Medford, Mass. Teachers and Parents Embrace Diversity
Sport in Society�s Project TEAMWORK offers vital trainings to the City of Medford
(4-16-07) BOSTON, Mass. � Sport in Society�s Project TEAMWORK (PTW) finished a momentous training for the City of Medford last week. For the first time trainers included teachers and parents in the curriculum they normally reserve for middle school and high school students. On hand Mayor Michael J. McGlynn, who touted the program for the impact it had on his cities teachers and administrators and was extremely pleased with the response he heard from parents.
"Project Teamwork's diversity and violence prevention training provides a critical service to communities such as Medford. Parents, students, and teachers alike, rave about the valuable tools and insights this program generates. The program's many exercises help individuals to actively think about and understand others perspectives. This process allows discussion and dialogue about issues that left unchecked could gravitate towards violence. Project Teamwork's philosophies help to improve the quality of life for all," said Mayor Michael J. McGlynn.
Too often violence erupts as a result of conflict between individuals from different cultures, religions, races, and backgrounds. Using a multicultural approach PTW works with middle schools, high schools, and colleges to equip young people with the skills to diffuse possibly violent encounter. PTW requires a minimum of six hours of in-depth diversity and violence prevention training. The trainings consist of interactive discussions, videos, and exercises that fully explore issues of diversity, and provide participants with practical conflict resolution techniques.
"I believe that everyone who participates in this unique experience learns the importance of dealing directly with these issues," stated PTW Outreach Manager Jarrod Chin. "I want to stress that no matter what age, everyone can benefit from attending the institute."
PTW also introduces the concept of Human Rights Squads, which further empower youth in creating positive social change in their community. Every school that receives PTW training creates a Human Right Squad, through which students engage in community service projects.
Founded in 1990, PTW is a diversity awareness and conflict resolution program. It has facilitated sessions with thousands of students in Massachusetts and throughout southern New England. The program's staff is composed of former professional and collegiate athletes, and trainings are facilitated by racially and gender diverse teams. In 1995, then President Bill Clinton acknowledged PTW as "a model violence prevention program."
About the Center for the Study of Sport in Society
The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University is one of the world�s leading social justice organizations that use sport to create social change both nationally and internationally. The flagship organization located in the heart of Boston, Mass. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Lapchick. Through research, education, and advocacy the center promotes physical activity, health, violence prevention, and diversity among young people and college and professional athletes. Sport in Society�s innovative programs are all staffed by former college or professional athletes and have been awarded America�s most successful violence prevention program by Lou Harris, the Peter F. Drucker Award as the most innovative non-profit program in the social sector, and most recently was recognized by the Boston Red Sox for its dedication and service to the community.
