Learning Goals

With the aim of stopping violence and transforming conflict, we have these six learning goals. Through the course of training, Participants in Peacemakers will increase in the following concepts, skills, and qualities below.

1. Self-esteem and respect for others. Increase in self-esteem and respect for others are the most important goals we seek to achieve. Low esteem for self and disrespect of others are underlying causes of unhealthy responses to conflict which can lead to violence. Beyond conflict transformation, increase in self-esteem also promotes general peace and happiness in life.

2. Basic concepts for transforming conflict. Our training begins with learning fundamental concepts of conflict transformation. In this level students, come to understand conflict, violence, nonviolence, problem solving and the roles of the bully, victim and bystander in aggression. The Peacemakers’ pledge, code of conduct, stop light and map embody our primary concepts for transforming conflict.

3. Management of fear, anger, and aggression. We focus on self-management of fear and anger, the two driving emotions in aggression. In this level, students learn the importance of perception, reframing, and self awareness, and then learn how to exercise courage with fear and self-control with anger. Students also learn to remain calm, centered, composed and confident in conflict.

4. Communication and problem solving skills. The first level in the intermediate training focuses on communication and problem solving skills. Students learn how to communicate and collaborate in order to resolve probelms. They learn to assert themselves and attend to others. And they come to understand the place for intervention and the goal of reconciliation. The Peacemakers’ stop light and Tongue Fu models embody basic concepts for these skills.

5. Physical skills for restraining violence.  We engage students with teaching physical skills for stopping violence. These skills include the safe stance, basic blocks, and escapes. Select strikes, control holds, and takedowns are taught only in certain situations. Students learn these skills according to a traditional code of conduct that teaches minimum effective force (assertiveness) rather than excessive force (aggressiveness) to stop violent assaults.

6. Qualities for a peaceable character. We seek to form character throughout the course of our instruction by focusing on certain qualities. We hope our students acquire strength, gentleness, reverence, love, wisdom, endurance, peacefulness, and vision for peace.