School Peacebuilders is designed to improve communication and conflict management skills, foster a sense of leadership, and reduce violence due to conflict. The program teaches students to:
- Analyze the sources and dynamics of conflict,
- Consider appropriate responses to conflict,
- Identify underlying needs,
- Improve listening and communication skills, and
- Practice conflict resolution processes.
Western Justice Center (WJC) currently provides technical assistance to several PUSD elementary, middle and high schools, as well as to schools in the greater Los Angeles area. We provide training for students, teachers, staff, administrators, security officers, and school police, as well as design peer mediation and dialogue programs.
Program Results
Researchers from California State University Northridge (CSUN) conducted an independent evaluation of WJC’s youth-based conflict resolution programs. They noted the following impact by audience:
- Teachers and school staff indicated significantly less violence due to conflict than there was before the conflict resolution training. In addition, fewer incident reports were referred to the administration.
- Students noted that the training increased their skills in active listening and teamwork; in addition, they noticed they used mediation skills with their families and non-school friends.
- Parents observed that the training had a significant impact on their child’s willingness to speak out against bullying, to listen carefully, and to pay attention to their environment.
School and Youth Peacebuilders Evaluation Report
Sponsors and Donors: School Peacebuilders Programs are provided at no cost to participants; however, it costs about $30,000 per school to run the program. The financial support of sponsors and donors allows students and educators to be trained as peacebuilders. Please help WJC raise enough funds to build upon this program and replicate its success in helping to reduce school-based conflicts.