Become a Volunteer Mediator

"Becoming a mediator has been a life changing process" - Lili, Volunteer Mediator, Neighborhood Mediation Program.

RNW's volunteer mediators work directly with people in disputes; easing tensions, establishing trust, helping the parties find solutions. With professional training and ongoing staff mentoring and support, volunteers gain the skills and confidence to mediate the most challenging and complex cases. Being a volunteer mediator with RNW is a unique way to give back to the community while gaining valuable personal skills.  

Getting Involved

All volunteers complete 38 hours of professional mediation training, followed by a one-year, 120-hour mentor program, which includes a weekly commitment of a three hour shift. This allows RNW to maintain its high standards of service and commitment to improving Portland's neighborhoods, while providing a valuable skill-building experience for the volunteer.

The Process

New volunteers are accepted into the program once a year and kick off their year-long service with a basic mediation training, generally held at the beginning of the year. Prospective volunteers submit an application and go through a selection process, which may include a brief in-person interview. We let all applicants know whether or not they’ve been accepted into the program before the training begins. Applications for the 2010 volunteer training are available here.  

Volunteer Development

RNW volunteers begin by working in the Neighborhood Mediation Program. Periodically there are additional training opportunities. Those wishing to extend their volunteer time may get the chance to volunteer with the Restorative Justice, Family and Facilitation programs.

Volunteer Program FAQ

    What chances do I have for getting selected as a volunteer mediator? We consistently receive far more applications than we have positions available. For example, last year, we had close to one hundred applications, and only twenty-two volunteer mediator positions. This year we have 18-20 slots available.

    What is RNW looking for in their selection process? Selections are made using a wide range of criteria, which will be posted in more detail soon. In general, RNW desires to have volunteers with a variety of backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives. We additionally look for what skills or resources people can bring to the organization and a sincere commitment in serving this community for years to come. RNW does not necessarily look for people with a lot of mediation training or experience, because that’s what we do. We provide the training and mentoring, you provide the energy and heart.

    What if I am not available for some of the training or can’t commit to a volunteer shift? While RNW understands that people lead busy lives, it is a unique and selective opportunity to become one of our volunteer mediators. We will only accept those volunteers that are available and can make a commitment to attend the full training and consistently fulfill their volunteer shifts.

    Do I need to take the training if I have already had basic or advanced mediation training? Yes. Having all of our volunteers trained in the same manner provides us with an assurance of the quality of the training received and provides the bonding for peer support through the learning process.

    What other RNW programs can I get involved with? RNW volunteers begin by working in the Neighborhood Mediation Program for a one-year commitment, with ongoing mentoring and periodic additional training opportunities. During and after the year, volunteers may have the opportunity to apply for additional training and in other RNW programs, including Family Mediation, Restorative Justice and Facilitation.

    What is the Program Structure? If selected as a volunteer, you would complete the following:

    • 38 hours of professional mediation training which covers the various dimensions of mediation work, including: conflict theory, mediation stages, empathic listening, facilitating negotiations, cross-cultural conflict management and more! This cost for this training for paid participants (non-volunteers) is $800. The training fee is waived for all volunteers who complete the 120 hours of volunteer service. An unfulfilled commitment results in the collection of $800 for the cost of the training.
    • A one-year, 120-hour volunteering and training program. Each volunteer commits to the following:
        1. Weekly attendance and participation in a daytime or evening volunteer “shift” of three hours per week. This allows RNW to maintain its high standards of service and commitment to improving Portland's neighborhoods, while providing a valuable skill-building experience and quality mentorship for the volunteer.

        2. Training on effective outreach and a commitment to perform a minimum of three outreach activities to educate the public about conflict resolution and mediation services.

      Volunteers additionally have the opportunity to:
      • Be a mediator at “table mediations” through our Neighborhood Mediation Program after successful completion of new mediator criteria.
      • Participate in a variety of regular trainings, gatherings, and outreach events.
      • Apply to receive additional training to mediate in other RNW programs, including Family Mediation, Restorative Justice and Group Facilitation.

    What happens during a Volunteer “Shift”? The volunteer shift is the core of our unique year-long training program. Each “shift” has five or six volunteers and one staff mentor, who learn together and support each other through the year of skill development. The typical shift looks as follows:

    • The first hour includes a “check-in”, and a combination of group learning, discussion, and practice activities. The topic areas of the learning changes as volunteers progress through the year. Some of these include case development, empathic listening, mediation structure and techniques, conflict resolution theory, working with anger, balancing power, cultural competency, and more.
    • The second hour includes directly working with neighbors in disputes: easing tensions, establishing trust, helping the parties consider and prepare for mediation. This case development work is done by telephone in our volunteer room, with the active coaching and feedback by the shift mentor.

    When is the 2010 Training?

      Wednesday, January 6, 6pm - 9pm

      Friday, January 8, 8am - 5pm

      Saturday, January 9, 8am - 5pm

      Wednesday, January 13, 6-9pm

      Friday, January 15, 8am - 5pm

      Saturday, January 16, 8am - 5pm