Training

Training Programs

We work closely with our clients to tailor our trainings and services to meet your unique needs. All of our services are voluntary, confidential, and designed to be inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. Download our 2024 Training Catalog for more information about our training programs.

Download Training Catalog

Customized Training	CDS can customize training for your school, community/civic organization, business or government agency in the following areas: Conflict Resolution Conflict Skills Training Responding to Workplace Disputes Building Positive Organizational Culture Mediation Basic Mediation Training Custody & Visitation Mediation Peer Mediation Anger Management Restorative Practices These trainings can be tailored for adults and youth designated to serve in a leadership capacity within your group/organization to provide conflict resolution and restorative practices services to their colleagues and peers.
Anger Management	Anger Management training provides life-skill strategies (e.g. problem-solving, communications) to help participants of all ages understand their negative feelings and equips them with the tools to manage their behavior and avoid conflict. This training explores anger and its association with conflict and provides an understanding of the impact of both anger and conflict on human behavior and human interaction. In this training participants will: Examine the phases of anger Explore the feelings associated with conflict that lead to anger Identify situations that “trigger” anger Identify and practice healthy strategies to effectively manage anger
Conflict Resolution	Conflict Resolution is a constructive approach to interpersonal and inter-group conflicts that helps people with opposing positions work together to arrive at mutually acceptable solutions. This interactive curriculum – Identifies personal styles of conflict management Examine beliefs and attitudes about conflict resolution Explores the use of effective communication as a means of resolving conflict Examines various methods used in conflict resolution Examines conflict and how it relates to everyday life
Diversity Training	This one-day workshop explores the meaning of diversity and inclusion and the impact communications within a diverse society can have on conflict. In this highly interactive training participants will: Develop an appreciation for the role/relationship of understanding, managing and resolving conflict Learn the importance of leveraging diversity and creating an inclusive environment/culture to reduce the potential for conflict Explore effective conflict management techniques for the workplace Develop an appreciation for the value of diversity
Basic Principles of Mediation	The Center for Dispute Settlement offers basic training in the Principles of Mediation from a transformative orientation. This dynamic training is based on the experiential learning model and provides participants with a working knowledge of the mediation process as well as the skills necessary to effectively mediate various community issues. Topical areas covered in this training include: Understanding Conflict Active Listening Empowerment & Recognition Mediator Standards of Conduct For more information contact Ronalyn Pollack at rpollack@cdsadr.org or phone (585) 546-5110 ext. 113.

Become a Mediator

We accept applications on a rolling basis for people interested in becoming a certified volunteer mediator in one of our eight counties.

All of our mediators are required to complete a 5-day training followed by an apprenticeship leading to certification as a volunteer community mediator. Once certified, mediators are expected to volunteer for three mediation cases per year, as well as complete 6 hours of in-service per year. While the commitment is substantial, it is the knowledge, skills and personal satisfaction our volunteers receive that makes this work so rewarding.