Volunteers play a critical role in all areas of service provision at the Midlands Mediation Center (MMC). Volunteer mediators are essential to the success of our mediation programs. MMC also benefits from the donated time and expertise of MMC Board and committee members, volunteer trainers, community volunteers, and student interns.
MMC Volunteer Mediators – Appropriately trained volunteer mediators may serve as civil court mediators in county Magistrate Courts and as family mediators for Family Court cases mediated at the Center. MMC also provides mediators for landlord-tenant, school-based, real estate, and workplace disputes. MMC’s volunteer mediators make it possible to provide low-cost, affordable mediation services to the Midlands community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer civil, community, or family mediator, you must show evidence of completing mediation training.
Civil (and community) mediation training is offered through the Midlands Mediation Center and the S.C. Bar. The Midlands Mediation Center offers a 20-hour Introduction to Mediation Training, which when supplemented by observing cases in Magistrate’s Court, will qualify trainees to serve as court mediators. MMC may recognize comparable mediation training received through similar organizations/institutions in other states when confirmed by copies of training certificates. For more information about MMC training, please see the Training page.
Family mediation training is offered through the S.C. Bar only. Trainings offered through the Bar are five-day intensives designed for lawyers, although some non-lawyer professionals do participate. To learn more about the SC Bar programs related to Alternative Dispute Resolutions, rules and qualifications for certification: https://www.scbar.org/lawyers/bar-programs/alternative-dispute-resolution/
MMC Board or Committee Service – MMC has enjoyed a long tradition of service from community leaders and professionals serving on the Midlands Mediation Center Board of Directors. Board members represent such professions and community service as law, human resources, mediation, civic planning, business management, domestic violence advocacy, non-profit experience, civil rights, education, and social services, among others. If you are interested in learning more about MMC Board or committee involvement, please inquire at exdir@midlandsmediation.org.
MMC General Support Volunteers – MMC welcomes the opportunity to engage new volunteers who are interested in providing general support to the Center and its day-to-day operations. Volunteers are especially needed to assist with special events or projects. Please inquire at exdir@midlandsmediation.org