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Little Friends for Peace
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Many parents are concerned about fights, verbal abuse, peer-pressure, bullying, and other worrisome behaviors in schools. Yet parents can feel powerless to help children avoid becoming caught in these situations, either in the role of the aggressor or the aggrieved.
Little Friends for Peace (LFFP) is an innovative organization dedicated to helping children, parents, and teachers move beyond conflict-avoidance to actively building peace. In a variety of programs, from after school care to weekend peace circles and outdoor adventures, Little Friends for Peace supports children in developing positive emotional and relational skills that help them at home and at school.
LFFP was founded in 1981 by Mary Joan Park and Jerry Park. They have six grown children, are trained teachers, and long-time family counselors. They, along with other staff and devoted volunteers share practices of conflict resolution, character education, healthy decision-making, and environmental stewardship with children and their adult leaders to spread the seeds of peace. The program offers children nonviolent ways to solve personal and interpersonal problems. The Parks dedicate their hearts to this work because, in the words of Mary Joan, "Families need tools and opportunities to grow peace.”
LFFP's work is not limited to working with children. They also offer workshops and in-services for parents, teachers, ministers, and others who have responsibility for rearing and reaching children. In all of their programming they infuse a peaceful environment through “I-care” language and “put ups” over “put downs.” Their participants come away from the program equipped to spread peace in all aspects of their lives.
Participants learn:
- nonviolent discipline alternatives
- the “peace train” problem-solving method
- leadership skills
- appreciation of self and diversity
- empathy and caring
- expressing feelings without hurting others
- anger control
- active listening skills
- communication skills
- cooperative work and play
- healthy diet and exercise
LFFP received 501(c) 3 status in July 2006 and since has established a downtown D.C. "Peace Room" at the Perry School Community Services Center. Offices are located at the Perry School Inc. in NW D.C.
For more information, contact Mary Joan Park, or see their schedule of events.
See also:
Empathy: an amazing resource for family connection and softening conflict
Expressing love in ways that touch your family
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