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Our Mediation Training Programs

An Experiential, Community-Rooted Approach

The Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) offers a suite of mediation trainings designed to build the next generation of community-based mediators. Our programs are grounded in facilitative mediation, real-world practice, and a deep commitment to community wellbeing. Whether you are exploring mediation for the first time or expanding your professional skills, our training pathway provides a structured, supportive, and hands-on experience.

What makes CDRC Training Unique

Fully Experiential Learning

While many mediation trainings are online and rely heavily on lecture, our programs are in person and prioritize practice over theory. Every participant engages in:

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  • Live roleplays that simulate real cases

  • Tabletop mediation practice

  • Structured feedback from trained mediators

  • Small-group reflection to deepen learning

This hands-on approach builds confidence and readiness to mediate - not just knowledge of concepts.

Real Cases, Real Community Context

CDRC mediators work in Justice Court, District Court, and community settings. Our training uses real case patterns and scenarios from the communities we serve, giving participants a grounded understanding of:

  • How conflict shows up in everyday life

  • Cultural and socioeconomic dynamics

  • Trauma-informed facilitation

  • What clients actually need from mediators

This connection to real community work sets our training apart from academic or theory-heavy programs.

Community-Based, Trauma-Informed Philosophy

Our approach is rooted in:

  • Respect

  • Self-determination

  • Cultural humility

  • Awareness of trauma responses

  • Reinforcing participant dignity

We integrate trauma-informed language and techniques throughout all trainings, equipping mediators to work in emotionally charged situations with care and skill.

Accessible and Mission-Driven

As a nonprofit, our goal is to grow community capacity—not profit from training. Compared to many private programs:

  • Our tuition is intentionally affordable

  • Scholarships are available

  • Volunteers receive reduced rates

  • Training fees support mediation services for the public

This makes high-quality mediation training accessible to students, nonprofits, new practitioners, and community members.

Foundations of Mediation

Build the skills to mediate conflict, support dialogue, and foster resolution. The Foundations of Mediation is a 40-hour, in-person training that teaches the core principles, tools, and techniques of facilitative mediation. Designed for future mediators and anyone wanting stronger communication skills, this training blends instruction with hands-on practice.

What Makes This Training Unique

Participants learn through tabletop mediations, group discussions, and live roleplays that mirror real cases. The environment is supportive, experiential, and focused on practical, real-world application.

Pathway to be a CDRC Mediator

Completing the 40-hour course prepares participants to continue toward qualifying as CDRC mediators through:

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  • 4 mediation observations

  • 4 co-mediations with a certified mediator

  • 4 lead mediations with mentor support​

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Qualified mediators may go on to mediate small claims, workplace, and community cases.

What You'll Learn:

  • Principles of facilitative mediation

  • Communication and active listening techniques

  • Managing conflict and emotion in high-stakes situations

  • Neutrality, confidentiality, and ethics

  • Structuring the mediation process

  • Interest-based problem solving

  • Cultural humility and awareness in mediation

Cost:

The full training cost is $600 + $25 for the textbook. Scholarships and reduced-rate options may be available for volunteers, students, and nonprofit professionals.

Family Law Mediation

Offered annually in March or April — check back for confirmed dates and registration.

Support families navigating parenting plans and co-parenting agreements. This 16-hour, in-person training builds on the Foundations of Mediation course and prepares mediators to work with parents in high-conflict or emotionally charged situations. The curriculum is practical, trauma-informed, and grounded in child-centered approaches.

What Makes This Training Unique

This program blends evidence-based content with real co-parenting dynamics. Participants learn to support parents in creating workable, developmentally appropriate parenting plans while maintaining neutrality, addressing power imbalances, and prioritizing children's safety and long-term well-being.

After the 16-hour training (plus homework), participants continue toward CDRC qualification through:

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  • 4 observations of family law mediations

  • 4 co-mediations with a experienced family law mediator

  • 4 lead mediations with mentor support

Pathway to be a CDRC Family Mediator
Prerequisite:

Completion of a 40-hour Foundations of Mediation (or equivalent).

What You’ll Learn:

  • Child development and the needs of children in separated families

  • Understanding and identifying domestic violence and power dynamics

  • Screening for safety and appropriateness for mediation

  • Navigating conflict between co-parents

  • Techniques for managing emotional conversations

  • Practice through tabletop exercises and real-world scenarios

Cost:

The full training cost is $450. Reduced rates or scholarships may be available for volunteers, students, and nonprofit professionals.

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