Press Room

Sen. Newell tours to bring civility to Colorado

Wednesday, September 30 2009

October: Conflict Resolution Month

DENVER—This October, Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) launches a statewide effort to promote Conflict Resolution Month, a Senate Joint Resolution she sponsored last session.  Sen. Newell will be touring schools in her district to teach students valuable conflict resolution skills through a discussion of the children’s book, “The Hurt.”  She, along with the Conflict Resolution Month team, has also prepared a packet for each state legislator with tips on how they can reach out in their own districts and provide useful tools for managing conflict in their personal lives.  October is now a reminder of how civility and respect are possible in all parts of our lives.

By recognizing Conflict Resolution Month, Senator Newell hopes to:
--Spread the word about effective communicating and problem-solving...  
--Honor people who teach and practice effective, nonviolent conflict resolution methods ...
--Encourage businesses to use practical win-win strategies …
--Aid people to learn more about professional resources for problem-solving ...

“I am starting with schools because conflict resolution is a skill we all need to learn at a young age,” said Sen. Newell.  “When children learn how to resolve problems peacefully on the playground or in the classroom, they carry that skill with them into the workplace and into their relationships as adults.  So, they grow up as cooperative, productive citizens who will positively contribute to society.”

“Also, by getting our legislators involved, we will expand the reach of this program, and hopefully touch on skills we can use next session,” Newell added with a smile.  

Sen. Newell raises awareness statewide by engaging community-based programs such as The Conflict Center in Denver, the Colorado Council of Mediators, and the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado in hopes of making this state a leader in conflict resolution.  “I see this program as an important step toward reducing violence in Colorado and becoming the most civil state in the union.

For more information about Conflict Resolution Month, see ConflictResolutionMonth.com.