Basic Mediation Skills Training for Peacemakers Working in Conflict Spaces

ONLINE SKILLS COURSE

COURSE ABSTRACT

Third-parties are used by people in conflict, both domestically and internationally, to help them resolve their differences. Whether providing a space for belligerents to reach a peace agreement, facilitating a contentious public policy debate or helping departments work more effectively together, this interactive skills-building course will teach you how to harness conflictual energy and transform it into collaboration. 

Mediation is an impartial, voluntary and confidential process that facilitates problem-solving and helps parties to a conflict develop solutions that meet everyone’s needs. In this highly experiential course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of mediation, learn how to engage parties in conflict and design the mediation space; master how to listen and gather information by disaggregating positional statements, frame problems to be resolves; brainstorm and develop solutions and write sustainable agreements. Ethical practices in mediation will be explored as well.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

Upon completion of this skills course, participants will be able to facilitate a structured third-party problem-solving process for resolving interpersonal and community conflicts, both domestically and internationally.

METHODOLOGY

Participants will be provided with the theoretical background for each step of the mediation process and practice the skills taught. Examples will be adapted to participants' experiences and will be tailored for those working domestically and internationally. This is a highly interactive class requiring a high degree of engagement and practice using role-plays, exercises, coaching and discussions. Participants will work through exercises as a group and as individuals. 

PARTICIPANTS

This course is tailored for those seeking to facilitate problem-solving processes for energy intensive conflicts. The ideal cohort will include a mix of participants working in conflict settings from around the world. The course is tailored to fit various-levels of conflict experiences, from beginner to advanced. All classes are intentionally kept small (16 students max.) and individualized support is available upon request during the semester. Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

COURSE LOGISTICS AND CERTIFICATION 

Date: Tuesdays, January 26th to April 13th, 2021 (42 hours, 12-week course)

Time: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm (EST, time in New York)

Cost (processing fees are not included): registration closes on January 20th, 2021

• Early bird registration (25% off until January 8th, 2021): $945 (USD)
• Registration: $1260 (USD)
• Partial scholarships are available upon request for those in need 

Platform: the course will be taught using Zoom. A link with log-in information will be sent to you a week prior to the start of the first class. Internet connection, audio and video access are required. The ability to stream videos is also needed.

Attendance: attendance to all classes is mandatory. No exceptions will be made for failing to attend a class and no make-up classes will be offered (see polices for exemptions). Participants can miss a maximum of 2 hours and still receive a certificate of completion.

Participation: the course is highly interactive with most of the learning built into discussions, exercises and role-plays. It is important that each student participate fully in all planned activities.

Certificate: participants must attend a minimum of 40 hours of class time to receive a certificate of completion for the course.

COURSE OUTLINE

Section 1

• Brief overview of the tracks in international mediation in complex conflict contexts
• Understanding conflict dynamics
• Steps to resolving inter-personal and inter-group disputes
• Identifying and engaging parties in conflict and shaping the mediation space
• Needs-based strategic communication skills and tools
• Practice the skills learned during Module 1

Section 2

• Using the energy of the participants to help them feel heard and open lines of communication 
• Safely terminating a mediation session
• Learn to identify and re-frame issues of contention. 
• Explore language and culture in communication
• Build consensus, empower participants and foster cooperative actions
• Practice the skills learned in Module 1 and 2

Section 3

• Learn to write sustainable agreements and action plans
• Follow-up, confidence building measures and monitoring mechanisms
• Explore ethics and standards of conduct for mediators, best practices and guidance
• Practice the skills learned in Module 1, 2 and 3