Let There Be Peace On Earth

Win Win Resolution

I heard about Debra Vigliano’s work a few years ago. She runs the non-profit Win-Win Resolutions here in Greensboro, NC. This organization is dedicated to violence prevention through conflict resolution skills using theatre education and peer mediation programs. They help reduce violence and prejudice in schools and communities by teaching positive social skills via interactive drama for youth (Pre-K through High School) and adults.

When I was delivering a leadership class for foster teenage women at the Department of Social Services a few years ago, I asked Debra to deliver a graduation speech. She totally engaged the class in a drama that they would never forget! So how could I turn her down when she asked me to be on her Board this year?

Bullying is a big problem today.

Win Win’s C.R.E.W. programs have strong anti-bullying messages and help youth ages 4-18 develop effective communication skills to reduce bullying incidences. With a focus on role-playing, youth are given a safe place to practice effective ways to respond to bully situations and lift up the role of being a positive bystander. The world needs this!

Her programs not only assist youth victims but also provide those who display bullying behavior a means to better understand the motivation behind their aggressive actions and guide them to more positive social interactions.

Elementary through High School sessions are led by a team of professional/licensed counselors and degreed theatre instructors.

This is an organization worth supporting! Believe me, alot of the work I do with grown-ups has to do with managing conflict at work, to be heard, to hold sticky conversations, even with a bully.

All because no one taught us how.

My Way To Peace

People often ask me how I stay positive and recently I’ve thought about that. It’s not that I haven’t had my challenges! But I realize there is an inside game going on so I’ll share that.

• The key is in how you react or respond. You have a choice once you get your emotions out of the way. Choose to respond with thought, not emotion. Get out of your amgdala (lizard brain) and get to your cerebral cortex (thinking, logical part of your brain).
• Get into option mode. Don’t get stuck in your rut, think possibilities and take thoughtful action!
• Look for the lesson. Every situation offers one. Ask why this is happening and how can I affect the outcome?
• Understand people. Give them some slack if they’re acting out of character or having a bad day. Let it roll off. Forgive them.
• Practice graditude. If you’ve experienced a loss, focus on what you do have or what’s right.
• Live in the moment. Really, how much time do you spend just being? Right now is OK. Don’t worry about the future or obsess about the past. Living is in the NOW.
• Be a learner and wonder. The happiest, most successful people are lifelong learners, according to numerous research studies. Learners constantly ask questions and find a sense of wonder in the world.
• Finally, smile alot. Even to strangers. This alone will change how you see the world–connected more than we realize.