PEER MEDIATION AND SKILLS TRAINING
CALGARY, Alberta
For the past 26 years PMAST has provided conflict management and communication skills to youth, families and communities, equipping them to manage conflict where they live, learn, work, and play. For today’s youth, conflict is a challenge which hinders the development of self-esteem, self-worth and a sense of belonging; all factors impacting their emotional and mental wellness. When not properly addressed, the damage of conflict and bullying continues through adulthood. Research supports what we already know: unresolved conflict has a serious impact on the individuals’ future and on the wellbeing of families and communities. PMAST represents a broad cross section of youth including BIPOC, new Canadians, youth at risk, LGBTQ2S+, and diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic populations. We offer additional programs for refugee/immigrant youth to assist their transition into Canadian society without becoming victims of mistreatment. Our programs go beyond acceptance and inclusiveness; we seek to encourage young people to embrace their differences and learn from the diversity of thought and experience each brings to the table. We work with key partners, schools and teachers to better understand how young people may be impacted by racism and we are actively embedding further support on topics like unconscious bias into our programing. Using schools as one venue, we contribute to keeping youth in school and reducing bullying and violence. PMAST programs are not part of the school curriculum but offered as a supplement. One of the principals in a school where we provided services says "In a perfect world, every school would have the PMAST Program." While PMAST recognizes the value of awareness and counseling for victims, we believe that to really change this culture, we need to proactively provide youth and families with the skills to handle conflict before damage or tragedies occur. We can significantly reduce bullying, violence, stress and issues affecting a person’s wellbeing with our relevant, research-based programs which provide youth, schools and communities with critical skills to use in all areas of their lives. We need to change the dynamics of these youth, their families and those around them for this and future generations. So what is happening with youth today? Did you know that bulling and conflict are two of the most important issues facing youth today and social media has increased that exponentially? Did you know that suicide is now Canada’s highest cause of death in youth? Have you heard of NEET youth - aged 15-29, Not in Education, Not Employed and with No Training. And Alberta has around 100,000, mostly in Southern Alberta, as employment in the oil and gas producing areas in northern areas changes this demographic. So what is the future for these youth and for society to support them: although not a lot of data is available as yet, we do know that they are much more likely to commit criminal offences, develop addictions, mental and emotional issues (many are already struggling with depression), and be reliant upon social services for much of their lives. PMAST is currently piloting a program to help youth at-risk (including NEETs) and young offenders to try and provide them with the skills they need to empower plans for their future success; give them hope. Mark A Cohen, Professor of Management and Law at Vanderbilt University says "We estimate the present value of saving a 14-year-old high risk juvenile from a life of crime to range from $2.6 to $5.3 million". The U.S. National Institute of Justice estimates that every dollar spent on youth prevention and intervention programs results in a savings of between $10 and $22! That's a pretty good investment and in US $$$. The cost of doing nothing with these youth is immense and that is why PMAST and our partners Struggle Is Your Success and the man collaborators within the City of Airdrie have banded together to provide this community-based "VILLAGE" to assist these youth in providing some direction and whatever resources they need to empower them for future success. With this knowledge – the ROI on these programs should be realized in a very short time. We know we have excellent programs which have the power to change lives. We know they help youth, their families and communities when they need it the most. We know it helps youth to stay in school when an inability to deal with the issues in their lives is too overwhelming. We know that building Peer Mediation Teams in the schools shifts the culture to a more peaceful, friendly and inclusive atmosphere. We know it empowers youth to be leaders - to be the best they can be, and helps them to build better relationships in all aspects of their lives. We know it has a ripple effect that reaches out to families and communities.
PMAST operates with a Board of Directors on a virtual basis; we do not have an office or any equipment. Meetings are either on-line or where the use of a meeting room is donated. The only hired staff is a part-time Program Director and all programs are delivered by trainers, hired on contract for that specific program only.
PMAST decided very early on, that all money we raised would be to fund programs for youth and not to pay staff, where board members could perform most other ... Read More
