"Many minor arguments become deadly confrontations because many young people only know how to use violence to solve their problems. Conflict resolution education shows them another way".

~Former US Attorney General Janet Reno

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PEER MEDIATION

Peer mediation is a communication process in which a neutral third party (a trained student leader) helps their peers work together to resolve everyday disputes. Participation in peer mediation is both voluntary and confidential. Peer mediation provides schools with an alternative to customary disciplinary practices, such as suspension or detention. Trained students help their classmates identify the problems causing the conflicts and to find solutions. In peer mediation, it is not important who is right or wrong, but to teach the students how to get along. The peer mediator does not make a decision or come up with the solutions himself, but rather guides the students into coming up with their own ideas for possible solutions. Peer mediators ask questions for clarification and help the students identify ways to solve the conflict. It is critical in peer mediation that each student tells his or her own story and then feel as though someone understands his or her perspective.

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MEDIATION STEPS:

1. Each student tells his or her story
   
2. Discuss the stories
   
3. Come up with some solutions
   
4. Discuss the solutions
   
5. Agree upon a solution
   
6. Sign a contract