Mediation is essentially assisted negotiation. It is a voluntary process in which a neutral third person – the mediator – assists parties in conflict in having a productive conversation. Unlike judges, mediators do not make decisions, and they do not give advice; they help people to communicate better. So, even in disputes where a resolution is not reached, parties leave with an enhanced understanding of the issues surrounding the conflict and are better able to make decisions about moving forward.
The core skills used by mediators to assist people in conflict are also fundamental life skills that aid in dealing with all kinds of people and navigating relationships effectively. Indeed, studies show that high school students who have been trained to be peer mediators experience improved communication skills, increased empathy, enhanced self-esteem, and improved academic performance. Learning these skills is of particular importance for today’s teens in the aftermath of the pandemic when social life was so severely curtailed.
Our next training will take place in Spring 2024. Please check back in January 2024 for the new dates and to apply for our next session! Students will stay engaged, as the program is very interactive with lots of group discussions and opportunities to break out and practice skills in small group exercises.
Students in high school who are thinking about pursuing a degree in law or psychology, or who are interested in conflict resolution or effective communication more generally. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply today!