He began working for the center after graduating in 2008 with an undergraduate degree in communications.
Bundesen said he is gaining "universal skills" that will help him in any career path. He is leaning toward becoming a high school guidance counselor and hopes to go to graduate school.
"This is really a growing experience, instead of the fast track (to a career). I feel it was important for me," Bundesen said.
As an AmeriCorps volunteer, Bundesen receives a stipend to help pay for living expenses. He also works part time at Brewer's Alley in Frederick, Md.
The county community mediation center was founded in 2001 and has provided free services to those who live or work in Washington County, said Valerie Main, executive director. Mediation services are provided by volunteers who, like Bundesen, have completed extensive training.
The free training, which is offered in Washington County once a year, includes 50 hours of classroom training, followed by an apprenticeship phase of mediation observations and mediating with a more experienced mediator.
In exchange for training, volunteers are required to give back 100 hours of service through outreach, mediations, being a board member or helping with fundraising.
The center has about 65 active, trained mediators that mediate conflicts such as interpersonal disputes, neighborhood disputes, separation/divorce agreements, workplace conflict and elder care mediation. It is one of 18 such centers in Maryland that serve 22 of the state's 23 counties.
Mediators for the free, confidential service are chosen to "mirror" those involved, considering age, race and gender. For example, a teen mediator would be selected to help teens resolve conflict.
"It's a huge commitment helping people in conflict. We all believe in the process," Bundesen said.
While Bundesen has been involved with mediation, one of the main focuses of his job has been community outreach -- making presentations to organizations, law enforcement personnel and schools to raise awareness of the program.
"My role here is community education, to teach people what we do and how it helps their lives," Bundesen said.
The 2009 Basic Mediation training course begins in June. Anyone interested in taking the training may go to www.wccmc.org or call the Washington County Community Mediation Center at 301-665-9262.
