Becoming A Mediator

Nature of ConflictTypes of Conflict

Elements of ConflictPeer Mediation

Nature of Conflict

• The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like them to treat you.

• The yin-yang: unity is often divided into polarities, into separate positions rather than mutual interests.

• Many ethicists have explored numerous approaches to making sense of conduct – these rules generally govern how people act. Think of some examples.

Nature of Conflict, cont.

• When people enter into a conflict, it is often because they have forgotten general rules of personal conduct, and are focusing more on Self than on Other.

• As mediators, we are trained to step in as the perfect middle, binding two parties into one solution, and ideally to begin the process of helping others learn different ways of approaching conflict.

Types of Conflict

• We can divide conflict into two basic types: intra and inter: Intra conflict occurs within while inter occurs without.

• Add these prefixes to conflicts that occur personally, among groups, or among nations.

• Intrapersonal conflict is a conflict with one's self. Interpersonal conflict occurs between at least two people.

Types of Conflict, cont.• Intragroup conflict occurs within a group, and

intergroup conflict occurs between groups.• Intranational conflict occurs within a nation,

while international conflict occurs between nations. Intranational conflict is the fastest growing type of conflict in the 21st century.

• What types of conflict occur here at CRAHS #5?

Elements of Conflict

• Conflicts will need to be defined before one can begin exploring resolution. These terms will help mediators make sense of things:

• Party & Other: Party is the first person to approach you or to speak in a conflict, and Other is their conflict partner.

• Interests & Positions: As mediators in training, these terms should be familiar to you. Defining them in each conflict will be crucial.

Elements of Conflict, cont.

• The mediator will next encourage a process reevaluating/negating Positions to create a new Narrative around mutual Interests.

• Narrative: this is the way in which the story about the conflict is told. It will be important to help craft a narrative that begins before the conflict and incorporates resolution and continuing and enduring peace afterwards.

Peer Mediation: Introduction

• The first aspect of the mediation process involves introductions and the setting of ground rules.

• It is here that the Mediator makes clear their neutrality in the situation, and that participants should be aware of other available options should they choose to forgo mediation.

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Peer Mediation: Introduction, cont.

• Then the Mediator introduces some ground rules. These include:

• No negative language or personal attacks.• No interrupting, only listening, take turns.• Use first names, not pronouns.• Each party is entitled to their own opinion.• The goal is resolution, not arguing.

Peer Mediation: Exploration

• Once Ground Rules are in place and agreed to, the Mediator begins exploring the conflict by asking each Party to tell their story. This must be done objectively, and parties must agree on the order and strictly adhere to Ground Rules.

• In fact, parties must agree to each stage in the process before the Mediator continues, and it must be clear to all that each stage is finished before proceeding.

Peer Mediation: Diagnosis

• Once the Mediator has a clear understanding of the conflict, and has identified both Parties’ Positions & Interests, a discussion begins regarding the Mediator’s assessment of the conflict, including any other important parties that may need to be engaged before moving forward, and possible mutual interests that can serve to unite disputants, and to create a new Narrative.

Peer Mediation: Intervention

• Brainstorming: as the new Narrative begins to form, the mediator initiates this Problem-Solving process which allows for any number of ideas to be floated – as many as possible, with no judgment as to their effectiveness.

• This is a crucial part of how Resolution begins, as parties begin to work together to identify and define their new mutual Narrative.

Peer Mediation: Resolution

• Once parties identify their needs and agree to mutually meet them, the Mediator begins to wrap up the process.

• The contract is filled in, explained, and signed – once all parties agree to the terms.

• Finally, the Mediator will contract a future date in order to discuss the nature of the mutual solution and its progress.