Harford County Citizens Complete Rigorous Training to Become Volunteer Community Mediators

From Harford County government:

On April 16, 2016, a group of dedicated Harford County volunteers successfully completed 45 hours of Basic Mediation Training. This experiential training offered each year by the Harford County Office of Human Relations and Mediation is the first phase in the process to become a volunteer community mediator. The new graduates will now enter the apprenticeship phase, which includes mediation observations, co-mediation with experienced mediators, a strategy session, and five-hour follow up training. Each volunteer in the Class of 2016 has committed to giving back 100 hours of community service through the Harford County Community Mediation Program. This free program helps resolve conflicts involving neighbors, families, friends, businesses and consumers, without going through the court system.

This year’s graduating class is comprised of sixteen selfless volunteers. At the conclusion of their basic training, each new mediator entered the traditional graduation circle to receive a letter of completion. An experienced mediator then joined the circle to say why they would be honored to co-mediate with the new graduates.

To be considered for the Class of 2017 mediation training program, please contact Susan E. Fisher at 410-638-4807 or mediation@harfordcountymd.gov. A volunteer application can also be downloaded at http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/services/community/doc/1331.pdf.

The Harford County Community Mediation Program provides conflict resolution services that are free, voluntary, confidential, and neutral. Requests for mediation may come from anyone in the community, including individual citizens, schools, outreach groups and the State’s Attorney’s Office. The program is a service provided under the Harford County Department of Community Services. For more information, please call 410-638-4807 or mediation@harfordcountymd.gov.