The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center offers a variety of conflict resolution and communication trainings. We have regularly scheduled community trainings open to anyone that is interested. We also offer trainings to businesses and organizations, as requested. We can customize our training to best meet your needs. Interested? Just give us a call today to discuss your needs.
The WDRC is also the only training site in Whatcom County to offer the Professional Mediation Training. This training is excellent for people interested in becoming a mediator, or simply developing this advanced skill set. Offered at least semi-annually, the training does have limited space, so call now to register!
How to Register:
First check out our training calendar, with updated dates Download 2009 TrainingCalendarFlyer You may register for any of our classes by calling us at 676-0122 or e-mailing us your contact information at wdrc@whatcomdrc.org; in your e-mail please specify which training you are interested in attending.
Current Training Offerings:
Basic Professional Mediation Training - Offered in April and October 2009
This professional mediation training will introduce participants to the field of alternative dispute resolution, and the role of mediation within that context, conflict resolution theory, mediation theory, process, techniques, and practice, self awareness of participants, ethics and communication skills. Upon completion of the training, participants are invited to take the accompanying exam and apply for the practicum program to become a certified mediator.
Training and Skill Building Topics
- Mediation Theory
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Continuum
- Conflict Resolution Strategies
- Advanced Communication Skills
- Ethics of Mediation
- Power Balancing
- Active Listening Techniques
- Interest-Based Negotiations
- Effective Settlement Agreements
- Mock mediations
- Download Mediation Flyer
- Download BMT RegistrationForm_2009
Helping Children Through Family Changes (Parent Seminar) - Offered monthly
A monthly informational 4 1/2 hour seminar for parents which focuses on children's needs prior to separation, during divorce, regarding modification of parenting plans, and in other family residential changes.
TOPICS: Children's developmental stages and corresponding needs and expectations, effect of conflict on children, stress signs, meeting children's needs while parents are under stress, reducing stress through a "successful" divorce, divorce as a process, the grief process, changing parental and marital roles, residential variations to enhance a child's relationship with both parents, financial responsibilities of child rearing, conflict management and dispute resolution options.
Understanding Conflict
This 6 hour workshop typically occurs during two class sessions. Topics include fundamentals of conflict resolution, including:
- The conflict/needs connection
- Physiological responses to conflict
- Triggers,
- Conflict strategies,
- Interests/positions,
- Active listening
- Assertive speaking
*reduced rate for separated , divorced, or never married parents and custodians
Healthy Choices for Girls
The Healthy Choices workshop focuses on self-awareness, conflict resolution, and communication skills. The program is designed to provide gender-specific conflict resolution, communication and problem solving skills for girls so they can create positive changes in their lives. It is the intent of the program to provide a supportive environment for participants' gender, culture, and learning styles. Girls can be referred to Healthy Choices through any school, community based organization, juvenile court or self-referrals. Program coordinators welcome diversity within workshop groups.
Facing Conflict Without Violence
This gender specific workshop is designed for young men between the ages of 12-18. With a focus on the role of power and violence, young men will learn skills for effectively managing conflict, positively using their power, and developing alternatives to violence for expression of needs.
