Lead Mediator Program, Mediate B.C.
I begin my role as lead mediator for Mediate B.C. in the Okanagan. I will be mentoring two candidates for membership on the Family Roster of Mediate B.C.. Both candidates have completed all their course requirements for membership, and now require hands on mediation experience.
For my clients who consent to the process, it will mean an opportunity to take advantage of co- mediators at no extra cost to the parties. This is a win-win opportunity for the candidates and the parties, and I look forward to working in this new format.
Mediate B.C. and the Legal Services Society have initiated a service that is aimed at providing mediation services to persons who are eligible for legal aid. I am part of that roster, and look forward to this initiative to expand the provision of mediation services to families who would not otherwise be able to resolve their family disputes, except through the courts.
See my previous Blog for particulars of that program.
Mediation at a distance is starting to gain some acceptance in B.C.. It just makes sense, in our vast province and with family mobility being what it is, that parties consider meeting by distance I.T. platforms, such as Webex, Go to Meeting, or Zoom. The platforms have become increasingly efficient and easy to use, and bring the parties visually into the same computer space to resolve their disputes. The parties do not have to sign up for the services, as all that is taken care of by the mediator. Getting into the meeting is as simple as a single click on the 'Join' button.
I was a member of the Mediate B.C. Distance Mediation Project, and mediated both on computer platforms and by conference call. Distance mediation is another way of expanding availability of mediation services to parts of the province where mediators are not otherwise available.
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