Learning the skills of “peace” is a lifelong adventure. It is a journey, and none of us are experts in all types of conflicts. This skill-building program is an MCC pilot project that seeks to teach and develop peacemaking skills, and apply these skills within today’s context of home, work, and community. Participants will learn to integrate practical peacebuilding skills in everyday ways wherever they find themselves.

This program is for you if you consider yourself a leader (no matter your position) and would like to gain practical hands-on skills to engage in conversations that link your faith with peacemaking, and how to make a difference in your community. Together we will be engaging in conversations, skill-building sessions, and ongoing reflective practice to connect what we are learning to our faith, scripture, and Jesus as our foundation for peace.

There will be weekly discussions and practical skill-building sessions. Foundational topics will include:

• Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation
• Peace Skills for Community Mediators
• Restorative Justice Approaches
• Learning about Peace Circle Processes
• Nonviolent Communication
• Learning how to become an Active Bystander

Disclaimer: This course is to build practical skills and there is no verification of skill level upon completion.

Expectations:

• Complete a weekly reading, short homework assignments, watch TED talks/documentaries, read articles, and complete a reflective journal.
• Attend a monthly 2 hour skill-building session (virtually) held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
• Participate in a monthly discussion session (virtually) on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
• All participants will have access to the online course platform for interaction, content, video conferencing, a discussion forum, and journaling.

Timeframe: 5 months from January 2021 to May 2021.