Inafa' Maolek kicked off the first week of October by hosting a workshop titled "Workplace Conflict Resolution" at WestCare Pacific Islands at the Reflection Center in Hagatna. The workshop was held on Friday, October 4th from 9 AM to 1 PM and was taught by IM's founder and president emeritus Attorney Pat Wolff. This 4-hour course offered a glimpse into our full 15-hour mediation course, which is the first requirement in becoming a certified mediator with IM. Due to the nature of their work, most of the sixteen participants were able to identify how the workshop would fit into their current roles at WestCare, which include working with youths, spouses, and veterans and their support systems. Several of the topics covered, such as being a good listener or using "I" messages, were skills that the participants have already been utilizing in their work that the workshop organized into a formal framework. During the second half of the workshop, participants took a survey to better understand their style of resolving conflicts and partook in a group exercise about body language to experience for themselves the importance of communicating open body language. Thank you to WestCare for graciously inviting us to hold the workshop. We hope the participants are able to apply what they learned in both their professional and personal lives. If you or your organization are interested in hosting a similar workshop, please email us at [email protected] or call us at 475-1977 to speak with our Case Coordinator Kai Santos.
Over the weekend of August 2nd, Inafa' Maolek hosted its annual Basic Mediation Training taught by Inafa' Maolek's founder Attorney Patrick Wolff at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor's Complex. Despite the rainy weather, 13 participants attended the 3-day course, which featured lectures, shorts clips from DVDs, and role playing sessions, the last of which a majority of the participants seemed to enjoy the most. On her Course Reflection Questionnaire, Theresa O. wrote, "The role playing was extremely impactful. I am more competent with approaching a session." Kai S. wrote, "[The role plays helped me] better understand what a mediator does." During the role play sessions, participants were able to alternate between acting as a disputant and a mediator. Thanks to some surprisingly gifted thespians in the group, the role play sessions became dynamic and fun learning experiences. Dominique F. wrote, "[It allowed] me to really understand that anything is possible."
Current lead mediators came as guest speakers to talk about their experiences. Liz Duenas, Inafa' Maolek's chairperson, and dynamic duo Sandy Liberty and Geddell Carnegie (who have been mediating since 1995!) spoke about both the challenges and fulfillment that come from mediating. From Angie F.: "Testimonials of previous mediators - understanding the Art of Questioning and knowing all mediators have their own style [were the most impactful things from the course.]" Inafa' Maolek's Basic Mediation Training is challenging, but thorough, engaging, and informative. Here are some more comments from the participants: "[The course] is effective, but intense. Pat does an excellent job at focusing on the main issues necessary for a good understanding of the process and overall objectives." - Monica P. "This is a great life-skill course and Pat is a phenomenal teacher." - Dominique F. "Even if you never become a mediator, you will learn how to communicate with your colleagues in a more respectful and effective manner." - Michelle C. "Looking forward to more training as this was just the beginning." - Doris B. "The course was very informative and enlightening. I am very grateful to have attended and finished this course." Ramon P. "[The course] is very important and has necessary information. I learned new methods of resolving conflicts." - John H. "I definitely appreciate learning from the course. It will help me better my approach in handling difficult conversations." - Kevin C. "I feel that [mediation] will assist in everyday life and not just specifically for mediating." - Rebecca P. Mediation is a skill that can be used in all levels of relationships and in a variety of settings, whether it be at work, home, school, or other communities. Many of our participants said that the course would be excellent for managers or those working in H.R. but we loved what Barbara A. had to say about this: "Anyone who has a sincere interest in helping people communicate to come to agreement [should take this course]." If you're interested in possibly taking this course in the future, keep up-to-date with Inafa' Maolek through our website or through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/inafamaolek/ You can also call us at: 475-1977 or email us at: [email protected] Please be on the lookout for our Restorative Justice course coming up this October! We'll be posting more information about it as soon as we can. become a yum (Young university mediator)By Inafa' Maolek Are you a college student interested in creating happier, safer school environments on Guam? You might be a fit for our Young University Mediator (YUM) position! A major part of Inafa' Maolek's work occurs in public schools on Guam through our peer mediation program. This program trains student mediators to teach their peers how to understand and manage their emotions, resolve conflict, and foster positive relationships with each other, their teachers, and their overall school community. We introduce the peer mediation program in Guam's schools through our Young University Mediators (YUMs). YUMs are typically students from the University of Guam or Guam Community College. This is a paid, part-time position. More information is posted below: Qualification Requirements
Skills desired
Duties and Responsibilities
If you're interested in becoming a YUM or would like more information, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 475-1977. "Staying Sharp and Building Bonds"By Pat Wolff - Inafa' Maolek Founder and President Emeritus In June 2019, Inafa’ Maolek offered a mini-training for its mediators, partners, and interested volunteers. The 90-minutes “class,” held at the Historic Lujan House in Hagåtña, featured 2 topics:
Topics covered in past Inafa' Maolek mini-trainings:
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