Annual Peacemakers Conference
The 2009 Oregon Peacemakers Conference is CANCELLED
In 2009, RNW would have been celebrating its 15th annual conference devoted to teaching youth conflict resolution and peacemaking skills. Due to the significant funding cuts we experienced this budget year, we have had to cancel the 2009 conference. We regret any inconvenience the cancellation may cause and especially regret not being able to provide this valuable opportunity for students this year. We are working hard to ensure that we will celebrate our 15th anniversary conference in 2010 and we will keep you posted as to our progress. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
The Oregon Peacemakers Conference
The Oregon Peacemakers Conference has been a collaborative partnership between Resolutions Northwest, public agencies, and private organizations to provide practical instruction and skills for middle and high school students in conflict resolution & peacemaking. Workshops are varied, with 45+ different topics such as relationship aggression, diversity, racism, human rights, youth empowerment, leadership, media influence on behavior, cultural and gender differences.
The conference is typically attended by over 400 middle and high school students from Oregon and Southwest Washington who want to learn more about nonviolent conflict resolution. Teachers, counselors and other adults accompany their students to the conference in support of their interest in peacemaking.
Most often, students have come as teams from schools with existing peer mediation or other conflict resolution programs or represent schools interested in student led peacemaking programs. Recognizing this, workshops are designed to help youth strengthen existing programs or incubate ideas that lead to the development of new programs.
The conference has also included the Oregon Peacemaker Awards, which are given each year to a student(s) or program which has shown exemplary peacemaking in their school and/or community. Students, teachers, administrators or community members may nominate a student for this award.
The conference is underwritten in part by generous donations from community foundations, businesses and individuals. In addition, a modest ($25/student) registration fee is charged to cover the cost of lunch and program materials. Limited scholarships are available for students in need. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please see our sponsorship packet.
For more information about the conference please contact betsy@resolutionsnorthwest.org or call 503.595.4890 x 102.
14th Annual Peacemakers Conference a Huge Success
On November 4, 2008 over 500 youth gathered to learn about peacemaking, conflict resolution, peer mediation, relationship aggression, diversity, racism, human rights, leadership, media influence on behavior, & cultural and gender differences. Representing 54 schools from across Oregon and Southwest Washington, these youth will use these skills as they strengthen their schools' current conflict resolution and peer mediation programs, or to start new programs. Commenting on the variety of innovative ideas shared one participant stated "I never really thought that you could learn about promoting peace, for example, through art."
RNW would like to thank our generous foundations, businesses and individuals who made this year's event possible: Juan Young Trust, Jubitz Family Foundation, Leupold & Stevens, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Oregon State Bar/Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, Collaboration Works, Inc., Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, and Parker L. Coddington.
