Youth Conflict Resolution Programs

RNW was conceived and established to provide constructive conflict resolution services and education to the Greater Portland community.  A focus on youth has always been integral to this mission. In 1994, RNW implemented its peer mediation program in area schools and in 1995 developed and sponsored the first Oregon Peacemakers Conference for middle and high school students. In 1998, RNW merged with the County's Youth and Family Mediation Program which utilized trained youth mediators in its program. In 2008, RNW merged its family and youth programs and redistributed resources to be able to hire a Youth Mediation Specialist. This position is charged with enhancing RNW's youth programs and activities.   The emerging program focus on youth conflict prevention includes the following programs.

Peer Mediation Program:  Resolutions Northwest (RNW) is committed to supporting schools seeking to implement peer mediation programs. Let's face it: children listen to their peers; teens listen to other teens. Peer mediation can be a successful approach to empowering youth to manage their own interpersonal conflicts in a positive and non-violent manner. These programs provide a unique opportunity for diverse students to develop and use effective communication and problem-solving skills in real-life settings. The outcomes of the peer mediation programs are to:

  • create a safe and welcoming school/organizational environment
    • improve interpersonal and inter-group relations
  • assist in reducing school/organizational conflicts and violence, especially when part of a comprehensive violence prevention plan

RNW works closely with school staff to provide a two day peer mediation training (8-20 hour training, depending on the age group) for up to 25 students. In addition, RNW comes back to your school to provide three 1 hour follow-up skill building sessions for the students. A successful program depends on a commitment on the part of the school to identify and support a Peer Mediation Program Coordinator for ongoing day-to-day operations. RNW provides that person with helpful tips and problem-solving consultation when needed.

Conflict Resolution Groups:  The greatest benefit of implementing a Conflict Resolution Skills Group in your school or organization is that it equips youth with tools to deal with the conflict that they are inevitably going to come up against. RNW's goal is to encourage youth to really dig deep within themselves, process their life situations, and grow from those experiences. By helping them develop conflict resolution skills, they will not only be empowered to work through their own problems; they will also become proactive leaders in helping others resolve conflicts as well.

Conflict resolution groups aim to increase:

  • Perspective taking
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Self-regulation
  • Empathy
  • Cooperation
  • Assertiveness
  • Communication skills

RNW provides group curriculum and facilitation services for the conflict resolution groups. In addition, we also are in consultation with school staff and administrators or organizational contacts about the participants and their needs, the organization/school's needs, and regular debriefs about the groups.

Life In Motion Theatre Workshops: Life in Motion is a program that teaches Conflict Resolution skills through theater. Students are given a safe place to explore their conflicts openly and kinesthetically, acting out new creative solutions amongst peers.  Youth are taught essential conflict resolution skills that help them understand how conflict is a part of life and contributes to personal growth when dealt with effectively. Participants are empowered to talk about topics that are important to them. They are given a space to be as open and "real" as they want. Students gain a sense of belonging. Group is a place they can come and not be judged.

RNW provides group curriculum and facilitation services for the conflict resolution groups. In addition, we also are in consultation with school staff and administrators or organizational contacts about the participants and their needs, the organization/school's needs, and regular debriefs about the groups.

UNITY (Link to UNITY page): UNITY is a group of youth who have come together to promote peace and work on  creating change within themselves and their communities.  Together youth and their adult allies participate in life skill building activities and shared experiences. UNITY is an inclusive group which serves to affirm the potential of each individual.

How our youth programs works

The first step is to contact Tobin Krell at tobin@resolutionsnorthwest.org or call 503.595.4890 x107. We will discuss your needs and provide preliminary consultation.  If there appears to be a fit, we will meet with you and/or your students to create a proposal and workplan. Once the plan is developed and a contract is agreed to, we will design a customized and tailored program to meet your needs.