Content and Skills
Covered During
Mediation Training

  • The training focuses on the core values of mediation, the stages of mediation, and the foundational skills mediators need in order to practice effectively. We discuss the theoretical underpinnings of mediation; however, the bulk of the training is skills-focused.
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  • Some of the key content and skills covered in the training include
  • Enhancing communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Distinguishing between various dispute resolution practices and mediation styles
  • Examining the core values of mediation and putting them into practice
  • Understanding conflict response styles
  • Asking open-ended questions
  • Engaging in active listening
  • Generating movement between positional parties
  • Distinguishing between parties’ positions and interests
  • Identifying negotiable issues
  • Helping parties engage in creative problem solving
  • Examining how cultural issues affect conflict
  • Drafting a quality mediation agreement
  • Assessing balance of power issues between parties
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Trainings are Engaging
and Participant Centered

Multimedia, pop culture, drawing, movement, discussion and role-play are central features of our workshops.

We structure our program to ensure that our trainees have a significant amount of time to practice the skills they’re learning, to ask questions, and to wrestle challenging concepts to the ground.
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Through a learn-by-doing approach, we use hands-on exercises to ensure the concepts we teach have practical relevance.

Who is the Trainer

​​​Brad Heckman  is the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Peace Institute. He is an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs. He also served as International Director of Partners for Democratic Change, for which he developed community peace building centers throughout Eastern Europe, the Balkans, South Caucasus, Latin America, and the former Soviet Union. Brad received a Master of Arts in International Relations and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Dickinson College. Brad leads four trainings a year at the New York Peace Institute in addition to many more around the country & around the world.
Location for Mediation Training
July 18th to 22nd.
Conference Room, 2nd flr.
1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113 [Map It]
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Student Testimonials

Participating in the Community Mediation Training with Brad from the NY Peace Institute was hands down the best thing I did in 2017. In a time when so many forces are polarizing our communities, mediation offers tools and strategies to bring people to the same table, hear each other out, and begin to understand difficult situations from a opposing perspectives. Brad guided us through 40 hours of intensive training over 5 days. It was a wild ride, but so important - inspiring and accessible - and truly the most impactful training I've received. The mediation techniques have been helpful at work, at home and most definitely as a volunteer mediator at CMS.
- Melanie Merz
New Orleans
Brad Heckman’s mediation training was life altering. Mr. Heckman led by example, with wit, humor and humility connecting with each member of the large diverse group in a unique way— skills that are critical for any mediator. You will walk away from Brad Heckman’s seminar with new skills to use in your professional and personal life, as well as new community.
- Aylin Maklansky
New Orleans
Brad Heckman is one of the best mediation trainers I have been taught by in the past 20 years. He has a wonderful ability to creatively teach people to help others resolve their differences. He thinks out of the box and uses his artistic abilities to add humor and creativity to his training. A person leaves with a clear picture of what works when helping others resolve their differences in a safe environment.
 -Stacey Marcel
New Orleans
I have attended many types of counseling and mediation classes ever since I graduated from Loyola University with a Masters in Pastoral Counseling, and at first I didn't expect to learn much from this one, but this guy, Brad Heckman, is in a class of his own. His artwork, which emphasized themes of social responsibility, prompted unsolicited responses, and were often the appetisers, before the main course. For the main course, Brad would infuse the discussion with his two special sauces, dumb and curious. This helped me immensely, as I was always trying to input advice and suggestions, and always trying to push for positive outcomes. In other words, I had to listen intently, remember key words and phrases, and avoid forming, even the slightest of mental opinions or solutions. I had to be "dumb and curious".   
 - Peter Nakhid
New Orleans
Brad Heckman is a remarkable facilitator and trainer. I had the honor of attending Community Mediation Services 5-Day Mediation early fall of 2016, the training was invigorating, thought-provoking, artistic, and relevant.   I continue to use the tools and techniques that were shared in the training at work, during mediation sessions, and in my personal life.  I am a better mediator and Social Worker after participating in the training.
 - Damekia Morgan
New Orleans
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​Community Mediation Services of Greater New Orleans