When accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, former President Jimmy Carter said, "The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make changes - and we must."

In this spirit, Participant Media presents the following six conflict resolution activities, for use by parents, workshop facilitators, teachers and community educators with middle and high school students. The activities are modular, easy to use, and align with curriculum standards in literature, civics, social studies, art, and more.

Each activity focuses on a different aspect of conflict resolution, from community building, social action, and communication to non-violent peace efforts in this country and abroad, racism and bias, and domestic and international aid. Designed to foster productive conversations about difficult issues, Participant Media views these activities as a first step towards exploring the tough choices we all face and encouraging each of us to choose peace.
 

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To download individual lessons, see below.

Ground Rules

In small groups, brainstorm the best ways to talk - and listen - when discussing personal or controversial issues.

Tree of Peace

Using the cross-cultural symbol of a tree, unpack and define the social and personal elements that compose peace. Topics include: compassion, friendship, physical security and safety, freedom of speech and press.

Language, Communication, and Conflict Resolution

How does language create conflict? How can we use language to break down barriers? In pairs and in teams, engage in challenges that explore these questions.

Wall to Peace

Bias, censorship, poverty, and indifference are just a few of the attitudes that serve as barriers to peace. In small groups, learn how to break down these barriers and replace them with constructive behaviors.

Interviewing Peers

Explore the different issues that often cause and perpetuate conflict, and discuss personal experiences that relate to those issues.

Cycle of Conflict

Thinking personally, locally, and globally, how does a disagreement start, escalate, and if left unchecked, turn aggressive - and where within the cycle are there opportunities to make choices that can change the outcome?

All materials created for Participant Media by Big Picture Instructional Design