Join the inaugural class of the Community Mediators Program of the Community Dispute Settlement Center!
Why Join?
- Learn to mediate
- Enhance your skills
- Reduce conflict in your community
- Free training
The Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC) has created this course to train and nurture future volunteers to work with the increasing numbers of people from underserved communities who seek our services.
What is CDSC? The Community Dispute Settlement Center was founded almost 50 years ago. A well-respected community agency, CDSC has mediated with and trained tens of thousands of people in its history. CDSC offers free and low-cost conflict resolution services, including mediation, facilitation, and conflict skills training, to individuals throughout Middlesex, Suffolk and Norfolk counties.
What does the Community Mediators Program involve? Individuals accepted into this Program will receive – at no cost – a full Basic Mediation Training and Practicum in order to become fully certified mediators. In return, we ask that Program graduates volunteer with CDSC for at least one year (approximately 2 - 3 hours per month).
Why should I get involved? Conflict is a natural part of life – but unresolved conflict can weaken communities and break down trust. A neutral and confidential process, mediation can help resolve conflicts peacefully, in much less time and much less expense than a dispute resolved in the courts. By becoming a mediator, you will help build peace and strengthen communities.
What types of cases does CDSC mediate? CDSC mediates a wide range of cases, and volunteers can focus on issue areas of most interest to them. We mediate disputes between neighbors, landlords and tenants, co-parents, coworkers, adult siblings, teenage former friends, businesses and customers, and more! In all cases, parties retain full control over their agreements (and disagreements), while mediators skillfully assist parties in finding areas of common ground.
When does the training happen? The Basic Mediation Training takes place on evenings and weekends in May, for a total of 32 hours. Evening sessions are via Zoom, while the weekend sessions take place at CDSC’s office in East Cambridge. Community Mediation Program members must attend all training sessions. Our Practicum involves 5 - 7 observations and co-mediations in small claims court and with other appropriate cases. Generally, participants complete the Practicum in 4 - 6 months.
Who is eligible for this program? Everyone is eligible to apply. Available spots in the program are limited. Ability to speak a language other than English, experience working with underserved groups and the capacity to volunteer will all be considered.
When is the deadline? We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, until all spots are filled.
How do I apply? Use the below link to access our application, and return it as quickly as possible.