Community Boards is the Bay Area’s conflict resolution training leader, offering a wide range of trainings for both beginning mediators and seasoned practitioners seeking to expand their skills. Our core training, The Basics of Mediation, is the Bay Area’s most comprehensive and affordable training for those wishing to learn and practice mediation. Our yearly calendar of Conflict Resolution Clinics provide intensive two-hour workshops covering a wide range of topics.
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JULY 30
Empathy Midst Conflict: A Pathway to See Ourselves and Others
With Nethra Samarawickrema, PhD
Thursday, 5:30 – 7:30pm PDT
Live Interactive Workshop on Zoom
When conflict arises in close relationships, it can feel especially painful. We experience disconnection from those with whom we share deep bonds, transforming close relationships into places where we feel unseen. Misunderstandings repeat, defenses rise, and connection starts to slip away.
Nethra’s workshop offers a different path. She blends insights from Nonviolent Communication, anthropology, and design thinking. At the heart of this approach is a powerful idea: when people feel truly seen and understood, new possibilities for connection and resolution naturally emerge.
You’ll gain a lot from her workshop that is deeply practical and experiential, offering tools you can use right away to support more meaningful, human-centered dialogue—even in the most challenging situations. Learn more here.
AUGUST 27
The We Keep Us Safe: Practical Tools from Unarmed Civilian Protection
With Gilda Bettencourt
Thursday, Noon – 2:00pm PDT
Live Interactive Workshop on Zoom
What helps people stay safer in moments of tension, conflict, or uncertainty — without relying on weapons, force, or escalation?
Gilda Bettencourt of Nonviolent Peaceforce will discuss Unarmed Civilian Protection, a growing global field rooted in the belief that communities can build safety through presence, preparation, relationship, and courageous nonviolence.
Her workshop will introduce you to the core ideas behind Unarmed Civilian Protection as practiced by Nonviolent Peaceforce around the world. She’ll share the simple, usable tools that can help people respond more effectively in conflict situations, including how to pause, assess what is happening, and make safer choices in real time. You’ll learn about holistic check-ins, situational awareness, and much more. Learn more here.
OCTOBER 17-18 & 24-25
The Basics of Mediation
With Sharon Tom, Lead Trainer
40 hours – Two Consecutive Weekends
Saturdays & Sundays, 9:30am – 6:00pm PDT
Live Interactive Workshop on Zoom
The Basics of Mediation introduces and reinforces the skills critical for effective conflict resolution: clear communication, problem-solving, constructive engagement, mediation, and negotiation.
It is a highly engaging mix of discussion, role play, and coaching that builds your skills step-by-step, and gives you the framework, practice, and confidence to mediate disputes. You’ll also get access to supplemental training videos on YouTube and additional reading materials.
You’ll participate in multiple coached role-play practices that are held in breakout rooms with immediate feedback and guidance. Each day is designed to be fun and engaging to maximize learning! Learn more here.
We are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization registered as Community Board Program, Inc. (EIN: 94-2382967)