CMM's Think Tank (from left to right):  Patricia Ryan, Tracee Ford, Erricka Bridgeford, Caroline Harmon, Michele Ennis-Benn, and Lorig Charkoudian take a smile break, while finalizing details of CMM's Performance-Based Evaluation, just days before its launch on January 9, 2010.

The Performance-Based Evaluation (PBE) process is offered in the full knowledge and celebration of the fact that becoming an excellent mediator is a process and a journey, not an event. Mediator certification is one part of a continuum of education offered statewide by Community Mediation Maryland and locally by its member community mediation centers. This education spectrum includes a high-quality, interactive, skills-based basic mediator training, thoughtful apprenticeships, co-mediator feedback after every mediation session, strategy sessions, monthly in-service trainings for mediators, and a statewide mentoring project, among other resources. 

This important and constant focus on mediator quality is a reflection of the desire to put the needs of mediation participants first, offering only the most ethical, skillful service to our friends and neighbors who use community mediation services in Maryland.  CMM's PBE evaluates and certifies mediators in the Inclusive model of mediation.  PBE is only offered to active mediators at a community mediation center in Maryland.

 
If you'd like to apply for PBE or attend a Coaching Day, contact Erricka Bridgeford at mediationdiva@gmail.com, or 410-553-0206. Keep in mind that you must first attend a Coaching Day, in order to attend a PBE Day.

 
 PBE Dates in 2011:

• Sunday, February 27th
• Monday, May 9th
• Saturday, August 20th
• Saturday, November 5th

 
Not sure of your skill level? Need good feedback from experienced mediators before deciding if you're ready to go through the certification process? Great! CMM offers a Coaching Day before each PBE Day.  At the coaching day, you mediate a role-play, and get intense, specific feedback.  In fact, mediators are required to attend Coaching Day before attempting certification.  This maximizes each person's opportunity for success on PBE Day, and helps each person decide what is personally needed to support their growth as a mediator.
 
 
As with PBE Days, Coaching Days are offered on various days of the week, and will be held in different locations around Maryland, to give you an opportunity to attend: 

• Sunday, January 30th, 9am-3pm
• Monday, April 18th, 9am-3pm
• Saturday, July 9th, 9am-3pm
• Saturday, October 1st, 9am-3pm