Piedmont Adult School
Coming Fall 2008
Resolving Conflict: Finding Ease In All Situations
$50, two meetings, weekday evenings
From small disputes, like being irritated by your neighbor's excessive noise level, to big disputes where you are considering legal action as a response-all these conflicts share common attributes. The first evening we will deconstruct conflict as an experience, learn to recognize patterns in ourselves which create or exacerbate conflict, and discuss techniques for dissolving our perception of conflict into a neutral experience. The second evening is a general overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the systems our society has developed to resolve conflict: the litigation system, mediation, and collaborative practice. All of our lives are eventually touched by the legal system in one way or another, so understanding the reality of these systems helps us make informed choices for ourselves and give good advice to the people close to us.
How To "Win" In Mediation
$35, one meeting, Saturday, from 1 to 4pm
Rather than heading to court, more and more people chose to have their conflicts mediated. Mediator-attorneys are trained in communication skills and the underlying law of particular situations, but most clients do not have that same background. This class is designed for people who would like to develop a communication skill-set conducive to successful mediation. We will discuss a realistic mindset for what mediation can do for you, along with ways to approach choosing a professional to work with. We will also talk about the different forms of mediation structure, and their various benefits. The second half of the class will be communication training for "winning" in mediation, which means learning basic ways to express your point of view without magnifying hostility.