The nonprofit Ku’ikahi Mediation Center announces its fall “Basic Mediation Training” in Hilo, to be facilitated by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton, will be offered Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6. The nonprofit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center announces its
The nonprofit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center announces its fall “Basic Mediation Training” in Hilo, to be facilitated by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton, will be offered Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6.
Participants will learn a variety of approaches for dealing with people in conflict — through lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises and mock mediation practice.
“Whether you want to improve your peacemaking and communication skills or want to become a mediator, this training gives you the tools you need to start resolving conflict in a peaceful and lasting way,” said center Executive Director Julie Mitchell.
The 28-hour training offers instruction in the process of mediation and how to apply advanced communication skills — such as active listening, summarizing and rephrasing, and using open-ended questions — in order to help parties resolve their differences.
“People in conflict often focus on each other as the problem, going head to head. Mediation helps people focus on the issues, not on each other, so they can see that they have a joint problem to solve,” stated Mitchell. “This training is perfect for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively at work and at home, become a better negotiator and problem-solver, and increase your value in the workplace. No particular background or personality is needed; all are welcome.”
Petropulos, a lead mediator with Mediation Services of Maui, handles cases both in court and at the agency. She is actively involved in providing training and follow-up mentoring for new mediators, as well as advanced workshops for experienced mediators.
Petropulos has extensive background in legal education as the former director of the Attorney Assistant Program (paralegal and conflict resolution coursework) at Sonoma State University.
Lampton is a mentor mediator with Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center. She has mediated extensively on a wide range of civil issues and has facilitated meetings for the County Council, Hawaii Police Department, Department of Public Works, community associations, nonprofits and more. Lampton was the Coordinator of Ho‘olaulima Student Mediation Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College. She has led and co-led numerous mediation trainings.
“Basic Mediation Training” tuition is $250, which includes training materials. To register or for more information, contact Mitchell at 935-7844, ext. 116, or julie@hawaiimediation.org. Applications are available online at www.hawaiimediation.org.
