Mediation center to teach skills

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The nonprofit Ku’ikahi Mediation Center (KMC) announces its fall “Basic Mediation Training,” to be led in Hilo by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 6-7.

The nonprofit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center (KMC) announces its fall “Basic Mediation Training,” to be led in Hilo by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 6-7.

“This training is perfect for anyone who wants to learn basic mediation skills,” said KMC Executive Director Julie Mitchell. “First, you’ll learn to manage and resolve conflict. Second, you’ll learn to communicate more effectively at work and at home.”

“Our training can help you become a better negotiator and problem-solver and increase your value in the workplace,” Mitchell said. “Plus, you can start to contribute to conflict resolution in our community.”

The 28-hour training runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both Saturdays and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. both Sundays. The location is the Boys and Girls Club in Hilo.

KMC’s “Basic Mediation Training” focuses generally on approaches for dealing with people in conflict, and specifically on the Hawaii model of mediation, through multiple simulated mediations. The Hawai‘i Model is commonly used in community-based mediations because it is known to be very successful with culturally diverse participants.

“There is no particular background or personality needed. Mediators come from all walks of life, but they all share one common desire — to help resolve conflict in a peaceful and lasting way,” noted Mitchell.

Petropulos, M.A., is a lead mediator with Mediation Services of Maui and handles cases both in court and at the agency. She is actively involved in providing Basic Mediation Training and followup 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 is 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 $175, which includes a training workbook and mediation manual. For an application or for more information, contact Mitchell at Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center at 935-7844, ext. 116, or julie@kmchilo.com. Applications are available online at www.kmchilo.com.