What it is: Group facilitation is a process of structured dialogue to identify and work through communication challenges, interpersonal conflict and difficult group dynamics.

How it works: Session are facilitated by The Resource Center staff or mediators to address tensions in the workplace that arise from miscommunication, misunderstanding or are the result of differing expectations, perceptions or values.

Who benefits: Anyone in a work environment.

How long it takes: 1-3 hours or as needed.

If you are interested or would like to know more about our pricing, please contact The Resolution Center.

Peer Mediation is a voluntary process during which student mediators assist other students to resolve conflict and disputes. It allows schools to commit to a conflict prevention model that empowers student mediators to assist their peers in resolving conflicts.

Students learn the principles and process of mediation to address low-level interpersonal conflicts at school. Staff are trained to serve as program coordinators and supported by The Resolution Center to manage the program.

Expectations for the Peer Mediation Program

Participants: Schools commit to supporting a diverse mix of students across academic, socio-economic, racial, gender and other identities, interests, experiences and skills.

Staffing: School identifies 1-3 coordinators on staff (teachers, counselors, administrators) who will support student peer mediators.

Peer Mediation Programs may include one or more of these components:

Peer Mediation Training

What it is: Our program focuses on prevention and intervention and is tailored to each school. Peer Mediation training prepares students in local, middle and high schools to mediate conflicts among their peers. These students learn real world skills such as active listening, communicating feelings, building trust and brainstorming. They become effective mediators because they understand their peers. Peer mediation reduces school violence and improves the learning environment.

How it works: The 16-18 hour training includes conflict theory, the stages of mediation and role playing. Schools that develop a Peer Mediation Program can become members of the Peer Mediation Collaborative of the North Shore.

Who benefits: Students, faculty and staff.

How long it takes: 16-18 hours.

Peer Mediation Advanced Training

What it is:The advanced training session is a way for student mediators to gain additional mediation skills and practice.

How it works: The training includes presentations, discussions, role playing, skills-building exercises and yearlong support.

Who benefits: Trained student mediators, school staff coordinators.

How long it takes: 6-10 hours.

Peer Mediation Training and Support

What it is: As year-long partnership with The Resolution Center staff and volunteer mediators that facilitates Restorative Practices Dialogues.

How it works: The program includes designing and implementing conflict resolution and mediation strategy workshops for the entire school community, providing professional mediation services, as needed, from The Resolution Center mediators and booster sessions throughout the school year.

Who benefits: Trained student mediators, school staff coordinators.

How long it takes: 2-8 hours/month.

Peer Mediators Annual Forum

What it is: Every year, The Resolution Center’s brings together student mediators who are leading in their schools as peer mediator at a yearly Peer Mediator’s Forum that is open to all North Shore peer Mediators. Read more about past forums on this page.

How it works: Students and coordinators are invited to participate in a program of learning, networking and celebration for student leaders across our region.

Who benefits: Trained student mediators, school staff coordinators.

How long it takes: Half-day, once a year.

If you are interested or would like to know more about our pricing for any of these programs, please contact The Resolution Center.

The Resolution Center’s continuum of restorative practice services include training, coaching, and support at three tiers: prevention & community building, responding to & managing conflict and intervention & intensive support. The core of our “responding to & managing conflict” options are described in the Peer Mediation Program options above. Additional restorative practice trainings and support include:

Prevention & Community Building School Training

What it is: For schools beginning to shift away from  traditional models of school discipline and communication, this training provides an overview of restorative practices in schools. Administrators, counselors and teachers will learn how to facilitate circles to enhance effective conversations and build new problem-solving skills. The Resolution Center’s Director of Youth Programs is a resource for school programs.

How it works: This training uses circles, presentations and discussions as well as skills-building exercises.

Who benefits: Administrators, counselors and teachers. With booster sessions through the school year, the program can be expanded to include other members of the school community including parents, school resource officers and athletic coaches.

How long it takes: 8-12 hours per year.

Harm Conference and Re-entry Mediation

What it is: This training covers conferencing to respond to conflict in schools and support students who return to school from suspensions, expulsions, health breaks or other time off.

How it works: Participants will learn the core principles of restorative justice, conference structure and process. The steps for preparation for harm conferences; dynamics of conference and circle facilitation. The workshop provides participants with hands-on experience through role-plays, videos and practical strategies. This training will prepare participants to implement conferences with their schools.

Who benefits: Teachers, Counselors, Administrators with Tier 1 training.

How long it takes: 6-8 hours.

Responding to & Managing Conflict Professional Development

What it is: This training workshop teaches staff more about peer mediation, when and how it can best serve the school community and how to support a culture of restorative practice in the school.

How it works: This workshop includes presentations, discussions and skill-building exercises.

Who benefits: Teachers and staff.

How long it takes: 2-4 hours.

If you are interested or would like to know more about our pricing, please contact The Resolution Center.

What it is: Practice your conflict resolution & constructive communication skills.

We offer workshops, seminars and speakers to organizations, school, police, social service agencies, civic and professional organizations as well as business meetings.

We can work with you to create customized program that teaches conflict resolution strategies, including communication skills, how to manage emotions, make responsible decisions and handle challenging social situations.

How it works: These trainings address effective, face-to-face communication, responsible decision-making, stress management, understanding empathy, respect for others and building positive relationship skills by learning the methodology for handling conflict and developing effective communication and conflict resolutions skills.

Who benefits: Customer service staff, workplaces, community organizations, schools, etc.

How long it takes: 1-3 Hours

If you are interested or would like to know more about our pricing, please contact The Resolution Center.