Mediation for the future!

Those of you who are aware of my own (slower than the speed of suck) pursuit of mediation and restorative justice, understand why I'm so proud of Eric!

Trillium Charter School is a progressive educational experience to say the least, when the kids can become certified mediators for their schoolmate's issues. Resolution tools are so important in the adult world, so I'm elated that my kids are growing up knowing that mediation is the right approach.

Basically, for those of us who are used to just getting our asses kicked at school during a debate, this means that Eric can now assist two or more students who are in the middle of a situation which requires back and forth negotiation. Mediators are keeping things from becoming physical in a rash moment of frustration. "A neutral party who assists in negotiations and conflict resolution"

During this process of becoming neutral party mediators and occasionally having their own situation mediated by a schoolmate, these kids learning who to turn to for help in case the need arises, in case teacher involvement isn't the only necessary tool. And they're learning how to compromise! My gosh, can you imagine if this was the standard in the public school system?! Rational human beings with a sense of accountability walking the earth!

Now if only I could get the kid to take out the trash and pick up all the dirty clothes off his bedroom floor...he'd probably "mediate his way out of that."

In addition, Eric is now using Evernote to organize his lessons and display what he's been doing in class. Take a peek, if you have an Evernote account!

Until next time, get organized and negotiate. All the kids are doing it these days!