posted soon.
DRC Family Law Training Registration Form
Steps to Becoming a DRC Certified Volunteer Mediator
1. Take the 40Hr (Basic) Fundamentals of Mediation Class
2. Enroll in the Mediator Internship Program
The Internship consists of a) observing 3 live mediation sessions, b) co-mediating 7 mediation sessions with an already Certified Mediator, c) being observed mediating by the Director, d) interviewing with our Certification Committee.
3. Take the 20 Hr Family Law Mediation Class
This class is required in order to mediate cases involving divorce, Parenting Plans, etc.
4. Maintain certification by mediating at least 4 times per year, and earning 10 hours of continuing education credits per year.
Conflict Resolution Training for Professionals
Please note: We are very excited about being able to offer Conflict Resolution Training for Professionals in the near future. This training is in the final stages of development, and will be taught by mediators with years of experience in the business and corporate world. We are working to complete course, and will announce the initial dates here, and in the Tri-City Herald as soon as we can. Once launched, we hope to you offer the training at least twice a year. We do apologize for the extended delay in being able to launch this new training, however, we assure you that we are getting there. Thank you for your patience.
This 2 day course is designed for Human Resource departments, managers, small business owners’, supervisors, teachers and others in professional settings looking to improve their conflict management skills.
Participants will learn about various conflict styles and communication techniques. At the end of this 2-day course participants will understand their own conflict style and methods to communicate more effectively and assist in resolving conflict in the workplace.
Conflict in the Workplace Training
Similar to our Conflict Resolution for Professionals Training, this customizable course is designed to address specific issues or concepts within your organization. The DRC will work with your leadership team to provide a training that matches your organization’s objectives.
