Practicing Mediation

The 6 steps in peer mediation include: the introduction, gathering information, understanding the underlying needs, brainstorming solutions, evaluating the solutions suggested, and closing. There are several things to keep in mind for peer mediators as they tackle this process with disputants. Peer mediators must show excitement about progress made, show respect to one another and the disputants, calling the disputants by name, making eye contact, and show balance towards both disputants. Peer mediators must remain impartial and not force the disputants towards any solution or suggest any ideas of their own. The mediation process is complex and nuanced and it requires a lot of practice.
The Domestic Harmonizer Program (DHP) is created by The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI). Rooted in restorative practices the DHP works with students and teachers and parents to build a deep understanding of conflict resolution education (CRE). By helping to create peaceful opportunities for exchange and learning, schools can reduce incidents of destructive conflict on campus. To learn more about the DHP, visit our Virtual Center: www.domesticharmonizer.org. To learn more about WPDI, visit: www.wpdi.org
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