Those who know what mediation is are often people who have been exposed to it in a different jurisdiction or a different venue. Those who have experienced mediation in a different jurisdiction are generally attorneys with a cross-state practice and higher level insurance and other executives. Often they are delighted to see how well mediation can work in solving problems outside of their area of expertise and can become strong backers of the process. Attorneys can be taught to see mediation as a tool for better client satisfaction. Construction businesses need fast resolution and they need it the day before yesterday.
Education also includes training people how to participate in mediation and how to use the process.
At the initial stages it should not include providing training on how to be a mediator. Many programs have focused on selling mediator training and have derailed their efforts to establish mediation as more than a fad. Further, without a proper structure and market receptiveness, training mediators distorts the focus of a PADR and does not well serve the community. An initial program can lose site of dispute resolution. One of the most successful training programs for mediators refused to certify any mediator who had not done at least three pro bono mediations.