Upcoming Training Courses

The Center has trained more than 3,500 individuals from government and the private sector in the use of ADR theory and techniques. Effective training for ADR practitioners, public decision-makers and the public at large gives participants an understanding of dispute resolution techniques and their applicability to a variety of situations. In addition to public courses, the Center also provides customized trainings for agencies and nonprofits.

• November 10, 2021

  Grassroots Approach to Public Policy (Zoom)

  This course will be presented via Zoom. Traditionally, public policy is developed in a top-down approach where the decision maker has the authority to identify and selectively engage the stakeholders they want involved in the process. Has the landscape changed to allow for the public to identify policy needs and then effectively engage decision makers? What would this bottom-up approach look like, and can public participation practices facilitate this form of democratic engagement? In this interactive course, we will discuss central concepts for this type of public policy creation and engagement including building trust, effective communication, and maintaining accountability. We will dive into case studies to unpack lessons learned and gain a deeper understanding of what is successful and challenging about engaging in a bottom-up public participation process. We will walk through, step-by-step, an outline of a potential framework to use. This training is intended for public policy practitioners, nonprofit, advocacy, and governmental professionals interested in engaging in a bottom-up approach to public policy. With small group dialogues, this training will be highly interactive. Attendees will walk away with a personalized workbook to outline the steps they can take to successfully implement a bottom-up approach to public participation. Learn more

• January 10, 2022 — January 14, 2022

  40-Hour Basic Mediation Online Training

  This class is being offered online, via Zoom. You must be on-camera the full 40 hours. This intensive five-day program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to mediate a variety of everyday disputes. This course emphasizes the importance of practical experience in becoming an effective mediator. During frequent role-plays, each participant will mediate a variety of disputes with expert feedback. This course is designed to satisfy the 40 classroom hours of training required to mediate court-referred disputes as indicated in the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Act § 154.052, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. This course also meets the Texas Mediator Trainers Roundtable's requirements. Learn more

• February 11, 2022

  Everyday Negotiation (Zoom)

  We negotiate every day, in all types of situations situations. Learn the basics of a successful negotiation in this half-day, interactive course. Learn more