Peer Mediation
West Hawaii Mediation Center works with elementary, middle, and high schools throughout West and North Hawaii to provide conflict resolution and peer mediation training to public, private, and charter K-12 schools.
Our Peer Mediation Program is available at no cost to your school – we are funded by generous donors and organizational grants. We work with each school to find the best format, fit, and time to meet the needs of your students, teachers, and school schedule. We train students who have expressed interest or have been selected by counselors, teachers, or leadership. Contact us to be on our training schedule.
What is Peer Mediation?
Peer mediation is both a program and a process where students of the same age group facilitate resolving disputes between two of their peers. This process is voluntary, confidential, and models effective communication skills. Peer mediators do not “make decisions” but rather work toward a win-win solution for both sides.
Why Peer Mediation?
Having a solid peer mediation program in place can contribute to the development of safe and respectful learning environments. The mediation process allows students to become actively involved in transforming the school climate by becoming agents of change. Program goals include the teaching of conflict resolution skills, helping students gain perspective and understanding of themselves and other students, providing a safe forum for kids to resolve differences, reducing suspensions and other disciplinary actions, addressing problems before they escalate into violence, and valuing the important role that students play in creating peaceful and productive schools.
How Do We Approach Our Training?
We will work with school counselors, classroom teachers or principals to determine the best schedule for your school. Training is interactive, engaging, and collaborative. We are scheduling our Training Sessions now. Please reach out to get your school on our calendar.
Training Time & Example of Conflicts that are Suitable for Peer Mediation
Elementary School: Playground disputes, groups and cliques, social issues, personal property concerns. Training time: 2.5 hrs.
Middle School & High School: Social media improprieties, relationship difficulties, harassment, rumors and gossip, cheating and stealing, racial and cultural confrontations, vandalism, classroom or extracurricular disputes. Training time: 12 hrs.
Topics Suitable for Teacher Workshops
- How Does Peer Mediation Work and How Can it Help Our Students (10 min. – 1 hour)
- Restorative Justice in the School Setting (2 hours)
- Conflict Resolution Basics for Schools (1 hour)
- The Tools of Mediation: Active Listening, Reframing, Asking Questions (1.5 hours)
Topics Explored in Training
- Active Listening
- Reframing
- Basic Emotional Needs
- Conflict Management Styles
- Communication Styles
- Mediation Tools & Techniques
- Perspectives
- Summarizing & Identifying Feelings
- Using “I” Statements
- Empathy
Testimonials
“The mediations went well. The students loved it. Several of them (about 7) said they used the skills with their siblings and other family. They were very interested and felt honored that they were chosen. They helped resolve all different kinds of conflicts. A couple of times they took over for the adults who didn’t want to deal with it and were just going to give consequences. It was a great program and the mediators learned some valuable skills.” – Robin, Counselor, Honokaa Elementary
“The kids are already using the materials they learned in the training during recess, such as Active Listening, and I know we are half way through the training, this really works!” – Kona Pacific Charter School
“Our Peace Makers are so happy and proud to be considered leaders in our school as they do Peer Mediation!” – Holualoa Elementary
Community Partners
We provide Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution training to organizations that work with youth as well! We have worked with Humanity Hale, Aloha Theatre, and Kohala Resilience Hub for their summer camp! If you have a youth-based organization and would like to receive a training or discuss collaborations, please contact Katrina. Contact information below.
Contact
Contact Katrina Zavalney, our Peer Mediation program coordinator, at katrina@whmediation.org if you would like a Peer Mediation training at your school or youth-based community organization. We believe supporting youth with skills and training in conflict resolution and Peer Mediation will lead to a more peaceful world!
Please share this program flier with your school administration and community: