20-05-2025
Program teaches Columbus students conflict resolution without violence
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A program in some Columbus City Schools buildings is educating students on nonviolent conflict resolution.
Throughout May, many students are graduating from the Guns DOWN Program after meeting weekly for the entire school year.
Fifteen seventh graders from Champion Middle School celebrated their graduation on Monday with certificates and a dance party for the whole grade.
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It was an important milestone after their hard work and dedication to the program.
'Within our curriculum, we're talking about alternatives to violence. We're learning about how to be a good steward of your community,' Carlton Weddington, a leader with Champion's Guns DOWN program, said.
Weddington used to be an Ohio state representative until he was arrested for bribery and spent more than two years in prison.
'Now I'm trying to help young people to make good decisions so they don't fall in some of the mistakes that I had,' Weddington said.
Leaders said the main goal of Guns DOWN is to show students that violence is not the only option and to open them up to healthy conflict resolution.
Seventh grader Alhassane Sy said the lessons from the program will stick with him as he heads into eighth grade.
'I learned how to be a leader,' Sy said. 'Other people should join this program and learn how to just stop the violence.'
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Students take the Guns DOWN Program pledge which says they will build confidence, foster connections and create a bright future. Weddington said all 15 Champion Middle School graduates succeeded in doing just that.
'We want young people to take a different direction than choosing violence,' he said. 'On choosing peace, choosing leadership, choosing to improve themselves or choosing to improve their community.'
On Saturday, May 24, there will be a Guns DOWN Summit that community members ages 14 to 24 can attend to learn more about the program and violence prevention. It's happening from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Impact Center.
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