BLOOMINGTON – The Center for Justice and Mediation (CJAM) is offering an enriching 32-hour virtual training course designed to help individuals handle conflict more effectively, both in personal and professional settings. The Foundations of Community Mediation, Facilitation, & Restorative Justice course kicks off on January 28 and runs through March 1, 2025. The sessions will be conducted via Zoom, making them accessible from anywhere.
The course provides a comprehensive foundation on the practice, use, and applications of mediation, facilitation, and restorative justice practices. It is ideal for anyone interested in enhancing their conflict resolution skills—whether it’s in the workplace, at school, within the community, or even in daily life. The training will also benefit managers, team leaders, and anyone navigating workplace challenges. Participants will gain valuable tools to manage disputes and foster better communication and understanding.
The sessions are intensive and highly interactive, using a variety of approaches to engage participants. These include demonstrations, large and small group discussions, and hands-on interactive exercises. This dynamic format ensures that learners understand the theory behind conflict resolution and acquire the practical skills necessary to handle real-world challenges effectively.
As part of this course, participants will:
- Learn to manage and navigate the complexities of various kinds of conflict.
- Learn about restorative justice philosophy and practice, including victim-offender mediation.
- Practice active listening and asking powerful questions for effective communication.
- Learn how to address power imbalances in conflict situations.
- Contribute to resolving conflict peacefully in their community.
A picture of participants who completed the February 2020 Basic Mediation and Restorative Justice Training highlights this course’s real-world impact on those who took part.
As one recent participant, CJAM training alum, shared: “I wanted to take a moment to share how much the knowledge and insights I gained from the virtual mediation course have meant to me. The lessons I learned have proven incredibly valuable and continue to shape my work to this day. I truly appreciate the time, effort, and dedication you and your team put into creating such a meaningful and impactful learning experience.”
The course consists of Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (EST) and Saturday sessions from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. (EST). Sessions will be held on the following dates:
- January: 28, 30
- February: 4, 6, 11, 13, 25, 27
- March: 1, 2025
Please note there will be no sessions the week of February 18-22. The course costs $300, but scholarships are available thanks to funding from the Monroe County Sophia Travis Community Service Grant and Psi Iota Xi/Bloomington Thrift Shop. Scholarships can be accessed by answering a few questions on the registration form.
This training also offers a unique opportunity for participants to become volunteer mediators with CJAM. Those who complete the course will join a dedicated team of over 40 mediators and have the chance to apply and refine their new skills in real-world situations.
To register for the course or learn more about the program, visit the CJAM website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow personally and professionally while positively impacting your community.
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