Still in the planning stages, MAP is a project of the Center for Practice in Negotiation and Problem Solving. Recognizing that classroom training alone does not make a mediator, MAP will be designed to close the gap between training and competence.

MAP will provide selected apprentices with on mediation experience in actual cases under the guidance of an experienced professional mediator. The program will provide observation of mediations, co-mediations and solo mediations with observation, personal mentors, feed- back, and exposure to various areas and models of mediation over a period of nine months. Supervised practice experience will be combined with participation in an advanced mediation seminar series addressing particular challenges in mediation skills and strategy. These seminars will also be open to professional mediators and will introduce apprentices to the mediation community.

Advanced Mediation Seminar Series
Before any formal "launching" of the apprenticeship program, the MAP board will offer the Advanced Mediation Seminar Series in March 2006. The Advanced Mediation Seminar Series will be offered for CLE credit, and are projected to raise funds needed for creating MAP to provide the highest quality experience for apprentices selected and enrolled.

MAP Board Members and Planning Committee include: Cathleen Kuhl, Mary McLain, John Cruze, and Marjorie Aaron.