Boston Sunday Globe
Teaching Tools
Still learning from Littleton
By Marie C. Franklin

Memories of the Columbine High School tragedy marred the otherwise idyllic aura of early July on Martha's Vineyard last Wednesday. But calling up the images of violence and a killing rampage in the Littleton, Colo., high school had an educational purpose - to help teenagers from the resort island learn how to deal nonviolently with conflict.

"What Can We Do to Prevent a Littleton Tragedy from Happening in our Communities" was the subject of a public forum held at the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center. Sponsored by the Vineyard Haven based Stone Soup Foundation, the event was followed by a two-day Leadership Training for by those who want to use the "Stone Soup for the World" books and the Stone Soup Leader's Guide to teach young people values, character building, and citizenship lessons.

Students, teachers, and principals from Martha's Vineyard and beyond, attended. Organizers said the event was designed to build bridges between the 14,000 island residents and its 100,000 summer visitors.

Among other topics, groups discussed how young people could become leaders for change in their communities. "Instead of letting our kids be increasingly raised by the TV, computers, and video games, we can get them involved in helping others," says Marianne Larned, founder of Stone Soup Foundation.

"By working together on projects like relief to the victims of a hurricane,or of Kosovo, they are starting to build bridges between the haves and the have nots; the kids with good looks, good grades, or good athletics, and all the others," Larned says.

Readers interested in more information on the educational programs offered through the foundation should write to Marianne Larned, Stone Soup Foundation, P.O. Box 4301, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or call 508-696-8514.