Conflict & Gang Violence Prevention Using Peer Leadership: Training Manual for CHAMPS.

Conflict and violence on the part of adolescents and pre-adolescents has been a growing problem. Young people will respond to an "anti-gang message" if that message is delivered from their peer group. This manual describes a peer approach to impact young people about productive ways to handle conflict. Older students are trained to operate puppets and present age appropriate pre-recorded lessons to K-3 students. Younger students respond well and listen to the older students. At the 4th through 6th grade level, peer led activities are provided to use within the classroom. Students take turn leading activities, becoming "part of the solution" rather than "part of the problem." This manual covers the program through the following chapters: (1) The program: An introduction; (2) The kit: What you have and how to use it; (3) The need: Elementary conflict, gang & violence prevention is a must; (4) The puppeteers: Selection, training and techniques; (5) The method: K-3 puppet scripts and activities and the 4-6 peer led activities; (6) The facts: Conflict, gang & violence information for you, your staff and your parents; and (7) The results: How to evaluate the program and your students. (JBJ)