Alternatives to violence program at SB Charter
updated: Nov 06, 2009, 10:20 AM

Source: Santa Barbara Charter School

Goleta, CA - Beginning on November 9, 2009, Santa Barbara Charter Middle School students will be participating in a three-day conflict resolution workshop as part of their winter Social Studies curriculum. These workshops enable students to develop practical skills that they can use on a daily basis to transform conflict in their lives and promote peace-making in the school and within the community.

The program, "Alternatives to Violence" (AVP), is an initiative that began in 1975 as collaboration between inmates in Green Haven Prison and Quakers interested in working with youth gangs and teens at risk. The core mission of AVP is in "Transforming Power", a philosophy that encompasses the ideas of Respect for Self, Caring for Others, Thinking before Reacting, Expecting the Best, and Seeking a Non-Violent Solution.

Kate Connell, a trained AVP facilitator, is coordinating the initiative at the school. Connell, whose children have attended the school, knew the program would be a natural fit for the SBCS student community. "Kids enjoy expressing their own point of view instead of being talked at. This is not a lecture format. What I appreciate is that anyone can use these techniques in their interactions with others. It is fun and challenging. The activities encourage cooperation and spontaneous responses to difficult situations. Students use different names during role play exercises to help avoid any confusion between themselves and the role they are assuming."

Training in compassionate communication and non-violent problem solving is central to the Charter School philosophy and mission. Beginning in kindergarten, children participate in "appreciation and concern circles" learning to give voice to conflict, frustration and appreciation. They practice reflective listening and other conflict resolution skills on a daily basis. In 5th grade, students have the option to become "peacemakers." These are students who carry clipboards, wear special hats, and are available to students during recess and lunch to assist with conflict resolution. The AVP program is bringing an advanced level of communication and conflict resolution skills to teens in the Middle School.

The AVP initiative will begin on Monday, November 9 and run for three days. The expectation is that Middle School students who participate will become facilitators for workshops to the broader SBCS community through a spring 2010 elective.

Santa Barbara Charter School is a small K-8th public school of choice in the Santa Barbara School District whose mission is to cultivate learning in the areas of arts, academics, and relationships. Learning to be participants in the cooperative school community is a critical part of the curriculum. For more information on Santa Barbara Charter School, visit www.sbcharter.org.

Charter brings innovative conflict resolution initiative teens social studies class

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