Several years ago, experts in Milwaukee were noticing a disturbing trend at area schools -- more and more young students were reacting to situations with anger and violence.

To counteract this growing problem, the Peace Program was established with support from the St. Michael’s Hospital Community Foundation. The program sends youth experts and volunteers to Milwaukee schools to teach young people ways to control their anger and prevent violence.

"A lot of it is just spending time in these inner-city neighborhoods, letting people know that you care," says Mason.
(Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images)
One of the most popular teachers is Milwaukee Bucks swingman Desmond Mason. "We teach them some ways to handle stress and anger," explains the 2001 Slam Dunk champion. "The basic idea is as simple as a stoplight. When you’re angry, the first step is red -- stop and calm down. The next step is yellow -- think about the different ways you can handle the situation. And then green -- take a deep breath and start moving forward the best way possible."

Since its inception seven years ago, the program has been very successful. After the Peace Program comes to a school, teachers report students handling stress better, with fewer angry outbursts.

The children love having a celebrity in the classroom. "A lot of it is just spending time in these inner-city neighborhoods, letting people know that you care," says Mason, who is always sure to bring along all sorts of jerseys, shoes, and other goodies to give away. "At the end of the class, we play some games. I ask them questions about what I’ve taught them, and if they get them right, they win stuff."

Mason says he has visited more schools than he can count this season. He also stars in a media campaign promoting the program and has made the schools in the program prime beneficiaries of the 70-plus season tickets he bought from the Bucks to give to good causes.

One of the surprising outcomes of the program: Mason says he has gotten better at managing stress in his own life. "A lot of guys in the NBA have dealt with the same problems as these kids," he points out. "So we know it’s not easy."

For more information:
St. Michael Hospital
Community Foundation
2400 West Villard Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
Phone: 414-527-8205