Peace Learning Circles of Kenosha & Racine (PLC) is a Racine and Kenosha based community educational institution teaching peacebuilding and conflict resolution skills to youth and adults. PLC establishes safe and common ways to deal with conflicts and differences. Started in 2006, PLC has reached nearly 1,300 students since the initial 2 pilots workshops in May of that year.
History, Results, & Evaluation
HISTORY
Started in May, 2006 in Kenosha & Racine, Peace Learning Circles has reached nearly 1,300 students. With a mission to promote a culture of peace through education to youth and communities, we believe all people have the capacity to resolve their conflicts peacefully. We encourage understanding and respect for all people and recognize that although we have many differences, we have much more in common with one another. By learning about the people and the world around us, we can inspire hope for a more peaceful and understanding world.
Peace Learning Circles was co-founded by Juliette Dages, Sue Hollow, Denis Wikel and Marybeth Zuhlke, who currently make up the Education Team for PLC. Additional volunteers have participated as facilitators and assistant facilitators for the workshops and follow-up boosters, as well as on a need base.
The program has been funded primarily by grants, private donations and in-kind donations.
RESULTS
Since 2006, Peace Learning Circles has increased the number of schools that participated in our program from 2 schools for our initial pilot program to our current numbers. During the 2007/2008 school year, workshops were held for 35 classes from 12 schools, 6 from Racine and 6 from Kenosha, which included 3 private and 9 public schools. The numbers have been increasing each year as teachers and school staff hear about the success of the program.
PLC is in the planning process to expand our curriculum and increase our resources so we can meet the growing demand to have more schools participate in our program and workshops, as well as, requests to expand the program to all grade levels.
EVALUATIONS
Peace Learning Circles devised pre and post surveys to measure the baseline skill level of the elementary age students who attended the workshops and follow-up "Booster Sessions" offered to each classroom.
Teachers gave PLC a 98% approval rating, stating that they would definitely recommend the program to other teachers.
"It is not easy, but it is simple."
A leader in achievement, vision, and diversity, Peace Learning Circles of Kenosha & Racine has been honored by our community with the following:
Excellence in Education Award
2008 Program of the Year
