LOCATION:
Key Center
601 108th Ave NE, 19th floor
Bellevue, WA 98004
Training Content:
I. History of Mediation-1 Hour
II. Overview of ADR Legislation in Washington- 1 Hour
III. Conflict Resolution Theory- 3 Hours
Topics:
IV. Mediation Theory and Practice- 6 Hours
Topics:
A. Definition of mediation
B. Role and characteristics of mediators
C. Theory of mediation
D. Benefits of the mediation process
E. Differences in third-party roles: mediators, arbitrators, and judges
F. Approaches to negotiation
G. Range of styles, types of mediators and mediations
H. Impact of diversity issues
I. Court systems and procedures
V. Mediation Process and Techniques- 7 Hours
A. Elements of the Mediation Process
1. Preliminary arrangements
2. Opening and structuring the mediation session
3. Introduction/orientation of disputants/attorneys
4. Gathering and exchanging information (venting/opening statements)
5. Issue and problem clarification
6. Generating options
7. Bargaining and negotiation
8. Agreement writing/enforceability
9. Closure
B. Techniques
1. Trust building
2. Reframing
3. Keeping on track, following agenda, managing process
4. Focusing on interests vs. positions
5. Building on partial agreements
6. Caucusing
7. Reality testing
8. Working with third parties
9. Managing difficult people or strong emotions
VI. Ethics- 3 Hours
Topics:
A. Conflict of interest/appearance of impropriety
B. Neutrality/impartiality
C. Confidentiality
D. Sample of standards recommended by dispute resolution professional
organizations
E. Staying in the role of mediator
F. Violence, substance abuse, child abuse & neglect, screening, reporting and legal
issues
G. Power imbalances
H. Liability
I. Misuse of process
J. Protecting the process
K. Awareness of various organizations’ ethical guidelines and grievance processes
Vll. Self-Awareness- 2 Hours
Topics:
A. Diversity/cultural awareness (personal biases)
B. Language differences
C. Conflict style
D. How the trainee responds to conflict
E. Personality style
VIII. Communication Skills-3 Hours
Skills include:
A. Listening
B. Note taking
C. Questioning
D. Nonverbal communication (i.e., eye contact, body language)
E. Restating and clarifying
F. Use of neutral language
G. Drafting the agreement
H. Recognizing feelings and emotions of parties
IX. Professional Considerations- 2 Hours
Topics:
A. Professional organizations
B. Networking
C. Practicum
D. Continuing education
E. Aspects of establishing a practice
F. Community service
Role Play-12 Hours
LEGISLATION
*These standards are intended to ensure the quality of mediation training. The following curriculum meets the requirements of The Washington Mediators Association (meets the basic mediation training requirement for certification through the Washington Mediation Association).
Key Center
601 108th Ave NE, 19th floor
Bellevue, WA 98004
Training Content:
I. History of Mediation-1 Hour
II. Overview of ADR Legislation in Washington- 1 Hour
III. Conflict Resolution Theory- 3 Hours
Topics:
- Definitions, Types of Conflict, Sources of Resolution, and Responses to Conflict.
- Conflict Resolution Continuum
- Interest-based, collaborative problem solving
IV. Mediation Theory and Practice- 6 Hours
Topics:
A. Definition of mediation
B. Role and characteristics of mediators
C. Theory of mediation
D. Benefits of the mediation process
E. Differences in third-party roles: mediators, arbitrators, and judges
F. Approaches to negotiation
G. Range of styles, types of mediators and mediations
H. Impact of diversity issues
I. Court systems and procedures
V. Mediation Process and Techniques- 7 Hours
A. Elements of the Mediation Process
1. Preliminary arrangements
2. Opening and structuring the mediation session
3. Introduction/orientation of disputants/attorneys
4. Gathering and exchanging information (venting/opening statements)
5. Issue and problem clarification
6. Generating options
7. Bargaining and negotiation
8. Agreement writing/enforceability
9. Closure
B. Techniques
1. Trust building
2. Reframing
3. Keeping on track, following agenda, managing process
4. Focusing on interests vs. positions
5. Building on partial agreements
6. Caucusing
7. Reality testing
8. Working with third parties
9. Managing difficult people or strong emotions
VI. Ethics- 3 Hours
Topics:
A. Conflict of interest/appearance of impropriety
B. Neutrality/impartiality
C. Confidentiality
D. Sample of standards recommended by dispute resolution professional
organizations
E. Staying in the role of mediator
F. Violence, substance abuse, child abuse & neglect, screening, reporting and legal
issues
G. Power imbalances
H. Liability
I. Misuse of process
J. Protecting the process
K. Awareness of various organizations’ ethical guidelines and grievance processes
Vll. Self-Awareness- 2 Hours
Topics:
A. Diversity/cultural awareness (personal biases)
B. Language differences
C. Conflict style
D. How the trainee responds to conflict
E. Personality style
VIII. Communication Skills-3 Hours
Skills include:
A. Listening
B. Note taking
C. Questioning
D. Nonverbal communication (i.e., eye contact, body language)
E. Restating and clarifying
F. Use of neutral language
G. Drafting the agreement
H. Recognizing feelings and emotions of parties
IX. Professional Considerations- 2 Hours
Topics:
A. Professional organizations
B. Networking
C. Practicum
D. Continuing education
E. Aspects of establishing a practice
F. Community service
Role Play-12 Hours
LEGISLATION
*These standards are intended to ensure the quality of mediation training. The following curriculum meets the requirements of The Washington Mediators Association (meets the basic mediation training requirement for certification through the Washington Mediation Association).
