Free Mediation Training Offered for Court Volunteers

(Phoenix, Ariz. – July 27, 2007) The Attorney General's Office Civil Rights Division, in partnership with the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Court, is offering 40-hour mediation courses throughout the state to train volunteers to help resolve local court disputes. The courses are open to the public and free of charge.

Mediators are neutral parties who try to help disputing parties reach agreements in various types of cases. Mediation is a valuable alternative to litigation that can save time and money and alleviate stress. Mediation also reduces the courts' heavy caseloads.

In exchange for the free training, those who successfully complete the course must agree to become a volunteer mediator for a certain number of disputes for the court. Each court has its own requirements and application procedures to become a volunteer mediator. Disputes to be mediated can include small claims, commercial, truancy and other cases, depending on the court program. The Attorney General's Office has been training mediators for the courts since 1984 and has its own volunteer mediation program for resolving civil rights cases.

The 40-hour mediation training will be offered at the following locations on the dates listed:

  • Phoenix, Maricopa County: August 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 2007
  • Casa Grande, Pinal County: October 29, 30, November 5, 6, 7, 2007
  • Phoenix, Maricopa County: December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 2007

Training sessions will begin each day at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m., including a working lunch. Participants must complete all five days of scheduled training to become eligible to mediate for the courts. Most courts also require volunteers to successfully complete an application process that includes a background check to be accepted as a volunteer.

If you are interested in registering for one of these training sessions or have any questions, please contact Garrett Hoover, Conflict Resolution Program Coordinator, in the Civil Rights Division at (602) 542-7767. Space is limited and advance registration is required.