Tribes is a process of learning together in a community.   It focuses on teaching students to work collaboratively with others to reach their individual goals for lifelong success.   Tribes was started over thirty years ago by Jeanne Gibbs. She was asked to start a program to help children resolve conflict and learn to appreciate cultural differences. Her research led her to conclude that a program was not needed, but a process...one that taught children to respect each other, assume responsibility for work and deed, and develop a way to resolve conflict and keep commitment to setting and reaching goals.   Tribes is not an acronym. Its name was derived from the Native Americans' ability to form a cohesive, working community from individual groups. The Tribes process is founded on four guiding principles:   Mutual Respect Attentive Listening Appreciations/No Put Downs The Right to Pass   The Madison staff has been trained in the Tribes process. It is a key component of their long-term commitment to bring Character Education to the city of Bartlesville.   Visit http://www.tribes.com for more information