WHAT IS ABCs?

ABCs of Conflict is a 4-day training where educators will learn how to:

  • Develop and sustain a student-led peer mediation program

  • Learn how to facilitate community-building and harm-healing circles

  • Address implicit bias, bullying, and inter-group conflict

Choose between two skills-based tracks. These tracks, “Peacebuilding” and “Peacekeeping,” will enable participants to understand both the fundamentals of these skills and have an opportunity to practice and figure out how to implement these practices in their role and at their school. We cannot guarantee first choice based on space - there are only 40 people per track because the training is very participatory.

  • Peer and Adult Led Mediation for Students

    This training will focus on peer mediation and delve into both the theory and practices of Restorative Justice and conflict resolution education. Beginning with the theory of restorative justice, participants gain an understanding of the difference between restorative and punitive approaches, the large-scale impact of restorative justice, and the role of relational approaches in buying back classroom time. Participants will then learn how to create and implement their own peer mediation programs in their schools.

    Peer mediation affords students a private confidential setting to resolve their conflict, led by a trained peer. For participants, it reduces removals from classrooms for behavioral citations, physical aggression and altercations (before and after mediation), suspensions, and expulsions, while improving communication skills and academic performance. For mediators, it creates greater empathy for others and increased connection to school; improves academic performance; contributes to a more peaceful home life; and increases social and emotional competency. Teachers report that strong peer mediation programs increase their trust in the administration, students, and parents, and contribute to an overall positive school climate.

    The WJC will focus this training on student-led mediation and teacher-led mediation for students. This will be practice-based and give everyone the tools to be able to experience mediation in whatever setting they see fit. Our goal at the WJC is to equip the whole school community with this practice so that individuals can start engaging in new forms of dialogue and feel empowered when conflict arises.

  • Circles Track

    This training focuses on circle practice and delves into both the theory and practices of Restorative Justice and conflict resolution education. Beginning with the theory of restorative justice, participants gain an understanding of the difference between restorative and punitive approaches, the large-scale impact of restorative justice, and the role of relational approaches in buying back classroom time. Participants will then learn how to create and implement their classroom circles.

    Circle practice is rooted in indigenous practices that our ancestors have been using for millennia. Circles are a way of being in a community with one another where relationships and dialogue are at the center. This practice gives a different flow to the conversation and allows everyone the opportunity to face one another and create space for people who are typically unseen and unheard. Circles are a space for social-emotional engagement as well as instructional learning. Whether a student is leading a circle regarding uniforms on campus or a science teacher is conducting an instructional circle to focus on climate change, we have seen the impact of restructuring dialogue in this manner and the major impact it has on the school environment.

    The WJC will focus this training on the origins of circle practice and different manners to use circles in the classroom and all different forms of gatherings. This training will be practice-based and give everyone the tools to be able to conduct circles in whatever setting they see fit. Our goal at the WJC is to equip the whole school community with this practice so that individuals can start engaging in new forms of dialogue and feel empowered when conflict arises.

WHO IT’S FOR

ABC's of Conflict is designed for K-12 teachers, student leaders, counselors, administrators, school board members, after-school providers, parent-teacher organization leaders, youth development professionals, and others interested in bringing conflict resolution education to their school communities.

Bring a 3-4 person team from your school.

 

TESTIMONIALS

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Since 2009, educators from various schools and youth-serving organizations in the Los Angeles area have participated, including:

  • Ambassadors for Peace

    Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center

    Asian Youth Center

    Belmont High School

    Belvedere Middle School

    Blair Middle and High School

    Carson High School

    Cleveland High School

    Clinton Middle School

    Corona Ave Elementary School

    Dolores Mission School

    Esteban Torres High School

    First Step Upward

    Hollywood High School

    I-Poly High School

    John Muir High School

    Kennedy High School

    Laurel Hall School

    Leadership in Entertainment and Media Arts High School

    Los Angeles Academy Middle School

    Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission

    Lycée International de Los Angeles

    Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science School

    Marina Del Rey Middle School

    Miller High School

    Narbonne High School

    Nueva Vista Elementary School

    Outward Bound Adventures, Inc.

    Pasadena High School

    Pasadena Unified School District Welcome Center

    Rose City High School

    San Marino High School

    Social Justice Schools Global Issues Academy at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School

    Teen Futures

    The Peace and Justice Academy

    Thomas Starr King Middle School

    Toluca Lake Elementary School

    U.S. Grant High School

    Village School

    We Teach Parents