Education and Training
Since 2002, The Congress of Neutrals has been a leader in providing education and training in mediation and conflict resolution to citizens, professionals and community organizations. We currently offer the following mediation training courses:
40-hour Mediation Skills Training
This comprehensive course is designed to qualify new mediators for our Mediation Mentoring Program (MMP), which affords participants the opportunity to gain actual experience mediating small claims, unlawful detainers and other cases in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Since 2007, we have offered extensive mediation skills training specifically designed for practicing attorneys, mediators and arbitrators. These comprehensive trainings cover issues of confidentiality, neutrality and ethics, the mediation of disputes in special subject areas, cultural differences and the problems associated with bias. Issues involved in developing a successful mediation practice are also covered. All participants will have the opportunity to participate in roleplays.
Mediation Mentoring Program
Through its Contra Costa County Superior Court mediation program in small claims, unlawful detainer and civil harassment cases, The Congress of Neutrals provides mediation opportunities for new mediators who have completed a 40 hour mediator training course, as required by the court.
The goal of the Mediation Mentoring Program (MMP) is to provide practical mediation experience under the supervision of experienced mediators. In order to participate, each trainee must do the following:
- Complete the 40-hour mediation skills training (or equivalent)
- Complete the MMP Application and Pay Fees (Fee $600: $50 Non-refundable Application Deposit & Payment Balance of $550 upon approval).
Upon approval of the program director, the trainee is then assigned to an experienced mediation mentor who regularly handles small claims, unlawful detainers and civil harassment case mediations in one of the branch locations of the Superior Court.
NOTE: The Congress of Neutrals reserves the right to terminate the services of volunteers who violate court protocols, who are discourteous to court personnel, the court or disputants, or who otherwise demonstrate an insufficient level of mediation skill or training.