Giving Back

Giving Back through our EMpower Program

Edwards Mediation Academy is dedicated to giving back by extending the highest quality mediation training to areas most in need.

Through our EMpower program, we provide grants and professional training to individuals and organizations working to establish mediation services in their underserved communities. EMpower projects are funded through proceeds from EMA, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting the global mediation community.

For more information about EMpower, contact us at (877) 927-1EMA

EMpower Projects Funded by EMA

Giving Back in Rwanda

In January, 2018, Edwards Mediation Academy awarded its 4th annual EMpower grant to help implement a pilot project to bring commercial mediation to the Rwandan Civil Justice system. Together with support from African Peace Partners and the JAMS Weinstein International Foundation, the program brought together judges, lawyers and business leaders for a 5 day mediation training course taught by Bruce Edwards. According to Chief Justice Sam Rugege, “We have been trying mediation in the last five years, but litigants and lawyers have in many cases underutilized it probably because judges, lawyers and registrars did not have adequate skills in modern mediation”. Program participants will continue their skill development in the months ahead making use of our online Mediation Skills course. EMA is proud to be part of this collaborative effort to bring mediation to Rwandan Commercial Courts.

Giving Back in India

February of 2017, EMA provided follow-up training (began in 2013) to mediators and judges in Bangalore, India with our colleagues at the Centre for Advanced Mediation Center (CAMP).

Giving Back in the United States

January 2017 EMA awarded its third annual EMpower grant to Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a DC-based nonprofit focused on solving social challenges through collaboration.

Giving Back in Rwanda

In January of 2017, EMA provided mediation training In Kigali, Rwanda to the leaders of the Justice Sector, the Chief Justice of the Country, judges, lawyers and mediators. We were also able to visit the Ihumura Peace Association, to which we provided our first grant at the end of 2015, and hear the testimonials of those that have benefited from Ihumura’s groundbreaking work (http://www.africanpeacepartners.org/ihumure-peace-association).

Giving Back in Mexico City

In May 2016, EMA provided training to judges, lawyers and practicing mediators in Mexico City, Mexico.

Giving Back in Rwanda

In December 2015, EMA awarded its first annual EMpower grant to the African Peace Partners, a US based non profit organization committed to supporting the Ihumure Peace Association in Rwanda.

EMA’s grant will help African Peace Partners develop a new peace center where the Ihumure volunteers, comprised of women & men, Christians & Muslims, Hutus & Tutsis, will provide community mediation services, workshops, and trauma recovery services for the local community.

Giving Back in Turkey

In Fall 2015, EMA provided training to business owners, mediators, attorneys and judges in Istanbul, Turkey