The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire – Savannah’s leading organization dedicated to helping citizens proactively manage conflict and creating a more conflict-resilient community – is pleased to announce that General Civil Mediation Training and Community Mediation Classes will be offered this fall. These online workshops train community members to become skilled mediators and essential volunteers for The Mediation Center.

Mediation helps individuals or groups resolve conflicts using a neutral mediator, who keeps the focus on reaching a workable agreement. Unlike court cases, mediation is confidential and scheduled at the convenience of the parties involved. Parties also maintain control of the solution, including the nature and scope of their agreements.  

“Volunteer mediators do more than resolve conflicts. They promote peace, increase access to justice and make an incredible impact on our community,” explained The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire Deputy Director Lee Robbins. “We encourage everyone to consider joining us for interactive mediation training sessions and to help us make Savannah a more conflict-resilient community.” 

A virtual General Civil Mediation Training course will be offered Tuesday, October 14 through Friday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This entry-level course will focus on the fundamentals of facilitative mediation and offer an overview of the history of Alternative Dispute Resolution processes. Participants will learn about conflict resolution strategies and engage in role playing to test their skills as mediators. 

Completion of this four-day course is the first step in registering with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (GODR) as a mediator and is the gateway to pursuing additional training in other specialties, such as domestic relations. This training is offered at a discounted rate for those who agree to serve as volunteer mediators and to mediate a minimum of six cases per year for The Mediation Center. The cost is $250 for volunteers and $1,250 for private mediators.

In addition, the Mediation Center will offer a virtual Community Mediation class on Wednesday, October 8, which is free for residents of Chatham, Effingham, Liberty and Bryan County. During this one-day online course, participants will learn about the history and impact of community mediation centers and review different processes and skills needed to succeed as a community mediator or someone who works to provide a forum for dispute resolution at the earliest signs of conflict 

To learn more about The Mediation Center’s Community Mediation or General Civil Mediation Training, please visit mediationsavannah.com/training/mediation. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required.