Resolving Conflict

Let me congratulate the Conejo Valley Unified School District on its recognition that we need to teach kids how to resolve their differences other than by violence.

It’s time to stop just doing what comes naturally. Violence comes naturally. We need to go beyond what’s easy and teach nonviolent conflict resolution, including mediation. One text I recommend for use with teen-agers and adults is former President Jimmy Carter’s “Talking Peace,” which deals with nonviolent conflict resolution techniques between individuals and nations.

Countering violence with violence is ineffective. Offenders need justice. Pre-offenders need to be taught new ways of dealing with problems before they escalate to violent levels.

Let us be peacemakers, not just peacekeepers.

DIANE DAILEY VENABLE

Thousand Oaks