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COLUMBUS—In early 2024, The Mediation Center will train a new cohort of volunteer community mediators. 

The Mediation Center is a non-profit serving Polk, Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties that offers free mediation of interpersonal conflict, including community conflicts referred by law enforcement and the courts. The organization needs new volunteer mediators from Polk, Transylvania, and Henderson counties to help meet the demand for community mediation.   

Each year, The Mediation Center’s volunteer mediators help hundreds of people navigate difficult and stressful conflicts. Community mediation offers individuals, neighbors, families and organizations in conflict a way forward. A neutral, trained third-party mediator helps to create a space for productive conversations.   

The training to become a volunteer mediator is offered at no cost and includes 50 hours of classroom-based training, followed by an apprenticeship where the new mediator will observe and work together with experienced mediators. Participants commit to volunteering for at least two mediation sessions per month for two years. After the initial training, The Mediation Center provides on-going training and support.  

If you or someone you know would like to become a volunteer community mediator, email laurahj@mediatewnc.org or call (828) 445-9001. More information and the volunteer mediator application can be found at www.mediatewnc.org/volunteer.  

 

Submitted by Frankie Barret