Olympic Truce
Olympic Truce will train young people in the skills of conflict resolution and mediation. It will give them the skills and confidence to work with their peers in local youth organisations. It is based on ancient olympic tradition of calling a truce during the period of the games.
The basic training happens in a group work setting and consists of twelve evening sessions, two full days and a residential weekend over a three to four month period.
The training will develop their personal skills in managing their own attitudes to anger and violence. They will develop an understanding of the costs and gains of conflict which will be beneficial in their everyday lives and relationships. They will gain a range of tools and techniques to support this (life skills) and improve their personal skills which will enhance their employability. They begin to take responsibility for their own behaviours and to see how they can support others in difficult situations. They can gain practice and validation as facilitators and young leaders.
Participants have volunteer placements and good employment prospects. Those who successfully complete all aspects of the programme will receive a certificate and a reference.
The programme
- Recruitment and taster sessions – consisting of a 1-2 hour training and individual self assessment and preparation for learning.
- Twelve evening and two day long training workshops
- Opportunities to work with youth groups, schools and other youth venues or the opportunity to deliver workshops to young people at events and conferences (supported by adult staff)
- Residential weekend and conference event.
- Free membership to PeerLink (a support and resource network for peer mediators and conflict leaders, with website, newsletters, training events, conferences, awards and certificates)
This project is being organised in partnership with LEAP confronting conflict, and is funded by