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A conflict exists when actions come into opposition. Conflict can occur within an individual, group, organization, institution, or nation. Conflicts can cross boundaries. They
can occur between individuals and institutions, and across cultures. How we manage or resolve conflicts is the central issue. Today, underlying the violence that surrounds our schools, neighborhoods and
communities are conflicts which have never been addressed or have been improperly resolved. Indeed in a diverse and complex society, Conflict Resolution Programs are much needed and an important component of all
schools. In the 60's and 70's this need was understood by the Quakers and peace activists. In the early 1980's, Educators for Social Responsibility examined alternative strategies of dealing with violence. The
Children's Creative Response to Conflict, the Community Board's Program, and the Peace Education Foundation were in the forefront of the movement. In 1984 the National Association of Mediation (NAME) was formed
which served as a clearinghouse for information and training for school- based conflict resolution programs. In 1983 the National Institute of Dispute Resolution (NIDR) was formed to promote the development of conflict
resolution tools and processes. Several types of programs have now emerged in schools of a collaborative and cooperative problem-solving approach involving processes such as negotiation, conciliation, mediation,
fact finding, and arbitration. The Gandhian method of conflict resolution, called "satyagraha", or truth force, is concerned with human needs and recognizes the importance of resolving the "conflict triangle": the
attitude, the behavior, and the goal incompatability itself. For Gandhi the desired outcome of a conflict is in the creation of a better social structure, and a greater degree of human unity.Needless to say, conflict
resolution is a creative process, and may use several of the above strategies. These strategies have been found to be more effective than aggresive adversarial confrontation, which produces "winners" and "losers."
Today, peer mediation, classroom mediation skill building programs, and violence prevention programs are gaining momentum in our schools. It is our obligation to address conflicts. It is
our obligation to prevent and transform violent conflicts. Let's create CIRCLES OF PEACE to break the cycle of violence. |
