How a Group is Fighting Conflict With Resolution In The Santa Maria Valley
Jarrod Zinn
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A symposium on conflict resolution was held in Santa Maria at Boyd Concert Hall on the campus of Allan Hancock College, courtesy of California’s non-profit public benefit corporation, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley.
“Today’s event is all about how to teach mediation,” says Edwin Weaver, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley’s executive director. “Lots of us find ourselves in conflict. And so there’s many ways to resolve that conflict using a facilitative mediator. We do that for free for people who are in small claims court.”
A line-up of expert speakers started with a presentation that only scratched the surface of conflict resolution strategies, and was followed by a panel discussion just before a few break-out sessions.
“We also teach people to help participate in the mediation with young people through our restorative justice programs and our District Attorney’s Neighborhood Restorative Justice panel, where community members can volunteer and be panelists, helping people through a difficult situation where they’ve committed a crime,” says Weaver.
City leaders, students, and local advocates joined the crowd in the Boyd Concert Hall, participating in an interactive program designed to reduce violence, prevent substance abuse, and foster healthy environments for youth and families in the Santa Maria valley.
“This is a community that’s ready for change,” says Braedon Ervin, Freedom 4 Youth’s co-president. “And all these faces are here for it. And they’re going to learn a little bit more about it. I’m learning myself, and so it’s great to build these roots and really grow from there.”
Advocates say the symposium was ideally timed as the holidays approach a divided culture struggling with the balance between being true to oneself and honoring friends and loved ones.
“We’re not all going to agree,” says Weaver. “We probably shouldn’t agree. It wouldn’t make us challenge each other or try new things. But we do need to learn to listen to each other.”
Participants say many factors contribute to the need of youth support in today’s society, including our technological culture, varying worldviews, and divisive political climate.
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