Press
Release
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| For More Information Contact: | For Immediate Release |
| Julie Armstrong, Deputy Public Information Officer | Date: 01/29/2003 |
| Phone: (937) 642-2053 | |
| Fax: (937) 642-3047 |
“Conflict is everywhere. Every individual is unique and will have different values, ideas, and desires. Often, conflicts are not about right and wrongs but about differences,” stated Amy Reinhard, the Union County Health Department’s Safe Communities/Safe Kids and Conflict Resolution Program Coordinator.
Conflicts can be handled in positive or negative ways and in most instances, when it is handled effectively and when the full context of the conflict is understood, a peaceful solution can be achieved. Managing conflict is often difficult for many individuals because they do not know or understand how to resolve differences in cooperative, non-hurtful ways.
To aid in instructing Marysville Elementary students in learning how to resolve conflict, Games Club was developed. Games Club was piloted at Edgewood Elementary in the Spring of 2002 and now along with Edgewood, East, Mill Valley, and Raymond Elementary Schools are introducing the program. Games Club is a school-based indoor activity allowing elementary students an opportunity to learn conflict resolution skills by playing popular board games.
Mindy Stice, the Conflict Resolution Taskforce Coordinator comments, “Parents know that children argue with each other while playing board games. Sometimes, these arguments erupt into more serious, and sometimes violent forms of conflict.”
At Games Club, community volunteers are on-hand to guide children through a variety of resolution processes, teaching them valuable life-skills in addition to good sportsmanship and game etiquette. In this manner, students can learn practical methods of conflict management and personal negotiation skills while having fun during their lunch recess period.
If you would like to find out
more information about Games Club or if you would like to volunteer for
the program, please contact Amy Reinhard, 642.2053 or Mindy Stice, 537.0100.
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