History
Organized in early 2002, the Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee, Inc. (PLC) has empowered over 3,500 Milwaukee area children to practice nonviolent conflict resolution, healthy communication, and peaceful action through its Peacemakers' Workshop.Framed by the five principles of peace education as identified by Ian M. Harris, internationally recognized leader in peace studies and cofounder of PLC of Milwaukee, Peacemakers' Workshop encourages and engages students and adults alike to build communities of mutual respect, cooperation, personal accountability and tolerance.
Through cooperative games, small group study, and role-play, students are challenged to think differently about conflict and to practice healthy ways of communicating with peers through the use of six peace tools.
Growth
In 2002, PLC Milwaukee launched its pilot project serving one school. Today it serves community groups and over 25 Milwaukee area elementary schools with workshops and professional support. Through collaboration with numerous professionals in education, social work, counseling, violence prevention, restorative justice, and youth & family development, PLC of Milwaukee is an integral community resource for nonviolence.Our program is endorsed by the Riverwest Health Initiative and MPS Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative.
Outcomes
Recent evaluation of Peacemakers' Workshop by the UWM Center for Urban Initiatives and Research(CUIR) indicates active use of conflict management tools by workshop attendees and substantial student retention of PLC content after participation in our program. Teachers surveyed reported improvement in classroom climates and in their own handling of student conflict.PLC curriculum supports the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Comprehensive School Counseling Model and maintains age-appropriate expectations and competencies.
More about the PLC
PLC Board of DirectorsPLC Spring 2011 Newsletter Click to Read
