Through the years, a major focus of PACSI has been preventing violence and war and providing constructive approaches to conflict. Learning about this topic is often best done through non-verbal communication and hands-on training. With the recognition that promoting conflict resolution and violence prevention skills requires the involvement of very diverse groups, we have collaborated with off-campus youth agencies in an intentional effort to work with young people.
Previous Activities
- Days Without Violence - In 1997, 1998 and 1999, youth leaders from Greater Lowell brought youth groups to UMass Lowell for participatory exercises and dances. In other years, we organized hands-on events that were open to all members of the UMass Lowell community, regarding conflict resolution, social justice, and dialogue across religious/ideological lines.
- Alternatives to Violence Project Workshops - Held in 1992, 1993 and 1997.
- Help Increase the Peace Program (HIPP) – Working with Barbara Hildt, we offered conflict resolution training for the university and community.
We helped design a mentoring program for UMass Lowell students partnered with youth agencies in Lowell, that became part of the course “Community Conflict Resolution” taught by Prof. John MacDougall, one of our first co-directors. This was part of a two-part series of panel discussions in fall 1997 on mentoring in general. Panelists were UMass Lowell faculty/staff together with practitioners from the community. - Other Lectures and Discussions.