Peer Mediation - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Peer Mediation

“I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” – Jackie RobinsonSlide2

What is Peer Mediation?

Peer mediation is a program designed to prevent current problems from getting worseThis program is run almost entirely by students with very little involvement from teachersPeer mediation gives you a safe environment to work out problems you have with a peer with the help of a neutral peerMediation provides a way to resolve problems that may involve: rumors, gossiping, harassment, relationship challenges, disputes within the group, fighting, stealing, and vandalismSlide3

Who is Involved in a Session?

After a request for mediation has been made…an advisora peer mediator and the two disputants …will meet at a designated date and time in the peer mediation room.Slide4

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 mindThe disputants will read the mediation rules and sign a contract in which they agree to follow them and understand the consequences for breaking the rulesWhat happens in mediation stays in mediationYour business, is exactly that, so keep it that waySlide5

The Peer Mediator’s Role

The peer mediator’s main responsibility is to facilitate the sessionThe peer mediator will not take sides or make judgmentsIn 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 modelSlide6

The Advisor’s Role

An advisor (a teacher) will always be present in the mediation roomThe advisor will keep all information confidentialThe 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

e

nsure everyone’s safetySlide7

Peer Mediation Rules

I will identify and focus on the problemI will tell the truthI will be polite and respectful

I will not use curse words or put-downs

I will not threaten

I will listen with an open mind

I will not interrupt

I will agree to a solution

I will take responsibility for carrying out the solution

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.Slide8

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 office Once a request for mediation has been received, both disputants will receive a form indicating the session information

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 disputantSlide9

More About Peer Mediators

Peer mediators will possess the following qualities:LeadershipTrustworthinessAbility to remain neutralAbility to set aside personal feelings/emotionsExcellent listening skillsPeer 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 mediatorSlide10

Choosing Peer Mediators

Teachers will be submitting names of students whom they believe possess the qualities of a peer mediatorYou will be nominating peers that you feel possess the qualities of a peer mediatorYou must explain why each individual would be a good mediatorYou may nominate yourself if you feel as though you possess the qualities of a peer mediatorYou must give a detailed explanation of why you believe you should be considered to be a peer mediatorSlide11

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 lifeRESPECT 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 anotherSlide12

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