Most of us believe in the power of peaceful problem solving, prevention of violence and getting along with peers, family, neighbors and co-workers. Many roads lead to peace if we are willing to work at it and there are two great new (and improved) tools available to help us strengthen our communities. These tools are "Circles of Conversation" and "Restorative Justice."

Setting up Circles of Conversation is like setting up a round-table discussion. People with like and unlike opinions and beliefs come together to discuss issues and solutions. While participants sit at a table (during a meal or at an event) stimulating questions are presented. The questions are placed on the table or provided by an assigned facilitator.

The questions are open-ended and are designed to challenge thinking. For example, one could ask "Is trust earned or given?" "How do people learn to stereotype?" "What are some of the major problems you believe should be addressed in our community?" or "What frightens people about differences?" These questions are just a few examples. They can be written to stimulate circles of conversation about any issue and in any setting such as a weekly lunch gathering at work, dialog at a conference or a family discussion at the dinner table. This exchange of views and opinions can be stimulating, eye-opening and will help people examine ideas which differ from their own.

Another recent development in community understanding is Restorative Justice. The process may not be a new concept but the application of it in our society is fairly recent. This is a way of working with the legal system during which the injured party and offender come together along with concerned others. With guidance in the form of a "conference" or a "peace circle," the group discusses what happened, their feelings and possible solutions. They work to find common ground, forgiveness, understanding, humility and a solution. If you are interested in using one of these tools for your family, workplace, or community organization, email us at information@conflictceter.org.

Letter From the Director

It is truly an honor to join you in this organization! I have difficulty believing that I get to work with such a strong and healthy organization striving to make a REAL difference in our schools, families, neighborhoods and workplaces. I have quickly discovered that The Conflict Center's Board is comprised of hardworking individuals, providing immeasurable and invaluable support. The staff are amazingly diverse and talented. Our numerous volunteers are passionate and dedicated and our supportive membership is strong and growing. I have never felt so welcomed into such a proactive community...A true peacemaking community.

The transition into my new position has been incredibly smooth and supportive. The founding executive director has made herself available for several months of consultation during the initial transition period. Liz Loescher is an amazing human being and a terrific mentor. But, you probably already knew that! She and I are working very closely together through the end of the summer. I am truly grateful for this unique opportunity. I am very fortunate to be able to spend this time with her, sharing her life-long passion and expertise.

Many people have asked me what my plans are for the organization. My plans are simple: to continue doing the fine work of The Conflict Center because prevention works! We will always be seeking new directions in the field of violence prevention but we don't want to lose sight of providing skill building in schools, at home, in communities and in the workplace with basic conflict management, anger management, and parenting skills.

Yes, The Conflict Center will change and grow because change is inevitable and growth is healthy. Growing doesn't necessarily mean getting bigger. Sometimes it means striving to improve what we are already doing and sometimes it means doing things differently. We will grow with the shared mission of reducing violence in our families, schools, businesses, organizations and communities. Together, we will work to create a shared vision of a peacemaking culture for our children and the generations to come. I look forward to this exciting challenge and hope you get a chance to stop by The Conflict Center for refreshments--We're holding an Open-House on Friday, August 23rd from 3-6 pm.

2001 - 2002 School Program Gets Results

Of the approximately 60 schools that participated in The Conflict Center's school program, ten utilized our comprehensive conflict management initiatives for the 2001-2002 academic year. ALL ten schools showed a significant decrease in fights and/or office referrals throughout the school year. The reduction in fights and office referrals ranged from 23% to 80% among entire schools or a specific grade level within a school. Three of these schools participated in a collaboration with The Conflict Center and Project PAVE and two of the schools participated in a special project funded by a collaborative gun control grant through the Colorado Children's Trust. Here is what some of our clients (school personnel) are saying about their results this year:

"Our students are learning specific strategies and phrases to use to help themselves stay focused in class and treat themselves as well as others with more respect."

"Many children on our playground now choose to work with the conflict managers to resolve disagreements rather than resorting to name-calling, violence, or harmful responses."

"The teachers have reported that The Conflict Center's curriculum has allowed them to hold more serious, meaningful conversations with their students than they have been able to elicit in the past."

"Our School has become a place for all students to have opportunities to focus on academics in a safe and peaceful environment."

"We have a strong goal to help students become successful in all areas of their lives and The Conflict Center has helped us achieve these results."

We (The Conflict Center) couldn't do this important peacemaking work without the support of friends like you. Thank you!

Our Wish List

Copier Wanted: Need to find home for a copier your office is replacing? We are looking for a donated copier for program staff on the 2nd floor of the Conflict Center. Please contact Ron at 303-433-4983 if you can help us meet this need.

Creating Peace on the Sidewalk
Creating Peace on the Sidewalk
It is still Summer but not for long...What a great time! Sometimes things can get a little heated in the summer. How do you keep your cool when playing in the summer heat? It helps to decide how you will deal with conflict up-front by setting some ground-rules. Then, when things get a little hot, you can re-visit those rules as needed. Try some of these ideas for setting up ground rules with your friends and siblings (Hint...it might be fun to take turns writing them with chalk on a sidewalk): (1) Include everyone in activities and in setting up the ground rules (or sidewalk rules) (2) If there are too many kids for one game, have more games (3) Review the rules of a game before you start (4) Play fair by sticking to the rules (5) Don't allow teasing or name-calling (if someone forgets this rule, ask them to compliment the person they started to tease).

To help everyone keep their cool, remember to review the ground (or sidewalk) rules as needed. You can always add more or change them to create more peace. Don't forget to take breaks, sit down and drink lots of water when playing in the heat. And, if a problem comes up that seems to be getting out of hand, get an adult's help. Peacemaking begins with you!

Madame Solutions on Workplace Conflict

Dear Madame Solutions,
I'm writing to ask you a question about gossiping. I work at an office where people are always talking about each other and I'm not sure what to do. It makes me feel uneasy, especially when customers come in the door and overhear it too. I don't know what to say to people and I certainly don't want to make anyone mad at me. What should I do? --Signed, Uncomfortable at work

Dear Uncomfortable,
Well, you are not alone. No wonder you are on edge. With all those gossips waiting to catch you doing something they can use to make themselves feel more important. Honey, you just rise above it! I can tell you are ready to act, as you pose your very important question.

One thing you can do is simply refuse to participate in office gossip. If you are "invited" to join in, simply explain that you feel gossip is hurtful, not helpful. No need to blame anyone else. Just take a stand. Encourage others to address real issues directly with whom they are having a problem. And breath a sigh of relief that you don't have to scout around for a good scoop. "Corporate norms" could be reviewed and everyone reminded one another that the bottom line (both in terms of profit and product) is not served by gossip. Of course this is not a water cooler conversation, but a meeting where all are present. Invite others to express their opinions and concerns about gossip too. Will anyone simply say they enjoy it and want it to continue? I think not.

You have a chance to participate in change, always an exciting possibility. Watch what happens when others see how much better their workdays go without the backbiting. Together you'll be celebrating your success. Remember... skill building, practice, commitment and courage. Yes, you can! --Mme Solutions

To submit a conflict question for Mme. Solutions, email information@conflictcenter.org

Restorative Justice Piloting in Denver Public Schools

We are excited to announce that The Conflict Center will be facilitating three of the eight Restorative Justice Programs being piloted in the Denver Public School system this fall. This will be done with the assistance of the District Attorney's office. Our staff will be training community members, parents and school personnel to address referred school suspension and related municipal court cases with a restorative justice process. The goal of this process will be to involve the victim (when appropriate), the offender, others affected by the offenses, and concerned persons (such as teachers, family members and friends) in a decision and action planning process to focus on the restoration of the community from the harm which has been done. If you are interested in getting involved in this exciting initiative in peacemaking, email information@conflictcenter.org or call 303-433-4890.

Spotlight on Youth

Meet Terri Pakiser, a 15 year old Sophomore from Loveland, CO. She loves kids and volunteering because "I get to know people and I feel good about helping others."

Terri is new to The Conflict Center and has spent a majority of the summer in the front office answering the telephone, working on the computer, steam cleaning carpets, gardening, copying and feeding our plants and fish. She is learning new skills for conflict management through mentoring and training. When asked what she wanted to do as a career in her future she stated "I want to be someone who works with youth in conflict management.

For fun she likes to watch movies, hang out with her best friend and come to The Conflict Center. Her advice to other youth who are having conflict in their lives is "Take time to cool off, and take the time to learn new skills to manage conflict like better listening." If you are a teen or youth and want to get involved with The Conflict Center, email information@conflictcenter.org or call us at 303-433-4983 to learn how to get into a class and volunteer. If you stop by and happen to run into Terri, say hello.

Parent to Parent
Practical Advice from Dawn Clark, Parent of Ian Clark, Age 13, of Southeast Denver

I am a parent who has participated in a parenting class at The Conflict Center with my 13 year old son in the spring. We are also planning to enroll in the Building Bridges class in September. My son was referred to the class as a diversion for breaking curfew. Our story is an example of how conflict can lead to opportunities to enrich family relationships. After the first night in the class, I loved it! I really appreciated the practical advice on being specific in communication with my son, especially when making requests. I didn't realize that a lot of the time he didn't understand the requests I made because they were not specific enough. I learned to communicate with him much more directly in this way.

We did a back-to-back exercise in the class where we sat back to back and one person could talk while the other was silent. We both had duplicate puzzle pieces. One had to explain how to do a design while the other had to follow verbal directions without looking at the pattern. In round two the silent one could ask clarifying questions in order to get better results. This was a real eye-opener for me. It drove home the fact that I can't assume he knows what I'm talking about without clarifying the specific information. This is stuff that I think we have to learn over and over again in communication to manage conflict. And I believe that learning something over again is not a bad thing to have to do, especially when your relationships can improve from the process. I had a line of communication with my son to begin with, but we still needed some help to manage conflicts between us more effectively. I don't believe that you have to wait to get help until you're in crisis. This is what I have suggested to other parents. If you are struggling with communication with one or more of your children, try these classes.

Get Energized at the Youth Peace Leadership Conference!
October 22, 2002

It's getting closer. Our 4th Annual Youth Peace Leadership Conference will feature a variety of leadership topics related to peacemaking in our communities. This conference is offered to students in grades 3-12, school administrators, counselors and educators to share ideas and develop skills in school-based conflict resolution.

The conference goals are:
(1) To empower students with the skills to effectively resolve conflict,
(2) To inspire youth to become peace leaders in their schools and communities,
(3) To provide advanced training in conflict resolution and
(4) To support and strengthen the community of individuals working for peaceful school communities.

The tracks will include:
(1) An introduction to peer mediation,
(2) Advanced training for experienced peer mediators and coordinators,
(3) Conflict and anger management skills,
(4) Being a peace leader and
(5) Restorative Justice.

This is an exciting all-day event held at Regis University and the cost is only $30 to attend. What an exciting way to get energized and involved with like-minded youth seeking ways to make the world a more peaceful place. Watch for the announcement to arrive in the mail soon and share it with as many youth and interested others as you can! This conference is brought to you by The Conflict Center and The Colorado School Mediation Project.

Volunteer Opportunities

• You are invited to attend and assist with The Sunnyside Music Festival which will raise funds to benefit TCC programs. If you have a few hours on Saturday, September 7, between 10 AM and 8 PM, please join us in promoting TCC, having fun and enjoying great music... local musicians Keith Porterfield, the Clam Daddies and more. Our thanks to Janet and Mike Hoffer who plan and host the event in their backyard at 4620 Eliot St in NW Denver.
• Help with Office Reception, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5 to 8:30 p.m. while classes are in session. Welcome class particippants and then take time for your facorite book or a Conflict Center task. Feel free to make a one time, weekly, or once a month commitment. Staff will be in the building to close.
• Assist Staff with Parenting Classes held on Thursday evenings. Call Tammy Sherwood for details, 303-433-4983.
• Join volunteers Paulin Griffin and Deborah Prem in tending our Peace Garden, located behind the office. You choose the days and hours at your convenience. Call 303-433-4983 to sign up.
• Assist with The Conflict Center Library, available to the public. Process new and returned books. Make phone calls regarding overdue materials. Contact Shay Bright, Prgrams Manager, at 303-433-4983 for more information.
• Playground Conflict Managers Program: We'll be looking for volunteers with daytime availability as the school year begins. Please join us in teaching the skills of conflict management in the schools. We still are offering the opportunity to assist with production of the Playground conflict managers' publication "Peace Connection" during the school months.
• Reading for Peace: Save your Thursday afternoons to participate in Reading for Peace at area elementary schools. Make a difference reading to small groups of children and teaching basic skills through discussion of the stories. Training will be held in August.
• Looking Ahead... Please, save a part of your day on Tuesday, October 22 to volunteer at our Youth Peace Leadership Conference. Over 600 students attended last year, so we know that this one involves 40+ TCC volunteers.

Reserve your volunteer spot(s) by calling Volunteer Coordinator,
Mary Zinn-Stewart, at 303-433-4983, extension 27, or by email.

Star Volunteer:
Lee Coleman

What makes The Conflict Center's lending Library such a well-organized resource? One of the key ingredients is Lee Coleman who works tirelessly doing inventory, ordering new books, checking materials in and out and tracking down those items which occasionally have "gone missing." As a TCC Volunteer for several years, Lee was recognized for her dedication and outstanding work at our first volunteer appreciation event in 1998. Staff members describe Lee as an exceptional volunteer whose help in updating our library is invaluable. Lee contributes an amazing number of hours every year while promoting The Conflict Center's mission and practicing the skills we teach. She is a reliable, encouraging member of our volunteer team. We salute her outstanding record of service!

Please Join Us!

And, invite others to hear about TCC and our Volunteer Programs by attending a Volunteer Introduction: September 5, 6-8 PM; Thursday, November 7, 3-5 PM. Call Elsie or Heather at 303-433-4983 to reserve your seat.

Volunteer Training Calendar: New volunteers should attend one (or both) of our Volunteer Trainings (free to TCC volunteers):

Conflict Management: Monday, August 19, 6:30-8:30 PM.

Anger Management: Monday, October 14, 6:30-8:30 PM. Call Elsie or Heather at 303-433-4983 to reserve your seat.

You're the Best!
Every year, our very "out of the ordinary" group of volunteers agree to do their part to personally "walk the talk" in the Denver area and beyond, within their individual circles of influence. Every volunteer hour is a treasured contribution toward reducing violence and making peace in our community. Thank you for all your support!

Garden Tour Becoming Popular for Northwest Denver

Our annual Garden Tour (held on June 8) has shown a steady increase in attendance. This popular event raised $7,000 for The Conflict Center. There was a significant increase in ticket sales this year and participants attended the tour from all over the Denver metropolitan area (from as far South as Littleton and as far north as Loveland).

We owe a great deal of thanks to the Sunnyside Garden Club and all of our Garden Hosts! This event wouldn't have been successful without the hard work of the entire planning committee, it's leadership, and the support of our friends who participated.

We are seeking a chair person and committee members to start planning next year's event. Next year's date has been set for June 7, 2003. To get involved in this event, email us at information@conflictcenter.org or call 303-433-4890 and ask for the volunteer office.

Reserve Your Ambassador of Peace Tickets (or table) Early!

October 3, 2002 is the date for our Sixth Annual Ambassador of Peace Award Event as a benefit for The Conflict Center.

This year's award event will honor our founder, Liz Loescher, and our Keynote Speaker will be Swanee Hunt, founder of the internationally known organization Women Waging Peace. This program will highlight thinking globally and acting locally. If you want to reserve tickets early call 303-433-4983. *Corporate sponsorships are still available!

Original Paintings For Sale
By Award Winning Artist Carol Reeves 40% of the proceeds go to The Conflict Center.

Artist Statement:
"My paintings speak to the plight of life on our planet--the fragility of the earth. Some of my paintings are on musical scores symbolizing the need to harmonize with the music of the earth."
Please stop by The Conflict Center at 4140 Tejon St. in Denver to view this harmonizing show, continuing through the end of summer.

New Membership (friend) Categories Coming up!

New membership categories to include benefits to individuals, families, seniors, and corporations are coming! Watch for details in the next issue. The Membership Committee would like to thank you for your responses to the membership survey which helped shape our new categories. Your feedback helps us serve you better.

50% Off Books in Stock!

Featuring James Garbarino's "Parents Under Siege: Why You Are the Solution, Not the Problem-$12 plus $3 shipping/handling(retails for $24-- Signed copies will go out on a first come-first served basis) and, Mark Gerzon's "A House Divided: Six Belief Sytems Struggling for America's Soul"-$12 plus $3 shipping/handling (retails for $24.95). Orders for multiple copies will be sold at $11 each copy plus $2 for shipping/handling.

View our current class schedule