DEMOCRATIC DECISION MAKING

     When problems arise, we use a structured method of conflict resolution to find solutions as a community. Involving the entire group in these discussions allows the kids to see and hear how their decisions affect everyone in the community, even though the conflict may only directly involve two students. We don't rush the process. We believe that social and emotional growth is tantamount to academic learning, so we allow these discussions to flow to a natural end, so that true acceptance of responsibility and healing can be reached (though this is not always a quick or tidy process!). The five steps we follow are:

1. Clarify the problem. The goal is to have the children simply describe the conflict without assigning blame. Every person is safely heard, without interruption.
2. Brainstorm solutions. All ideas are recorded and entertained, no matter how extreme or silly. The humor of some suggestions often serves to diffuse any emotional tension that may remain.  Having the students participating in this brainstorm encourages them to invest in the solution agreed upon.
3. Discuss solutions. Kids are encouraged to offer pros and cons for solutions they prefer or dislike.  Unreasonable solutions are eliminated.
4. Vote on a solution. The kids' votes count the same as the mentors'! We encourage everyone to go with their beliefs, even if it is unpopular.
5. Revisit the issue at a later date to evaluate progress. Sometimes this step is not needed, whereas other issues (like how to keep the school clean) seem to keep coming up... :)