The Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) partnered with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF) to recognize Conflict Resolution Day, celebrated this year on October 19, 2023. This collaboration came about to teach students across the state about conflict and that there are many ways to work through differences.

Several lesson plans were developed around conflict resolution, giving schools and teachers options to choose from. Lesson plans include activities involving art, poetry, short stories, and exercise. Teachers can choose which activity best fits their student population. For example, if a classroom chooses the conflict resolution art activity, students can create original art depicting how they view conflict resolution. The lesson plans will help guide teachers on how to run each activity. Additionally, students and their parents have the option to submit their work to be displayed on the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s social media sites.

To pull it all together, a flier was created that explains Conflict Resolution Day, the partnership between ODR, NDE, and NCFF to celebrate the day, and outlines how educators can get involved. The flier was sent out through NDE’s newsletter and is also available online at https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/programs-services/odr/events