The
CRC Theme Communication comes first, because in order to build upon the
following themes, an individual needs to have effective communication skills.
From communication, each skill builds upon the previous one with the intention
for the individual to successfully implement their new found skills to address
bias, mediation and bullying.
Communication
skills are
fundamental to productive interactions. CRC communication activities provide
practice and develop skills in listening, speaking, and observation. CRC's high-participation, interactive approach develops
oral language skills while literacy connections support reading and writing.
Cooperation
skills are
essential in today's collaborative school and workplace environments. CRC
cooperation activities build group spirit, support team building,
and help participants learn
the skills they need to work together towards positive common goals.
Affirmation builds on cooperation and
communication to help participants feel positive about themselves and others. CRC's approach validates each individual's contribution and
highlights strengths and commonalities.
Conflict
resolution principles frame conflict as an expected, natural part of life and a pathway
to growth, learning, and connection. CRC conflict resolution activities help
participants expand their "toolbox" of strategies for responding to
conflict. Skills include de-escalating conflict, looking at others' points of
view, and developing win-win/fair-fair solutions.
Creative
problem-solving skills enable participants to generate creative solutions to conflict.
CRC problem-solving activities develop critical thinking capabilities for
fluency, flexibility, and elaboration as well as creativity and imagination.
Bias
awareness is key in understanding and responding to conflict. CRC
activities create a safe environment in which participants explore and
celebrate their cultures; examine personal, cultural, and institutional forms
of bias; and develop strategies to effectively respond to bias.
Mediation is an approach in which
facilitators help those in conflict communicate about the problem and develop
creative solutions. CRC has helped many schools establish peer mediation
programs, an approach shown to be useful in improving school climate and
reducing disciplinary referrals.
Creative responses to
bullying
incorporate a range of strategies appropriate to a wide variety of bullying
situations. CRC's holistic approach takes into
account the needs of bullies, those they bully, and bystanders as well as
issues of power imbalance and bias. Both prevention and intervention are
addressed.