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.

Six Rivers generally offers Basic Mediation Training twice a year, in the spring and fall. 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.

“This entire training was a game changer for how I listen and speak to others.” – Spring 2023 student

“I feel that I have gained a valuable life skill and a new awareness in navigating conflict.” – Spring 2023 student

“I thought the whole training was great . . . having a variety of mediators come and share their stories and expertise was really valuable. Thank you for a wonderful experience.” – Fall 2023 student

Six Rivers is very grateful for the funding we receive from United Way of the Columbia Gorge, which allows us to provide our Basic Mediation Training to our Gorge community 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’ 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.

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.

To download an info sheet with more info on mediator certification, click here.