Youth dialogue to center on conflict resolution
Written by Michael Stainbrook | | news@toledofreepress.comA local organization is turning to Toledo’s youth to seek solutions to the age-old problem of conflict.
The Board of Community Relations will host a dialogue on diversity from 2 to 4 p.m. July 7, in the Huntington Room at Toledo Main Public Library.
“We’ve had events with young people and dialogue since back in 2007-08,” said Juanita Greene, the board’s executive director.
“We want to know about any struggles they may be having, especially in the age range of 13 to 18.”
The board is targeting this group because it includes junior high students who will be transitioning to high school. It also contains those already in high school who are preparing to enter college or professional life.
“There’s a lot of peer pressure in those groups,” Greene said. “This group is quite important because we have a youth category on the board. Our youth are very well noted.”
The dialogue will focus on conflict resolution, especially resolving matters of race. Greene expects the youth to voice their concerns in an environment designed for young people.
“Race is not just about the different colors that we are. Race is diversity,” she said.
She said conflict can come in many forms, including hurtful language and disrespect shown to peers. Through conflict resolution, however, these problems can be curtailed with the ultimate goal of creating community.
The attendees will steer the direction of the event. They will be divided into small groups of roughly 15 to 20 individuals. Each group will then choose a leader, who will work with an ice-breaking facilitator to direct discussion.
“We will be listening to them,” Greene said. “Questions will be proposed to them. What conflict results? Why is there misbehavior? Why is language used in certain ways with young people?”
The groups will develop their own solutions and probe any other problems that surface during the course of the dialogue. A scribe will record what is discussed and pass on the findings to the board at the end of the small group’s conversation. At that point, the board will combine all of the groups’ recommendations into a report that authenticates the progress that was made.
“This way they can remember, ‘yeah, my point was taken. Someone listened to what we said,’” Greene said.
“Then, we call them back together and say, ‘How can we resolve this as a community?’ We have to resolve the issue.”
But even when the event ends, the mission will not be complete. Greene said the board will work throughout the year to pursue positive conflict resolution and a deeper understanding among teens.
“It’s not just going to be talking on something and then leaving and then that’s it. It’s going to continue,” she said.
“What’s very important to me is that we live in a community where there is respect for all.”
The board expects more than 200 attendees. Many youth groups and church groups have already registered, and other agencies are expected to do so as well. Individuals not associated with a group are also welcome.
The deadline to register for the event is Monday, June 28. To RSVP, call (419) 245-1565 or e-mail the board at bcr1@toledo.oh.gov.
