Because of numerous requests from volunteers, the Community Mediation Center has created this volunteer page as a place for volunteers to stay informed about developments at the Center as well as information relating to recertification, mediations, and other volunteer related issues. Volunteers are also encouraged to visit the Center's blog. Explore and enjoy!
Announcements
Volunteers Needed! The Community Mediation Center, in partnership with the City of Norfolk, is hosting conflict resolution workshops for 500 youth (ages 15-18) this summer! The workshops will include lessons in conflict resolution, communication, diversity, anger management, decision-making, self-discovery, perception and civic responsibility. We need volunteer trainers and guest speakers to help make this program a success. If you have an interest in working with youth, this program could be a great fit for you! For more information, please contact Megan Carpenter at meganc@conflictcrushers.org or 757-480-2777 x 233. Read more about the program here.
Volunteer & Mentee Orientation is highly recommended for seasoned volunteers or new mentees. See details & register!
Support mediation by signing a petition. Read it now!
The Virginia Supreme Court has published their ADR annual report. Read it now!
Marketplace by American Public Media did a story on mediation. Listen to it now!
Get help Calculating Support: Sara Foote is available on an appointment basis to tutor volunteers in hour increments on child and spousal support. Please call to set up appointments.
See what recent trainees learned! Theory isn't boring.
Agreement writing tips: Remember to keep your agreements clear, active and specific.
For all mediators at Chesapeake GDC: From now on, you must schedule a continuance date for all cases which have an agreement that will be completed at some date in the future. Do not check off the box on the mediation referral form that says "case can be dismissed", unless the money changes hands in the mediation room at the time of the mediation.
Starting January 1, 2008 CMC will begin charging a $5 fee to replace lost or damaged ADR training forms and evaluations, and $10 fee to search off-site archive for case information.
Volunteer Thanksgiving was a great success!
Volunteer Opportunities
CMC Board of Trustees- Thank you to our fabulous board members! Check out updates & see a full roster.
CMC Store- Are you looking to buy a book, video, t-shirt, camera, or other retail device? Buy it from the Center's new online store to have a percentage of your purchase go to the Center's youth and mediation programs.
Americorps- The Center has a strong Americorps program, with several Americorps VISTAs and members serving with us at any one time. Is the experience worth signing up? So far, all our volunteers have said it is, read the full article here. To learn more, see the job summary or e-mail us.
United Way campaign- Every year the Center participates in the United Way campaign to raise money for the many important United Way programs in the area. Click here to learn how you can get involved.
Volunteer Testimonials
"I have greatly enjoyed my time as an Americorps volunteer at the Community Mediation Center. What has impressed me most is the professionalism and dedication of the staff when it comes to their work. Unlike some other jobs I have worked, the staff are motivated by a commmitment to creating positive change in the community rather than to get their paycheck at the end of the day. Of all the organizations I have worked with, the Center is the best at building a sense of community and cooperative spirit among staff and volunteers."
- Nathan Eckstrand, Americorps volunteer
"The CMC walks the talk. The conflict resolution services and training that is offered to the community can only be measured over the long-term. The staff is dedicated to the Mission. On a personal level, my life has been enhanced through the training and volunteer opportunities that I have participated in. Thus, if my life has been enhanced, and I am the community, then the community has benefited greatly from the CMC."
- Respondant from an anonymous volunteer satisfaction survey
"My experiences at CMC have shaped the very foundation in which I use to mediate. I am the mediator/mentor that I am only because of my training at CMC."
- Respondant from an anonymous volunteer satisfaction survey
Information for Volunteers
Watch this video - the first 3 minutes outline the certification requirements and the last 7 minutes address specific responsibilites for mediators in training. Click here to see the video.
Fun and Games
Informational Booklets
These two booklets contain information for prospective trainees and volunteers. Use them for your own reference or give them to someone you know of who may be interested in joining the Center.
Resolving Conflicts | Building Relationships | Empowering People
