Empowering Philadelphia's Youth: Temple University Youth Conflict Specialists Project

In the vibrant heart of Philadelphia, an initiative has been quietly making strides in the community, empowering young minds, and fostering conflict resolution skills. Temple University's Youth Conflict Specialists Project (YCS), which was started in May 2019, is a transformative effort aimed at equipping the youth ages 13-21, in grades 7-12 with the skills and knowledge necessary to address conflicts constructively in their lives and communities.

 In this blog post, we will delve into the objectives, outcomes, and future aspirations of this program, while also shedding light on its financial support, supporters, collaborators, project teams, and overall structure.

Purpose and Goals

The primary aim of the Youth Conflict Specialists Project is to empower the youth of Philadelphia and beyond, starting with the SESI Schools, to play an active role in conflict resolution and peace-building within their schools and communities. This initiative acknowledges that conflicts are an inherent part of life, but it strongly believes that they can be managed effectively through communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. The program seeks to achieve the following objectives:

Equipping Youth with Conflict Resolution Skills:

The YCS program offers extensive training to young individuals in conflict resolution techniques (Mediation and Conflict Coaching and Facilitating Dialogue), negotiation, and communication in order to improve their capacity to express themselves.

Diminishing Violence and Conflict:

By empowering young people to resolve conflicts peacefully, the program endeavors to reduce violence and hostility in Philadelphia's neighborhoods through teaching conflict de-escalation techniques alongside other techniques. While also encouraging them to use these skills in educational, workplace, and personal contexts.

Fostering Stronger Communities: 

The program aims to foster a sense of unity and belonging by encouraging the youth to actively engage in conflict resolution efforts in their schools and communities while also building integrated management systems with youth and adults offering training and conflict services.

Impact

Since its inception, the Youth Conflict Specialists Program has made substantial progress in positively influencing the youth and communities of Philadelphia:

Enhanced Conflict Resolution Abilities:

Young participants have acquired valuable skills in conflict resolution that they can apply to various facets of their lives.

Strengthened Community Bonds:

By promoting dialogue and understanding, the program has contributed to the creation of more robust and harmonious communities through youths.

Increase in Employability:

 By training the youths in conflict mediation and coaching and also in negotiation and dialogue processes, it increases the tools they have in their arsenal for the job market, at school, and in their homes. 

Future Plans

The future of the Youth Conflict Specialists Program is brimming with promise and possibilities. The program is resolute in expanding its reach and impact, with several exciting prospects:

Scaling Up:

The program seeks to broaden its reach to encompass more neighborhoods in Philadelphia and beyond. Reaching a broader cross-section of young people and communities across the country and the world.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

 The program plans to establish new alliances with local organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders to bolster its impact. New partners will include the City of Philadelphia Office of Violence Prevention and the Philadelphia Department of Human Relations.

Youth Leadership Development:

The YCS program is in the process of devising a leadership initiative that will empower previous participants to become ambassadors for conflict resolution in their communities.

Grants, Sponsors, and Partners

The Youth Conflict Specialists Program attributes much of its success to the generous backing it has received from grants, sponsors, and partnerships. Some noteworthy contributors include:

Financial Grants:

The program has secured grants from philanthropic foundations and government entities dedicated to youth development and conflict resolution. Grant of $1.7 million from BJA/DOJ (Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice) for STOP Violence Prevention; grant of $60,000 by the JAMS Foundation- ACR Initiative for Students and Youth and grant of $600,000 from the School District of Philadelphia.

Collaborations:

Temple University's program has strategically joined forces with schools, community centers, and other organizations, facilitating the effective delivery of conflict resolution programs. Institutions such as Temple University, the JAMS Foundation- ACR Initiative for Students and Youth, YCS Youths, SESI Schools, the School District of Philadelphia, and the Citizens Police Oversight Commission of the City of Philadelphia.

Project Teams and Organizational Structure

The Youth Conflict Specialists Program employs impassioned and committed staff. The initiative brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields of study:

Executive Team:

 This team oversees the overarching strategy, fundraising efforts, and program development.

Training Team:

Comprising experienced experts in conflict resolution and interns, this team conducts training sessions for young participants. This team also ensures that the participant’s needs and aspirations are addressed effectively during these sessions.

Mentor Students:

 This team is comprised of program participants who receive advanced training to join the training teams of the subsequent cohort. This team alongside the other teams interfaces with local communities, schools, and organizations to promote and carry out the program's offerings.

Conclusion

The Youth Conflict Specialists Program stands as an exemplary testament to how a community-centric initiative can leave a lasting imprint on the lives of young people and the neighborhoods they call home. With its unwavering commitment to education in conflict resolution, mediation, and coaching, as well as in negotiation and dialogue processes, and with its continued expansion and robust partnerships, this program is poised to craft a more promising and peaceful future for Philadelphia and the country. As it extends its reach and influence, the Youth Conflict Specialists Program is bestowing upon Philadelphia's youth the tools they need to navigate conflicts, construct stronger communities, and shape a brighter tomorrow.