(a) In order to become a mediator, one must meet the following qualifications: - (i) In order to be considered qualified, each mediator shall be certified as having attended and satisfied the requirements of a Board-approved Mediation training program; an approved training program shall provide at least (30) thirty hours of course work in Mediation process, resolving conflicts, farm finance negotiating, communications, issue and problem framing, final bargaining and agreement writing. The Board shall establish a listing of approved training programs and shall certify each mediator who has attended and satisfactorily completed the training requirements; and
- (ii) Individuals with dispute resolution experience at the time the Agriculture Mediation Act of 1987 as amended by the Agriculture and Natural Resource Mediation Act of 1998 was passed may petition the Board to become mediators under the act. The Board may approve such application on a case-by-case basis, and may specify areas of additional training which must be satisfied before the petitioner will be certified.
(b) In performing their duties, mediators shall: - (i) Under W.S. 11-41-105(b)(i) listen to the disputing Parties desiring to be heard;
- (ii) Attempt to mediate between the disputing Parties;
- (iv) Under W.S. W.S. W.S. 11-41-105(b)(iii) inform the disputing Parties as to the existence of available assistance programs;
- (v) Under W.S. W.S. W.S. 11-41-105(b)(v) assist disputing Parties in attempting to arrive at an agreement for the future conduct of working relations among them;
- (vi) Under W.S. W.S. W.S. 11-41-105(b)(vi) if requested by the Parties, assist in the preparation of a written agreement;
- (vii) Comply with all provisions of the Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Board; and
- (viii) Under W.S. W.S. W.S. 11-41-105(b)(ii) endeavor to create a climate conducive to the resolution of differences between the Parties.
(c) The Board will bi-annually review and renew the certificates of those mediators who have demonstrated satisfactory performance of their Mediation responsibilities as outlined in these rules.
(d) To be recertified, mediators will submit, with their request for recertification, evidence of at least eight (8) hours of additional training on Mediation process skills since their last certification.
(e) Certified mediators agree to act as mentors for others, when requested to do so by the Board. The Board, with consent of the Parties, may designate a person to act as an observer of a Mediation meeting.
(f) Certified mediators will provide a written statement outlining to the Board: - (i) The mediator's name, address, and phone number.
- (ii) A description of the mediators training in the Mediation process.
- (iii) A description of the mediators Mediation experience,
- (iv) A description of the mediator's Mediation style,
- (v) A description of those subjects for which the mediator is available,
- (vi) A description of mediator's fees.
- (vii) The date on which the written statement was prepared; and
- (viii) Any other information the mediator feels relevant.