Preventing violence in children and adults

BENNINGTON — United Counseling Service is sponsoring a conference and luncheon, Creating Caring — Preventing Violence in Children and Adults.

The day-long conference and luncheon will feature Dr. Ervin Staub, who has been recognized internationally for his work to promote caring, nonviolence, and creative processes to overcome trauma.

The conference and luncheon will be held Friday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mount Anthony Country Club.

"Ervin Staub combines knowledge and wisdom," said Elie Wiesel, who was the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 1986.

Participants will be coming from across Vermont, and parts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.

"People are registering for many different reasons," according to Robert Pini, UCS community relations director. "Some are interested in clinical applications, and others want skills for parenting. Some people are interested in pathways to peace, whether for themselves or the community."

Staub, a professor emeritus in psychology at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, will help participants to understand the pathways to real moral leadership, including how to promote caring,

nonviolent, and helpful behavior in children and adults; recognize the effects of trauma and victimization and how to help children and adults transform aggressive behaviors into productive, positive, and altruistic behaviors; and develop interventions to help children and adults take action on behalf of others who need help.

"Professor Staub's research and practical efforts to foster tolerance and accelerate healing stand as an inspiration to us all," said Richard Ned Lebow, the James O. Freedman Presidential Professor of Government, Dartmouth College.

To register or for more information call UCS, 442-5491, ext. 313; or e-mail bdooling@ucsvt.org. The complete conference and luncheon is $69. To download the conference program visit the United Counseling Service web site at www.ucsvt.org.