Every Child a Peacemaker

“I learned that instead of fighting, you can talk out the problem using a peace stick.  I learned that you shouldn't solve your problems with violence. You should talk it out. I helped my friends at day care solve their problems without violence.  I hope other kids could have the experience I had at the Peace Learning Center.”*

The Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee gives kids a chance! The Peacemakers’ Workshop, offered to Milwaukee-area fourth and fifth grade students, provides a wonderful opportunity for students to take control of their lives and empowers them to make non-violent choices to manage daily conflict. Workshops help build self-esteem and confidence and instill an appreciation of our human connection to the natural world. The Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee’s philosophy believes that every student has the ability to be a peacemaker!

“I will never forget the day I went to the Peace Learning Center. I learned that you can solve problems without using violence and you won’t be mad if you take a peace breath.”*

Fourth and fifth grade students and their teachers participate in a five-hour workshop that engages them in activities focused on developing non-violent conflict resolution skills. Activities include cooperative games, relaxation techniques, learning safe ways to de-escalate confrontation, methods of conflict resolution, Peace Mentor study and outdoor environmental education. In-class visits three weeks after the Workshop experience reinforce the skills learned and inspire continued practice in the classroom and beyond.

“Going to the Peace Learning Center has helped me solve a lot of problems. For example, when someone hits me, I’ll say “I would appreciate if you could stop hitting me.”  I try to solve my problems by talking it out, shaking hands or telling the person could they not hurt my feelings.  I learned that I don’t have to solve my problems by fighting.  When I see violence, I feel sad for the people getting hurt.  I tell people to keep peace on earth.  I know one day there will be peace.”*

Although Milwaukee has seen a reduction in overall violent crimes in the past two years, it has seen an increase in school violence. Threats or injuries to children sustained in fist fights or fights involving small weapons are on the rise, and even teachers have experienced an increase in physical assaults. Since 2001, The Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee offers an alternative approach to the violence that children face each day by helping them learn ways to defuse conflict before it escalates into violence. A pilot project involving 105 fourth and fifth grade students from one school in 2002-03 has expanded to a program that has welcomed over 3,000 students from over 20 schools. The Peacemakers’ Workshops are held in the Friends’ Meetinghouse, a scenic and serene location on the west bank of the Milwaukee River.

“The Peace Learning Center helped me to walk away and not get into fights.  It also helped me to take peace breaths when I need them.  I haven’t gotten into any fights since I went to the Peace Learning Center.”*

Presbyterians have supported the Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee since its beginnings. North Shore Presbyterian Church in Shorewood, Wisconsin, has provided financial support from its share of the annual Peacemaking Offering, from mission grants, and through fundraisers over the past five years. North Shore Presbyterian members have become very involved in this peacemaking work as teachers, volunteers and board members.

Other churches in the Milwaukee Presbytery have also become involved. Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church and Apostle Presbyterian Church have all contributed either their portion of the Peacemaking Offering or other funds. The Mission Partnership of Milwaukee Presbytery has provided a grant to support this creative peacemaking ministry.

For more information about the Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee, how you can organize a similar program in your community or to become peace partner, please contact either of these two members of North Shore Presbyterian Church:

Nancy Theoharis, Chair of the Board, Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee, at (414) 352-2015

Kim Apfelbach, Administrator, Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee at (414) 350-4721

“I learned you can solve problems a better way by doing it peacefully not with fighting and using violence.”

*Fourth grade students at Cass Street School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin