Searching for Beloved Community: Investigating Youth Violence in a Midwestern City
by Chris Lahr
April 21st, 2025
This dissertation explored strategies to reduce violence and build a Beloved Community at Beloved High School through the Peacemaker Program. Chapter 1 introduces the project鈥檚 purpose, focusing on addressing youth violence, building Beloved Community, and utilizing the messy matrix鈥攁 framework for understanding relational, emotional, and social dynamics contributing to conflict. Chapter 2 reviews literature on youth violence, Beloved Community, the six principles of nonviolence, cultural intelligence as well as laid a theological foundation for the project. Chapter 3 describes the qualitative methodology used, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to gather insights from students and staff.
Chapter 4 presents the findings from a study conducted at Beloved High School, analyzing the factors contributing to youth violence and the challenges in creating a Beloved Community. Data from surveys, interviews, and focus groups with students, teachers, and staff were synthesized to reveal four primary themes: Drama, Relational Conflict, Internal Conflict, and Identity, with social media identified as a significant driver of conflict. Using the messy matrix framework, the research explored how these factors shape student behavior and contribute to violence. Findings highlight issues such as gossip, miscommunication, peer pressure, and lack of conflict resolution skills, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence and communication. The study also demonstrates the transformative potential of the Peacemaker Program, which uses the messy matrix to foster dialogue, reflect on personal struggles, and build a peaceful school environment. The chapter concludes by recommending continued integration of the messy matrix and peace-building practices into school culture.
Chapter 5 discusses the interpretation of the project鈥檚 findings, focusing on the
transformational strategy implemented at Beloved High School to address violence and foster a Beloved Community. The chapter highlights key insights, lessons learned, and the theological relevance of the work, emphasizing the complexity of student conflict as identified in the messy matrix. It explores communication strategies that emerged, such as peace circles and peer-led initiatives, which were critical in reducing violence and promoting understanding. The replicability of the model was examined, stressing the need for adaptation to different contexts and resources. The chapter concludes with recommendations for expanding the Peacemaker Program, addressing the role of social media, enhancing mental health support, and ensuring long-term sustainability to create lasting impact in school communities.