Basic Mediation Training (40 hours)
This fun and highly interactive training will acquaint you with the philosophy and skills of an impartial mediator. Whether you want to become a mediator in private practice, volunteer mediator with Six Rivers or another dispute resolution center, act as a third party for others (such as employees and family members in conflict situations), or simply improve your communication and conflict resolution skills, you will find this course invaluable. The skills taught in Basic Mediation Training are easily transferable and designed to improve communication and enhance relationships in all settings.

Experienced mediators guide students through a series of small group class sessions, role plays and a diverse array of individual and group activities. Six Rivers’ Basic Mediation Training is designed to meet the standards for foundational mediation training set by both the Oregon Office for Community Dispute Resolution and Resolution Washington.  Contact with any questions, or to get on our interest list for the next training.

For more information about Basic Mediation Training, read: Frequently Asked Questions about Basic Mediation Training.

Recent anonymous feedback from trainees:

“This entire training was a game changer for how I listen and speak to others.”

“I feel that I have gained a valuable life skill and a new awareness in navigating conflict.”

“The training was exceptional, and, not having had prior training in conflict resolution I found each aspect of the training utterly important and integral — from learning and discussing theory, to group exercises, to role-plays.”

“The training was excellent and it was so well organized . . . The care, expert knowledge, and heart that each teacher imparted was invaluable. Thank you.”

“I  . . . thought having a variety of mediators come and share their stories and expertise was really valuable. Thank you for a wonderful experience!”

“The staff at 6Rivers are incredible, and I would recommend [the training]. I wish it were mandatory in schools :)”

“I don’t want to overwhelm anyone managing this training, but [taking this training] is something that everyone should do.”

Six Rivers is very grateful for the funding we receive from various grantors and donors, including United Way of the Columbia Gorge, which allows us to provide our Basic Mediation Training to locals at a highly subsidized rate. Local social service providers, teachers, elected officials, businesspeople, retirees and parents have all taken the training and are using the conflict resolution skills they learned in their work, homes, and communities.

Mediator Certification & Volunteer Mediator Program
Upon completion of Six Rivers’ 40 hour Basic Mediation training, trainees may apply to enter Six Rivers’ Mediator Practicum Program, with the ultimate goal of becoming a certified volunteer mediator with our center. There is no charge for participating in the practicum. The practicum provides mediators-in-training with a series of steps to follow to become a certified dispute resolution center mediator. The practicum generally takes about 1-2 years of volunteer time to complete, at a rate of about 5-10 hours a month. The practicum includes, at a minimum: 20 hours of mediation observations, 24 hours of co-mediation and 12 hours of continuing education. Please see Six Rivers’ Mediator Practicum Flowchart.

Please note that, as Six Rivers is a smaller center with a limited number of appropriate cases for new mediators to observe/co-mediate, we can only accept a limited number of students at a time into the practicum program, and currently have a wait list. Admission into the practicum program can be competitive.

We base admission on a number of factors, including an applicant’s performance in the mock mediations in Basic Mediation Training, application, interview, open-book exam, reference check and background check. 

Six Rivers’ mediator practicum:

• Enables mediators to become certified volunteer mediators with Six Rivers.
• Meets the Resolution Washington requirements for mediator practicums.
• Is a pre-approved practicum program with the Washington Mediation Association. With a total of 60 hours of mediation experience with Six Rivers, mediators can apply for certification through the Washington Mediation Association. Applicants who have not completed a pre-approved dispute resolution center practicum program need 100-200 hours of experience for WMA certification. (Note that Oregon currently does not have a mediator certification process).

Mediator certification or licensure is not currently required for private practice mediators in Washington or Oregon. However, receiving mediator certification from a dispute resolution center and/or the Washington Mediation Association demonstrates that a mediator has achieved a level of experience and competency.

Six Rivers is a dual-state (OR and WA) dispute resolution center, and a member of both Resolution Oregon and Resolution Washington. We follow the Washington standards for mediator certification, since Oregon does not currently have a standardized mediator certification process. Click here for more information on mediator certification.