Students will form a collaborative definition of violence and its causes through discussion and research. They will evaluate the state of social capital of their own community, taking into consideration a variety of factors that contribute to violence or peace. Students will explore the causes and effects of bullying and brainstorm ways to address the problem. They will learn about domestic violence and visit a women's shelter or hear a presentation from a shelter representative. They will consider ways in which they can be peaceful within a violent community, country, or world and create products that advocate for peace.

Lesson One: Students reflect on how they might be able to promote peace in their school, neighborhood or community. They are challenged to plan a peace strategy of their choice. Some ideas the students may consider include: inquire at a local women’s shelter about what needs they have for helping women and children. Students can help inform the community about the services provided at the shelter and/or the need for volunteers or donated  resources; students can contact a local radio station about discussing the topic of violence in the local community during a broadcast; the indicators for peace they developed may be shared with others at school or in the community. This may be part of an informational brochure around violence.

Youth Violence: Facts at a Glance http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/YV_DataSheet_Summer2009-a.pdf