AG’s office seeking volunteer mediators

The attorney general’s office is seeking volunteers to work as consumer affairs specialists for the next year in the Consumer Protection Bureau’s mediation program.

The next training for new volunteers is scheduled for the weeks of Sept. 27 and Oct. 4.

The attorney general’s office started the consumer mediation program in 1992 to help resolve the thousands of complaints received annually concerning business practices affecting New Hampshire consumers, and consumers of New Hampshire products and services.

Volunteers handle issues ranging from small disputes concerning undelivered mail-order merchandise to disputes involving thousands of dollars over home improvement problems.

Adults of all ages are encouraged to apply. Volunteers will be asked to commit six hours a week for a year, and will receive approximately 20 hours of mandatory training.

Volunteers will learn how to provide information about consumer rights and responsibilities, and will mediate, by telephone and letters, complaints and disputes between businesses and customers.

To learn more, write to the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, Office of the Attorney General, 33 Capitol St., Concord, NH 03301-6397, call 271-3643, or go to www.nh.gov/nhdoj for a description of the program, an outline of volunteers’ duties, and an application form.

Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15.