“I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” – Jackie Robinson

What is Peer Mediation? Peer mediation is a program designed to prevent current problems from getting worse This program is run almost entirely by students with very little involvement from teachers Peer mediation gives you a safe environment to work out problems you have with a peer with the help of a neutral peer Mediation provides a way to resolve problems that may involve: rumors, gossiping, harassment, relationship challenges, disputes within the group, fighting, stealing, and vandalism

Who is Involved in a Session? After a request for mediation has been made… - an advisor - a peer mediator and - the two disputants …will meet at a designated date and time in the peer mediation room.

The Disputant’s Role The two students that attend the peer mediation session, also known as the disputants, are expected to enter the mediation room with an open mind The disputants will read the mediation rules and sign a contract in which they agree to follow them and understand the consequences for breaking the rules What happens in mediation stays in mediation Your business, is exactly that, so keep it that way

The Peer Mediator’s Role The peer mediator’s main responsibility is to facilitate the session The peer mediator will not take sides or make judgments In most cases the peer mediator will be previously unfamiliar with the situation being discussed Peer Mediators will possess and demonstrate the following qualities at all times: strong leadership ability to remain neutral ability to set personal feelings /opinions aside ability to keep emotions under control good listeners role model

The Advisor’s Role An advisor (a teacher) will always be present in the mediation room The advisor will keep all information confidential The advisor will only interfere with a mediation session if the disputants cause problems or if the issue is or becomes too serious for a peer mediator to handle The advisor is there to: ensure the peer mediator is correctly following the mediation process ensure the rules are followed ensure everyone’s safety

Peer Mediation Rules 1. I will identify and focus on the problem 2. I will tell the truth 3. I will be polite and respectful 4. I will not use curse words or put-downs 5. I will not threaten 6. I will listen with an open mind 7. I will not interrupt 8. I will agree to a solution 9. I will take responsibility for carrying out the solution 10. I will keep the mediation confidential I agree to follow these rules and understand that if I break them there will be consequences. By breaking the rules I am only preventing myself from solving a problem. If I break a rule I will meet with an advisor one on one before I am allowed to attend another mediation session.

The Process You or a teacher may request a peer mediation session There is a form you will need to fill out and place in a box in the main officeform Once a request for mediation has been received, both disputants will receive a form indicating the session informationform If you choose to attend the peer mediation session, you will meet with your disputant, peer mediator and advisor More than one session may be necessary to agree on a solution Once a solution is decided upon you will sign a written agreement to carry out that solution Within a week of your mediation session your advisor will check-in with you. If an agreement was signed your advisor will ask you if you and your disputant are carrying out the agreement. If an agreement was not made, your advisor will schedule another mediation session with you and your disputant

More About Peer Mediators Peer mediators will possess the following qualities: Leadership Trustworthiness Ability to remain neutral Ability to set aside personal feelings/emotions Excellent listening skills Peer mediators will attend training sessions and must prove they are capable of facilitating a session individually Peer mediators will need to get signed parental permission before they are allowed to participate Peer mediators will sign a contract There is a zero tolerance policy for any peer mediator that breaks their contract-meaning if you break any rule you will immediately lose the title of peer mediator

Choosing Peer Mediators Teachers will be submitting names of students whom they believe possess the qualities of a peer mediator You will be nominating peers that you feel possess the qualities of a peer mediator You must explain why each individual would be a good mediator You may nominate yourself if you feel as though you possess the qualities of a peer mediator You must give a detailed explanation of why you believe you should be considered to be a peer mediator

Miscellaneous Information This program is for you!! This is your program!! You run this program!! It’s all about YOU!!! You are not required to participate, but the skills you will learn through mediation sessions are ones you will use the rest of your life RESPECT and HONESTY are absolutely necessary and will be demonstrated at all times If you choose to not participate in this program, you will respect those who do choose to participate If you choose to participate you must be honest with your mediator, your advisor, your disputant and most important yourself This is an opportunity for you to take control of your life, for you to help each other and for you to learn from one another

Some Food For Thought… “Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson “I don't give advice. I can't tell anybody what to do. Instead I say this is what we know about this problem at this time. And here are the consequences of these actions.” –Anonymous “Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.” – Alfred A. Montapert