MAKE AN IMPACT - VOLUNTEER!

Do you long to make a positive impact with your life? Are you disheartened as conflicts escalate around us, destroying peace of mind, threatening our world? Consider becoming a mediator!

Mediation is a process for resolving conflicts where a neutral meets with parties in dispute to assist them in solving their problems together. In mediation all parties accept responsibility for working things out. Individuals are empowered, relationships are strengthened, and trust can be built over time. When mediation is used as an alternative to contentious and expensive legal wrangling, or violence, the whole community benefits.

The Mediation Center of San Joaquin County is a private nonprofit organization that offers mediation services and training to the community. Our mediators are volunteers, trained and certified to meet standards set by California's Dispute Resolution Programs Act. Through practice over time these dedicated individuals become skilled neutral facilitators. Through their efforts conflicts can be resolved quickly, cheaply and peacefully, to the satisfaction of all.

Enhance your personal skills, contribute to your community, improve the world we live in -- become a Center Volunteer.

WHAT DO CENTER VOLUNTEERS DO?

• Serve as mediators, working on panels, to resolve disputes for community members.
• Support the courts, providing mediations in small claims, civil harassment (restraining orders) and unlawful detainer (evictions) court rooms.
• Work with youthful offenders, facilitating meetings with victims where things are made as right as possible giving both parties closure and a chance to make a new start.
• Assist the Center's training staff who promote the use of mediation by teaching conflict resolution skills to the public, and to new volunteers. [Over time volunteers who master the Center's training programs may be invited to join our paid Training Team.]
• Help us promote mediation.
• Handle clerical operations (copying, shredding, cleaning, etc.).
• Provide backup for staff case and program managers.
• Answer the Small Claims Advisor Line.
• Host Center events.
• Some volunteers are invited to serve on the Center's Board of Directors.

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HOW DO I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

It takes training & practice to become a competent mediator.

The Center offers Basic Mediation Skills Training three times a year. This training provides a basic knowledge of the mediation process through lecture, discussion, role plays and coaching. Participants gain insight into their own conflict styles, as they learn to recognize and respond appropriately to parties in conflict. The course covers the four keys to mediation: process, neutrality, commitments, and listening. This training will enhance personal and professional effectiveness for anyone. This intense, 28-hour course (plus 12 hours of applied practice in actual mediations) runs from Thursday afternoon through Sunday. The cost is $585; special arrangements can be made where payment is a problem.

Following basic training, volunteers are certified after completing a 12-hour apprenticeship in which they observe real mediations and receive personal mentoring. Additional training is provided for many of the Center's special mediation programs.

WHAT'S THE COMMITMENT?

• The extent of each volunteer's commitment is individual. The Center tries to provide opportunities to fully satisfy our volunteers' desires to serve the community.
• Volunteers model the values of clear communications and teamwork that the Center promotes.
• Volunteers provide professional services, and need to treat their commitment like a job. Reliability, timeliness, appropriate dress, etc. are expected. Regardless of background or experience, volunteers are responsible to deliver Center programs and services accountably.
• Volunteers may be able to obtain Basic Mediator Training for a fee of $225.00 with 100 hours of service. This option must be arranged in advance. If you are interested, call for an interview.

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WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

• Advanced Skills Trainings -- Special workshops are designed exclusively for the Center's volunteers, to meet program needs and in response to volunteer requests. They cover topics such as: Court Mediations, Victim Offender Mediations, Caucusing, Training & Facilitation Skills, etc.
• Personal growth.
• The opportunity to work with a diverse group of people who share a common passion.
• Satisfaction as your efforts improve the quality of life in our community.
• A more peaceful life.

GIVE MORE > BE MORE > HAVE MORE

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