At the heart of most conflicts are two or more points of view. To resolve a conflict effectively, participants in the conflict must listen to each other's perspective.

The Peace Teaching Project focuses on teaching the basic skills needed to resolve conflicts effectively and non-violently, regardless of one's age, culture or religion. In helping children and adults learn the practice of peace, the training materials will impart skills that include:

• Active listening to help children and adults hear different perspectives
• Creative problem solving to discover options and make decisions
• Critical thinking to distinguish between a person's demands in a conflict and his or her underlying needs
• Understanding the conflict escalation process and learning skills for de-escalation

All of these skills promote self-respect, respect for others, tolerance, understanding and cooperation. Listening skills make good neighbors. Communication skills make good citizens. And conflict resolution skills make good leaders.