Oct. 30, 1997 Contact Maureen Shine (541) 346-3145 Source: Lynne Cox, director, Appropriate Dispute Resolution Program, UO School of Law, (541) 346-3890 NEWPORT--What do school teachers, bus drivers, real estate agents, lawyers and crisis shelter volunteers have in common? All are enrolled in upcoming mediation training on the central Oregon coast sponsored by the University of Oregon School of Law. Entitled "Call to Excellence in Dispute Resolution," the training will take place during two weekend sessions, Nov. 1-2 and 15-16, at the Shilo Inn, 536 S.W. Elizabeth St., Newport. The goal of the mediation training is to provide communication, negotiation and problem solving skills that will help participants on the job and in their communities. The training is designed to meet and exceed the standards established by the Oregon Dispute Resolution Commission for court-connected, community and civil mediators. It serves as an introduction for those wanting to become domestic relations or public policy mediators. "We have 18 people registered for training which demonstrates the level of interest and need for mediation services in the coastal community, " says Lynne Cox, director of the Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) program at the UO School of Law. "Approximately half of the participants have already made a commitment to use the skills gained at the training to provide one year of service to their community." In return for volunteering to provide mediation services or to develop mediation programs, individuals receive a 50-percent discount on the $800 cost of the training. The names of the individuals who participate in the service program are given to the Oregon Dispute Resolution Commission. The commission then acts as a resource referral for individuals or organizations seeking mediators. For more information, call the ADR program at the UO School of Law, (541) 346-3890. -30- #P-4024/Special