The Peace Power working group was formed to devise methods to promote peace and discourage violence in youth. Mattaini (social work, U. of Illinois, Chicago) writes about the findings of the group for other social workers, salting the text heavily with statistics and findings from studies on youth violence and its prevention. The volume includes a discussion of youth violence, the strategies of the Peace Power program, and descriptions of other groups which have grown from it. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Recent school shootings are only one symptom of a greater problema toxic social environment that breeds isolation and rage among our children. This groundbreaking book looks at the wide range of risk factors and indicators for violence and translates the findings into an effective prevention and intervention system. The PEACE POWER strategy is based on four core principlesRecognize Contributions and Successes, Act with Respect, Share Power to Build Community, and Make Peace. By design, these inexpensive and simple techniques have a strong behavioral science support. Simultaneously, the PEACE POWER system takes a practical approach that respects the divergent cultures and values in our society. This thoughtful method recognizes that, while the coercive and threatening aspects of modern life expose children and families to dramatically increased stresses, we can find peaceful solutions to strengthen our communities.
