Youth Mediation Corps
Youth Mediation Corps is a program that provides comprehensive leadership and conflict-resolution training to youth ages 13-19. The program’s mission is to empower youth to become change agents and be actively involved in political, economic and social institutions in their community. Youth participation and involvement are key to this program model. Youth meet weekly for workshops and discussions about various community service projects. In essence, they are co-creators of various service projects and utilize their skills to recruit and organize peers in this effort.
YMC participants represent everything that is good in youth and strives to actualize their their power in an effort to perform greater good for their community and for themselves
Young Peacemakers
In 2005, the Youth Mediation Corps was awarded funds to expand the program to include a cohort of younger youth between the ages of 9-12 attending PS 35. We are working with a mix of children in this age range who have challenges in managing their behavior, their focus and who possess underutilized leadership skills. Our program will foster resiliency, competency, leadership abilities and enhanced self-worth. Furthermore, the program will enhance the youth’s social, communication, shared decision-making and inter-group relational skills.
The YMC Young Peacemakers meet twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays for workshops and activities. The participants also receive homework help from the coordinator and selected older YMC participants. Youth will participate in on-going skills based workshops, and will be required to plan and execute monthly community service projects. Consequently, youth will demonstrate leadership skills by taking initiative such as managing a small community project or leading a group discussion. Community service activities are a staple of the program. Youth will assist in identifying and planning their own projects. Examples of some of some possible community projects are, penny drives, food drives community beautification, intergenerational activities, etc.
Cultural and Recreational Services are provided as well. Youth will be exposed and celebrate different cultures. This will include a discussion of cultural differences, samples of ethnic foods, music and history. This will promote respect and acceptance of differences and personal values.
The Youth Mediation Corpsis funded by the
NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
