A safe space isn’t built by rules, it’s built by relationships. This month we’re diving into strategies that help youth co-create community, manage conflict with care, and feel a true sense of belonging. This edition is focused on creating safe learning spaces through intentional community building and group management.
Let’s build the skill together!
Build the Skill:
Community Building and Group Management
- Group Agreements: Guide youth in creating their own community agreements during the first week of programming. Revisit monthly with “keep, change, add” discussions and update a living document that the youth sign to show their commitment
- Calm Corner Protocol: Establish a designated quiet space equipped with sensory tools and reflection sheets. Train all youth on a simple 3-step protocol. Sign out, Set timer (5-10 mins), Return with a solution-focused mindset
- Circle Practice: Begin each week with a 10 to 15 minute community circle using a talking piece. Rotate youth as circle keepers who choose topics and guide peers through opening discussions and closing rituals
- Rule Rigidity: Enforcing consequences without understanding context – instead, create a “Repair and Return” system where youth help design appropriate ways to make things right with the community
- Missed Moments: Overlooking small conflicts as “drama” – develop a peer mediation program where trained youth help facilitate restorative conversations using a simple conflict resolution template
A Restorative Practices Guide:
This guide includes circle prompts, agreement templates, and restoration strategies
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