Creative outlets promote conflict resolution

In honor of Conflict Resolution Day coming up on Oct. 15, The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) has announced the addition of two new contests intended to involve students and promote awareness.

The ACR is an organization committed to improving the practice and community understanding of conflict resolution. With over 5,000 professionals involved with the organization in various areas of expertise, the organization is growing and its message is permeating the nation.

First initiated by ACR in 2005, Conflict Resolution Day aims to encourage familiarity with the various modes of conflict resolution in diverse settings.
Another hope is that national participation will stimulate inter personal empathy.
The first contest, specifically geared toward college and university students, deals with conflict resolution through the creative outlet of film. Films will be judged on levels of creativity, originality, quality, clarity and educational value. Submitted films must not exceed two minutes in length.

The submission interval is between Sept. 1 and Oct. 1, 2009. The contest winner will be awarded either a free one-year ACR membership or free registration to the 2010 annual conference.

The second contest is directed toward students in elementary, middle and high school with the ability to write compelling poetry. The submission interval for this contest is also Sept. 1 to Oct. 1, 2009. The competition is categorically broken down between grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-10. First place will receive $100, and second place will receive $75.

For specific contest guidelines, a list of Conflict Resolution Day events or more information about ACR, visit the website at www.ACRNet.org