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International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College
Columbia University

Quick Facts

  • Deaths related to structural violence (unequal access to food, housing, medical care, etc.) are estimated to be 60 times greater than the average number of battle-related deaths per year (International Crisis Group, 2008; SIPRI, 2007; Peace and Conflict Report, 2005; Human Security Report, 2005).
  • According to the National Center for State Courts, 16 states currently require some form of mandatory mediation, while another 16 have voluntary or discretionary use of mediation in cases involving divorce, child custody, small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, etc.
ICCCR

International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution

ICCCR Practice > ICCCR Practice Overview and Objectives

ICCCR Practice Overview and Objectives

The ICCCR has become increasingly engaged in the practical problems of fostering constructive conflict resolution in systems mired in highly escalated, seemingly intractable conflicts over power, group identity and value differences.

We provide locally informed and research-based conflict resolution and justice related services to groups and institutions, particularly those who specialize in developing new leaders and serving marginalized populations. We provide low-cost services and support to the leadership and staff of schools, not-for-profit organizations and NGOs working for school reform, peace and social justice.

Practice Objectives

  • We work with educational, non-profit, corporate, and governmental organizations to provide culturally sensitive and locally relevant services related to conflict, violence, justice, cooperation, and social change.
  • We seek to broaden and enhance our international collaborative network.

 Our new initiatives include: 
  • Working with mid-level leaders and/or marginalized populations.
  • Applying an ecological systems approach as part of a constellation of services.
  • Working locally and in partnership to elicit new models.
  • Conducting participatory action research ( PAR) to document innovation.
  • Securing sufficient funding for support and long-term sustainability of projects.
  • Seeking funding to develop and implement the ICCCR approach to external initiatives, which includes addressing Teachers College’s mission on equity in education, PAR research training and implementation for Ph.D. students, and exploration of alternative partnerships in the community.
  • Training and funding Ph.D. students to conduct PAR with each initiative.
  • Developing school community-based computer simulations and workshops to work with school and community leaders on addressing difficult patterns of conflict and violence in their school communities.
  • Organizing intensive off-sites bringing artists, activists, scholars, practitioners and organizers together who are engaged in constructively responding to similar questions across contexts. Possible subjects include interrupting oppression and moving research to policy.