A Conflict Resolution Curriculum Peacekeepers A Conflict Resolution Curriculum

Why Peace? We are committed to values of Christian love. St. Lucy Filippini was a peacekeeper.  Our mission at VVA supports peace.  A peaceable classroom fosters greater learning opportunities. Learning, growth, and positive change come from learning how to keep peace. Peacekeeping skills can be used throughout your entire life.  The world needs more peacekeepers.

What is Conflict? Conflict is part of everyday life and is often referred to as a disagreement or an argument; it is usually seen to be a negative aspect of living. Conflict can, however, can and should help us to grow and learn if we choose to see it this way. Gaining a better understanding of what conflict is, and why it happens can help a person to resolve conflicts in a positive and productive way.

3 Types of Conflict Conflict over Resources: Conflict over Needs Two or more people want something that is in short supply Easiest to resolve Conflict over Needs We all have many needs: power, friendship, affiliation, self-esteem, achievement Trickier to resolve: reasons for them are less distinct Conflict over Values Beliefs we hold dear Most difficult to resolve Feel our whole sense of self is threatened Goals have great value and cause great conflict Distinctions are sometimes difficult to draw but labeling helps to resolve conflict.

Why does Conflict Occur? Competitive atmosphere: Working against one another instead of with one another Feeling compelled to win because losing means a loss in self-esteem Lack of trust in teacher and classmates Competition at inappropriate times Intolerant atmosphere: One that is unfriendly and mistrustful Factionalized Cliques form and scapegoating occurs Lack of support from classmates leading to loneliness and isolation Resentment of the accomplishments, possessions, and qualities of others

Why does Conflict Occur? Cont’d Poor communication fertile ground for conflict misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the intentions, feelings, needs, or actions of others need to learn how to express needs and wishes effectively afraid to express emotions no forum to express emotions and needs cannot listen to others do not observe carefully

Why does Conflict Occur? Cont’d Inappropriate expression of emotion out of touch with their feelings don’t know non-aggressive ways to express anger and frustration suppress emotions lack of self-control   Lack of conflict resolution skills parents and teachers may not how to teach these skills Our society rewards aggressive approaches (tv, movies, etc.) maturity level and stage of moral development are also factors

How do we handle Conflict? Creative Conflict Resolution does not try to eliminate conflict. That is neither possible nor desirable. Instead, it aims to reduce conflict and to help a person to deal more effectively and constructively with the conflicts that do occur. At all times we maintain the dignity of self and others. Get to the heart of the matter to gain understanding and compassion. Use words constructively and keep emotions in check.

Reframing Conflict Conflict is essential to life and is here to teach us, help us to grow, and fosters positive change. Functional Conflict serves a useful purpose and the results are positive. leads to improved relationships and a better understanding of others Dysfunctional Conflict authoritarian atmosphere is created winners and losers increase in negative, more violent interaction A person’s response to conflict determines whether it is functional or dysfunctional.

3 Ineffective and Common Strategies Respond aggressively: physical, verbal, non-verbal Seek the help of someone in power or stronger Ignore the situation – most common due to fear lack of energy to confront conflict no one is willing or available to support us with our conflict

Mediation: A Good Approach A mediator works to create peace when a conflict arises. She/he keeps the students focused on the facts and solutions in order to keep emotions from escalating. The goal is to provide a forum where students learn to use conflict resolution strategies on their own.

The VVA Approach Steps for Success Recognize there is a conflict that needs to be addressed. Meet with the Guidance Counselor or a teacher to work it out.   Facts First: Each student states what happened using only the facts. This keeps it short, to the point, and without name-calling or judgments.

The VVA Approach Steps for Success How do you feel? Next the students state how they feel, by using “I statements”, again without name-calling or judgments. Generate solutions The students come up with possible solutions to the problem where they both "win“

The VVA Approach Steps for Success Try it! Implement the chosen solution Check in! In a day or two, re-meet and discuss progress. Try again! Adapt or recreate a better solution and try again. Double check Meet again to see how it's going.  

Peacekeeper Philosophy   Our goal at VVA is to increase peace in our school by reducing conflict and by handling it immediately in a constructive manner. We would like to teach the girls how to handle conflict on their own by educating them about conflict and by providing them with an approach. We want to foster a non-competitive atmosphere in the classroom, one where the girls support each other and recognize one another's gifts and strengths. We want to promote tolerance for differences and develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others. It is very important that we all support this philosophy, keep a positive attitude in our classrooms regarding conflict, and foster the need for peace.

Peacekeeper Themes September: Peace October: Truth November: Gratitude December: Grace January: Kindness February: Love March: Empathy April: Compassion May: Tolerance June: Joy  

Resources for The Peacekeeper Curriculum Creative Conflict Resolution by William J.Kreidler Girl Wars by Cheryl Dellasega The Peace Education Foundation