Peer Mediation (ages 12 to 18): This onsite 16-hour course trains young people how to mediate issues between their peers so they can become active participants in the peacemaking efforts within their environment. A peer mediation program can be established at Middle and High Schools, Community Organizations and Neighborhood Recreational sites. Our training includes onsite program implementation whenever appropriate to ensure program sustainability.
Peace Corner (ages 5 to 11): A Peace Corner is a space within a classroom or recreational area designed specifically for conflict resolution. This onsite 8-hour training teaches children how to use the peace corner effectively to help themselves as well as their peers resolve conflict issues in a peaceful way. A Peace Corner can be established at Elementary Schools, After-School Programs and Neighborhood Recreational sites.
Conflict Resolution Workshop (all ages): Our customized conflict resolution workshops deal with topics such as conflict styles, communication skills, brainstorming techniques, diversity, mentoring and parent-teen relationships. They usually last between 1 to 2 hours and can be taught independently of each other, depending on your organization’s specific needs.
Gang Prevention & Intervention: Unmanaged youth conflict can increase the risk of substance abuse, gang-related activity, dropout levels, and low self-esteem among youth. We are currently working in Virginia Beach -- holding workshops that target youth that have displayed gang-related activity. These workshops help youth realize the decisions they make, how they can mend broken family relationships, and realize actions that can help them obtain their goals. These workshops are also accompanied by family mediations, in hopes to improve family communication and repair family relationships.
Developing Youth Peacemakers - Staff Workshop: This onsite 3-hour course trains staff how to implement peer mediation and peace corner programs at their organization. The course includes the latest information on how to best engage and empower young people to become part of the peacemaking process in their community.
Conflict Resolution & Anger Management Training : Our Conflict Resolution & Anger Management Training, which is held in Virginia Beach, teaches young people ages 12-18 how to develop strong conflict resolution and mediation skills. Our training is interactive and based on the specific needs of referred youth. Skills taught include: definition of conflict and violence, individual conflict styles, listening skills, I-messages, paraphrasing, dealing with anger, identifying personal needs and stress management.
How does mediation training benefit youth?
Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation teach kids that it is possible to develop positive and powerful relationships with others, instead of violent and coercive ones. Meaningful relationships are based on honest and clear communication, not on power!!!
Peer Mediation trainers become positive role models in the lives of kids who often don’t have a trusted adult to lean on. The ability to trust is essential for kids to develop in a healthy manner.
Peer Mediation training emphasizes the positive aspects of kids – their ability to make good choices, their capacity to empathize with their peers and their desire to live in an environment where conflict is dealt with in a peaceful manner, instead of using violence.
Peer Mediation training teaches kids not to be simple observers in life, but actual contributors who can truly make a difference in the world! Therefore, peer mediation training offers kids an opportunity to become an active member of society!
Why should you want a conflict resolution program?
Did you know that almost 30% of youth in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both? According to the University of Virginia, 100,000 students carry a gun to school and 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month. In one local high school, CMC's records show that 49% of students said they have used physical violence to solve a conflict, that 35% do not feel safe in their school and 51% see violence more than once a week at their school
Think about the last fight you or your teen had...it probably wasn't that long ago. Rumors, name calling, threats, and issues dealing with personal property are just some of the common causes of conflict among young people. Unless these disagreements are resolved, conflicts build with harmful consequences such as hurt feelings, lost friends, or more serious violence. Peer mediation is a process that helps reduce conflicts and fighting. It is an option you can choose instead of name calling, yelling, or letting conflicts grow until they explode into violence. Communities with Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation Programs find they have fewer conflicts. When conflicts do occur they are usually resolved more quickly and more easily. Another plus is the more positive, productive, and more peaceful atmosphere.
How does conflict resolution work?
Trained mediators help peers work out their differences for a Win/Win Situation!
Peer mediators guide the process.
An atmosphere of communication and cooperation brings mutual respect, which is another building block for a strong community.
A mediator is NOT a judge and does not take sides in the argument. Rather, they keep information confidential, remain neutral, and help those in conflict come to an agreement.
Gang Intervention
Community Mediation Center is the only non-city agency involved in Virginia Beach's Changes Program - Gang Prevention & Intervention. Our Gang Intervention partnership with Virginia Beach includes a 24 week program, and the program has been offered 3 times.
Before entering the program, the teens are recommended by a community member, judge or probation officer. Then they participate in a screening process to asses their interest and commitment, and to get their parent(s) involved. Through the program they participate in workshops & they also have the opportunity to do a parent-teen mediation, aimed at repairing broken trust, damaged relationships.
The teens learn about anger, conflict styles, and spend a lot of time trying to understand why they need to change their current life path, identifying what’s missing in their lives, and preparing themselves for success in the next few weeks as they learn how to change.
We are so proud of the participants. Here are our most recent results!
100% of kids who just completed the program felt it made a significant positive difference in their lives
100% of kids stated their gang activity had completely stopped, even if they still talk/hang out with the same group of people in their neighborhood
100% are currently enrolled in school (or GED program) and doing better than they were before they started the program
100% of kids state they learned how to handle conflict in positive ways, and feel better prepare to deal with problems
100% of kids state they have a better relationship with their mothers than before program started
1 young man now plans to become a parole officer, so he can help others that might find themselves in the same situation he was in before the program
100% of kids would recommend the program to others
The program is open to all high school students in Hampton Roads. If you have completed peer mediation training through your high school, then you are automatically enrolled. If you have not, then just send us an email and we will get you signed up!
Teens should know...
We don't always create the conflicts that enter our lives, but we can always choose how to respond to those conflicts.
Good listening skills are important! Remember to keep eye contact, listen without interrupting, avoid giving your opinion or criticizing the person you are listening to, and always validate the person's feelings.
Make a commitment not to contribute to violence in any way. Do not bully, tease, or spread negative gossip about others. Respect others and value differences. Try to broaden your social circle to include others who are different from you.
Learn about ways to resolve arguments and fights without violence and encourage your friends to do the same. Many schools, churches, and after school programs offer training in conflict resolution skills.
The VCRC wanted to include one poem on Peace, that really makes you think. Our hope is that more people will give resolve their differences in a peaceful manner , or at least think more about it.
He looked me in the eye And then he told me his heart He said I cry like you cry And I'm afraid of the dark
He said I'd like to put this gun down And go home today But it seems
That war won't go away.
He said, I bleed like you bleed And it tears me apart I need to know, Where does peace start?
He said I cry like you cry As I watch your flag fly
He looked me in the eye and he told me his heart And then he said, Where does peace start?
Don't Get Left Behind!
Spring forward this April into Youth Services. As the weather begins to change, think of all the ways that you can be involved with what VCRC Youth Services is doing. Participate in our Hoops for Hope Basketball Tournament while learning about the environment and how you can do your part at home or come visit us at Norfolk State University's diversity fair and learn how we are encouraging culture and diversity. And as usual, you can take our certification training to be an actual volunteer trainer at many of our regular programs such as Peer Mediation or Anger Management. Spring is blooming and its time to smell the sweet aroma of what Youth Services has to offer.
Thanks for reading!
Mimi Mitchell
Youth Services Coordinator
Peacemaker Press Writer
Past Events
Princess Anne Peer Mediation Training
We visited Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach where we trained some of their International Baccalaurate Diploma Program students to be Peer Mediators in their school. With the help of the VCRC and Princess Anne High School counselor Sheila Gorham, the students can now be the peacekeepers in their school and help other students like them, handle conflicts peacefully.
Junior Achievement Success Skills Seminar
In partnership with Junior Achievement the VCRC went to Chesapeake Bay Academy to help facilitate a seminar in each of the schools 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade classes. We discussed conflict and how to handle it in the workplace with each student. This was added to the 16 success skills that the students need to have and develop so that they may be successful in their professional lives. The seminar turned out to be great.
United Way Dancing with our Stars
Diane Arnold, our own Mediation Services Director, participated in this worthwhile event that helped raise money for United Way and brought substantial attention to the center. Diane worked for 2 months on her dance for the women's smooth competition and on Saturday March 20th, gracefully danced her way to first place! Way to go Diane!
Conflict Resolution & Anger Management
On March 15, 22 and 29 we went to the Oceanfront Library in Virginia Beach where we delivered our Conflict Resolution and Anger Management Workshop. We trained 5 young women from different schools on listening skills, i-messages, how to deal with anger and stress management. The young women have stated they feel much better going out and handling their anger with conflicts in the future.
Keep Norfolk Beautiful Day
On Saturday March 27th we had volunteers come in to celebrate the Great American Clean-Up by working with us to "Keep Norfolk Beautiful". We partnered with Suburban Acres Civic League to work cleaning the streets on our adopted street Virginian Drive as well as a low income areas in the neighborhood. Volunteers also worked and planted flowers in our peace garden. It was a worthwhile event that everyone looks forward to particpating in next year.
Women's Wellness Celebration
On Saturday March 20th, in partnership with A. Reddix and Associates, a healthcare consulting firm, we co-sponsored the women's wellness celebration, a conference all about the healthy well-being of women. We were out there in full force, doing workshops on bullying, anger and stress management, generational communication and positive parenting. The event went well and all those attended felt they learned alot about themselves and what they can do to live better, healtier lives.
Upcoming Events
Hoops for Hope
Saturday April 24th 11:00am - 6:00pm & Sunday April 25th 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Alliance Christian School
5809 Portsmouth Blvd. Portsmouth, VA 23703
The center is hosting a 3 on 3 basketball tournament on April 24th and April 25th. Divisions are from 9 years old to adult. Teams are allowed a maximum of 4 players. Registration is $50 a team which includes a t-shirt for each player, guaranteed two half court games and referees for all games. There will also be a 3-point shooting contest and a free throw contest for a $10 entry fee. As part of the Global Youth Service Day initiative, the center will also be collecting household hazardous wastes such as old batteries, ink cartridges and electronics so they may be disposed of properly to help the environment. If you would like to participate in the tournament or get more information, please contact Mimi Mitchell - maerinem@conflictcrushers.org
Registration packets can also be downloaded from our website: www.vaconflictresolution.org under the "Support Us" tab.
Anger Management Open Enrollment
Wednesday April 14th 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Virginia Conflict Resolution Center
Do you or someone you know have anger issues, or maybe they just don't have a good grasp on their emotions? This is an open invitation to learn great conflict resolution and anger management skills that can be used in any situation. This is a four hour training, much shorter than our regular training offered however, you still gain all the important skills that you will need to make any conflict situation better. For more information, please contact
Mimi Mitchell - maerinem@conflictcrushers.org
Culture Fair 2010
Wednesday April 7th 12noon - 2:00pm
Norfolk State University
We will be hosting an information table at Norfolk State University's Culture Fair as part of their Culture Week. The purpose is to expose students to cultures that may be different from their own and give them an opportunity to learn about some of the cultural organizations that Hampton Roads has to offer. Come out and learn about diversity and perception from our table! For more information please contact Kim Graham - kimg@conflictcrushers.org
Peer Mediation Open Enrollment
Saturday April 17th 9:00am - 5:00pm & Sunday April 18th 9:00am - 1:00pm
Virginia Conflict Resolution Center
Are you interested in becoming a Peer Mediator? Would you like to be a peacekeeper in your school, afterschool program or recreational activity? Then, this is for you. Come learn the skills you need to be a part of the peacemaking process in your community. For more information
Conflict Resolution & Anger Management Workshop
Mondays April 19th, April 26th and May 3rd 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library
This is a six hour training for youth referred to us for Anger Management. They learn the skills on how to handle their anger as well as the skills to use when dealing with future conflicts. For more information, please contact Mimi Mitchell - maerinem@conflictcrushers.org
Conflict Resolution News
Peace in the Mind
According to Rev Dr. Mark Lee Robinson if you want a more peaceful world you have to first rethink the way you see conflict. His new book, "Just Conflict: Transformation through Resolution" depicts a step by step program guide for creative conflict resolution by teaching readers to:
Remain calm when facing conflict
See clearly what the conflict is about and where it is coming from
Address the conflict creatively and assertively
Create what you need without expecting others to change
The book goes beyond negotiation, mediation and diplomacy by stating that "peace starts with how we think about conflict". The book is filled with inspiring stories of actual people who have faced conflict recognizing "the first step of the journey to world peace begins at home". "Just Conflict" seems like a good read for all because if "we resolve conflict creatively, we become happier individuals and better spouses, workers and citizens".
United Way Dancing with our Stars
On Saturday March 27th we had volunteers come in to celebrate the Great American Clean-Up by working with us to "Keep Norfolk Beautiful". We partnered with Suburban Acres Civic League to work cleaning the streets on our adopted street Virginian Drive as well as a low income areas in the neighborhood. Volunteers also worked and planted flowers in our peace garden. It was a worthwhile event that everyone looks forward to particpating in next year.
