Covenant of Peace

The National Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (NCJJR) presents the Covenant of Peace project, an anti-violence initiative aimed at addressing systemic issues related to youth violence

in Ward 7 of the District of Columbia. Research indicates that incarceration is largely ineffective, obstructing educational and employment opportunities, damaging mental and physical health, and perpetuating racial and gender biases. We have found that the adverse behavior by youth in Washington DC that leads to incarceration is the abuse of opioids and alcohol. All indications point to the U.S. capital as a city particularly vulnerable to the opioid crisis.

The Covenant of Peace project will integrate the seven pillars of the Covenant of Peace into conflict resolution training through three primary strategies: conflict resolution training, role- playing, and project-based activities.

Good Choice training will be a core component of the Covenant of Peace project. Participants will engage in a series of workshops designed to teach them effective strategies for making

good choices. These workshops will cover topics such as communication skills, empathy, negotiation, and problem-solving. The training will be interactive, with participants engaging in

role-plays and simulations to practice their skills in real-life scenarios.

Role-playing exercises will be used to help participants understand different perspectives and skills to ward off the inclination to use opioids. By acting out various good choice scenarios,

youth will gain insights into the emotions and motivations of others, which is crucial for resolving the temptation of drug usage. These exercises will also provide a safe space for participants to experiment with different good choice strategies and receive feedback from their peers and trainers.

Project-based activities will allow participants to apply what they have learned in practical, real-world contexts. These projects will be designed to address specific issues within their

communities, such as bullying, peer violence, or family conflicts. Participants will work in teams to develop and implement solutions, fostering collaboration and leadership skills. These activities will also provide opportunities for participants to engage with their communities and

make a positive impact. For more information, go to https://dyrs.dc.gov/page/covenant-peace-0