Are you ready to make a difference and mentor the next generation of Peacemakers?
Join us for the 20th anniversary of the Peer Mediation Invitational (PMI) in 2025, celebrating two decades of empowering young peacemakers and transforming school communities!
Volunteer with WJC:
PEER MEDIATION INVITATIONAL 2025
February 19 & February 26
PMI is more than an event. It’s a chance to embrace a restorative approach to conflict that empowers young people and puts them in the driver’s seat for changing culture and climate in our schools.
Mediation Mentors provide coaching and constructive feedback to students as they apply their conflict resolution skills in mock mediation practice sessions. Students range from new conflict resolvers to experienced peer mediators. Whatever their level of knowledge or skill, they need your guidance and support.
WE’RE ON A MISSION TO RECRUIT:
150 Mediation Mentors (75 each day)
30-40 General Volunteers (15-20 each day)
What Mediation Mentors
are saying about PMI:
“Joining PMI as a Mediation Mentor is a truly rewarding experience and a way to pay it forward. I’ve attended the last two PMIs and have been floored by the energy, bravery, and dedication exhibited by the students.”
“These kids are future leaders. And you’ll feel good about playing a small part in their exciting personal journeys. You’ll have fun. You’ll be impressed. And you’ll feel inspired!
”
Why volunteer with WJC?
What: WJC offers multiple volunteer opportunities, including our flagship event, the Peer Mediation Invitational (PMI), and Mediation Boot Camps.
Impact: Make a tangible difference in the lives of young people, guiding them towards peaceful conflict resolution.
Community: Join a warm, collaborative, and inclusive team where everyone leads from any seat, practices what we teach, and invests in each other.
Experience: Gain valuable skills and experiences that will benefit you both personally and professionally.
WJC is excited to offer five unique volunteer opportunities where your skills and passion can shine!
1. PMI Individual Mediation Mentors
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What: Sign up in advance to support students during the Peer Mediation Invitational.
Role:
Help guide and inspire students as they develop essential mediation skills.
Directly influence young lives and foster a culture of peace in schools.
Work alongside other dedicated volunteers and be part of a transformative event.
Why:
Be a catalyst for positive change.
Hone your communication and conflict resolution skills.
Connect with like-minded individuals, professionals and and experts in the field.
Support: Orientation and training will be provided before the event to ensure you’re fully prepared.
2. PMI Mentor As A Team
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What: Sign up your company team to volunteer at the Peer Mediation Invitational (mediation mentors, individuals, or combo).
Role: Volunteer as a mediation mentor or general volunteer. Or a combination of both!
Why:
Foster teamwork and promote a positive work culture while giving back.
Your team’s collective efforts will contribute to reimagining our education system.
Make a significant impact by guiding students and supporting a transformative event.
Support: Don't worry, we can help you put together a great team! Orientation and training will be provided before the event to ensure you’re fully prepared.
3. PMI General Volunteers
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When: Full-day (8:00 am – 3:00 pm), morning (8:00 am – Noon), or afternoon (Noon – 3:00 pm) shifts.
Role: Assist with various tasks to ensure the event runs smoothly, from registration and hall monitoring to supporting students and staff.
Why:
Be a part of a transformative event that fosters a culture of peace and conflict resolution in schools.
Step out of your comfort zone and actively participate in an event that promotes justice, dialogue and positive change.
Support: Orientation and training will be provided before the event to ensure you’re fully prepared.
4. Mediation Bootcamp
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Upcoming Date: October 17th, 2024
Future Sessions: Additional Mediation Bootcamps will be offered throughout the school year, mainly in October and November 2024, and January and March 2025.
Time Commitment: 2 hours per session.
Training Location: WJC’s Pasadena office.
Volunteers Needed: Seeking 5-10 mediators for each Bootcamp.
Who We Work With: LA County Dream Resource Centers from 4 school districts (ABC, Hacienda Heights-La Puente, Inglewood, Norwalk-La Mirada).
Role:
Help with mock mediation scenarios.
Observe and coach students as they practice mediating with one another.
Why:
Build meaningful relationships with future student leaders and inspire the next generation of peacemakers.
Develop your own conflict resolution skills while making a difference.
Connect with fellow mediators and professionals in the field.
5. Mediation Mega Mentor
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New Initiative: We're launching this program for the very first time!
Group Size: Seeking 3-4 dedicated volunteers.
Experience: Seeking experienced community mediators with a facilitative style of mediation.
Support: Work as a group supported by WJC staff to help young peacemakers find better ways to navigate conflict.
Background: Inspired by students at PMI 2024 who asked for year-round coaching.
Goals:
Provide additional mediation training beyond the Mediation Boot Camp offered by WJC.
Empower students to handle conflicts constructively and foster a positive and inclusive campus environment.
Help debrief on mediation, provide additional training and facilitate role playing.
Offer coaching sessions to discuss difficult mediations and explore careers in mediation.
Time Commitment: Estimated 4-6 hours per month, including preparation and travel time.
Location: Choose to volunteer in Azusa Unified School District (AUSD) or Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
There are numerous Mediation Mentor training opportunities throughout October and November. To find dates that work for you, please contact Shaune Gatlin.
Thank you for considering these impactful roles.
Together, we can create a brighter, more peaceful future for our students!
