Celebrate the Graduates

WHILE WE ARE KEEPING SOCIAL DISTANCE AND HAVE A LOT OF TIME ON OUR HANDS, LET’S DO SOME CONFLICT RESOLUTION…

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CELEBRATE THE GRADUATES

You can learn to help others resolve conflicts

In this midst of the graduation season, however transformed in the current situation, there are some graduates you may not have heard about. This week three groups of conflict resolution students finished their coursework.

The Conflict Resolvers

This group met once a week for the last three months to develop conflict resolution skills and tools. Most of these participants are involved in public service. They met by video conference in a supportive group who took on many difficult concerns. Here are some of the topics in the course:

  • Defining conflict

  • Conflict metaphors

  • Conflict styles

  • Analyzing conflicts

  • Effect of conflict on our stress levels

  • Becoming better listeners

  • Using neutral language

  • De-escalation techniques

Congratulations to the graduates of the Conflict Resolver course. You will make a difference!

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The Youth Mediators

Their classmates are performing their musical concerts by video conference and missing the prom. These ten MVRHS students have managed a unique milestone. They have attended 15 or more hours of training as youth mediators. Sitting on their beds with their pets in their laps and handling uncooperative internet, our newest and youngest mediators worked hard to become ready and willing to help other young people to resolve their conflicts. In their classes they learned about:

  • Mediation principles: Confidentiality, Neutrality, Voluntariness, Self-Determination.

  • The structure of mediation: Introduction, Hearing conflict story, Encouraging negotiation, Finalizing agreement.

  • Asking open-ended questions

  • Being professional

  • Using patience

  • Being self-reflective

They are remarkable young people, with poise and commitment. Their work is ahead of them. They are ready to help. We should all be proud.

The Conflict Coaches

These mediators participated in the initial training in the practice of conflict coaching. Even though they are all experienced mediators, they seek to learn how to work 1:1 with clients who want to improve their approach to conflict. Working as a coach is different than leading the process of mediation. The course looked at the following concepts:

  • What is coaching?

  • Listening like a coach.

  • Using feedback.

  • Probing for needs, values, identity.

  • Analyzing internal and external conflict

  • Surveying mutuality. 

  • Using the pro/con tool for planning.

Now those who are going forward toward full qualification will endeavor through an apprenticeship, participating in a number of practice coaching cases, with ongoing supervision and feedback.

Good news

Its a difficult time, the curent events and our lives are challenging. Yet, there is good news. These fine people took their time, their brains and their commitment and worked to learn new skills to help other people. Its heartening to know there are folks among us who are looking to make things better.

If you are interested in learning skills in the conflict resolution area, reach out to our organization or to your local community mediation group. Mediators, Conflict Coaches and Conflict Resolvers are not born--they are developed through learning and dedication.

Congratulations to all the graduates!

Learn more:

  • What is conflict coaching? Article

  • Conflict resolution in public service. Article

Testimonials

“I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

– Small Claims Client

“I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

– Divorce Client

“You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

– Facilitation Client

“If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

– Conflict Coaching Client

“It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

– Workplace Conflict Management Services