Peacemaker Resources

Peacemaker Resources conducts STAR Retreats and provides follow-up consultation to STAR teams.

Students Teaching Attitudes of Respect (STAR) is a program of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation that is offered to schools and organizations within the foundation’s 12-county region.

Youth Advocates (college-aged students) participate in every aspect of the retreat providing on-going support and positive role models. STAR Team Advisors attend a special training session in the fall or winter.

How the STAR Program Works

It all begins in the fall when a team of six 6th and 7th graders and a STAR Team Advisor attend a 2-day STAR Retreat at Concordia Language Villages (CLV) for Session 1.

Upon returning home, they meet regularly as a team to decide how to teach skills of respect to families, other students and/or the community.

In late winter STAR Teams attend Session 2 of the STAR Retreat at Concordia Language Villages to re-connect with other teams, report successes and learn new skills.

STAR Teams in training

Teams can call on STAR Trainers for help through a phone call, email or visit. The STAR teams can also apply for a mini-grant for to use on a project for their families, school or community. Read what students, advisors and advocates have to say about this program.

One big circle at a STAR Retreat

Goals of the STAR Retreat

Develop self-awareness and a positive sense of self
Improve ability to be aware of other people's thoughts, emotions and experiences
Improve social and relationship skills
Improve communication skills
Enhance problem-solving skills
Understand uses and influences of the media
Understand how to use cooperation and competition to best benefit self and others
Learn how to teach these important life skills to others

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call Jane McKelvy at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (218) 759-2057 or (800) 659-7859.
Visit the foundation's website at www.nwmf.org.