Project VIP is a comprehensive research-based program designed to help children and young adults make smart choices about violence. Field tested in inner-city schools, Project VIP emphasizes the use of student-centered approaches to develop conflict resolution and violence prevention strategies. Realistic and motivating activities help students sharpen creative problem- solving skills in small groups, understand anger and the violence that results from anger, practice conflict resolution techniques, discover strategies for making responsible choices, and develop lifelong strategies for avoiding violence. The first level of the curriculum defines violence and addresses what makes individuals angry, conflict and mediation, effective decisionmaking, and gun violence. The second level helps students work cooperatively and independently to role play authentic situations and solve problems that result in violence. The third level requires students to analyze patterns in school and community violence and become proactive by planning and implementing a school-based or a community-based violence prevention program. Steps involved in starting a violence prevention program are identified, including needs assessment, school violence prevention surveys, resources and support, communications, and evaluation.