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Positive Attitudes Coming Together (PACT)- A School-based Peer Mediation Program
CONFLICT AS AN OPPORTUNITY:
Conflict is a natural part of life. Although we cannot get through life without it, we do have options as to how conflict is dealt with. Young people have limited experience and often don't have the opportunity to learn about positive ways of dealing with conflict. The end results are the increasing time and energy spent disciplining students in our schools and the growing amount of violence in our communities. With the proper tools and support, young people can begin to see the opportunities for learning and for positive change that can result from conflict. Mediation is one of these tools.
WHAT IS PEER MEDIATION?
Peer Mediation is a method of resolving conflict based on the belief that young people can help young people. The process is voluntary, confidential, and is based on a cooperative format that can end with WIN/WIN solutions. Peer mediators work in pairs and have the role of helping the parties involved to communicate in a manner that leads to solutions that meet the needs of everyone involved.
COMMON STUDENT CONFLICTS:
Conflicts that arise between students are similar in schools everywhere. The following are common conflicts that can be successfully mediated:
 | Rumors |
| Threats |
| Name Calling |
| Relationship Problems |
| Friendship Problems |
| Fights |
STEPS IN THE MEDIATION PROCESS:
| OPENING: Setting ground rules & explaining the process. |
| GATHERING FACTS: Giving each party an opportunity to explain what happened and what the conflict is about. |
| VENTING FEELINGS: Giving each party an opportunity to express how they feel about the situation. |
| FINDING SOLUTIONS: Giving both parties an opportunity to brainstorm possible solutions. |
| FORMAL AGREEMENT: Helping both parties come to an agreement which will be written and signed. |
ROLE OF THE FACULTY:
Successful implementation of peer mediation programs begins with administrative and faculty support. This support must be based upon awareness and understanding of the program and it's goals. Continued faculty input is encouraged to maintain an effective program that works for every member of the school community.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT:
There are several options for faculty participation in the peer mediation program:
| Program Coordinator: Responsible for day-to day operation
of the program with the help from the Program Advisory Council (P.A.C.) | ||||||||||||
| P.A.C. Member: The P.A.C. will be made up of 3-6 interested
Faculty/Staff members, parents and community members. Responsibilities of the P.A.C.
might include:
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| Participating in Mediations: Agreeing to participate in
mediations with other teachers and students if appropriate. | ||||||||||||
| Making Referrals: Referring students to mediation when
appropriate and encouraging students to participate in the mediation process. | ||||||||||||
| Program Support: General awareness and support for the program. |
BENEFITS OF A PEER MEDIATION PROGRAM:
| The following are some benefits that result from a successful peer mediation program:
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