In Their Own Words

In the post-9/11, post-Columbine world, violence is an ongoing threat. The best way for students to make sense of violence, and to make strides in reversing its destructive course, is to face it head on. Increase the Peace is a DVD-based learning experience that presents a safe, manageable environment, where students can grapple with violent situations and consider ways to prevent them.

The Increase the Peace DVD contains a series of imaginative and innovative activities, sequenced to move middle- and high-school students from simple emotional reactions to more reasoned responses. Interwoven with student interviews and commentary by community leaders and professionals who have firsthand experience working with young people and violence prevention, the DVD's dynamic activities are provocative, challenging, engaging entrees into discussions about matters of life-and-death importance that help students formulate thoughtful responses to threatening situations.

The book component of the Increase the Peace program provides context, rationale, and an easy-to-use framework for presenting well-structured lessons in English, history, health, and other classes. With the DVD and accompanying book, you'll be prepared to lead an exploration into school violence in which students discuss its threat, causes, and impact--as well as strategies for prevention. The program provides opportunities for students to record their feelings, perceptions, and misperceptions as they ask and answer the tough questions about violence.