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. Comments are closed.
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