My primary objective was to avoid a long court situation while still resolving the problem. Mediation definitely did that. - Consumer Mediation Participant
Training Services
The Mediation & Training Collaborative is dedicated to helping individuals, schools, businesses and community organizations increase their capacity for effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. TMTC offers community, organizational and school training services.
Community and Organizational Training
Basic Mediation Training
A 30-hour Basic Mediation Training is conducted each fall and spring. This highly interactive hands-on training is open to individuals who wish to increase their ability to help others deal with conflict, whether through formal mediation or in their current professional settings. TMTC is a Massachusetts Bar Association-approved mediation training provider. Social work CECs and attorney CLE are granted for this training.
"Generous, smart, energetic trainers. Enthusiastic and insightful coaches. Beautiful, well-organized manual.I'm very impressed and learned a lot about mediation and about training methods. Thank you!!" - Basic Mediation Training Participant
"This was a true learning experience for me, dare I say a transformational one. For a guy who has attended hundreds of training sessions in his career, I can count on one hand the ones that impact my thinking the way yours did." - Basic Mediation Training Participant
Divorce Mediation Training
An advanced mediation training focusing on the special legal and emotional issues involved in mediation with separating, dovorcing, or post-divorce couples. Addresses issues related to division of assets and debts, parenting, spousal support, taxes, intake, screening, dealing with high conflict and mediator ethics. Coached practice sessions provide opportunities to integrate knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: 30 hours of Basic Mediation Training.
"I would highly recommend this course to people who are entering this field. The wealth of experience of the trainers was evident." - Divorce Mediation Training Participant
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Participants build on current communication strengths, explore ways to increase effectiveness and improve skill in handling conflict. Topics may include how to separate people from problems, speak for oneself, clarify issues, de-escalate a dispute, engage in win-win problem-solving, say no, deal with the anger of others, or handle one's own anger, anxiety and defensiveness. Each workshop is designed to fit the specific requirements of the organization or group. Skills addressed depend on the needs of the organization and the length of the workshop, which varies from 3 to 15 hours.
"More please! Effective communication is a tool that paves the pathway of advocacy, leadership, building relationships and community. We all need to learn this!" - Communication Training Participant
Myers-Briggs Introductory Workshop
Differences in personal styles can be a source of either conflict or increased effectiveness in daily interactions. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® is a tool to help individuals increase awareness of their own strengths and preferred styles while enhancing their understanding and appreciation for the styles of others. This workshop introduces the Myers-Briggs and begins an exploration of how it can be used to improve communication and teamwork. Myers-Briggs Applications Workshops (see below) provide additional in-depth work with applying this information specifically to the areas of Communication, Decision-Making, Conflict Resolution or Organizational Change. This workshop is 4 hours.
"Interesting to learn and think about other staff members' "types." Having this new information provides me with a helpful perspective."nbsp]Myers-Briggs Training Participant
Myers-Briggs Applications Workshops
Available after completion of a Myers-Briggs Introductory Workshop (see above), each two-hour Applications Workshop builds on the understanding of preferences and type gained in the Introductory Workshop. Applications Workshops help individuals explore how to maximize their strengths, balance their weaknesses and negotiate their differences in order to increase effectiveness, productivity and job satisfaction. Applications Workshops are offered in four areas: Communication, Decision-Making, Conflict Resolution, or Dealing with Organizational Change. 2-hour workshops
"The most important thing I learned was about working to understand others' perspectives and." - Myers-Briggs Training Participant
Training For Facilitators
An interactive training designed to help participants increase skill in meeting facilitation. Participants learn to assist groups in getting beyond misunderstandings, value differences and hidden conflict in order to set mutually agreed upon agendas, deal with complex issues and create an atmosphere of safety where participants feel free to express individual and group concerns. Half to full-day training.
"Outstanding workshop which modeled what it taught - facilitating communication with respect, dignity and integrity. It was all I'd hoped for and more!" - Facilitation Training Participant
School Training
Peer Mediation Training
A comprehensive 18-hour training for 20 participants (16 students and 4 adults) combining the skills and techniques of mediation with bias awareness and prejudice reduction in lively, interactive sessions which include role playing and small group work. Grades 4-12.
"Wow! Useful in every aspect of my life." - Peer Mediation Training Participant
Conflict Resolution Training for Students, Teachers or Parents
Basic skills for managing conflicts in a simple four-step approach. Useful for school, home or neighborhood conflicts. One to three hours of training (can be taught in multiple sessions). Pre-K through Adults.
"Excellent. The trainers have been wonderful - smart, articulate, affirming, encouraging - a font of information and wisdom." -Conflict Resolution Training Participant
Teacher In-Service Training
Introduces conflict resolution and mediation concepts to school staff, providing an opportunity for teachers and administrators to develop a common language and learn specific conflict intervention techniques. Workshops on integrating conflict resolution into the curriculum of specific grade levels are also available.
"In just one day, I learned so much. I was also reminded of resources and tools I already had and how I can use them." - Teacher In-Service Training Participant
Conflict Resolution Theater
A lively integration of theater improvisation and conflict resolution empowers students to address conflicts positively. Grades K-6.
"Useful skills that anyone could use in all walks of life." - Conflict Resolution Theater Participant
Conflict Resolution Assemblies
"Conflict in Stories & Songs" leads the student audience through basic conflict resolution steps. Grades K-6.
"Great! I have lots of new ideas." - Conflict Resolution Assembly Participant
For more information, please call 413-774-7469 or mediation@communityaction.us