Conflict Resolution

What is conflict resolution?

Conflict resolution is the sixth of the nine basic Youth Crime Watch components. Conflict Resolution is a formal name for settling problems in a way that lets you hold on to your dignity, while letting others save theirs as well. Even when conflict resolution techniques don't yield the ideal outcomes, they tend to improve the situation; at the very least, they help us keep from making a bad situation worse.

A conflict resolution program teaches people basic techniques for cooling off a situation and getting to a good ending for everyone. You might undertake a basic poster campaign, add handouts, and invite local experts to give workshops or guest talks in class. Model the program to fit your school or community center.

How conflict resolution helps

For starters, it can help everyone feel better about just going to school, both students and adults. When you know how to handle yourself under pressure, you won't sweat everyday misunderstandings, personal slights, and power struggles. When you set the tone, your choice to act more responsibly shows leadership. When you do slip up, apologize and promise yourself you will do better next time. That's the never-ending learning process, and over time it translates into less stress.

Key steps

• Develop a core group to oversee the project.
• Develop an project plan based upon your needs and resources.
• Get adult support, including in-kind and financial.
• Get started - learn it, teach it, practice it.
• Grow the program.
• Evaluate your success.

Related materials

Conflict Resolution and Mediation Manual $14.95