Project PEACE
PEACE (Peaceful Endings through Attorneys, Children and Educators)
is a peer mediation training program sponsored by the Indiana
Department of Education, Indiana State Bar Association and
the Office of the Attorney General.
Project PEACE is aimed at reducing conflicts and violence
in schools by teaching children how to discuss and mediate
their disagreements. The children become active participants
in controlling disruptive behavior in their classroom by taking
the role of mediator.
The objective of Project PEACE is to neutralize minor conflicts
before they become explosive confrontations, which often lead
to violent acts. It teaches children who are still in their
formative years how to alter their behavior and control their
anger.
Project PEACE is designed to teach students interpersonal
communications skills, which promote understanding, problem
solving, critical thinking and increased self-esteem -- positive
qualities children need to become responsible adults.
See: Dispute
Resolution for Children: a Three-Year Study
The role of the attorney in Project PEACE
One of the unique aspects of Project PEACE as a dispute resolution
program in schools is its use of a volunteer attorney to work
with the schools. Attorneys are invited to serve as mediation
role models. Their role in this process is left to the individual
attorneys and schools to decide upon, with possibilities including
discussion of law-related education with students and staff,
assisting in the training of the peer mediators, familiarizing
parents through PTO meetings with mediation and encouraging
community support. As part of the school's PEACE team the
attorney will help facilitate the implementation of Project
PEACE at her or his assigned school. Many volunteer attorneys
take on additional duties depending on the needs of the school.
Role of Attorney:
The Role
of the PEACE Attorney (PDF brochure)
An
Attorney's Perspective: Growing through Project PEACE
Video Presentation
A brief video presentation on Project PEACE is online at
http://ideanet.doe.state.in.us/media/video/studentservices/.
This is a short informational clip about the program and its
history.
If you would like to become involved in Project PEACE or
want more information please e-mail the ISBA director of law-related
education, Ann Palmer, at apalmer@inbar.org.
Project PEACE information for schools
Elementary and middle schools interested in applying for
the 2001 Project PEACE training can visit the Indiana Department
of Education, Office of Student Services Web site, http://www.doe.state.in.us/publications/sservices_projpeace.html.
You may also contact Kelly Dunn at the Office of Student Services
at 317/232-9136 or e-mail kdunn@doe.state.in.us.
Schools may also participate in the online PEACE Discussion
Group set up by the Indiana Department of Education. This
Web site is to be used to voice concerns, ask questions, pass
on helpful PEACE program information, network with other PEACE
schools, etc. Log on to http://ideanet.doe.state.in.us/htbin/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Project+PEACE&number=9&DaysPrune=45&LastLogin=
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