The Rotary Club of Airdrie accepted RAP as a project today. The Restorative Action Program (RAP) is a holistic service for the youth, and is brought to them in the save environment of schools. Rotary will partner and actively collaborate with Airdrie organizations and business, authorities connected to Airdrie schools and participating schools to initiate and sustain the program for the youth in the Airdrie community. The program consists of the following aspects:
Basic conflict management training provides students with skills to manage conflict and deal with bullying in school, at home, or in the community. it gives students practical skills to resolve conflict peacefully on their own. It teaches students how to communicate clearly and effectively; prevent and de-escalate bullying and conflict; develop better listening skills, and apply conflict management strategies in school, at home, and in the community.
The development of leadership in youth is a core component of RAP. RAP workers organize Leadership opportunities throughout the year to support a solid link between RAP’s core values and the community’s culture. A variety of activities focusing on teamwork and personal growth are conducted. The opportunities include offsite camps, presentations, and training to develop leadership and citizenship. The leadership opportunities range from those provided to a select number of youth to those provided to an entire grade. All leadership opportunities focus on promoting empathy, respect for self and the community, and fostering healthy relationships. Leadership opportunities have the additional benefit of championing a culture of non-violence, unity, and charitable service in the school and community.
Mediation services help students resolve conflict related to bullying, discrimination, harassment, relationship breakdown, and misunderstandings. Through mediation students can safely explore issues of conflict through guided communication and develop resolutions to repair harm.
Our RAP Facilitators engage in presentations to promote the program and offer training on managing youth conflict to school staff (Administrators, Teachers, Educational Assistants, and other Support Staff). On request, RAP Facilitators engage in presentations or training programs for parents on parenting and effective communication with their teen. These presentations are very well received by parents who identify the benefit of having a common set of skills for themselves and their teen to practice and integrate into their household.