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Currently, FCPS holds two conferences geared towards students. The Annual Student Mediation Conference in March allows students from elementary and middle schools to attend workshops of various topics according to their experience level and interest. Experienced high school students can co-facilitate a workshop at the conference.

The High School Conference is specifically designed for experienced high school mediators. Throughout the course of the day, these peer mediators will be able to discuss their program with other peer mediators and generate ideas for improving it. Time is also allotted for these students to attend workshops of their choice that aim to improve and develop more advanced mediation skills.

Northern Virginia Regional Annual Student Mediation Conference

Over the past 15 years over 20,000 students and staff from the greater metropolitan DC area have attended the annual Northern Virginia Regional Student Mediation Conference. Conference attendees have participated in workshops discussing the following topics: an introduction to the mediation process, managing the mediation process, mediating difficult situations, expanding skills beyond mediation, building peaceable schools and communities, mediating groups, marketing mediation, improvisational theater and conflict resolution, an overview of the mediation process and program implementation, restorative justice, and contemporary dialogues in mediation.

The annual conference, co-sponsored by Safe and Drug Free Youth Section, Fairfax County Public Schools, and the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, is dedicated to teaching and improving conflict resolution and mediation skills. Students gain the opportunity to meet other student mediators and receive validation that resolving conflict constructively leads to better outcomes than resorting to violence. Peer mediators from local high schools are invited to co-facilitate the workshops to create an environment of students teaching students. The conference is an occasion for developing leadership, enhancing fundamental skills, and exploring new ideas in the field of conflict resolution.

Elementary and Middle School Conference to be held March 11 and 12, 2008.
Registration Information for the 2008 conference more >

Here's what people have said about the Conference!

Photos from 2008 conference

This is an unique opportunity for high school peer mediators to meet together and discuss ideas for their respective programs. High schools from Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Alexandria City, Prince William County, and Arlington County are invited to send a team of 8-10 dedicated students and staff members from their peer mediation programs.

The conference allows adequate networking time so that student mediators from different schools can get to know one another. Workshops offered expand mediation skills

The purpose of this conference is to allow an opportunity for high school students to attend workshops that expand their skills and to spend time networking with each other.