Mediator Mentors

The Mediator Mentors program has a new Web site and will offer free training on Oct. 13, 14 and 15 from 8:30-1:30 in Education room 140 for people interested in mediation.

The program offers an opportunity for future helping professionals (teachers, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, etc) to support the development of respectful conflict resolution skills among school children in the community.

The school-based programs started by the Kremen School are in Hanford, Central Unified and Fresno Unified school districts. Students from Fresno State's Peace and Conflict Studies program may select one of the schools as an internship site.

Training in mediation is provided and all service learners have opportunity to spend at least a lunch time per week at a local school helping young peer mediators develop into skillful problem-solvers.  Mediation is voluntary, facilitated problem-solving in which two student conflict managers help disputing peers to come to a mutually satisfactory solution to their problem.

University students mentor the mediators (elementary and middle school) and assist them with communication and strategies for effective interpersonal problem solving. Service learning credit is available and all mentors receive training and curriculum to use in their future professional settings. 

Dr. Pam Lane-Garon (Education), program originator and professor of education, supervises along with Dr. Arthur Wint (coordinator, Peace and Conflict Studies). Future teachers, counselors and social workers learn skills that will be invaluable in their chosen professions.  Local schools benefit from improved school climate and young students become interested in a college education, in addition to becoming expert conflict managers. Supervised research opportunities are also available.

If you are interested in mediaton, or would like to learn more about our program, contact us using the form below.