CDRC Volunteer MediatorsOur volunteers are the backbone of CDRC!
CDRC's mediators are professionally trained community volunteers who meet the requirements set by the Unified Court System of the State of New York. CDRC's volunteers are asked to make a commitment to mediate at least two years. They are interviewed before the training and encouraged to think about the challenges of the work and their availability to mediate. Their rigorous training begins with four days spent considering conflict, its effects on interactions and the skills a third party uses to be helpful. The training includes many opportunities to practice the skills. This initial training is followed by small group role-play practices, which includes a video taped role-play, where each trainee mediates for at least an hour and is assessed by a trainer/coach. Once a mediator's skills are satisfactory, they enter the apprenticeship phase, observing at least two mediations and assessing what they see. They then begin to co-mediate with an experienced mediator/coach. It generally takes six months for a trainee to complete this training and apprenticeship. Mediators must participate in at least six hours of additional training each year. Advanced training is available for mediators wishing to begin mediating certain kinds of cases or for particular programs. CDRC is committed to having its volunteer mediators reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Since the agency only trains volunteers when they are needed, there is often a waiting list for those interested in being trained. For additional information about becoming a volunteer mediator, contact us. |