Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution Programs
Since 1993, PDRC has trained thousands of students, teachers, administrators and parent volunteers in public, private and religious schools. Conflict is inevitable in schools, but student disputes can be turned into opportunities for learning conflict resolution skills, to help:
– Decrease fighting and referrals to the principal’s office.
– Help students take responsibility for solving their problems.
– Improve self-confidence in students.
– Allow teachers to teach more and discipline less.
– Give students and staff life-long problem solving and communication skills.
Peer Mediation Training: A core group of students representing a cross-section of the school, chosen by their peers and school staff, are trained to mediate disputes which arise in schools. Students trained as mediators help their peers work through such common issues as peer conflicts, racial tension, clique rivalry, poor sportsmanship, and gossip.
Peer Mediation Program In-Service and Consultation:
This workshop and/or consultation is designed for administrators, guidance counselors and teachers. The focus is on organizing and implementing a successful school peer mediation program. Participants also learn practical conflict management principles such as separating the person from the problem, power dynamics and communication and listening skills.
Peace Builders’ Program
Drawing from the work of folk songwriter Peter Yarrow’s Don’t Laugh At Me curriculum, this program introduces communication, anger management, cultural sensitivity, and conflict resolution skills. It is designed to be implemented in after-school programs and group settings. This program can be tailored for Pre-K through high school. It is useful for D.A.R.E. or other drug prevention programs and for character-building programs.
Customized Programs
Programs can be tailored to a school’s, classroom’s, youth group or organization’s specific needs and interests on a variety of topics focusing on anger management, negotiation skills, resolving conflict between parents and teachers, communication and conflict resolution.
Mediation Services
As in any workplace or business conflict in schools can be a costly and time-consuming concern be it conflict between two staff or between school personnel and a parent. With mediation, each person or party has the opportunity to express their concerns and be heard by the other party. Once all concerns have been voiced, the mediator can help parties find a resolution that works for everyone involved, ending the conflict and potentially strengthening the existing relationship. Mediation services for schools may include:
– Issues Between School Personnel
– Employee and Supervisor Disputes
– Parent/Teacher Disputes
– Sports-Related Disputes
– Truancy Mediation
– Student Internship Opportunities
Numerous colleges and universities have used the Center as a site for student interns in the Fall and Spring Semester as well as during the summer months. While interning at PDRC, interns are provided the opportunity to:
· Work within the court system
· Work one-on-one with clients
· Perform case management duties such as intake interviews, screening for appropriateness, referring case to other agencies, and scheduling mediation sessions
· Assist with various special projects related to running a non-profit organization
To set up a student internship please e-mail, lawrie.pdrc@verizon.net or call 540-347-6650.