The mission of Creative Response to Conflict is to achieve a nonviolent and just world by helping people learn to resolve conflict through cooperation, communication, affirmation, bias awareness, creative problem solving, and mediation. CRC offers a wide range of programs and workshops that further our vision. One such program, Lunchtime Listeners, helps local school – aged students use a hands on approach to learn skills of conflict resolution. Students learn these skills through the support and guidance of Lunchtime Listeners during lunchtime and recess – the time of day when conflicts and disputes escalate at school. Lunchtime Listeners are adults trained in conflict resolution and mediation who volunteer their time to facilitate nonviolent conflict resolution among students. Through the process of mediations students learn how to; listen to each others’ needs, be respectful, instead of remaining bystanders support each other as allies, and learn to constructively as well as creatively solve their differences with one another. This program leaves students with a sense of empowerment and a renewed sense of self-confidence realizing they have new skills to negotiate conflict on their own.
Lunchtime Listeners was started after one of Nyack Public School Districts’ principals expressed a need for students to be heard. Since that time several years ago, the program has helped numerous students resolve conflicts nonviolently. Because the need out-measures the volunteers we can supply, CRC finds itself in a position where we need to expand the program and recruit more Lunchtime Listeners. CRC pulls Lunchtime Listener volunteers from our facilitator base, and groups such as Volunteer Counseling Services (VCS) and AVP (Alternatives to Violence Project). Because CRC stresses nonviolence, we specifically look for individuals who are skilled in nonviolent techniques, conflict resolution and mediation. We are opening up volunteer positions as Lunchtime Listeners to individuals who are retired teachers or social workers, and trained in conflict resolution and/or mediation. Parents willing to learn conflict resolution skills are invited to volunteer as well.
All Lunchtime Listeners involved in this project make a commitment to nonviolent, non-bias and non-judgmental handling of student conflicts. Volunteers are also required not to discuss mediations that happen on the playground and in the lunchroom with individuals outside of CRC. Confidentiality maintains the safety and trust of students.
Please contact Priscilla Prutzman, Anissa New-Walker, or Rocky Clark at 845.353.1796 for Lunchtime Listener training schedules.