CPT provides training for Peacemaker Corps applicants to give skilled, courageous support to peacemakers working locally in situations of violent conflict. An intensive, integrated, 4 week training course involves participants in action, reflection, and practice of a variety of peacemaking skills:

• Biblical Basis for Nonviolence
• Spirituality and Faith for Peacemaking
• Public Witness and Nonviolent Direct Action
• Negotiation & Conflict Transformation Skills
• Ministry of Presence -- Listening, Observation, Documentation
• Cross-cultural Work and Undoing Racism
• Working in Teams
• Organizing and Communication Skills

CPT will be conducting a Peacemaker Corps Training in October 2009 for a group of 10-15 Corps applicants from Europe and the UK.

Applicants invited to participate in CPT’s training should commit to being present for the entire period. Final acceptance into the Peacemaker Corps or Reserve Corps is discerned upon completion of the training course.
Designed to be participatory, the training is characterized by a kaleidoscope of role plays, simulations, small group exercises and presentations.

It’s not exactly “boot camp,” nor can it simulate many of the conditions of international living that will likely be part of team members’ work. However it is important to gain some experience with each other working in stressful situations.

Days are long and full. Group housing conditions are simple and afford little privacy. Participants walk or use public transportation in an urban setting.

Every training includes one or two public witness events.
While CPT staff provide overall coordination of the training, a variety of trainers with significant experience in active peacemaking are brought in to facilitate the different training modules.

For more information, ring 0845 450 0214 or email timnATcpt.org

Recommended Reading:
In Harm’s Way: a History of Christian Peacemaker Teams, by CPTer Kathleen Kern
118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams held hostage in Iraq, essays written by CPTers and CPT supporters, edited by Tricia Gates Brown
Getting in the Way: Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams, essays written by CPTers, edited by Tricia Gates Brown
To Baghdad and Beyond: How I got born again in Babylon, by CPT delegation member Jonathan Wislon-Hartgrove
West Bank Diary: Middle East Violence as Reported by a Former American Hostage, by CPTer Jerry Levin
Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace, by CPTer Peggy Gish
At-Tuwani Journal: Hope and Nonviolent Action in a Palestinian Village, by CPTer Art Gish
Hebron Journal: Stories of Nonviolent Peacemaking, by CPTer Art Gish
Getting in the Way: Studies in the Book of Acts, by CPTer Kathy Kern
Whatever Kindles: a Play About CPT, by CPTer Tricia Gates Brown (PDF file)

For more information about the content of the training see www.cpt.org/resources

Location
London