Mediation workshop teaches principles of negotiation, conflict resolution
A 30-hour mediation workshop June 6-9 in Rock Springs trains participants to become certified mediators through the Wyoming Agriculture and Natural Resources Mediation Program.
The program helps Wyoming citizens resolve disputes through a voluntary, confidential, low-cost and time-saving process (see bit.ly/MediationWY), said Kimberly Chapman, University of Wyoming Extension community development educator.
The workshop at Western Wyoming Community College covers the basics of integrated negotiation and introductory mediation skills.
The fee is $250 until May 20 and $275 after. The fee includes workshop materials, lunch on Tuesday and Thursday and beverage breaks. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited.
Topics include understanding and managing conflict, steps of the mediation process, communication theory, strategies for difficult negotiations and using mediation for a variety of disputes.
Agricultural mediation can be used for farm debt and credit disputes, grazing permit reduction or suspension, and USDA program issues such as disaster payments and crop insurance. Mediators can also help agricultural producers with agricultural business and neighbor-to-neighbor disputes and conflicts involving easements, access, estate planning and split estate issues.
Mediators do not act as judges, deciding who is right or wrong. Instead, trained mediators help disputing parties come together through open, honest discussion, explore options and find mutually agreeable solutions, said Chapman.
The UW Extension Community Development Education Initiative Team and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture are sponsoring the workshop.
“The workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about the mediation process and is not limited to the agricultural industry and associated issues,” Chapman stressed.
Continuing Legal Education credits are available upon request.
For more information, contact Chapman at the UW Extension Uinta County office at 307-783-0570 or kichapman@uintacounty.com.
Source: University of Wyoming Extension
