To renovate a house, you need a hammer. For certain tasks, a hammer is essential. But it would be lunacy to think that you could refurbish an entire house with a hammer alone.… read this issue >>

As I approach the end of my 20th year at School Mediation Associates, I find myself wondering: How has peer mediation managed to hold my interest for so long? Part of my longevity is attributable to finding ways to keep the work interesting, be it growing the organization, coaching our wonderful trainers, writings books, refining our training program, or publishing this newsletter.… 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 >>

My 9-year-old son played Little League Baseball for the first time last Spring. Sam is crazy about baseball, and little thrills him (and by extension, us) like game time. The protective parent in me had one major reservation about Little League, however, a concern which can be summed up in three words: Baseballs are hard. Sam is quite skilled for his age — sleeping with your glove on has its benefits — but I worried that his forehead would not welcome a speeding hard ball.… read this issue >>