Advoz has planned four conflict resolution trainings and an information session in 2025. Unless otherwise noted, registration is available at https://advoz.org.

The Advoz Coffee & Conversation Information Session will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 8 to 9 a.m. Attendees will learn how Advoz transforms conflict into conversation and how to become involved as a volunteer or supporter. The event will include coffee and light refreshments, facilitated discussion, a program overview, and an opportunity to ask questions. Participation is free to those who preregister by Friday, Jan. 3, at 1 p.m. at https://advoz.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/21150.

Conflict, Communication and Culture (CCC): Introduction to Mediation & Restorative Practices will be conducted via Zoom from Wednesday, Jan. 22, to Friday, Jan. 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. This introductory course is a prerequisite to all other Advoz training courses. The training aims to help participants develop their own conflict style with collaborative tools to resolve conflict in healthy, effective ways, navigating trauma, bias, culture, and blocks to effective listening. Registration is required by Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Basic Mediation Training will also be offered. Virtual sessions via Zoom will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 28 and 29, and in-person sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Participants will learn and practice the facilitative model of conflict mediation, including a range of mediation techniques adaptable to resolving a wide range of disputes. Attendees will learn about navigating ethical issues particularly relevant to practicing mediation in Pennsylvania. This training emphasizes practicing in numerous role play scenarios. The CCC training is a prerequisite. Registration is required by Saturday, Jan. 11.

Circle Process Training will be held from Wednesday to Friday, Feb. 19 to 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Attendees will learn to build community and address tough issues and harmful incidents in groups of five to 20 people using the restorative circle process. Drawing from indigenous traditions of inclusive and structured group methods, the circle process requires facilitator skills both to conduct and to trust the group's capacity for addressing its needs and challenges. The CCC is a prerequisite. Registration is required by Thursday, Feb. 6.

Advoz will also offer Restorative Justice Victim-Offender Conferencing Training. Virtual sessions via Zoom will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 29, May 6, and May 13, and in-person sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17. Attendees will also need to complete some assignments on their own between sessions. The program equips volunteers to help youths who have caused harm to take responsibility directly with the victims of their crimes to cultivate a resilient and responsible generation of young people. The interactive training will equip participants to facilitate restorative conferencing dialogue and to understand the local juvenile criminal-legal systems in which that dialogue takes place. The CCC course is a prerequisite. Registration is required by Tuesday, April 15.

For any of the trainings, those who register by Tuesday, Dec. 3, with the coupon code EarlyAdvoz will receive a discount. For more information and to register, visit https://advoz.org/training/.