Community mediator institute (CMI) training

Over the course of May, CYS facilitated an incredibly successful 5-day, 30-hour training in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mediation. This training, called the Community Mediator Institute (CMI), was comprised of parents, school staff, community violence intervention workers, and community organizers from in and around the city of Compton.

Participants signed up to develop their mediation skills in order better resolve conflict within their community -whether that is their workplace, at home amongst family, or with neighbors. One participant reflected that "this training is a very necessary skill to possess, no matter if we're dealing with parent-child relationships, two adults feuding in a store, a parking lot, or neighbors having a confrontation. We need this training.”

Participants learned tools like active listening, mediation, and how to guide difficult conversations toward understanding and solutions. Conflict is a natural part of life, so having the skills to respond calmly and constructively can make a powerful difference in preventing situations from escalating and strengthening relationships.

At the end of the CMI training, participants receive a certificate of completion to recognize their new skills.