This content was published: April 7, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

PCC Mediation classes provide valuable training

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PORTLAND, Ore. – In today’s society, where negotiating skills are critical to business and personal success, trained mediators are in hot demand. In fact, often it is only those with mediation training who can effectively handle and dissolve disputes so that all sides are satisfied with the outcome. This spring, Portland Community College offers those who rely on negotiation a chance to brush up on their expertise and learn crucial mediation skills.

All classes will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Friendly House, 1737 N.W. 26th Ave. Cost, per class, is $109.

Classes include:

Crucial Conversations (April 28). Gene Roberts will teach students tools and techniques that will enable them to stay in productive dialogue with others when the stakes are high, opinions vary and heightened emotions threaten to defeat effective problem solving. Read Crucial Conversations before first class.

Intergroup Dialogue (May 5). Instructor Carol Martin introduces students to tools that will transform conflict into cooperation. Learn how to facilitate deliberate conversations in your organization and community through the use of appreciative inquiries, and self-assessment.

Mediation from the Inside Out (May 12). Instructor Sally Gardiner explores the “philosophy of choice theory.” Learn about Emotional Intelligence, take an evaluation to measure your own EQ, discover key professional coaching skills, and gain insights into the four generations that make up today’s workplace.

Family Mediation (May 19). Mediation is a useful tool for families working together to resolve issues brought on by divorce, separation or the ending of a relationship. Instructor Meg Goldberg, a local family mediator and attorney, will explore parenting plans, financial support, property division, adoptions and more.

For more information contact the PCC Community Education office at 503-614-7308.

About James Hill

James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »