Mediation training offered

Anyone considering a volunteer opportunity in the community can become a volunteer mediator through Oakland Mediation Center (OMC) under the support of the Community Dispute Resolution Program, State Court Administrative Office. OMC is accepting applications for the next volunteer mediator training to teach volunteers to conduct mediation services for Oakland County residents, businesses, and organizations. Using experiential learning and role-play, this training produces high-quality mediators with the concrete skills needed to mediate real-world conflict. Five training sessions will be offered July 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at OMC, 550 Hulet Drive, Suite 102, in Bloomfield Hills. Cost is $185 and includes course materials, breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day. A $100 refund and Training Certificate will be presented upon completion of a service requirement. OMC provides high-quality conflict resolution services to the Oakland County community at convenient times and locations for little cost. This is possible because community members from all over the county volunteer their time, experience, and skills to help people resolve disputes and conflicts. "OMC has seen a steady increase in requests for services from community members, organizations, agencies, businesses, and schools over the past five years," said Bonnie Hanes, executive director. "We conduct mediation services in district courts in Southfield, Waterford, Rochester, and Pontiac, and would love to have volunteers from these communities on our roster to insure that OMC can continue to meet the growing needs of Oakland County." Volunteers receive basic mediation training, an internship, continuing education, and evaluations. OMC asks volunteers to commit to a service requirement of a minimum of 45 mediation sessions (3 hour sessions) upon completion of the training. Applicants being considered are residents of Oakland County, have an interest in their community, can commit to the service requirement, possess excellent communication, listening, writing and customer service skills, have an interest in working with people, are self-motivated and detail oriented, and have the ability to commute to one or all of the district courts listed above. Contact Camelia Ureche, OMC general manager at 248-338-4280 extension 211 or email cureche@mediation-omc.org to have a volunteer application mailed, schedule an interview, and receive dates for the required volunteer orientation. Training is provided by OMC and meets the requirements of Michigan Court Rule 2.411. Published: Thu, Jun 14, 2012