My grandmother was a peacemaker extraordinaire. When my cousins and I found ourselves in a disagreement, we would find ourselves sitting on her couch, right next to each other, not being able to go outside until we settled our differences. I remember glaring and being glared at, figuring that I didn't need to apologize and neither did the other person UNTIL we both realized that everyone was outside having fun except us. In a world where people are exposed to conflict and ways to exacerbate conflict, who is teaching us ways to make conflicts opportunities for growth and strengthening relationships? In schools where punishment is meted out rather than teaching standards for handling conflict, no wonder we have children thinking that the way to handle disagreements is with violence that is growing more prevalent every day.

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Models for creating better communication skills abound. There are many anti-bullying campaigns throughout the world, too. So, why does it seem we are on the precipice of civil war within our own borders (wherever you may live), and nuclear disarmament for the big boys. No one wants to come to the table for reconciling work, so the need for conflict resolution training must start earlier than ever before. The generations of individuals already here, must commit to higher standards of engagement, for the adage is true. If we live by the sword, we will certainly die by the weapon we wield on one another.

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