28. DISPUTE RESOLUTION SECTION LAUNCHES PROJECT TO TEACH YOUTH PROBLEM-SOLVING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
How we respond to, and try to prevent wrongful behavior is a major part of what shapes and characterizes our democratic endeavor. The punishment paradigm expresses our natural instincts (reciprocity, payback, retaliation, revenge, balancing scales, and so on) but is of limited value in making our communities safer and more enjoyable places in which to live and work. The restorative paradigm, on the other hand, promotes reconciliation, understanding, growth, integration, harmony, and happiness. From an economic standpoint, restorative processes help people become productive; the punitive model tends to embitter and the warehousing and processing costs are much greater than those connected with restoration.
The Section of Dispute Resolution this year launched a new Words Work project to teach youth communication and problem solving skills that will develop them as leaders and productive citizens of the future. It highlights the communication skills associated with conflict resolution processes as requisite and necessary life skills, not simply skills to call upon when conflict emerges.
Next year, the Section plans to roll out the Words Work curriculum and test the project at several pilot sites. This project is generously supported by the JAMS Foundation.
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