Become a Volunteer

Qualifications Required to Become a Volunteer Mediator

You do not need any special experience or background to be an effective mediator. Our mediation trainings are created to teach you the process of mediation, how to facilitate different types of mediations, and how to help the clients reach their settlement. Don't worry, our DRC staff is here to help guide you to becoming the best mediator you can be. Spanish speaking volunteers are always needed. 

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Time Commitment Required to Become a Volunteer Mediator

To become a volunteer mediator at the Brazos DRC, you will need to complete a certified mediation training course. Depending on your level of mediation (Civil, Family, CPS, Elder, Criminal, etc.) you may need to take more than one course. Training tends to be the most time-consuming part of mediation. 

 

After completing your training, the Staff at the Brazos DRC will help you complete observations and co-mediations until you are comfortable with the process and forms. Once you are ready to solo-mediate, a member of the DRC Staff will sit in and evaluate your mediation. 

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Once the DRC Staff certifies you as a solo mediator, the Case Manager will reach out to add you to the volunteer rotation. Mediations at the Brazos DRC are normally scheduled Monday-Friday for a morning session (8:30am-12:30pm) or an afternoon session (1:00pm-5:00pm). We ask that volunteer mediators complete at least one mediation per month to keep their skills fresh. 

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To Become a Volunteer Mediator at the Brazos Dispute Resolution Center, you must:

1. Be at least 21 years old.

2. Pass a thorough screening and background check.

3. Complete an approved 40-Hour Basic Mediation training course.

4. Complete an approved 32-Hour Advanced Mediation training course.

5. Attend a volunteer orientation onsite at the Brazos DRC.

6. Complete at least 1 onsite observation with a seasoned DRC Volunteer or Staff Member. 

7. Complete at least 4 onsite co-mediations with a seasoned DRC Volunteer or Staff Member. 

8. Complete an onsite Solo-Mediation Assessment with a DRC Staff Member. 

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If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mediator for the Brazos DRC, please fill out our volunteer application and background check. Email these documents with a copy of your mediation training certificates (including your 40-Hours Basic, 32-Hour Family, and/or 16-Hour CPS) to brazosvalleydrc@gmail.com. Once we have received your application, background check, and certificates, we will contact you to schedule your orientation session. 

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Please note: If you have taken mediation training from an entity not currently approved by the Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable (TMTR), then we will need to review your training to ensure if meets the requirements set forth by TMTR. At this time, the Brazos DRC does not accept volunteers from online training entities that do not have at least 50% live, instructor lead training. 

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Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Brazos DRC. If you have any questions, please contact us at 979-822-6947 or brazosvalleydrc@gmail.com.

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Mediator Application           Background Check Policy         Authorization for Background Check