Can I become a Rule 31 mediator by taking CMCs basic volunteer mediator training?
No. The CMC training is slightly different from Rule 31 family or civil mediation training. Under the controlling Tennessee Supreme Court rule, the Rule 31 mediator must receive 40+ hrs of approved basic training, usually costing $1000-$2000, must submit and be approved by the Tennessee ADR Commission, must pay an annual fee to be “listed” as a Rule 31 mediator, and must also take 12 hours of continuing mediation education (CME) each year. CMC trains its mediators to use the co-mediation model, while Rule 31 mediators are usually trained to mediate solo. Although CMC’s basic training is equivalent to all but 16 hrs of Rule 31 basic training, we do not yet offer a “bridge” training for our volunteers who otherwise qualify to be Rule 31 mediators.
