How do I become a Palo Alto mediator?

The Palo Alto Mediation Program accepts new volunteer mediators each year, for a two-year appointed term, starting on July 1. Written applications are accepted during the months of February and March, and in-person interviews with a selection committee are held in April.
 
The minimum requirement is that you must live, work, or own property in Palo Alto or Stanford. The PAMP seeks mediators of all educational, ethnic, and experience backgrounds to represent the diversity of Palo Alto.
 
Once accepted, the appointment to the PAMP is formally approved by the City of Palo Alto’s Human Relations Commission and the Mayor’s office upon successful completion of mediation training. The appointment is for a two-year renewable term, beginning July 1 each year.
 
The Palo Alto mediators subscribe to a code of conduct and ethical practices to ensure the highest quality services possible.
 
What are the eligibility requirements to be a mediator with the PAMP?
 
The minimum requirement is that you must live, work, or own property in Palo Alto or Stanford. The PAMP seeks mediators of all educational, ethnic, and experience backgrounds to represent the diversity of Palo Alto.

What criteria are used to choose mediators?

• Experience and commitment to problem solving
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to deal with sometimes emotionally-charged situations with calmness and confidence
• Service orientation to the community
• Desire for personal and skills growth
• Time, flexibility, and enthusiasm to devote to the program for the two-year term (approximately 6-10 hours per month)
• Must live, work, or own property in Palo Alto or Stanford

• Attend training course
• Attend monthly meetings
• Commit 6-10 hours per month of time to work on case development, mediations, outreach, etc.
• Offer to develop, conciliate, or mediate at least two cases per quarter (eight cases per year). However, mediators are encouraged to take as many cases as they have the time and inclination to handle.
• Mediator terms are for two years and are subject to review and renewal at the end of each two-year period.

How do I apply?

For more information on becoming a volunteer mediator for Palo Alto, contact the Palo Alto Mediation Program office.

Next: Mediation resources