Individuals or organizations may become affiliated with the Association by their demonstration of support. They shall be called “Friends of the Texas Association of Mediators.”

CANDIDATE FOR MEMBERSHIP: (Dues $45.00 per year)

Individuals who have satisfied the education and training requirements for membership, but lack the necessary hours of experience, may become affiliated with the Association as a Candidate for Membership.

(Candidates and Friends receive our newsletter, invitations to meetings and events, and reduced registration rates.)

MEMBERS: (Dues $75.00 per year)

Members must have all of the following minimum education experience, mediation training and certification qualifications or equivalent. If the applicant is engaged in the mediation of family law disputes, an additional 24 hours in those areas is required by state law, from a training program recognized by the Association. Your membership will remain in “candidate” status until these requirements are fulfilled.

EDUCATION:

(a) A graduate degree from an accredited college, university, or law school, or

(b) An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE:

(a) If applicant has a graduate degree, two years of experience in the applicant’s field of practice and one hundred hours of documented mediation experience.

(b) If applicant has an undergraduate degree, four years of experience in the applicant’s field of practice and one hundred hours of mediation experience.

TRAINING IN MEDIATION:

(a) Forty classroom hours of mediation theory, skills, and process from a training program recognized by the Association;** and

(b) If the applicant is engaged in the mediation of family law disputes, an additional twenty-four hours in those areas required by state law from a training program recognized by the Association. The hours of family law must be from a Texas trainer and must be specific to Texas law.

**ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS: In exceptional cases, applicants may be admitted to membership upon their request to submit alternative qualifications or to have a requirement waived. This will be considered when the applicant has demonstrated exceptional commitment and merit in the field of mediation. Such exceptions shall be reviewed on an individual basis by the Membership Committee and shall be approved by a three quarter vote of the full Board of Directors. (If requesting admission under this section, submit a detailed statement of the alternative qualifications claimed and the reason for requesting waiver of the standard requirements.)