The CDR has a nearly 20-year track record for offering outstanding mediation training. When we transitioned to providing this training in a virtual instructor-led format last fall, we made great efforts to ensure participants would continue to have an outstanding training experience via Zoom.

This past March we again offered our mediation training virtually, and our participants agreed it was an engaging, enjoyable, and professionally enriching experience.

March 2021 Mediation Training Recap

The CDR is experienced with offering highly interactive online training that incorporates lecture, small group activities, discussion, role play, and other dynamic elements in a socially-distanced format. Our March mediation training continued this tradition.

The training was led by CDR Director Dr. Charlene Berquist, with Associate Director Heather Blades providing Zoom production and technical support and administration. The event also incorporated guest presentations and mediation role play coaching from 17 professional mediators (with experience in all types of mediation, including civil mediation, family mediation, employment mediation, dependency mediation, and more), including alumni of the Conflict Certificate programs.

Our 28 attendees came from across Missouri, as well as from Arkansas and Arizona. They included attorneys, mental health practitioners, social workers, educators, faith leaders, and other professionals, as well as advanced Missouri State students.

The CDR was pleased to provide more that $7,500 in scholarship support for the students in attendance, as well as for 5 community participants. Income from this training helps to support the CDR’s many community and campus outreach programs and is a vital source of funding given that the CDR does not receive a budget from Missouri State University.

Attendees Thrilled with Virtual Training Model

The virtual format of the CDR’s mediation training makes it accessible to participants while still providing an unparalleled learning experience.

Attendee evaluations of this training were outstanding, with attendees universally indicating that the trainers were knowledgeable, that the training was well organized, that the structure and format were engaging, that participation and interaction were encouraged, and that the training met or exceeded their expectations.

In the words of a few of our participants:

• This was one of the most engaging trainings that I’ve participated in or even conducted.
• I’ve been in various Zoom trainings for a year, and this was my favorite in terms of allowing participation but keeping it moving along.
• Even via Zoom, I felt continually engaged with the group as a whole.
• This training has empowered me to address conflict regardless of whether or not it’s my personal or professional life.
• This training has improved my communication skills and given me a new way to help others.
• The training was better in every way than I’d expected and a great first step in developing a new skill set.

Registration Open for October 2021 Virtual Mediation Training

The CDR will again offer a fully virtual 5-day mediation training this October 20-24, 2021. Our last 3 virtual mediation trainings filled quickly, so early registration is recommend. For more information on this training event, please visit the CDR website.