HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0102.001 2022-2024 P/Council
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,55-23
CAW. 102
West Hawaii Mediation Center
L.1.1 C
Testimony for Hawaii County Council Meeting N
February 22, 2023
Council Members: -4=
n
West Hawai'i Mediation Center continues to provide needed conflict resolution services to our
community. In particular,WHMC teaches Peer Mediation and youth Conflict Resolution skills in 8
West Hawaii elementary and middle schools. Conflict resolution education entails teaching youth
about the nature of conflict and the typical ways people respond to it, recognizing and managing
difficult emotions, learning communication skills, and understanding and respecting differences.
Youth use these skills to resolve conflict among their peers in a school setting.
In 2022-23, we have seen an influx of schools reaching out for Conflict Resolution services -
from continuing Peer Mediation programs and conflict resolution workshops for staff to conflict
intervention and facilitations for.group change processes for schools. The impact of Covid
suggests that it will take 3-5 years for children to recover academically and behaviorally. Peer
Mediation is one way to focus on relational connections to build positive and peaceful outcomes.
We are requesting$3000 in contingency funds to aid in personnel staff directly used for training
students and honoring student accomplishments through an end of year celebration. Mahalo for
your consideration in helping WHMC fulfill our mission: to help people resolve conflict.
Eric Paul,
Executive Director
West Hawai'i Mediation Center
65-1291 Kawaihae Road, Suite 104b, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Waimea (808) 885-5525 Fax (808) 887-0525
www.whmediation.org
West Hawaii Mediation Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, helping our community
prevent and resolve conflicts since 1998. I
Comm. No.
Working it out ® together. Ref. To: P Council
Ref. Date FEB 2 2 2023