Upcoming Events in our Community
Conflict Resolution Lab # 6, September 22, 2026
Center Workbench Topic - Thomas Kilmann Conflict Modes for Individuals & Teams
Great conflict resolution work isn't just about skilled facilitation — it's also about reading a room, sensing which conflict mode a client is defaulting to, and adjusting your approach accordingly. That skill starts with knowing your own instincts first. In this Conflict Lab, participants take the TKI assessment to identify their own go-to conflict modes, then use that self-knowledge as a lens for recognizing and working with the modes their clients bring into the room. It's a practical shift: from self-awareness to sharper, more responsive practice. This will be a powerful conflict lab for anyone who practices mediation, coaching, arbitration, therapy, training, etc. in the service of conflict resolution. NMC's Mark Batson Baril will lead this workbench topic.
Conflict Resolution and De-Escalation Skills Training (in-person)
One Day. Better Conversations.
This course explores conflict management and de-escalation techniques and gets to the heart of why people do what they do when in conflict, and how to get your arms around conflict situations at work, at home and in the community. Moving participants from self-awareness to other-awareness, experienced mediator instructors take you on a journey that will pay rewards for many years to come in resolving conflicts.
Conflict Resolution Lab # 7, October 22, 2026
Center Workbench Topic - Apology & Forgiveness in Conflict Resolution
Apology and forgiveness are powerful tools that often go underused in conflict resolution work — many practitioners overlook how effective a well-timed, genuine apology or act of forgiveness can be in shifting a conflict toward real repair. Part of why these tools go underused is that they ask something real of us: apologizing and forgiving can be difficult, vulnerable acts, and people's reasons for offering either one vary more than we tend to assume — sometimes it's about admitting fault, but just as often it's about valuing the relationship over being right, making amends, or answering to a faith or set of values larger than the conflict itself. In this Conflict Lab, participants will explore that difficulty and range of motivation, building comfort with the vulnerability these tools require while learning when to bring them into their practice and when they may hinder rather than help. NMC’s Susan P. will lead this workbench topic.
Youth Camp - Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP)
AVP / NNIC and NMC are working together to bring together youth in our community a new way of looking at conflict.
NMC Peacemaker of the Year Award 2026
Join us to celebrate the inaugural 2025 NMC Peacemaker of the Year Award and the spirit of peacemaking that continues to strengthen our Northern Nevada community.
40 Hour Mediation Certificate Program
This 40 Hour Certificate course explores conflict management and de-escalation techniques and gets to the heart of why people do what they do when in conflict, and how to get your arms around conflict situations at work, at home and in the community. Moving participants from self-awareness to other-awareness, experienced mediator instructors take you on a journey that will pay rewards for many years to come in resolving conflicts.
Conflict Resolution and De-Escalation Skills Training (in-person)
This course explores conflict management and de-escalation techniques and gets to the heart of why people do what they do when in conflict, and how to get your arms around conflict situations at work, at home and in the community. Moving participants from self-awareness to other-awareness, experienced mediator instructors take you on a journey that will pay rewards for many years to come in resolving conflicts.
NMC Summer Party
Happy Summer!
We hope you can join us for stories, laughs, Summer music, and breaking bread on August 27, 2026 from 6-8PM. This informal gathering is a chance for us to relax a little and enjoy each others company. This inside and outside venue, run by Shannon and Dan, has something for everyone.
NMC Summer Party
Thursday August 27, 2026 6-8 PM (preceded by 4-6 Conflict Lab # 5)
Blackrock Wine Company - 6135 Lakeside Drive #111, Reno, NV 89511
Informal Summer attire
Bring a friend
We'll have some appetizers and drinks, and right next door are several resturants if you would like a little more...
Conflict Resolution Lab # 5
Test, Refine and Strengthen how you guide others through conflicts.
Bring a real challenge, a new idea, or just your curiosity—we’ll work it together in a space that’s thoughtful, supportive, and grounded in real practice. Each Lab is a chance to slow down, try new approaches, and learn alongside others who care deeply about this work. Come as you are, and leave sharper, more confident, and better equipped for the work ahead.
Conflict Resolution Lab #4
Center Workbench Topic - Collections Mediations
Bring your struggles, tips, and lessons learned for discussion with fellow mediators in this workbench focused on collections cases. If you have your Mediator Tool cards handy bring those as well, but we’ll have some there for those who need them.
Additional Workbenches
Test, Refine and Strengthen how you guide others through conflicts.
Bring a real challenge, a new idea, or just your curiosity—we’ll work it together in a space that’s thoughtful, supportive, and grounded in real practice. Each Lab is a chance to slow down, try new approaches, and learn alongside others who care deeply about this work. Come as you are, and leave sharper, more confident, and better equipped for the work ahead.
Conflict Resolution Labs
Center Workbench Topic - Collections Mediations
Bring your struggles, tips, and lessons learned for discussion with fellow mediators in this workbench focused on collections cases. If you have your Mediator Tool cards handy bring those as well, but we’ll have some there for those who need them.
Additional Workbenches
Test, Refine and Strengthen how you guide others through conflicts.
Bring a real challenge, a new idea, or just your curiosity—we’ll work it together in a space that’s thoughtful, supportive, and grounded in real practice. Each Lab is a chance to slow down, try new approaches, and learn alongside others who care deeply about this work. Come as you are, and leave sharper, more confident, and better equipped for the work ahead.
Conflict Resolution Labs
Test, Refine and Strengthen how you guide others through conflicts.
Bring a real challenge, a new idea, or just your curiosity—we’ll work it together in a space that’s thoughtful, supportive, and grounded in real practice. Each Lab is a chance to slow down, try new approaches, and learn alongside others who care deeply about this work. Come as you are, and leave sharper, more confident, and better equipped for the work ahead.
Conflict Resolution Labs
Test, Refine and Strengthen how you guide others through conflicts.
Bring a real challenge, a new idea, or just your curiosity—we’ll work it together in a space that’s thoughtful, supportive, and grounded in real practice. Each Lab is a chance to slow down, try new approaches, and learn alongside others who care deeply about this work. Come as you are, and leave sharper, more confident, and better equipped for the work ahead.
Transforming Violence from the Inside Out: Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Basic Workshop (Copy)
Experience One of the Most Powerful Workshops You’ll Ever Take. I had the opportunity to participate in an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshop, and it was truly one of the most impactful learning experiences of my career in conflict resolution. It’s creative, eye-opening, and deeply human. I highly recommend it—and I hope you’ll consider joining us.
NMC Peacemaker of the Year Award 2025
Join us to celebrate the inaugural 2026 NMC Peacemaker of the Year Award and the spirit of peacemaking that continues to strengthen our Northern Nevada community.
Transforming Violence from the Inside Out: Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) ADVANCED Workshop. (Pre-requisite is the AVP Basic Class)
Experience One of the Most Powerful Workshops You’ll Ever Take. I had the opportunity to participate in an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshop, and it was truly one of the most impactful learning experiences of my career in conflict resolution. It’s creative, eye-opening, and deeply human. I highly recommend it—and I hope you’ll consider joining us.
Conflict Resolution and De-Escalation Skills Training
Wherever we find people working together we find conflict. Managed well, conflict can lead to good outcomes. Not managed well, conflict outcomes can range from broken relationships to project failure, or worse. This course addresses concepts and practices for managing conflicts, resolving disputes and ensuring that conflicts don’t escalate in an organization or community.
Transforming Violence from the Inside Out: Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Basic Workshop
Experience One of the Most Powerful Workshops You’ll Ever Take. I had the opportunity to participate in an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshop, and it was truly one of the most impactful learning experiences of my career in conflict resolution. It’s creative, eye-opening, and deeply human. I highly recommend it—and I hope you’ll consider joining us.
Moving with Conflict: Aikido Tools for Mediators
Get ready to move, think, and recharge your conflict resolution skills! Join us on Monday, September 22 at 12:00 noon at Aikido of Reno
Transforming Violence from the Inside Out: Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Basic Workshop
Experience One of the Most Powerful Workshops You’ll Ever Take. I had the opportunity to participate in an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshop, and it was truly one of the most impactful learning experiences of my career in conflict resolution. It’s creative, eye-opening, and deeply human. I highly recommend it—and I hope you’ll consider joining us.
NMC Open House @ the New Office!
Happy early Summer! NMC is having an Open House soon and we hope you can join in for the mingling and camaraderie with fellow mediators and peace makers, in our NEW offices in Reno.
Update to Mediator’s Handbook Workshop
We have updated the Mediator's Protocol Handbook and are having a quick Zoom meeting to update you on the changes and refresh on some of the basics.
Practice Alone Does Not Make Perfect: the Benefits of Reflective Practice
Guest Speakers: Ellen Waldorf & Michael Lang: Description: Join us for an insightful presentation on Reflective Practice, a method that helps conflict resolution practitioners enhance their skills by learning from their real-world experiences. Discover how the Reflective Debrief® model fosters personal, relevant, and lasting growth by encouraging mediators to examine their thinking and evaluate their approaches. The session will include a brief introduction to these principles, along with a live demonstration of the model in action.
Mediation Simulator via AI
The various scenarios are each designed to challenge the mediator to use specific tools in order for the mediation to progress and potentially end in an agreement for the parties. Although it may not seem like it as you are playing the mediator, all scenarios are designed to allow the AI parties to come to some type of agreement.
NMC Nevada Peace Week Celebration and Gathering!
It’s Time to Celebrate!
Nevada Peace Week & the Work of Peacemakers in Nevada.
Please join us!
Mediation Simulator via AI
The various scenarios are each designed to challenge the mediator to use specific tools in order for the mediation to progress and potentially end in an agreement for the parties. Although it may not seem like it as you are playing the mediator, all scenarios are designed to allow the AI parties to come to some type of agreement.
Mediation Simulation via AI
The various scenarios are each designed to challenge the mediator to use specific tools in order for the mediation to progress and potentially end in an agreement for the parties. Although it may not seem like it as you are playing the mediator, all scenarios are designed to allow the AI parties to come to some type of agreement.
NMC Volunteer Appreciation Event
Please join us as we appreciate YOU. Let’s all gather together and add a strike to summer!
When: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 5-8 PM (ish)
Where: Coconut Bowl 1855 E. Lincoln Way, Sparks, NV 89434
The Neighborhood Mediation Center would like to show our appreciation for your hard work and dedication to civility and conflict resolution in our community.
Please, allow NMC to treat you and yours to an evening of bowling, food, good conversation, and fun! We have rented out the private bowling garage at the Coconut Bowl and bowling, shoes, and food are on us!
There will be pizza, appetizers, salad, and soft drinks.
Not a bowler? Please join us for the conversation and good cheer off the alley.
Science Distilled: The Story of the Mind
Science Distilled, the lecture series created by Desert Research Institute (DRI) and The Discovery, makes cutting-edge science approachable through presentations on current and curious topics, held at hip locations in a social atmosphere. Started in 2016, speakers at Science Distilled events have covered topics ranging from genetics, to climate, to personal energy independence.
The Power of Reflective Practice
You Are Invited to a Free Interactive Online Seminar
The Power of Reflective Practice
Friday, March 8, 2024 12 noon - 1:30 pm EST
The ACR Family Section invites all ACR members, and others who are interested, to join a free interactive online program, The Power of Reflective Practice, to learn about reflective practice groups and how they can enhance your practice. Susan Terry, Ellen Waldorf and Michael Lang, of Reflective Practice International Institute, will demonstrate and explain their reflective practice method to help practitioners explore why they make the choices they do in working with parties.. Click here for more information.
To register, email admin@acrnet.org and provide your name and email. Please put "Reflective Practice" in the subject line. We will send you the Zoom link for this program.
Emotional Intelligence In Service
It’s time for an in-service evening chat on Zoom. The topic this time is Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Mediation. I’ve attached a couple of great articles on the subject, there are loads of articles and books out there.
Also here are two different sites to take a free EI/EQ test, there are several of these out on the web as well. Most give you a sample of how you did for free, and you can purchase the detailed version. I’ve taken both of these and purchased the detailed result from the Psychology Today test. Both were enlightening, surprising, and helpful.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/personality/emotional-intelligence-test
https://www.mtdtraining.com/free-eq-test
I hope you’ll take these, or find one you like to take, and look at these articles, maybe do some research on your own so that we can all get together and have a conversation about what we find. Think about how this topic has been woven into your mediations, where could you do better? Where do you shine? It’s a huge part of everything we do, but we’ll keep the conversation to mediation!
We’ve chosen Thursday, March 7 from 6:30pm-8:00pm for the in-service. We’ll send a reminder as the date gets closer and the link on the day of.
Hope to see you all virtually!!
NMC New Year Holiday Party and Workshop
It’s time for an NMC Holiday get together and in-service workshop, information is below. Please join us!!!
Unconscious Bias - Checking Our Biases at the Door
Yep! We all have bias and it comes in all shapes and sizes. From a mediators perspective, we need to understand where our biases show up and how to manage that part of our being. This session will help you learn a practice for looking inside, before, during and after your mediations so learning continues to happen for years to come.
Reading Body Language (Copy)
Is that really the best offer they are going to make? Why did his leg just start twitching? What does that expression really mean? Way beyond the facial expressions we are good at reading is a whole other system of communicating through body language. Let's look at and interpret some of the more common language and perhaps some of the not so common.
Advanced Reflective Listening
Reflective listening is often a mediators go to tool. Properly executed it can make people feel heard, help uncover interests, and lead to new possibilities in complex negotiations. Let's explore this technique together in an advanced interactive format.