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Mediation Mediation is a way of helping people settle their differences peacefully. Mediators don't take sides or make decisions, but do help people solve problems in ways that are decided and agreed upon by all. Each participant is given an equal chance to state his or her point of view in a safe and private setting. Mediators create an atmosphere of equality and respect for each person's needs and ideas. Studies show that agreements reached through mediation are more likely to be carried out than orders imposed by a judge. Volunteer Mediator Job Description A mediator in the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) provides a neutral setting and facilitate voluntary face to face discussion between offenders and their victims. This discussion generally concludes with mutually negotiated contract for restoration. Referrals to VORP are for property offenses (burglary, vandalism forgery, and theft) and for simple assault. All offenders have acknowledged responsibility for the crime. Responsibilities Arrange individual, separate meetings with the victim and the offender to listen to each person's perspective of the offense and their concerns, to more fully explain the VORP process, and to solicit their participation. Arrange and facilitate the mediation meeting between victim and offender. Keep staff informed of status of case; seek help from staff for problems or questions. Complete brief case forms and return them promptly to VORP office; provide feedback to staff which may be of benefit in future referrals or mediator training. Proceed with these steps in a timely manner. There are no specified time frames for completion, but acceptance of a case implies the ability to undertake and complete it without undue delay. Continue skill development through in-service training opportunities. Time Commitment Training begins with a 30-hour classroom component which must be attended in its entirety. The apprenticeship portion of training is individualized; at a minimum it consists of observing one full case under an experienced mediator and then completing one case under the observation of the executive director. Meetings with the victim and offender are most frequently arranged for late afternoon, early evening, or weekends. Mediators are asked for at least one year's commitment to the program to partially offset the cost of training. Skills belief in program ability to remain neutral and non-judgmental willingness to listen to and explore expressions of feelings ability to establish trust and put persons at ease good verbal communication skills patience and flexibility and toleration of delays assertiveness when appropriate ability to keep case information in confidence concern for peace and problem solving in the community Accountability While in training, mediators work under the supervision of the VORP professional staff, with the level of supervision decreasing as experience increases. Benefits to Volunteers Volunteers receive extensive training in listening techniques and conflict resolution skills which may be applied in all personal relationships. Volunteers gain satisfaction from being involved with a community program which takes positive, restorative steps in justice issues.

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