A new approach to Conflict Resolution on college campuses is here!
For the last year and half, Justin had been laying down the groundwork to bring a new model of implementing conflict resolution training and services to college campuses; a student driven process that allowed for both conflict resolution training and services in a self-sustaining model. On September 9th 2015 this vision came to fruition in the form of Redbirds Resolving Conflict!
Excerpt from the official Redbirds Resolving Conflict website:
In the spirit of embracing conflict resolution at Illinois State University, Redbirds Resolving Conflict was founded in the fall of 2015 as an official registered student organization (RSO). Illinois State University has practiced conflict resolution for many years in the form of mediation, restorative justice, etc. however for much of this time, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution has been the facilitator of such services. As per its own constitution, Redbirds Resolving Conflict was created “to provide conflict resolution services including but not limited to mediation and restorative justice through a student driven organization and process that is in alignment with the Illinois State University Code of Student Conduct and the philosophy of the office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution”.
Members of Redbirds Resolving Conflict are trained in mediation and restorative justice through Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution; allowing these members to be considered Student Conflict Specialists as per the Code of Student Conduct. Student Conflict Specialists are an integral part of the Code of Student Conduct as well as the conflict resolution process; allowing students to facilitate conflict resolution through partnership with Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
Training in mediation and restorative justice are just a few of the great advantages of being a member of Redbirds Resolving Conflict; all such training is also FREE! Redbirds Resolving Conflict operates just like any other RSO at Illinois State University in that it has an Executive Board, general meetings, official events, etc. Joining Redbirds Resolving Conflict also allows its members to not only provide a critical service to the Illinois State University community and beyond, but also to participate in “mock” mediations and restorative justice conferences, pre-professional events/ conferences, as well as travel to places that are rooted in conflict resolution.
During its inaugural year, Redbirds Resolving Conflict had a roster of over 20 undergraduate and graduate students!