Mediation Center
Providing Community Based and Court Connected Mediation Options
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So far in FY17, our center has mediated 357 cases with an 87% agreement/settlement rate.
Our Center has been working to provide brief outreach events to introduce mediation, present techniques that are best suited for solving conflict, and explain the types of situations that may be suitable for mediation. If you or someone you know wants to host an event like this, please contact Kayla Wendling @ (413)443-7138 X212.
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Upcoming Training Courses
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Second Annual Basic Mediation Training
Dates & Times: April 21,22,28,29 & May 5th 9am-4:30pm
Location: 1 Fenn Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Cost: $300*
For more information on the training or to register, contact Kayla Wendling at (413)443-7138 X212 or email TheMediationCenter@BCRHA.com
*Discounted rate with one year of voluntary mediation services at BCRHA. The full rate, without a commitment to volunteer, is $650.
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Identity Based Conflicts
Our Center will be providing a second advanced mediation training this year on Identity Based Conflicts. This training will look at individual and social identity as a significant element of conflict. Specifically, the training will focus on how to work with this dimension of conflict both in one's personal life and when sitting in the mediator's chair.
Dates and times will be posted soon.
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Social Media and Conflict
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Our Center recently participated in a webinar provided by the National Association For Community Mediation (NAFCM). We looked at communication and conflict both on the micro and macro level and how people make sense of difficult situations. Since social media is up and coming it has become evident that various conflicts will originate or develop through social media outlets. For more information on how to access this webinar, follow the link below!
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Two adversaries are sitting at a table, a pile of money sprawled out in front of them. There are three possible outcomes; the two split the pot, one attempts to steal the pot or they both walk away empty handed. What would you do?
A few years back there was a game show called Golden Balls which replicated the dilemmas that exist in a mediation. Four contestants start on the show with two golden balls that signify various dollar amounts. One ball is shown to everyone participating in the game, while the other is known only by each contestant. Each player must then choose to tell the truth or lie about the amounts they hold. The next, and maybe most jarring, step is that players discuss who they feel is lying and then they secretly cast a vote as to who they want to kick off the show. This tactic occurs throughout the next rounds. Eventually, only two contestants remain and share the pot of money. The contestants then have a choice where they can “Split” or “Steal” the money.
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If they both choose Split, they each receive half the jackpot.
If one chooses Steal and the other chooses Split, the Steal contestant wins the entire jackpot.
If both choose Steal, neither contestant wins any money.
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This game show mimics situations that exist in many conflicts. More often than not, parties are in a conflicting situation because they feel wronged by the other person. They feel as though they have lost once before, so even feeling as though there is a potential for loss the second time would be detrimental to their identity.
Charles B. Parselle wrote an article on this sort of dilemma, and asked “Can people be naturally cooperative, or do our individual genes require a selfish response to life situations?” Parselle added that even when rational options are available, individuals prefer a revenge option based on emotion.
This is why mediation is so important. Mediators are able to build trust with all parties involved, providing them an opportunity to move from those emotions that elicit a revenge option. However, no situation is the same. The same set of interventions won’t work every time due to the differences between parties involved and their conflicts. Individuals always seem to be faced with the option of cooperating or defecting. Is mediation able to break that cycle?
"Golden Balls." UKGameshows RSS. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.
Parselle, Charles B. "No Way Out: Negotiation And The Prisoner's Dilemma." Mediate.com. Apr. 2007. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.
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The Mediation Center | TheMediationCenter@BCRHA.com
(413)443-7138 X212
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