LOS ANGELES, CA (May 14, 2025) – Kids Managing Conflict (KMC), a nonprofit organization that promotes and provides peer mediation and youth conflict resolution, proudly joined forces with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and the Institute of Non-Violence – Days of Dialogue for the YMCA “Resilience in Action Youth Dialogue” held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) in downtown Los Angeles.
The event, led by Omar Torres, Senior Director of Social Impact at the YMCA, brought together youth from across Los Angeles for a transformative day of open conversation, connection, and healing.
Special guests and public figures, including Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez of District 54, Victor Dominguez, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Dr. Mark Ridley-Thomas, Senior Advisor, Institute of Non-Violence, and Jim Kerr, Director, National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, offered words of hope, empowerment, and encouragement.
KMC’s mission was deeply aligned with the event’s goals: to create safe, youth-centered spaces where young people could courageously share their struggles—from the emotional impact of recent wildfires to immigration fears, family stress, and trauma. Through peer-led and adult-supported dialogue, youth stepped into roles of leadership, support, and mutual care.
“These amazing young people leaned into discomfort with honesty and strength,” said Cheryl L. Epps, Executive Director of KMC. “They showed what true resilience looks like—not in isolation, but in community.”
Facilitated small-group discussions were made possible through collaboration with the Institute of Non-Violence Days of Dialogue, who provided trained dialogue leaders to guide and hold space. Laughter, tears, and powerful expressions of leadership filled the day. Youth bonded with strangers, became allies, and lifted one another up.
The event also included giveaways, including a PS-5 system, and a Hawaiian-style lunch—a joyful celebration of community, generosity, and care.
Kids Managing Conflict is honored to have participated in such an impactful event, reinforcing its commitment to elevating youth voices and training the next generation of peer mediators and community leaders. For more information about Kids Managing Conflict or to get involved, visit www.kidsmanagingconflict.org .
