Violence Prevention for Schools and Communities

• WHEN CRUEL IS COOL - A closer look at harassment
• KEEP THE POWER, INCREASE THE PEACE – Understanding anger
• DIALOGUE REDUCES DANGER LIKE NOTHING ELSE – Skills for addressing youth violence

As danger begins to appear in even the safest places, we must work together to promote the kind of thinking and action that will make every community a positive environment for our children. At Second Growth, we believe that dialogue reduces danger like nothing else. With components designed for youth, parents, educators, healthcare providers, and other youth service professionals, our programs are a practical way of beginning a critical discussion that engages everyone in the task of increasing the peace.

WHEN CRUEL IS COOL – A Closer Look at Harassment

The hard edge of popular culture can bring devastation to the lives of certain adolescents. Acting in a rough manner in tough times, an increasing number of youth embrace disrespect as a daily practice. This dynamic workshop will engage students, educators, parents, and the entire community in the task of fulfilling each person’s responsibility to confront hurtful behaviors and to teach respect as a core value.

Together, we will define harassment with personal examples of what we have experienced or witnessed in the places closest to our own hearts and homes. Then, we will map out a practical plan for addressing such violence when it first appears.

A professionally produced DVD version of a live presentation of “When Cruel is Cool” is available to help teachers jump-start the conversation in their own classrooms.

KEEP THE POWER, INCREASE THE PEACE – Understanding anger

Preventing physical and emotional violence is high on the list of concerns for most people, yet getting mad is an integral part of daily life. Learning to express anger in a way that is helpful instead of hurtful is a valuable skill. Participants will learn simple but highly effective steps for managing anger and resolving conflicts without resorting to violence of any kind.

DIALOGUE REDUCES DANGER LIKE NOTHING ELSE – Skills for addressing youth violence

A violence prevention/early intervention training program designed for educators, health professionals, and other youth service providers, this intensive one-day workshop will help to fill participants’ backpacks with practical tools for engaging teens in hard talks about hurt. We will explore a continuum of violent behaviors progressing through the topics of harassment and bullying, anger and assault, and depression and suicide, and substance abuse.

Addressing the real-life needs of young offenders, we will examine productive intervention strategies that help build positive skills, promote personal responsibility, and strengthen connections with a caring community. Our conversations will focus on how we as individuals can contribute to a more peaceful world by helping one child at a time.