Project Out-Reach is a joint project of The American Bar Association's Torts and Insurance Practice Section, Section of Dispute Resolution and Young Lawyers Division.

Peer mediation is a proven effective conflict prevention and resolution device, i which a team of two student-mediators assist disputants in identifying solutions to their conflicts. A peer mediator maintains confidentiality and does not judge or create solutions.

In Project Out-Reach, each of the three ABA entities designates lawyers to work in teams to implement new or enhance existing school-based peer mediation programs. The lawyers agree to help the designated school for at least a full year.

For each project, teams of three attorneys are trained in mediation techniques, the components of a school-based mediation program, establishing a school mediation program, reaching out to the community, working with existing programs, and promoting the idea to parents and school officials.

Project Out-Reach lawyers can assist school administrators with implementation decisions, provide sample forms to adapt or adopt, conduct training and follow-up meetings, act as a resource if schools have questions or concerns, provice materials to facilitate the orderly running of the program, and assist in coordination of the advertizing and publicizing of the program.

The project allows lawyers to use their legal training, community organizing skills, contacts, and their dispute resolution experience. In the process, the workload of principals and counselors involved with disciplinary actions is reduced. It's a win-win situation.

Schools usually work on a semester basis with Fall and Spring semesters as the best times to begin any new project. To implement Project Out-Reach in the Fall, begin planning and organizing in the Spring or early Summer.