IMCR’S Apprenticeship Process
for Prospective Community Mediators
- Trainees must have complied with all requirements of IMCR’s 40 hour Community Mediation Training.
- Interested trainees in the apprenticeship program are required to meet with the Director of Mediation and participate in a face-to-face interview.
- Trainees are accepted based on the Director of Mediation’s assessment of trainees’ strengths, weaknesses and commitment to the provision of ADR services in the community.
- Upon approval, the Center creates a trainee file that documents completion of the following apprenticeship requirements:
1. Participation in an initial apprenticeship meeting with mentors;
2. Observation of an actual mediation session;
3. Participation in (4) two hour weekly lectures;
4. Observe (2) ADR videos;
5. Participate in (2) role plays;
6. Co-mediate 6 actual cases with assistance of a mentor
7. Participate in an actual case for evaluation
8. Successful evaluation leads to eligibility for IMCR Certification
Upcoming Courses
Fulfilling Steps 3, 4 and 5 of the Apprenticeship Process
Next Training, January 10-12 and 17 – 19, 2025
Become a Certified Mediator!
NY Attorneys can receive 38 CLE Skills credits.
Apprenticeship Requirements (detail)
1.
Apprenticeship
Meeting
Participation in Apprenticeship meeting:
During the initial meeting with mentors, trainees will learn about the process, the approach that will be used during the sessions, and the opportunity for debriefing after each case. The focus is on what worked and what could be done the next time to improve matters, if necessary.
2.
Session
Observation
Observation of an actual session:
Trainees will be able to observe at least one actual mediation session. Should they deem it necessary, they may observe other sessions.
3.
Lectures
Participation in (4) two hour lectures:
Trainees will participate in four lectures presented by staff and other professionals in the areas of domestic violence, cultural identities, non-violent communication, and human rights.
4.
Videos
Observe (2) ADR Videos
Trainees will view and comment on videos on the topics of Restorative Justice, Conflict Coaching, and Cultural Diversity matters.
5.
Role Plays
Participation in (2) Role Plays:
Trainees will participate in role plays highlighting actual types of cases addressed by the Dispute Resolution Center, followed by debriefings from assigned mentors and a period of Q & A. No emphasis is placed on reaching solutions during the role plays, but rather on opportunities for highlighting empowerment and recognition during the parties’ interaction at the table.
6.
Co-mediate
Co-mediate (6) Sessions:
Trainees comply with schedule for participation in six actual sessions with the assistance and supervision of a mentor. Each co-mediation session is followed by a period of debriefing between the trainee and the mentor. At times, the Director of Mediation is also included in the debriefing.
After the completion of the required co-mediation sessions, the mentor informs the Director of Mediation whether or not the trainee is ready for evaluation as a solo mediator, or if he or she should continue co-mediating for a bit longer.
7.
Evaluation in
an Actual Case
Evaluation as a Solo Mediator in an Actual Case
Trainees who have met the above requirements are eligible for evaluation and will be assigned a time and date to participate in an actual session as a solo mediator. Successful evaluations do not depend on parties reaching an agreement, but on the trainee’s facilitation skills.
8.
Certification
Certification:
Upon satisfactory evaluation, trainees are eligible to participate in the Center’s Swearing-in Ceremony, swear or affirm the Oath of Confidentiality of the mediation process before a member of the Judiciary or other Public Official, receive their respective Mediator Certificates, and participate in a luncheon provided by the Dispute Resolution Center. The Certificate highlights trainee’s unique mediator number and the date of certification.
Note:
In order to retain an active status, IMCR mediators are required to facilitate a minimum of 6 sessions each year, and participate in at least 3 in-service training sessions, offered each quarter at the Dispute Resolution Center. They are also encouraged to attend ADR workshops wherever and whenever possible, and to share their knowledge with other mediators.