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Mediation Center offers volunteer training starting next month

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 24, 2024

The Mediation Center, which offers free mediation of interpersonal conflict, including conflicts referred by law enforcement and the courts, will train a new cohort of volunteer community mediators starting at the end of August.

The non-profit, which serves Henderson, Transylvania, Polk, and Buncombe counties, needs new volunteer mediators,  to meet the rising demand for mediation in Henderson County. 

Each year, the center’s volunteer mediators help hundreds of people navigate conflicts. Community mediation offers individuals, neighbors, families and organizations a way forward towards peaceful resolution. A neutral, trained third-party mediator helps to create a space for productive conversations.

The training to become a volunteer mediator includes 50 hours of classroom-based training, followed by an apprenticeship where the new mediator will observe and work together with experienced mediators. Training is free for those who apply and are accepted. The Mediation Center invests about $2,000 in training each volunteer. In exchange, participants commit to volunteer for at least two mediation sessions per month for two years (50 hours of volunteering), complete a 16-hour apprenticeship, work toward certification as District Court mediators and attend at least 16 hours a year of in-service training. After the initial training, the Mediation Center provides ongoing training and support.

If you or someone you know would like to become a volunteer mediator, email laurahj@mediatewnc.org" or call 828-445-9001. More information and the volunteer mediator application can be found at https://mediatewnc.org/become-a-volunteer-community-mediator.