1. On the one hand I must attempt to change the soul of individuals so that their societies may be changed. On the other I must attempt to change the societies so that the individual soul will have a chance. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

2. PEACEMAKERS

3. Problems of aggression in youth Propensity toward subsequent violent & aggressive acts including violent crimes More likely to perpetrate physical violence in intimate relationships Vulnerable to depression and anxiety Increased risk of chronic and persistent MH issues, including personality disorders

4. PEACEMAKERS Goals Prevent violence Improve interpersonal behavior among youth Positively change violence-related attitudes Train youth in conflict-related social skills, including anger management, unbiased social perception, conflict avoidance, problem-solving and assertiveness

5. PEACEMAKERS curriculum 17 lessons Delivered by teachers or other school personnel 45 minute lessons User-friendly

6. Helping our students become peacemakers Stop conflicts before they start – notice and reinforce positive, respectful behavior Manage conflicts when they cannot be avoided – remind students of problem solving steps If conflicts cannot be resolved, help students to walk away – redirect behavior

7. Research: Jeremy Shapiro, Ph. D. Students selected by teacher referral or as volunteers Informed consent 181 intervention students 75 comparison students 61% African American, 17% Hispanic, 57% female

8. Research Findings Pre/post Aggressive Behavior Checklist (ABC, Shapiro, 2000) Statistically significant difference between participant’s pre- and post- test scores (p<.001) Males demonstrated greater decrease in aggression between pre/post means May facilitate pro-social behaviors (e.g, helping others) May impact teacher perception (e.g., decrease in aggressive behaviors reported)

9. Research: Harrisburg, 2006 255 students, grades 4-8 181 intervention students 74 comparison students Informed consent 55% African-American, 13% Hispanic, 12% (White, Asian, Native American); 56% female ABC (Aggressive Behavior Checklist) self-report scale pre/post

10. Research Findings - Harrisburg Significantly lower levels of aggression intervention group vs. comparison group Males – greater decrease in aggression Comparison group – slight increase in levels of aggression

11. Study Conclusion PEACEMAKERS program has potential to reduce aggressive and violent behaviors and attitudes in school-aged children, while simultaneously increasing pro-social behaviors.

12. PEACEMAKERS, 2010-2011 Implement PEACEMAKERS in all Harrisburg sixth grade classes during first marking period co- facilitated by Guidance Counselor and classroom teacher