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INNERSTART:
Conflict Resolution Training Program for Youth
The exposure to violence and win-lose conflict styles, whether
through personal or vicarious experience, is becoming an everyday
occurrence for youth. Media images serve to reinforce the
notion that in conflict situations, there must be a winner
and a loser. Generally speaking, the one that uses the most
violent force and has the most strength wins. This is even
glorified, such as in war and in many popular contact sports.
The seeming inability of the Justice System or other authority
figures (such as parents and the school system) to protect
the public from violent individuals creates attitudes of fear
and helplessness. Youth may learn that violent revenge is
the only way to resolve matters, especially if what they have
learned also tells them that only one side can win, have their
needs and interests met.
The objective of the INNERSTART Program is to teach conflict
resolution skills to selected youths in the Tri-Cities area
of Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody. The curriculum
of this 24-hour program focuses on having the teens learn
skills to effectively express, listen and solve problems with
others in a win-win way. That is, where all parties may have
their needs and interests met. We teach youth to be aware
of the different methods people use to resolve conflict and
the consequences that these methods can have on a relationship
and on the problem solving process. We believe that learning
these skills will have a positive impact on students thinking
of leaving the school system and on students' future employability,
as well as serve to reduce future violence in the community.
Criteria for Youths to take "INNERSTART" Training:
- Training is free. Funding for the program is provided
through the local Canada Employment Centre under the START
program.
- The START mandate is to target youth who are at risk of
not completing high school.
- Youths must be 12 to 19 years of age.
- Youths must reside in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam or Port
Moody.
- Transport is available for groups of youth (max. 14)
If you or someone you know would benefit from this training
program, please contact:
INNERSTART Conflict Resolution Training Centre
221 Blue Mountain Road, Coquitlam, B.C. V3K 4H3.
Tel: (604) 936-1470 or Fax: (604) 939-2131.
Sponsored by the Sanctuary Foundation
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