The Basics of Mediation

Training Overview | Trainers | MCLE | Cancellation & Refund Policy | Scholarships | Questions?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION PER COVID-19: Our office is closed until further notice, except by appointment only. Call (415) 920-3820 for more information. Leave your message at x101.

“Your training was so wonderful! For instance, when we learned and practiced active listening, we used real life scenarios from previous mediations. The trainers demonstrated the techniques and we were able to practice them until we got them right. I valued having the instructors coming around to each role play group to coach us.” – Stefan R., LCSW

Here are what others have said about Basics: Participant Testimonials

The Basics of Mediation: 2020 Trainings

SUMMER: June 4-7, Thursday-Sunday | 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
CB Member: Early Bird – $720 | Late: After May 7, 6pm PST – $770
Public: Early Bird – $795 | Late: After May 7, 6pm PST – $845

Register here Become a CB Member

FALL: October 1-4, Thursday-Sunday | 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
CB Member: Early Bird – $720 | Late: After September 3, 6pm PST – $770
Public: Early Bird – $795 | Late: After September 3, 6pm PST – $845

Register here Become a CB Member

Be sure to join our email list for future updates on The Basics of Mediation and other training opportunities.

Connect with Us

Training Overview

Community Boards’ nationally recognized The Basics of Mediation introduces core conflict resolution skills in a training designed for managers, human resource professionals, attorneys, ombuds, social workers, community organizers, and others interested in learning conflict resolution and mediation skills.

Basics has set the “gold standard” for Northern California’s mediation trainings: comprehensive, professional, practical, topical, and affordable.

Basics introduces and reinforces the skills critical for effective conflict resolution: clear communication, problem-solving, constructive engagement, mediation, and managing negotiations. Participants receive a training curriculum and supplemental handouts, attend lectures and presentations, work together in large and small groups, and discover and refine their personal techniques through a variety of coached role-play practices.

Basics is a 40-hour training held over four days, plus assigned learning modules. It is also a prerequisite for those interested in joining the volunteer Community Mediator pool for our Neighborhood Mediation Program.

Basics meets the minimum requirements for almost all California court mediation programs.  Participants receive certificates upon completion.

Attendees gain the knowledge, skills, techniques, and strategies needed to handle a broad range of disputes. Basics training topics include:

  • Employing effective communication and active listening
  • Balancing power
  • Managing a negotiation
  • Addressing diversity and gender issues
  • Dealing with strong emotions
  • Breaking impasse
  • De-escalating anger
  • Drafting agreements that work

Basics provides these additional professional benefits:Basics_Mediation_Small_Group_1

  • Gaining recognition to enhance your credibility and professional standing with the people that you serve
  • Investing in your career and demonstrating your professional experience and skills
  • Showing commitment and dedication to your own profession
  • Distinguishing yourself by joining a committed community of progressive professionals

Trainers

Donald Proby, Lead Trainer
Donald, currently a doctoral scholar in educational leadership with an emphasis on cross cultural conflict transformation, has been a mediator, restorative justice practitioner, and conflict resolution trainer for over 35 years. He has worked in government, social services, nonprofit leadership, and public and holistic health arenas.

Donald also works with multiple Bay Area organizations to advance peace and community building. Donald has been co-leading our Basics of Mediation training since 2011. His approach to adult education involves holding space where learners are encouraged to engage with their natural curiosity, explore, experiment, and master the content through transformative embodied experiences. Donald works to create an environment where risk taking is encouraged and the collective experience is engaging.

Karen Lipney
As ADR Programs Director, Karen draws on years of experience working for a national labor union. In a career transition, Karen focused on mediation to expand her legal and organizational skills. Since 2014, Karen has worked as a volunteer Community Mediator, Conflict Coach, and Facilitator. She was raised in San Francisco and giving back to the community is part of her family heritage

MCLE

MCLE: This course is approved by the State Bar of California for 30 MCLE credits including 2 credits for the recognition and elimination of bias in the legal profession and society (provider #9323). $75 processing fee required.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Though it rarely happens, we reserve the right to cancel a training. Should we cancel, registrants will receive a full refund. We also reserve the right to substitute trainers or presenters. All other cancellations will receive a refund minus the appropriate cancellation fee described below.

Cancellation & Transfer Fees

  • Cancellations 11 or more business days before the training start date will incur a $50 cancellation fee. This fee will be waived one time if registration is applied to a future training.
  • Cancellations 6-10 business days before the training start date will incur a $150 cancellation fee. $100 of this fee will be waived one time if registration is applied to a future training.
  • Cancellations 5 or fewer business days before the training start date will incur HALF THE ENROLLMENT FEE. $100 of this fee will be waived one time if registration is applied to a future training.

Scholarships

Community Boards primarily awards scholarships to individuals residing and nonprofit organizations based in San Francisco. The primary goal of our scholarship program is to maintain and expand the diversity of our pool of Community Mediators. We evaluate applications based on our current demographic and program needs.

All information remains confidential. Recipients may be requested to provide additional program, outreach and/or public education assistance. All scholarships are awarded at the sole discretion of Community Boards. Download: Fillable Basics Scholarship Application Form.

Deadlines: Completed applications must be submitted no later than four weeks prior to the selected training date. Email or fax your completed application to Karen Lipney, Interim ADR Programs Director, klipney@communityboards.org. If you have questions, email or call Karen at (415) 920-3829 x109.

  • Winter 2020: February 6
  • Summer 2020: May 7
  • Fall 2020:  September 3

Questions?

Please contact Karen H. Lipney, ADR Programs Director, (415) 920-3820 x109. Email Karen at Learn_More@communityboards.org. Please include her name in the subject line.