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"Fighting" for Peace

© Joan Fumia

I usuaally do not use this column to review web sites that do little more than promote particular programs or business ventures, especially if the sites do not also include links to other related sites that will in some way contribute to our understanding of the field of conflict resolution. It is my intention, however, to present the full spectrum of conflict resolution as it appears on the Internet. Therefore, although this month's article reviews the web site of a specific organization, the Atrium Society, that offers neither links nor conflict resolution information beyond its own program, because it advances an unusual aspect of conflict resolution, I believe the site is worth discussion. The web site can be found at http://www.atriumsoc.org.

The Atrium Society is non-profit, non-sectarian, and non-political. It was founded by Jean Webster-Doyle in 1984 and is headquartered in Middlebury, VT. It's core programs are Education for Peace and Martial Arts for Peace. These programs, through training and various materials, help those who work with children teach them how to understand the nature of conflict, and thereby how to both prevent and resolve it.

It was the Society's use of martial arts to handle conflict that caught my eye. The message of the Atrium Society is that the skills and discipline associated with the martial arts can produce in children the confidence needed to overcome the conditioning that often results in bullying and violent responses to bullying. In other words, children can be taught to use the physical prowess developed through martial arts training to prevent and resolve conflict in a peaceful way.

Curricula and other resources can be purchased through the site, and consultation concerning the use of the materials is free. The site seems to be targeted to teachers, counselors, and others who work with children.

Happy New Year. This column will not appear in February but will be back in March. Until next time...

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