Our 5-day Initial Mediation Training (IMT) is designed to prepare individuals interested in becoming a volunteer mediator in one of our eight counties (e.g. Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Yates), as well as those who want to use the training for their own professional development. As our Transformative Orientation of mediation practice is more relational than agreement/settlement-driven, all CDS volunteers must be trained in this method of mediation. There is no prerequisite for this training.  Our BMT is normally offered twice per year.  Please sign up for our newsletter to receive notice and information regarding our upcoming training https://www.cdsadr.org/?q=newsletter-signup.

Our IMT (Initial Mediation Training) is offered based on apprenticeship capacity, demand, and trainer availability. Training may be targeted specifically to recruit volunteers for one or more specific counties, to recruit volunteers across all counties, and/or for those taking the training for professional development purposes, the latter of which does not include apprenticeship. The fee for those accepted as CDS volunteers is $300; for those attending for professional development purposes, the fee is $1,500. The duration of apprenticeship is dependent upon the county's caseload and the trainee's ability to adhere to the requirements for completion.

Please complete the Become A Mediator submission form https://www.cdsadr.org/?q=become-mediator to be placed on our BMT interest/inquiry list.  If you are looking to become a volunteer mediator, you will need to reach out to your CDS County Director to request an interview and inquire about available volunteer/apprenticeship openings.  Please visit our contacts page for more information at https://www.cdsadr.org/?q=contact.

Lastly, if you would like to stay up to date on our current training offerings, feel free to sign up for our newsletter, and like us on social media.  https://www.cdsadr.org/?q=newsletter-signup

Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns.  Thank you for your interest in the meaningful work of building communities – one relationship at a time.

"The center helped me become a better mediator.  Their trainers showed me how to diffuse a dissagreemnt by listening to both parties and helping them find common ground. They gave me the skills to help me listen without any judgement or blame.  I am very grateful for this training and would recommend to everyone"

John Smith
Rochester, NY