PEER MEDIATION AND SKILLS TRAINING
Website: Visit
Main Contact: info@pmast.org
Tel: (403) 861-2517
Address: Suite 103, 1811 - 4 Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 1W2
About
Peer Mediation And Skills Training (PMAST) is a vibrant and responsive anti-bullying and conflict management program provider. We are committed to providing the foundation for a lasting set of skills to build positive relationships and reduce bullying and violence in schools, homes and communities. PMAST has been developing and providing comprehensive anti-bullying and conflict management programs in Calgary and area since before our incorporation in 2003. PMAST service delivery model provides youth with the core skills to prevent conflict and bullying, with appropriate interventions, and reconnecting disconnected students with their school, family and community. These are important life skills which help youth to deal with the conflict in their lives and to be able to mentor and help one another through these difficult times. The impact of "Youth Helping Youth" is very powerful. It facilitates leadership, good citizenship and prepare students for a successful transition into adulthood. This program is provided to all youth, not just those considered "at risk", and is inclusive of all ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
PMAST programs have been provided mainly in the greater Calgary area, including the Rockyview School District. However, in 2008 the Restorative Action Program (RAP) in Saskatoon recognized the need of a more pro-active service delivery model proven to work with all youth, with the potential to reach out into families and communities. PMAST agreed to RAP's use of our program model, which they augmented with a full tie program coordinator in the school. AFter a short but successful pilot this model was established in all RAP high schools in Saskatoon. Today RAP is accessible to over 6000 high school youth annually. Due to the success, the Saskatchewan Government has made funding a line item in their budget, towards having this program in all Saskatchewan High Schools within the next five years. Now PMAST's goal is to implement the full RAP program in Calgary high schools.
Region
Calgary & Area.
Program Description
This program consists of the following components offered in the classrooms and also provides ongoing training, mentoring and support. PMAST works in conjunction with each school's Student Services Department to ensure their needs are met. This also helps to identify students needing additional help.
1. Basic Conflict Management Training (BCMT) - BCMT is a four-hour workshop designed to teach students proven strategies to successfully deal with conflict.
2. No More Drama (NMD) - NMD is an eight-part workshop designed to teach adolescent females how to reduce bullying and conflict in their school and personal relationships.
3. Make Into Men (MIM) - MIM is an eight-part workshop designed to teach teen boys integrity, respect, and compassion to help them transition into manhood.
These workshops include classroom training, bullying awareness presentations, role playing, mentoring and team building to teach strategies to deal with conflict. Discussion periods encourage students to share their experiences and how they could better be handled.
In addition, we provide advanced training to build Peer Mediation Teams where youth intervene and mediate disputes with their peers, and even student/teacher situations. We also provide training to all school staff and parents to enable them to encourage the students to use these tools as situations arise.
Our projects provide the opportunity for community engagement. Phase One for all projects includes adult involvement (parents and teachers). Funders and sponsors are also invited to attend by the school. During Phase 2 and phase 3, we utilize guest speakers and positive role models and mentors to enhance the delivery.
Pink Shirt Day and Blue Friday is another facet of PMAST's program. These are one-day workshops which each bring over 1000 youth together to develop awareness in relation to the impacts and effects of bullying. Individual workshops are hosted by between 15 and 20 well qualified motivational speakers, from various disciplines. Through these workshops, youth unite to create change, and to learn strategies to help eliminate bullying. This day coincides with the Internationally Acclaimed Pink Shirt Day.
Areas of Focus
- One to one
- Peer mentoring
- Group mentoring
- Cross-age Mentoring
- In School Mentoring
- Informal
- Formal
Ages of Mentees
- 11-18
Special Populations
- Aboriginal Children/Youth
- Children/Youth with a Disability
- Sexual Minority Children/Youth
- Girls/Women
- Boys/Men