Among the risk factors commonly associated with patterns of criminality is lack of attachment to the community or the presence of guiding role models for youth. As a result, mentoring programs have become a common and popular approach to crime prevention. Participants will discuss the important components of these programs and be exposed to mentoring programs undertaken by and for youth. Through this training, participants will learn methods for establishing effective programs that both target and employ youth. Using a creative curriculum, students will be taught conflict resolution techniques.
Conflicts often arise as a result of cultural biases and intolerance.
The Peacemaker initiative will address these issues and teach students how to resolve them before they escalate into violence. Students will learn and bring back to their communities the necessary skills to become successful peacemakers, including cooperation, bias awareness, communication, and the ability and willingness to solve problems. When students become accepting of other viewpoints and respectful of their peers, the need for conflict resolution is diminished. Peer Mediation Students will be trained in the skills necessary to conduct mediation, a form of conflict resolution. As part of their training, peacemakers will learn the negotiation and communication skills that are essential when their peers cannot settle issues amicably.