---

the program
Community Boards’ Conflict Manager Program is one of the oldest peer mediation models in use across the U.S., first launched in 1982.  The Conflict Manager Program is grounded in the principals of civility and respect, using conflict as the starting point for creating dialogues, clearer understandings and shared "win-win" solutions. 

Conflict Managers are specially chosen students trained as mediators, assisting other students work through their differences or disputes. They practice a unique combination of teamwork, leadership and empathy that are supported by critical communication and problem-solving skills. These then become critical personal and professional life skills.

Younger students work in roving teams during recess and school assemblies or the lunchroom.  Older Conflict Managers formally meet in scheduled sessions during or after school hours. Referrals for these mediations can be made by adults or the students themselves.

These are the types of disputes Conflict Managers assist with:
> Miscommunication:  gossip, insults, rumors, “he says, she says”
> Misperceptions:  looks, stares, bumps
> Relationships:  friendships, cliques, romantic (boyfriends/girlfriends), exclusion
> Personal property:  missing, borrowed or damaged items; shared limited resources
> Games & athletics:  rules clarification or enforcement, sportsmanship
> Money:  lent, borrowed, owed
> Power imbalances:  bossing, bullying, tattletales
> Cultural, ethnic or economic differences:  name calling, stereotyping, disrespect

You can learn much more about the Conflict Manager Program and our other resources and services for schools by visiting the peer mediation homepage.

the institute
Date: August 13 & 14, 2009
Place: Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street @ 1st Street
Tuition:
> One attendee: $450
> Two attendees: $800
> Three attendees: $1050
> Four attendees: $1200

This Institute is a dynamic combination of presentations, group discussions, interactive exercises and roleplays.  Our approach is both hands-on and user-friendly, designed for people with no background in training or in conflict resolution.  It is ideal for classroom teachers, counselors, resource specialists, parents and a school’s community stakeholders.

The Institute covers:
> Understanding Conflict
> Program Model Overview
> Mediation Process
> Training the Students
> Coaching Roleplays
> Logistics & Program Administration

Participants receive:
> Conflict Manager Program implementation & training guide
> Institute training binder
> Supplemental program activities packet
> Certificate of completion
> Breakfast & refreshments

the trainer
Gail Sadalla is a dynamic and organized professional with twenty-five years of experience training clients in conflict resolution, facilitation, principled negotiation, peer mediation, anger management, collaborative planning and training for trainers.  Experienced in curriculum design and program implementation strategies, Gail has delivered successful and effective workshops for non-governmental organizations, youth, schools, educators, attorneys, social workers and private sector groups in the United States, Eastern Europe and Africa.

Gail employs a highly interactive training process she developed that uses lecture, video, demonstration, facilitated discussion, simulation and extensive roleplaying.  Her overall goal is to create frameworks for improving communication, respecting diversity and fostering more cooperative relationships.

testimonials
   "Let me express the School District’s appreciation for your continued commitment to the safety and well-being of San Francisco’s youth.  Your conflict resolution/peer mediation manuals, as well as your professional development sessions and follow-up technical assistance to school-site staff, students and security aides, have supported our efforts to reduce violence on school campuses and in surrounding neighborhoods."  Joyce Fetro, Ph.D., CHES, SFUSD School Health Programs, San Francisco

    "Since we began the conflict resolution program, we have seen an improvement in grades, a decrease in discipline and more kids staying in school."  Michael Carpenter, Ph.D., Executive Director, Student Assistance Professional Association, Fayetteville, GA

    "The Conflict Manager Program is our foundation.  In students we are seeing more awareness in terms of understanding the needs of others, as well as clearer communication.  Students are able to express their feelings and have compassion for other kids.  The program really works!"  Joyce Krueger, Conflict Resolution Coordinator, Custer Elementary School, Monroe, MI

    "The most beneficial thing about having a Conflict Manager Program is that kids are learning that there are positive ways to resolve conflicts rather than use threats, violence or perpetuate long-term animosity.  It has de-escalated potentially problematic situations."  Kent Quakenbush, School Counselor, Willow Creek Elementary School, Rochester, MN

    "We’ve had students reflect that they’ve taken on the role of conflict managers in their homes.  This shows us that they’re taking it to heart and really using it.  Now we’re looking to do family training so that what we do in school is reinforced at home."  Alice Smiler, Healthy Start Program Coordinator, Ben Franklin Middle School, San Francisco, CA

    "Our conflict resolution program has been a great help in diffusing situations that would normally take a lot time away from the principal.  Last year we had a lot of racial problems.  This year the Conflict Managers got involved and these racial problems have significantly decreased."  Millie Frenald, Classroom Teacher, Esperanza High School, Anaheim, CA

    “One success of the Conflict Manager Program we noticed was the social improvement of a particular student who wasn’t doing well socially in the years past—we’d been evaluating him.  Now he’s an integral part of the 5th grade leadership conflict resolution program and his social skills have greatly improved.”  Neil Patel, Service Learning Coordinator, Edward Robinson Taylor Elementary School, San Francisco, CA

    “Our conflict resolution program has been widely accepted among the students as well as administrators.  Kids automatically fill out conflict forms to refer their own disputes.”  Karen Larson, School Counselor, Kellogg Middle School, Rochester, MN

    “We’ve had your program for 16 years and I think that the longevity speaks for itself in terms of being successful.  Having seen our example, other student advisors have started their own programs.  In fact, kids have come back years later to tell me how the program has improved communication in their personal lives.”  John Caviness, Program Coordinator, William DeAvila Elementary School, San Francisco, CA William DeAvila Elementary School, San Francisco, CA

registration & payment
Tuition
> One attendee: $450
> Two attendees: $800
> Three attendees: $1050
> Four attendees: $1200

Download Registration Form here:  Click here for form.

Paying by Purchase Order
You may use a purchase order through our online payment service below.  You may also fax your purchase order to (415) 626-0595.  Please include a completed registration.

Paying Online
You may pay online using our secure server.  If you are registering more than one attendee, include just the name of a contact person on the online form.  We will get the additional names during our follow up with the contact person.  Click to pay online.

Paying by Check
Please return completed registration form with check made payable  to:  Community Boards, 3130 - 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 - ATTN: Peer Mediation Program Institute

Paying by Credit Card  
Online:  See above.  By telephone: (415) 920.3820, ext. 104.  By fax: Fax completed form to (415) 626-0595,  ATTN: Peer Mediation Program Institute.  All information remains confidential and secured.  By mail:  Please mail completed registration form to:  Community Boards, 3130 - 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 - ATTN: Peer Mediation Program Institute

Cancellation & Refund Policies
Registration is contingent upon full payment of the registration fee.  When payment is received, you will be sent confirmation by mail of your reservation along with additional registration and training information.
- If you cancel after making payment, you will receive a full refund less a $40 processing fee.
- If you cancel WITHIN TWO WEEKS of the training date, you will receive a 50% refund.

questions?
Please contact Jim Garrison, 415-920-3820 x104, jgarrison@communityboards.org.