To address the problem of violence in schools and provide information and training in peer mediation to classroom teachers, school administrators, and attorney volunteers, the State Bar of Michigan and State Attorney General's Office will host a "Peer Mediation Summit" on Thursday, May 3, 2001.

The Summit, which will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Lansing, is a one-day event where teachers, school administrators, and interested attorney volunteers can get information and receive training on how to teach students to resolve their differences peaceably. The Summit will offer a two-track program to fit your specific needs and interests.

Track One

• Learn all about conflict resolution programs.
• Hear about the peer mediation process from those who have implemented programs in their school districts.
• See trained student conflict managers role-play a simulated dispute.

Track Two

• Learn how to organize and implement a peer mediation program in schools in your area.
• Receive certification as a peer mediation trainer from a Community Board certified trainer.
• Receive training materials that will prepare you to implement a peer mediation program in the upcoming school year.

Seating for the Summit is limited so register early for this one-of-a-kind event by contacting Sue Oudsema at the State Bar of Michigan at soudsema@mail.michbar.org or 1-800-968-1442, extension 6423. The cost of the Summit is only $38 per attendee (lunch is included).

Peer mediation is a form of conflict resolution that empowers children to solve their own problems peacefully. Attorney Nancy Wonch began a peer Mediation Project in the Lansing schools in 1994 and the State Bar of Michigan's Law-Related Education Committee in conjunction with the Attorney General's Office is working to implement peer mediation "pilot programs" in schools throughout the state. Attorney volunteers are essential to the continued success and further growth of these pilot programs.

With grants from the Michigan State Bar Foundation, the State Bar and Attorney General's Office have implemented four new pilot programs since the fall 2000 school year. To find out how to get involved in peer mediation pilot programs in your area, send a letter of interest to: