To successfully mediate within the known Standards, training is provided to incoming practitioners of mediation in a Community Resolution Dispute Center. However, there have been significant talks of legitimizing the profession by providing a certification process to becoming a mediator.
The focus with this discussion is now on the mediator, whether they are an independent mediator or associated with a nonprofit CDRC.
For this discussion post, please read the following report:
Southern California Mediation Association ad Hoc Committee on Mediator Regulation or Certification Report [PDF, file size 81.9 KB]

Respond to the following:

Question 1
Would the proposed Voluntary Mediator Certification Program offer a voluntarily certified mediator who also maintains a private mediation practice an opportunity to have the same credibility as a CDRC mediation in the general public’s eye?
Question 2
The proposal suggests that there would be requirements for a certified mediator (CM) to maintain their certification, which only discusses continuing education. Should there be some type of observation or mediation evaluation required for one to maintain their CM status? Please Explain.
Question 3
Should there be an Oversight Board to determine if a CM should have their Certification suspended, decertified, or removed for conduct unbecoming for a mediator, while mediating disputes?
If yes, please give examples of such conduct that would rise to a level for an Oversight Board to act.
If no, explain how the public would know of mediators who are bad actors?
M5D2: Reframing
Reframing a mediation or conversation is turning a negative into a positive. It is easy to let the parties bring down the mediation to match how they may be feeling about the dispute. As the mediator, it is imperative the direction of the mediation change towards more positive feelings and, in turn, more positive outcomes.
Reframe the following statements to set a more “problem-solving atmosphere” for the mediation.

Question 1
“I want things to change, but with all the problems we have now, it’s impossible for it to get better.” Explain your reason.
Question 2
“I think that is a normal thing to do. Wouldn’t you do it that way, too?” Explain your reason.

Question 3
“We can’t talk because he is like all men; he avoids all of the problems and says he is busy when he doesn’t want to talk about our problems.” Explain your reason.

Question 4
“She would be a better mother if she made those little kids behave better and had them stop riding bicycles on my front sidewalk.” Explain your reason.