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Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth

 

Stories of attacks on the way home from the bus stop, bullying in the classroom, and assaults in school hallways are all-too-frequent reminders that our community and many others throughout the US are still not safe places for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. Perhaps what is most heartbreaking is that some youth have come to believe that this is normal, that this is just part of growing up, or that this is how life is for LGBTQ individuals. SMYAL is working to change all that by providing an inclusive environment and empowering DC-area LGBTQ youth to be leaders and advocates for themselves and their peers in the broader community. We provide youth with the opportunities, support, and skills they need to de-escalate conflicts as they occur and to work within their community to root out these conflicts from their source.

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Verbal Aikido for Youth – Manage Verbal Attacks Peacefully and Effectively

Luke ArcherStephen - 1Verbal Aikido is a means of communication that enables the practitioner to transform verbal attacks, both effectively and peacefully. This philosophy comes from the Japanese martial art of Aikido that seeks to transform ‘attackers’ into training partners. It’s a fun and easy-to-learn approach that can be learned from ages as young as 5 years old. Regular practice of Verbal Aikido considerably increases self-esteem, altruism, and the confidence to manage conflict in a self-affirming and harmonious manner.              [display_podcast] Read, Listen, Share »

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Waltzing With Wolverines: Working With “Troubled” Teens

 

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Mark AndreasStephen - 1Join us to learn the key principles to building relationship and trust with any teenager, whether “troubled” or not. Want to know how to set effective boundaries, how to avoid ever getting into a power control battle, and how to have a whole lot of fun in the process? In a job where the average length of employment is measured in months, and many last only weeks, Mark Andreas not only survived but thrived while working round-the- clock with troubled teens. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a youth leader, or anyone wanting to connect with and support the teens in your life, come learn how to build relationships that are simultaneously more empowering for you and the teens you work with.     [display_podcast]  Read, Listen, Share »

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The Future is Now: Students Using Technology to Expand Peer Mediation

 

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Cindy Morton-2Kristen WoodwardKaren DeVooge

  For decades, Peer Mediation Programs have helped students all over the world resolve conflicts. The Online Peer Mediation Platform is on the cutting edge, combining technology and peer mediation, breathing new life into programs.  Learn more about the project’s goals, resources and how you can get involved in this innovative opportunity!
                                                                                                                                                                                  Connect on Facebook, YouTube
                       Online Peer Mediation Project
Call To Action:  View Media Resources
           Educators and Trainers interested in online peer mediation, can request a video
           conference for more information by contacting our team via the website.      [display_podcast]

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Conflict Chat…Teaching Children Responsibility with Consequences

 

Pattie8Abigail - smallerGot Conflict? If you have a conflict with someone and are not sure how to handle it, then let us know. Here is your opportunity to ask your question with Conflict Management experts who are mediators, conflict coaches and facilitators on how to think about, analyze or resolve your situation.

Think about it. Are you currently engaged in an active conflict with your co-workers or boss? Ignoring your neighbor because of a conversation you don’t want to have? In a disagreement with your spouse? Or simply afraid to bring up a concern with a friend in fear of stirring up problems.

 

Discussion Topics:

Using Natural and Logical Consequences

Explanation of:  Natural and Logical Consequences

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Back to School Series: No Place for Hate Youth Summit

 No Place for Hate® Youth Summit, a one-day workshop for 8th grade students and educators, works to empower students and faculty to build campuses of respect. During the day, participants will engage in interactive experiential exercises designed to help them recognize bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals, explore the value of diversity and improve inter-group relations.  Students learn the dangers of bigotry and hatred; attendees develop post-Summit strategies to increase tolerance on their campuses, which are implemented with the help of their campus sponsors.

The No Place for Hate® Youth Summit occurs in the Houston and Austin areas, but students and educators can be involved with the No Place for Hate® initiative throughout Texas. The Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate® program was introduced to Houston in 2001, the Austin area in 2004, and now with the Dallas office beginning their first year, is available to all Texan students for the first time. The initiative is designed to provide administrators, educators and students with the necessary resources to make anti-bias education an integral part of the school curriculum. It empowers communities to promote respect for individual differences while challenging bigotry and prejudice. No Place for Hate® initiative is active in all ADL regions of Texas.

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