Free Community Mediation training
Date and Time
Saturday Oct 7, 2023 Sunday Oct 8, 2023
This training will be held over the course of two weekends, and will include other small group or independent study with flexible hours. The weekend dates are mandatory to complete the training.
The required dates are as follows: Saturday Sept 9 from 9AM-3PM, Sunday Sept 10 from 10AM-2PM, Saturday Oct 7 from 9AM-3PM, and Sunday Oct 8 from 10AM-2PM.
Description
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer mediator?
Dispute Resolution Institute, Inc. offers a free 32-40 hour mediation training for community members this Fall. Mediators are neutrals who help people manage their conflicts by listening, guiding the conversation, and helping participants work towards a solution.
While no experience is necessary, the best volunteer mediators will describe themselves as good listeners, strong communicators, and as valuing community. DRI will provide all the skills and training needed to succeed as a mediator. After successfully completing training, participants are expected to volunteer 1-3 hours a quarter to mediate cases in the community.
Founded in 2009, non-profit Dispute Resolution Institute, Inc. currently provides eviction, foreclosure, family, and agricultural mediations in central and southern Illinois. The organization was recently awarded a Restore. Reinvest. Renew. (R3) grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICIJIA) to launch a pilot Community Mediation program. The purpose of this grant is to reduce violence in Illinois communities through intervention and prevention. The staff at DRI understand that self-led, honest, and respectful dialogue creates stronger communities and better outcomes for all parties in conflict.
No-cost community mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes that could otherwise result in avoidance, violent confrontations, or a lengthy litigation process. This service is available for any resident or organization in Champaign County. Examples of conflict could include interpersonal rifts at a small business, a fencing dispute with a neighbor, property damage, and noisy roommates. The Community Mediation process is voluntary and looks different with every case. During the mediation, a trained mediator will ensure that parties are heard, respected, and on-topic. Those in conflict can talk candidly, think through possible solutions, and try to reach an agreement on their own terms.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please contact our office at 618 549 1200 or case@dri-inc.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
