International Paper leaders joined the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire’s board, staff, and Peer Mediators for a reception on October 9 to celebrate the work of the Peer Mediation program and International Paper’s support for the local community. Ms. Karen Bogans, International Paper Mill Communications Manager, and Mr. Jay Wilson, Mill Manager, presented a check for a grant from the International Paper Foundation during the reception at Savannah Early College.

The Mediation Center provides social literacy by training Peer Mediation skills to students in grades 3rd through 12th in Chatham and surrounding counties. Peer Mediation training allows student mediators to mediate conflict occurring among their peers. Peer Mediation promotes sitting face to face when in conflict, communicating, and brainstorming a better path forward. Outcomes include Peer Mediators as role models of resolving conflict peacefully, decreased violence and rates of suspension by resolving disputes earlier, learning conflict-resolution skills, and more learning time in the classroom.

The Peer Mediation program has fifteen trained Peer Mediators at Savannah Early College. Jill Cheeks, Executive Director of the Mediation Center, described the reception as a way to commend the Peer Mediators and, “a nice way for International Paper to see the positive outcomes of their funding.” Ms. Cheeks explained that International Paper’s financial support will help offset the program costs for training materials. Ms. Bogans of International Paper cited the company’s values, “the future of our community depends on the children, and therefore, we support strategic partners that focus on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education.”