Choose Racial Healing

How do people learn racial healing?

The process of learning racial healing can differ from person to person based on a variety of things, but it is often related to self-studying and personal evaluation. A key step in these processes is analyzing how you fit into these racial systems: how you perceive race.

Common ways of doing so are by reading books of such subjects, having discussions with people in your life who come from different backgrounds, taking classes on racial awareness, and much more. Generally, there are no outstanding certifications or qualifications you must achieve to learn racial healing.³

How do people implement racial healing?

Weaving racial healing into everyday life does not typically require complicated preparation. In fact, its flexibility allows for it to be practiced with another person, class, or individually. As mentioned before, the key idea is to evaluate these hierarchies as a whole, and then hone in on how you as an individual fits in. With this idea as the focus, the structures surrounding it are less important.

Examples of how to implement this peace practice are identifying and rejecting harmful stereotypes about racial groups, broadening your knowledge about different cultures, and being open to adapting your mindsets and thought processes.⁴

For what types of circumstances is violence prevention in schools suited?

Primary: Violence prevention in schools is well suited for creating conditions that reduce the likelihood of violence before it occurs.

Secondary: Violence prevention in schools is well suited for addressing bullying, conflict, intimidation, threats, and other behaviors that place students at risk.

Tertiary: Violence prevention in schools is well suited for helping students, families, and school communities recover and heal after violent incidents have occurred.

Does violence prevention in schools work for preventing or controlling social harm?

Research suggests that school-based violence prevention programs can reduce aggressive behavior, fighting, victimization, and disciplinary problems.⁸ Evidence also shows that students who feel connected to their schools are less likely to experience violence and other health risks.⁶

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies school connectedness as an important protective factor that can improve student well-being while reducing violence-related risks.⁶ Research also supports comprehensive prevention approaches that combine skill-building, supportive relationships, positive school climates, and community partnerships.⁹

Where else might I go to learn more about violence prevention in schools?

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
  https://nces.ed.gov/programs/crime/
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
  https://www.nasponline.org
• Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
  https://casel.org

Author: Olivia Levinton

Choose Violence Prevention in Schools Information Sheet

1. Sources
   1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About School Violence. School violence refers to violence occurring on school property, during school-sponsored events, or while traveling to and from school. [cdc.gov]
   2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About School Violence. Examples include bullying, cyberbullying, fighting, weapon use, gang violence, and sexual violence. [cdc.gov]
   3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). School-Based Violence Prevention. Universal school-based prevention efforts help students develop communication, empathy, conflict-management, and problem-solving skills. [archive.cdc.gov]
   4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth Violence Prevention: Resource for Action. Prevention requires coordinated efforts across education, health, public health, social services, and community sectors. [stacks.cdc.gov], [stacks.cdc.gov]
   5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth Violence Prevention: Resource for Action. Strengthening youth skills and connecting youth to caring adults are evidence-based prevention strategies. [stacks.cdc.gov], [stacks.cdc.gov]
   6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). School Connectedness Helps Students Thrive. Students who feel connected to school are less likely to experience violence and other negative outcomes. [cdc.gov], [archive.cdc.gov]
   7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). School Connectedness: Strategies for Increasing Protective Factors Among Youth. Families, schools, and communities play important roles in creating supportive environments for young people. [stacks.cdc.gov], [hsredesign.org]
   8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). School-Based Violence Prevention. Research indicates that school-based violence prevention programs can reduce violence and victimization among students. [archive.cdc.gov]
   9. David-Ferdon, C., Vivolo-Kantor, A. M., Dahlberg, L. L., Marshall, K. J., Rainford, N., & Hall, J. E.. (2023). Youth Violence Prevention: Resource for Action: A Compilation of the Best Available Evidence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The evidence supports comprehensive approaches that strengthen relationships, skills, and protective community environments. [stacks.cdc.gov], [stacks.cdc.gov]