At this time of year I always remember a conversation I had with one of my mediation heroes, Maija Gray. Maija is an experienced peer mediation coordinator and adjustment counselor at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton, MA. I was saying how impressed I was with her program's campaign to educate the school about mediation effort that included creative posters and student presentations. Maija responded, with just a little exasperation: "And we can never rest on our laurels as far as outreach is concerned. We have to do this year after year."… read this issue >>

It was a typical group of peer mediation trainees. When we arrived at their middle school to conduct the third and final day of training, it had been almost a week since we were last together. Students were chatting excitedly, moving heavy library tables so we could sit in a circle.… read this issue >>

With more than two decades of practice under our belts, seasoned peer mediation practitioners generally agree on the fundamentals of how to operate a peer mediation program. There are a few issues, however, about which disagreement is still profound. One is whether adult coordinators should remain in the room during peer mediation sessions.… read this issue >>

Sam Diener, of the Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester MA, created these insightful talking points to assist educators in speaking with students about the shooting in the Chardon, Ohio high school yesterday. Thanks to Sam for allowing me to publish them. I edited them with his permission.… read this issue >>