Rae Ang

Peace Talks - Rae Ang

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Rae Ang from Raffles Girls' School:

 

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

The Peacemakers Conference 2018 was extremely fulfilling and fun! The facilitators were very engaging which allowed the three days to (sadly) pass very quickly. We had many opportunities to hone the skills that we were taught through discussions as well as different scenarios for us to practice these skills in smaller groups.

 

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

For me, the most unforgettable part of the Conference was acting as one of the parties in the competition rounds. Our mediators were trying their best to help both parties to reach an agreement but the opposing party and I absolutely refused to give way to each other. During the competition rounds, when acting as parties, some students "threw tables", some fake-cried, and some parties actually screamed at each other. In the end, it was all in good fun and the competition rounds were really one of the main highlights of my 3 days at the Peacemakers Conference.

 

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

I have definitely applied some of the skills I learned at the Peacemakers Conference at times, especially when faced with conflict. While I never used the skills the more formal and structured way that we were taught, I found myself unknowingly using the key concepts when trying to resolve conflict. The skills I learned taught me how to firstly, remove myself from the situation and remain objective. After that, how to empathise with both parties and help them understand each others’ points of view.

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

To the participants of Peacemakers Conference 2019, I would like to encourage you to keep open-minded to all the new skills taught and to have as much fun as you can (maybe flip a table or two!)

 


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Shreya Raman

Peace Talks - Shreya Raman

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Shreya Raman from Raffles Girls' School:

 

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

At first I was bit apprehensive to go for the Peacemakers Conference as I was afraid it would be very challenging for me. However, I am very glad that I pushed myself to go for this because I have learnt so many invaluable things. The facilitators brought us through it very smoothly and easily so it was very easy to understand. I really enjoyed it as I got to interact with students from other schools and make new friends along the way.

 

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part would be the competition rounds. After we were taught the process, we were able to put it into practice by playing the roles of both the mediators and parties, while getting feedback from professional mediators. These were not only informative but fun as well.

 

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

When conflicts arise, while doing group work in school, it could escalate into a huge argument. Using my new-found knowledge and experiences from the roleplay scenarios, I can mediate between my groupmates and help them reach a resolution from which both parties can benefit.

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Go in with an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone because there will be a lot of guidance from the facilitators and the new friends you will make. It is a really fun and beneficial journey so just make sure to have a blast and carry this knowledge with you to the real world!

 


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Elizabeth Wee

Peace Talks - Elizabeth Wee

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Elizabeth Wee from Holy Innocents' High School:

 

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

It was a very eye-opening experience for me as I had never attended any similar Conference like Peacemakers before. Overall, I really enjoyed the Conference, especially the competition we had in the last 2 days. It really allowed me to experience the real character of being a mediator, as well as put myself into the shoes of others to see what different scenarios they might face. I learnt a lot from it. Of course, I also interacted with leaders from different schools!

 

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part was me experiencing being a mediator. I might not be good at it but having the chance to get into the character of a mediator really made me feel like mediation was my profession and that I was really solving a problem for the two parties.

 

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

Having the experience to be a mediator taught me the different values and qualities I had never found in myself before, for example being empathetic towards the parties. In real life, there are many times we need to empathise with different people’s problems. The Conference made me realise that when put into a stressful situation, I can be empathetic towards others and help them to talk it out instead of giving my own solutions to solve their problems.

Another example is having patience. When faced in a situation where someone is being repetitive with their words, I need to have patience in order to calm the person down and allow the person to open up slowly. This can be used in real life as there are many times where we need patience in the things we do, be it teaching others or when we are with our friends. Even when we face an obstacle that we can’t overcome, we need patience to allow ourselves to work harder and strive better. Sometimes trying once isn’t enough, thus you try again. And if you fail again, give it another go.

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

I would tell the incoming participants to enjoy themselves and make good use of the 3 days during the Conference. Take away something or even try something new cause that’s what I did! There are many other school leaders there so take this opportunity to know how other schools run things and make friends with them 🙂

 


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Padmanaban

Peace Talks - Baranikumar Saritha Padmanaban

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Baranikumar Saritha Padmanaban from Montfort Secondary School:

 

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

To put it simply, I had a blast! I thought I knew what I signed up for, but the unexpected happened. I thought we were going to have the typical boring lectures but instead, we had a lot of fun activities and interesting ways of learning mediation! I felt like I was brought to another world where learning seemed…interesting! I feel very fortunate to have participated in this Conference and I wish I had the chance to participate once again (pretty sure all of us who went last year would feel the same!).

 

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

It is quite common to stumble upon a conflict or an issue between your friends, peers or even family members. In my case, my mother and my father had an argument over an issue and I was really concerned about it. I was thinking about what to do about their issue and then I remembered that I could use mediation. Mediation has taught me how exactly to handle these types of situations and so, I conducted mediation…with my parents. I really value this skill of “mediating” as it really helped me in other situations and incidents when it comes to parties that have an issue with each other.

 

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

I remember an occasion when my friends had a miscommunication but neither of them took action to resolve it. I felt like I had to do something about the situation, and luckily the training from the mentors about mediation at last year’s conference really helped. In the end, both of them had a better understanding of each other perspectives and learnt to be more flexible and open-minded.

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

DEFINITELY sign up for this Conference, I HIGHLY recommend you taking part in this. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I guarantee you that you will NOT regret this. These skills you learn today will benefit you greatly tomorrow! The facilitators are really kind, helpful and funny XD Gain as much as knowledge and information as you can, be yourself and have a blast! (づ。◕‿‿◕。)づ

 


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Stella Tan

Peace Talks - Stella Tan

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Stella Tan from Yishun Town Secondary School:

 

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

Overall, it was a really interesting and engaging experience. For me, it was an opportunity to gain new knowledge and to grow as an individual. I didn't expect much from this Conference, but I learned so many things about myself and mediation, and met so many amiable and interesting people. It was a very rewarding experience that I'm very grateful for, and I'm pretty sure that future participants will enjoy this conference as much as I did!

 

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part of the Conference was getting to know and bond with different people. As everyone had differing views and methods on how to conduct a mediation, it was really interesting to see them learn and try their best. I also got the chance to get to know and communicate with people from different schools, and forge friendships that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't participated in this Conference.

 

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

There was a conflict with two of my closest friends. It wasn't an easy thing, as both of them are people I that I deeply care for. I learnt how to to listen to their thoughts and respond appropriately, and to think in their points of view.

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

The most important thing is to have fun while also learning, and open your mind and heart to learn and meet new people, and you'll definitely have a fulfilling experience!! :^>

 


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Carlyne Li

Peace Talks - Carlyne Li

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Carlyne Li from NUS High School of Math and Science:

 

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

It was a really memorable and enriching experience for me. Meeting peers with a common goal of learning how to mediate effectively, and learning skills that could be used in everyday life make me treasure those 3 days well!

 

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part of the Conference was when I received the first case study of the issue that I had to mediate. I was really anxious and nervous as it was my first time mediating. However, one of the facilitators saw me looking stressed and came over to tell me not to worry. I can’t remember the exact words she said, but she told me to be calm and treat the mediation like I was talking to my friend. In the end, the advice really did help and I, together with my teammate, had a lot of takeaways from the session!

 

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

It would definitely be mediating small arguments between peers. Helping them reach a resolution that both parties are satisfied with gave me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, and I’m really thankful to be given the opportunity to learn all these skill sets through the Peacemakers’ Conference!

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Be inquisitive and don’t be afraid to try! The facilitators are really friendly and approachable, so use this opportunity to ask as many questions as you want and learn as much as you can! 🙂

 


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Gabriel Ng

Peace Talks - Gabriel Ng

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Gabriel Ng from Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road):

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

Going into the Conference, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I had learnt a lot more in the three days than I actually thought I would. It was an eye-opening experience for me as I learnt how to mediate and also managed to meet new people and forge some friendships. I am glad that I was given the chance to go for this Conference and hope that the experience will be great for the next batch of attendees.

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

Throughout the Conference there were many unforgettable moments, such as my first mediation experience or even bonding with people from other schools. However, what stood out most for me was the tour of the Supreme Court on Day 3, where we were given the opportunity to see the ins and outs of the place as well as learn about certain court procedures which I took much interest in.

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

While I haven't had the chance to practice mediation since the Conference, the skills which I learnt through it has definitely helped improve my conversational skills with others as I do feel that I am now a better listener and more patient as a person when hearing others rant or vent out frustrations.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Honestly just have fun. The Conference is a great learning experience but it won't be a fun one if you can't enjoy yourself. Don't be afraid to make new friends or approach other people at the Conference because in the end it’s all about the experience 🙂


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Asher Ang

Peace Talks - Asher Ang

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections. 

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Asher Ang from Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road):

 

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

I had an enlightening experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018 as this was the first time I had ever heard of mediation. It was well planned and filled with engaging activities, including multiple chances to simulate mediation scenarios and an excursion to the Supreme Court. I also found the facilitators to be very friendly and helpful in sharing advice and pointers to help us along the way. Any participant who attends the Conference is sure to benefit!

 

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

Simulating a real life mediation session would definitely be the most unforgettable part of the Conference for me both as a mediator and the disputing parties. It can be very entertaining to see how others deliver their given roles in the simulations especially when the disputing parties make it difficult for the mediators – it's even more fun to be one of the disputing parties! But it was at this point that I learnt the most. By observing how other students handled the same situation, and discussing our difficulties and how to better manage them (and listening to the facilitators’ feedback), I improved my own mediation techniques and mediated more effectively to help my parties come to a common agreement.

 

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

In the Conference, I was taught how to control my attitude, body posture, and facial expressions in order to make the parties feel more comfortable and willing to share. I have used this to my advantage in real life when others confide in me or are seeking my advice. I can make myself look more open and trusting to give them a safe space to share with me. Without even uttering a word, you can convey volumes of information to others.

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Enter the Conference with an open mind, mix around with others and try to make the most of this unique opportunity. If you are interested in Law, there are plenty of friendly facilitators who I'm sure will be happy to talk to you about what they know. Do also remember to enjoy yourself!

 


Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

peermediation

"What is Peer Mediation?" - A Simple Video Introduction

Peer mediation is problem-solving with youth, by youth. It is a process by which two or more students involved in a dispute meet in a safe and confidential setting to work their problems out with the assistance of a trained student mediator.

If you want to know what peer mediation looks like in action, here's a helpful little video to get you started!

(All video footage taken at the Peacemakers Conference 2018)

 

 


For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation expertsPeacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

and a little child shall lead them - FB

And a Little Child Shall Lead Them – Peacemakers 2018

On 12 July 2018, our Training and Development Advisor, Professor Joel Lee, published a blog post on the Kluwer Mediation Blog entitled “And A Little Child Shall Lead Them – Peacemakers Conference 2018”. His blog post is reproduced in full below.


I have in previous entries (July 2012 and July 2013) written about a peer mediation initiative called the Peacemakers Conference. The purpose of the Peacemakers Conference is to teach 13-16 year olds how to resolve conflicts amicably in a workshop cum competition format. This year’s Peacemakers Conference was held from 20 to 22 June 2018.

As in previous years, we asked students from different schools to work together to create a visual metaphor for mediation. This started in 2015 and has become a regular feature in the Peacemakers Conference. Metaphors from previous years be found in the entries for November 2015August 2016 and July 2017.

This year, the students came up with 8 (plus 1) visual metaphors which I would like to share with readers in this entry. For each of these, an image of the students presenting the metaphor is shared along with a description of the metaphor.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Ms. Charmaine Yap, Ms. Samantha Lek, Mr. Sean Lim and the Peacemakers Facilitation team for capturing the description and images of each of the metaphors that appear below.

MEDIATION METAPHORS

GROUP 1: Mediation is Magic

Mediation is Magic

Mediation is magic, and the Patronus deer that is summoned when Harry Potter casts the Expecto Patronum spell was chosen to represent the idea of magic. The spell is a charm that drives away life-sucking beasts, but is famously difficult to cast. This is like mediation – the difficult nature of practising mediation, mediating conflict, and solving conflicts and problems. When Harry Potter casts this spell, he has to recall a happy memory. However, he had to try this a lot of times, and only succeeded when he tried very hard. Similarly, if mediators do not mediate properly, the mediation will not work well, and might even make the situation worse.

Magic is also universal among everyone. From the old to the young, everyone appreciates magic. This is similar to peacemaking and mediation – everyone there is there to appreciate and understand it.

Mediation is also magical because by merely asking questions, people can be guided together. Just as there are endless types of spells, there are endless types of solutions in mediation. It is up to the mediator to ask parties questions to guide them along.

The Patronus is a beautiful animal. Harry Potter’s Patronus is a stag. Similar to mediation, it is the unpredictable and beautiful result of parties working on a framework to resolve the problem together.

GROUP 2: Mediation is the Lighthouse that guides relationSHIPS

Mediation is a Lighthouse

The lighthouse is a guide in the dark. The lighthouse symbolises the mediator, and the ships symbolise the parties. The lighthouse guides ships to land without piloting them. Similarly, the mediator guides parties to a solution without giving it to them. The darkness of the night sky symbolises how parties are unable to see each other’s perspectives, but the light from the lighthouse helps them to see each other and their common destination.

GROUP 3: Mediation is like a Camera Tripod

Mediation is like a Camera Tripod

The tripod’s three stands represent the mediator and two parties. All three support one another for the foundation of the picture, and have to support one another in order for the camera to work. They also maintain level ground for the camera. If any one of these elements are missing, the picture will not be beautiful.

The camera has to be on a level plane in order to work. This represents the mediator’s neutrality. The camera cannot stand without the mediator or one of the parties missing, and will fall. This shows how crucial each party is to the mediation.

The height of the tripod can be adjusted. This represents the flexibility of altering perspectives throughout the mediation session.

Just like how pictures in the camera can be deleted, conflict can be deleted at mediation. All the pictures taken are stored on the memory card, and are gone from the camera when the memory card is removed. This represents confidentiality at mediation.

Everyone can exercise their autonomy to participate by being in the picture. Similarly, anyone can participate in mediation and benefit from the process.

The camera’s zoom out feature allows the mediator to move away from the narrow tunnel vision and look at the big picture, while the focus feature allows parties to focus on what others are saying and listen attentively to one another.

GROUP 4: Mediation is a Missing Puzzle Piece

Skit:
– “I have a puzzle but the two pieces won’t fit.”
– “Should I cut it up?”
– “But the puzzle won’t look nice?”
– “I found another piece.”
– “Oh wow it fits perfectly!”

Mediation is a Missing Puzzle Piece

Mediation is like a missing puzzle piece that connects two parties together that are imperfect. Having to cut a puzzle piece in order for them to fit is like parties sacrificing part of their interests in order to come to a compromise. Like a missing puzzle piece, mediation allows parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution that doesn’t require either to give up what is important to them. A beautiful picture is formed by the pieces fitting together, the way a solution is reached when parties and the mediator come together.

GROUP 5: Mediation is a Pair of Swans

Mediation is a Pair of Swans

Mediation is a pair of swans, because swans are gentle and peaceful. When both swans are put together, the shape their necks make is a diamond. Just like how a diamond is hard to obtain, mediation is hard to master. Both also play important roles in society. A diamond can be used as a tool to shape or carve other things, while mediation is a tool we use to sort out problems.

The spectacles on the swans show that viewing things through different lenses can help make things clearer, and help you see things from different perspectives. The bridge in the background is to commemorate the previous year’s winning metaphor.

GROUP 6: Mediation is a Compass

Mediation is a Compass

A maze has multiple entry points, each leading to the centre via a unique route. Similarly, parties enter mediation with a unique perspective. What they see, experience, and the obstacles they face can be very different from one another. When they reach the end point, there is conflict. Parties think they know each other’s stories since they are in the same space. They assume that they had experienced the same thing since they are in the same maze, but what they had gone through may be different. This is a form of tunnel vision – assuming what they experienced is the same. When that is not the case, it leads to conflict.

A compass needs a needle, cardinal directions, and its casing to work. Likewise, mediation cannot proceed if either party or the mediator is absent.

Confidentiality: The fact that the compass is enclosed in an opaque maze represents confidentiality since no one outside the maze can get an idea of what is happening in the maze.

Neutrality: Only when the compass is on a flat surface will it work well. Similarly, neutrality must be maintained by the mediator for the most effective outcome.

Autonomy: Parties choose whether they want to hold the compass or to be guided by it. The compass helps parties see different sides and perspectives to the issues by allowing them to learn about the stories of different parties. This avoids tunnel vision.

This is where mediation comes in. Mediation helps parties see different perspectives to the complicated issue by learning about the other parties’ stories. Because parties have different orientations, turning in the same direction might not necessarily set the other party on the same route. However, a compass will set parties on the same route (by guiding them North, South, East, or West), towards a solution that they can all agree on together.

Mediation is a compass because it can help parties see the complete picture, set common ground, and guide them through conflict.

GROUP 7: Mediation is a Tightrope

Mediation is a Tight Rope

A tightrope is very thin, and you have to be very focused to not lose balance. Maintaining balance is like maintaining neutrality. If you don’t maintain neutrality, you will fall. Similarly, the mediation process will not proceed well if the mediator is not neutral.

Although the tightrope is very thin, it still connects two points together. Similarly, mediation brings two parties (represented by the mountains) together. We (the students) have written everyone’s names on the tightrope in order to convey that everyone has undertaken the challenge of mediating between two parties.

GROUP 8: Mediation is a Needle

Mediation is like a Needle

There are different kinds of needles.

Threading Needle

A threading needle patches up holes in fabric, and binds different pieces of fabric together to make something beautiful. Likewise, the mediator enables parties to reach resolution. Just like how the needle guides the thread, the mediator guides parties. However, the needle can also cause hurt – it can pierce you and cause you to harm yourself. Similarly, mediation can also cause harm if it is used wrongly.

Syringe Needle

Mediation can help people recover from emotional wounds. A syringe draws out blood, like how mediation draws out conflict. A syringe needle must also be precise – specific mediation techniques need to be applied depending on the context.

Acupuncture Needle

Acupuncture needles are pin needles – they need to be inserted precisely and accurately, otherwise the patient will be in a lot of discomfort. Similarly, if the mediator says something that makes parties uncomfortable, then parties will be in a situation of discomfort. However, if the acupuncture is done well, blood will flow well into the areas that are stressed, relieving the patient of pain. This is similar to the relief mediation provides if it is done well.

SPECIAL MENTION: Mediation is a Toilet

Mediation is like a Toilet

The three principles of mediation are: (i) autonomy, (ii) neutrality, and (iii) confidentiality.

  • Autonomy: Just like mediation, you can choose when, where, or how you use the toilet. You can use it in the day or night, and decide how long you want to use it for. You can even use what type of toilet you want to use – the squatting type, sitting type, or even a potty.
  • Neutrality: Long or short, big or small, the toilet will not judge.
  • Confidentiality: Whatever is made in the toilet, stays in the toilet. After the work is done and you use the flush, all evidence is destroyed.

The cubicle is like a mediation centre. You can go whenever you like, and leave only when you are satisfied.

The 4 stages of the mediation process is similar to going to the toilet.

  • Opening: You are apprehensive because you don’t know what you will find in a toilet. But when you are really urgent, you go in anyway.
  • Information Gathering: This is when you release the poop. Sometimes there is so much that you don’t know where to begin. But once you get comfortable, everything starts pouring out. Some get constipation, while others get diarrhoea. Everyone goes through pain, and it takes time and effort, but things will come through sooner or later. After that, you can step out and take a breath of fresh air.
  • Problem Solving: The flushing comes after you have been satisfied. It is only when you get everything out, that you are ready to start afresh.
  • Closing: Now you can step out of the smelly cubicle and start afresh, since you have gotten everything out of the way.

“Pissmakers – Helping you get your shit together”

That brings us to the end of another installment of visual metaphors for mediation! I hope readers found some of these as inspiring as we did!


For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

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