We have a drug problem. But it's probably not what you think. Yes, heroin use is up among young people. Yes, the US government's War on Drugs has cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars over the last three decades with virtually no net benefit.… read this issue >>

Most peer mediation programs train mediators to follow a specific structure or set of steps each time they mediate. Student mediators depend upon these mediation "models." In fact, mediators usually have the steps on paper in front of them while they conduct sessions.… read this issue >>

I am very proud of the way student mediators uphold their promise of confidentiality. After 21 years of practice, I still count on one hand the number of times that mediators have broken their pledge. This speaks volumes about the integrity of the peer mediation concept, particularly the maturity and capability of well-trained student mediators.… read this issue >>

I have heard every manner of criticism leveled at peer mediation over the years. Some of it arises from a lack of understanding of the program. Some is just sour grapes: The harshest critics usually have another pet form of conflict resolution program. And some is right on the money, or at least close enough to warrant my attention.… read this issue >>