The students at Jefferson Township Jr/Sr High School were concerned with the amount of violence and conflict in their school, homes, and community.  The students on the Youth for Justice team decided that something should be done to help curb the violence

The team members took a survey of the students in the school regarding the forms of violence they witnessed in school.  The most prevalent were bullying, fights, and arguments.  The team members compared these results to a YFJ survey completed last year and determined that lack of communication and low self-esteem often lead to violence.  The YFJ students started a conflict management group to have students talking out their problems rather than resorting to violence.  Through the mediation program, the participating students learn to solve problems together, communicate effectively, and accept consequences of one’s actions. 

The YFJ team held a special program at the beginning of the school year and highlighted the Conflict Mediation Program for the school staff and students.  The Dayton Daily News interviewed the students about their conflict management program.  The YFJ presented the program to the Jefferson Township Board of Education, receiving high praise from the Board members.  The students also brought in speakers, including Chief Magistrate Ralph Wilcoxson of the Dayton Juvenile Courts and Lavar Glover of the British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League, to talk to the student body about managing conflict.

The steps have been successful in the school.  The YFJ team has noticed that the number of fights has decreased.  The district superintendent wants the program to be district-wide beginning in August 2009.