What is the commitment for being a volunteer mediator?
A volunteer mediator must undergo a rigorous 30 hr training, usually held over two weekends, covering the basics of conflict resolution principles, our 6-step facilitative mediation model, an introduction to our referring courts and forms used in each forum, and participation in mediation simulations. After completing the training, a mediator must then become a part of our Mediation Mentoring Program. The training is currently $30–the cost of materials. The volunteer’s real cost is her contractual commitment to serve as a CMC mediator for one year. General Sessions Court mediators agree to mediate downtown at Sessions Court on specific days beginning at 8:30am. Juvenile Court mediations are generally scheduled Monday-Thursday evenings, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, at the Division St. Juvenile Court Annex. As a rule, mediations take anywhere from 1 hr to 3 hrs, and may be “continued” to another session.
