Children learn violence when they grow up in a family, a
community, or a world that practices violence. In most cases, children who learn
violence also suffer from that violence. Their suffering may continue into their adult
lives, extending the learned violence into the next generation and the next,
creating a chain of violence. The good news is that the chain can be broken. Our
commitment is to break the chain of violence through education and support
through our Youth Program. [top]
The Center for Nonviolence uses a combination of strategies
to help break the chain of violence among youth and families within our
community by:
• providing a safe space to talk about violence in our
lives.
• teaching skills for communication and nonviolence
planning
and behavior.
• intervening in safe ways to help end violence.
• working to increase the self esteem of those who try to
increase their own self-worth by hurting others.
[top]
Our youth groups serve ages 7 through 17 who have
experienced violence in their lives as victims, perpetrators, or both.
Participants sign a contract agreeing that they are willing to learn about and
practice nonviolence by attending two one-on-one meetings with staff and 12
interactive group sessions. Financial hardship is considered.
[top]
Workers Exploring Relationships with Kids (WERK) is a
semi-annual workshop addressing youth advocacy, youth empowerment, adult-youth
power dynamics, and adult-youth power struggles. [top]
The Center for Nonviolence provides a selection of
community services for young people, including speakers for youth groups.
Facilitators give one time presentations or short term series on violence,
nonviolence, anger management, and relationships. [top]
Center for Nonviolence Youth Camps: Our Youth Camp provides
opportunities for young people ages 8 through 17 to acquire the skills of
leadership and facilitation from a nonviolence perspective. The camp teaches
nonviolence in a nature setting with activities designed to be mentally and
physically challenging. Previous campers are trained to facilitate camps with
younger youth. [top]
center for nonviolence
