volunteer

RAMP uses a co-mediator method that allows our volunteer mediators to work together to improve their mediation skills. Our mediators experience personal growth and understanding while leading community members through a confidential process that assists families, businesses, employees, consumers and neighbors resolve their disputes. Mediators will acquire skills in communication, negotiation and problem solving. Upon completion of the 30 hours Basic Mediation Training, participants interested in becoming volunteer mediators with RAMP will participate in additional observations and training before becoming a co-mediator. Mediators of family matters have received an additional 40-hour Family Mediation Training, and additional practicum activities. 

Mediators are assigned on a rotating basis.  Many volunteer mediators have additional expertise in particular areas and can be called upon to mediate specific kinds of disputes. ​

If you are interested in supporting our mission to promote peaceful problem-solving as a volunteer, please contact us at  (651)461-6214  or email director@ramp-mn.org.

 Volunteer mediators are people who enjoy doing extraordinary work in their communities, with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. First and foremost, being a mediator requires strong and effective communication skills and the ability to listen.

Mediators take a 30-hour basic skills training, followed by an apprenticeship or practicum with qualified mentors to continue development, gain hands-on experience, and receive mediator certification.

People who work full-time, are retired, or are students have all been successful volunteer mediators, yet there is a regular time commitment required in addition to the training. We offer a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend service hours, so a variety of volunteer schedules are welcome. We are also interested in volunteers who are bi-lingual or speak a language other than English proficiently.

Mediators and those who provide other types of conflict resolution services work to bridge divides to resolve disputes, often through a facilitated dialogue between the people in a conflict. They are neutral, active facilitators that help individuals and cannot offer legal advice. 

Mediators do not take sides or determine who is right or wrong in a dispute, instead they help people create solutions that work for their individual needs, circumstances, and culture. This kind of trauma-informed, equity-focused access to justice can be life-changing for those who participate.

Mediators work across many settings and conflicts including providing workplace facilitation, helping divorced parents collaborate on parenting plans, navigating tensions between landlords and tenants, and holding a safe space for teens and parents to bring up conflict

Training and workshops offered by Community Mediation Minnesota, including Basic Mediation Training, build personal and professional skills to use in your own life and bring into your community. Mediators will build confidence in:

• Listening skills including grounding, being open, non-judgmental, and fully present, and identifying others’ underlying interests.
• Recognizing obstacles to resolutions and strategies to improve communications.
• Understanding how your own responses to conflict are impacting relationships.
• Understanding of power dynamics, assertiveness, and forgiveness.
• Better navigating conflict in their own lives. 
• Negotiation, facilitation, and mediation skills.