Skill Development Courses

Dates: May 29-31 and June 6-7 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (event dates)
Location: Sunset Fire Hall, 2215 Long St., West Linn, OR 
Cost: $1,250 (scholarships available)

This highly interactive course teaches the theories, skills and techniques of facilitative, interest-based mediation. Designed for personal and professional development, the course is open to anyone who wants to:

• Expand their skills in preventing, managing, and resolving disputes
• Reduce the negative impacts of conflict on their workplaces, families, friends, neighborhoods, and communities
• Increase their effectiveness in listening to and communicating with people in conflict
• Work with strong emotions respectfully and constructively
• Enhance their negotiation skills
• Manage cross-cultural differences
• Develop strategies to deal with various elements of conflict
• Utilize empathy and other active listening skills in all areas of life
• Serve others as a professional or volunteer mediator in Oregon

Attendees will learn through lecture, interactive exercises, and role-plays coached by skilled and experienced mediation practitioners.

Topics include:

• Neurobiological roots of conflict and resolution
• Conflict styles, their strengths, and how to work cross-style
• Effective listening and questioning techniques
• The difference between needs, demands, and issues (and why it matters)
• Impact of power dynamics
• Encourage understanding and acceptance of cross-cultural differences
• Creating a brave and respectful space
• The structure of an effective mediation process
• Preparing participants
• Writing effective agreements
• Ethical standards and behavior