Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County
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Upcoming Trainings

Upcoming Trainings

If cost is a barrier for any of our trainings, please contact Training Team for payment options.
 

40-Hour Professional Mediation Training

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Next Offering

January 2026
(ONLINE)

Date:
Time:
January 15th - 17th & 22nd - 24th
Thursdays:
1:00PM -5:00PM PST
Fridays & Saturdays:
​8
:30AM - 5:30PM PST
Register Today!
View full list of 40-hour Trainings 2026 upcoming offerings
More 40-hour Trainings
Course Description
This training course is for anyone who wants to help others solve conflicts more peacefully, build relationships with neighbors, co-workers and friends, strengthen professional skills, or become a certified mediator with the DRC. Over the course of 40 hours, you will learn the philosophy, process, and practice of a neutral facilitator. The concepts and skills taught are easily transferable and are designed to improve communication in all settings. ​


​*Cost: $700
​ 
*Does not include WA state sales tax

Credits Offered:
  • 33 Continuing Legal Education credits with a $25 processing fee.
  • 40 clock hours for Washington State Educators with a $20 processing fee.

"I am amazed that 40 hours of Zoom training could be so effective at both nurturing and imparting skills, and at demonstrating the potential of this work to change lives in our community."
~Michael Furze, Washington State Dept. of Commerce
"This training is transformative. It will shape my future communication style, my ability to be self-aware, and my skill in resolving conflicts by identifying values and common ground between conflicting individuals and helping them to communicate and come to resolution on their own."
 ~Rachel Homchick, The Evergreen State College

Impactful Conversations: Giving & Receiving Feedback

Course Description 
Join us for this interactive training where we'll dive into the art of providing and accepting feedback. You'll learn intentional communication practices that build trust, accountability, and clarity.

Participants will explore the barriers to effective feedback, how culture and identity shape feedback experiences, and practice delivering and receiving feedback in a way that promotes growth and mutual respect. This session focuses on shifting feedback from a dreaded obligation to a valued practice
​​
​*Cost: $75
*Does not include WA State Sales tax
​
​Learning Objectives
  • Learn frameworks for giving effective, equity-centered feedback.
  • Understand how culture, identity, and power affect feedback dynamics.
  • Practice giving and receiving feedback in high-stakes and everyday scenarios.
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Next Offerings

January 2026
(ONLINE)
​Date:
January 27th
​Time:
8:30am - 12:30pm PST
To learn more about this training visit Event Page
Register Today!
View full list of Impactful Conversations: Giving & Receiving Feedback 2026 upcoming offerings
Impactful Conversations: Giving & Receiving Feedback

Clash to Conversation: Finding Connection Beyond Conflict

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Next Offerings
​February 2026
​
(ONLINE)
Date:
February 5th
​Time:
8:30am- 12:30pm PST
To learn more about this training visit Event Page
Register Today!
View full list of Clash to Conversation: Finding Connection Beyond Conflict 2026 upcoming offerings
Clash to Conversation: Finding Connection Beyond Conflict
Course Description
Disagreements are inevitable—but they don’t have to become battles. In this highly interactive workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies to transform conflict into meaningful dialogue.

Through real-life scenarios, role plays, and civil communication tools, you’ll practice staying calm under pressure, expressing yourself clearly, and listening with respect. Walk away with the confidence to turn clashes into conversations that build understanding, strengthen relationships, and move things forward.

​​*Cost: $75
*Does not include WA State Sales tax

Learning Objective:
  • Recognize one’s own triggers when in disagreement
  • Practice skills to stay civil while holding your perspective
  • Apply frameworks for dialogue vs debate in live role plays
  • Leave with strategies to use in real conversations​

Culture & Power: In Communication & Conflict
Course Description
In this training, we go beyond surface-level communication to explore the deeper forces that shape how conflict unfolds: culture and power. Through interactive exercises and reflective dialogue, participants will examine how identity, positionality, and cultural context affect communication styles, conflict responses, and perceived credibility.

This training is designed for anyone working within a diverse team or hierarchical power dynamic, as well as those serving a diverse population. We’ll offer tools for naming and navigating power dynamics—even when they’re invisible—and for fostering communication that honors difference while still getting the work done!

​​*Cost: $75
*Does not include WA State Sales tax

Learning Objective:
  • Identify how culture and identity influence communication styles and conflict responses.
  • Understand the role of power (formal and informal) in shaping workplace interactions.
  • Practice naming and interrupting invisible dynamics that impact equity in conflict.
  • Develop a framework for assessing how cultural norms and power imbalances show up in real-time situations.
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Next Offerings
​February 2026
​
(ONLINE)
​Date:
Tuesday, February 10th
​Time:
8:30am - 12:30pm PST
To learn more about this training visit Event Page.
Register TOday!
View full list of Culture & Power: In Communication & Conflict 2026 upcoming offerings
Culture & Power: In communication & Conflict

Conflict Crash Course

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Next Offerings
February 2026
Date:
Saturday, February 21st
Time:
9:00am - 1:00pm PST
This training is hosted by Olympia Parks & Recreation, visit the catalogue to register.

The link to register will not be available until catelogue is released.
Resgister Today!
​View full list of Conflict Crash Course upcoming offerings
More Conflict Crash Course
Course Description
Navigating the conflicts in our lives with integrity, civility and respect for oneself and others. It is fundamental to maintaining healthy relationships and building a civil society.

This 4-hour training will provide you with concrete skills and practice that you can use in your day-to-day life in any setting:
  • Improve communication
  • Enhance relationships
  • Manage conflict
  • Prevent escalation

​Cost: $49

We emphasize both group collaboration and personal empowerment to resolve conflict and we recognize that our values are informed by our histories, experiences, and cultural backgrounds.

Department of Enterprise Services Trainings 

Prevent and Resolve Workplace Conflict
Course Offerings
Communicate to Connect: Skills for a Healthy Workplace
Conflict Happens! Skills to Move Forward
Conflict De-escalation: How to Respond when Emotions Run High
Facilitating Effective Meetings
Leading Effective Meetings
Collaborative Negotiations
​
If you belong to one of the following groups, you may be eligible to register for one of our communications course offerings through DES:
  • Washington State Agencies
  • Tribes
  • Higher Education Institutions
  • Public Agencies
  • 501(c)(3) Nonprofits​ ​​​
More Information

Training Policies

Discounts 
Group discounts are available for multiple registrants from the same organization. 
Discounts are also available for active DRC volunteers, groups, partner faith communities, and mediators trained at other DRCs. 

Cancellation Policy
Full refunds available for cancellations received 7 or more days prior to the first day of training. 50% credit for cancellations received less than 7 days prior to the first day of training. No refund for cancellations received on or after the first day of training. Credit may be used for future training. Please contact us for more information. 

Questions?
Contact Leah Rietema with questions about registration, discounts and cancellations. 

Affordable solutions for resolutions.

Contact Us
We empower people to restore and build relationships.
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VOLUNTEER PORTAL
​2604 12th Court SW, Suite B
Olympia WA 98502

PO Box 6184
Olympia WA 98507

Hours
Monday–Friday 9am–4:30pm
ERP Program: Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm

Federal Tax ID: 94-3130662
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Contact US     (360) 956-1155

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Our Business & Community Partners

The generous support of our business and community partners helps make the work of the DRC possible.
Please support these organizations that support peace in our community.
WSECU
The Chehalis Tribe
Hhotel RL
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Goldstein Law Office
Coldwell Banker
Titus-Will
Olympia Federal Savings
Heritage Bank
Twin Star Credit Union
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Our Affiliate Partners
Local, state-wide and national.
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