Volunteer

If you want to apply after reading through our FAQ, email the Executive Director at shannon@nashvilleconflict.org to express your interest. If we feel that you meet preliminary requirements, you will be asked to complete a volunteer application and participate in an interview. Volunteer placements are limited based on program capacity and current need. Completing the application and interview does not guarantee placement. We will be in touch about availability when you apply. 

Yes. NCRC serves Davidson County and surrounding Middle Tennessee counties. The Civil Mediation program operates primarily in-person in Davidson, Warren, and Sumner County courts. Our Family Mediation program is generally virtual, but we still place volunteers who are based in Middle Tennessee. We are not currently able to place volunteers based outside of the region.

Not necessarily. We welcome both new and experienced mediators, however, all volunteers must complete Rule 31 training before volunteering, and specific programs have additional listing requirements. NCRC offers two volunteer tracks: the Trainee Mediator track for those newer to mediation and the Pro-Bono Mediator track for experienced mediators with 50+ hours who may move through our onboarding process more quickly.

All volunteers must complete Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 training before volunteering. The specific training required depends on which program you're interested in. The Civil Mediation program requires Rule 31 General Civil training, the Family Mediation program requires Rule 31 Family training as well as an active Rule 31 listing, and the Victim-Offender program requires Rule 31 Civil or Family training. Volunteers mediating with juveniles must also pass a background check. You must complete Rule 31 training to become a Rule 31 listed mediator.

To see the requirements of training go here: https://www.tncourts.gov/programs/mediation/become-rule-31-mediator

Volunteers sign up for individual sessions rather than have a fixed weekly schedule, but consistent participation is important to your development and the people we serve. NCRC expects an ongoing commitment. The full progression to solo mediation typically takes 12–18 months, with a minimum commitment of six months. All volunteers begin with at least three observation sessions before moving into co-mediation, with the expectation of leading sessions independently by 12 months. Experienced mediators may progress faster. Committing to the timeline does not guarantee placement at each stage. When you do sign up for a session, you should be prepared to show up reliably for the sessions you commit to, with at least two business days' notice if you need to cancel. 

NCRC runs three mediation programs. The Civil program provides mediation for Davidson, Warren, and Sumner County courts, handling landlord/tenant disputes, neighbor conflicts, creditor/debtors, and similar general civil matters. Sessions take place in person, Monday through Thursday mornings. The Family program serves parents and guardians working through custody arrangements, parenting plan modifications, and co-parenting disputes, primarily via Zoom. The Victim-Offender program is a restorative justice program addressing harassment, bullying, minor assault, and vandalism for both juveniles and adults, and takes place primarily in person. Across all programs, participants are predominantly pro-se (unrepresented) individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford mediation. 

Volunteers are held to NCRC's Code of Ethics and Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Standards of Conduct. This means maintaining confidentiality about all case information, avoiding conflicts of interest, and refraining from sharing personal contact information with participants. Mediators do not provide legal or financial advice to participants. General information about court procedures and referrals to partner organizations are appropriate. A professional, neutral attire and demeanor is expected. Business casual is required; blue jeans are not permitted in court settings.

NCRC provides structured onboarding, mentorship from experienced mediators, and regular feedback throughout the process. We also offer free Continuing Mediation Education (CME) through a Lunch & Learn series held every other month via Zoom, which counts toward maintaining your Rule 31 listing. Volunteers are responsible for maintaining their own active listing and CME requirements independently. Volunteers are asked to sign up for sessions at least one week in advance, arrive 15 minutes early, and notify your program director at least two business days ahead of any cancellation.