Participants will

• learn skills and tools used by mediators;

• master a step-by-step process to assist parties in conflict to find mutually agreeable solutions; and

• engage in simulated mediations drawn from a range of settings.

Experienced mediators will observe all simulations and individually coach participants as they practice mediation skills.

Learn basic mediation skills . . .

Mediation is an increasingly popular method for resolving disputes. Mediation, which is essentially facilitated negotiation, allows parties in conflict to control their final agreements and shape them to fit their needs.

This basic skills training course will locate mediation among the array of dispute resolution processes, and examine the differences between facilitative and evaluative mediation. Participants will learn a step-by-step process to assist parties in conflict to find mutually agreeable solutions.

This course will focus on collaborative, interest-based mediation. You will learn the extremely challenging practice of mediating with parties in joint session, face-to-face, and using caucuses where appropriate. You will be encouraged to provide a process that offers substantive, procedural, and psychological satisfaction to parties.

Through a mix of theory and practice, participants will learn the skills, tools, and processes used by mediators. We will examine each stage of the mediation process, and participants will engage in simulated mediations drawn from a range of settings. Individual coaches will observe roleplay mediations and assist participants to debrief and learn from all simulations. Participants will be challenged to become more self-aware and to develop new skills to provide better mediation services to clients.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Counselors, lawyers, public servants, business managers, teachers, administrators, law enforcement, human resource directors and those wishing to succeed through collaboration with others. We will examine mediation in a variety of contexts including: employment, civil lawsuits, neighborhood disputes, school and educational conflicts, and commercial disputes.

DAY 1, January 11

Registration begins at 12:30. Program begins at 1:00. There will be a 15-minute break. The program adjourns at 5:00.

Registration & Welcome
Conflict Styles
Negotiation Theory
Mediation in Context
Mediator Styles
Overview of Mediation Process
Mediator's Opening Statement
Confidentiality

DAY 2, January 12

Program begins at 8:30. There will be two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break.* The program adjourns at 5:30.

Case Development
Information Receiving
Communication Skills
Understanding Interests
Mediation Roleplays

DAY 3, January 13

Program begins at 8:30. There will be two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break.* The program adjourns at 5:30.

Agenda Setting
Positions and Interests
Using Caucus
Negotiating -- Generating & Evaluating Options
Mediation Roleplays

DAY 4, January 26

Program begins at 8:30. There will be two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break.* The program adjourns at 5:30.

Writing Agreements and Closure
Ethics in Mediation
Mediation Roleplays

DAY 5, January 27

Program begins at 8:30. There will be two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break.* The program adjourns at 5:30.

Impasse
Other Mediation Styles
Attorneys in Mediation
Mediation Roleplays
Connecting to the Mediation Community
Program Evaluation

* You can either order a box lunch - or - have lunch on your own.

Please note: All registrants will mediate and participate in all class exercises. Participants are encouraged to attend with a willingness to work collaboratively and with a mind open to exploring new and alternative processes. Also note: This course is not a marketing, public relations, or placement workshop. This course is designed to equip you to mediate.

• Early Registration Discount: Pay by Deceember 28, 2001, FOR MAJOR SAVINGS!
• New Attorney Discount: If you were admitted to the Bar after December 31, 1998, you can take 30 percent off the standard registration fee, subject to space availability.