Peer Mediation

Face 2 Face

Conflict can happen to everyone, everywhere, over anything. All too often conflict is labeled as a negative experience.  However, The Wood County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has created the Face 2 Face Program to provide students with the skills necessary to turn negative conflict situations into positive experiences. The positive experience comes from the premise that with the necessary skills, students involved in a conflict situation can both "win".

We believe the only true positive way to deal with conflict is through face to face communication. We do understand that certain conflict situations will dictate which is the appropriate way of dealing with the conflict situation. However, when dealing with the majority of conflicts that occur in the school setting, communication is the most positive way. By communicating, the students can actually learn from the conflict. In addition, through the Face 2 Face Program, students will learn more about themselves, the other person, and the conflict situation itself.

What is the win/win approach?

The "win-win" approach empowers both students involved in the conflict. First, the problem or conflict is defined. There is no blame placed nor is there a determination on who was right or wrong in the situation. Once the problem is defined, the student mediator guides the disputing students to come up with a solution to the problem. The key to the "win-win" approach is communication. The disputing students communicate with each other to find a solution that they both agree to.  As a result, students feel empowered because they were integral in the agreement. Through this empowerment, it is our hope that the students will utilize their newly acquired skills to solve other conflict situations that may arise in their everyday lives.

Why student mediation in school?

The school setting is the best place to teach students mediation skills because there are many available resources. While the administration and teachers are not involved in the mediation process themselves, they are available to assist, educate, and fine tune the student's skills. It is important that the students conduct the mediation themselves without interference from the school staff. This will help the disputing students create a solution or agreement without feeling coerced. As a result, the disputing students feel a sense of empowerment. Some situations may occur which require the assistance of a teacher or administrator. Those situations should only be dealt with if they occur.   

Who are the student mediators?

Each school chooses its mediators from its own student body.  These students are then trained to help resolve conflict situations among disputing students.

What will student mediators do?

The student mediators use their communication skills to empower the disputing students to create their own solutions and resolve their conflicts.

What skills will student mediators gain? 

• Effective communication
• Cooperation
• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Effective listening
• Problem-solving techniques
• Responsibility
• Empowerment

What are the benefits of the Face 2 Face program?

• Promotes positive self-esteem and self-respect
• Teaches positive peer interactions
• Creates a positive school climate
• Decreases disciplinary actions
• Teaches life skills

What will the program provide to the school?

Selected peer mediators, teachers, and school staff will receive an initial conflict management and peer mediation training.  Monthly enhancement meetings are then conducted with the trained mediators to reinforce previously taught skills.  All of the required manuals and forms will be provided to participating schools through the prosecutor’s Office.  The Face to Face Program is unique in that it provides each school with the ability to tailor the Program to fit their individual need.

For more information about the Face 2 Face Program, contact the Wood County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, (419) 354-9250; fax (419) 353-2904 or e-mail Christy Snyder.