International FOR resources for global peacemaking

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) has just published its quarterly "IFOR in Action" newsletter, which is once again chock-full of interesting content. The quarterly newsletter is published in PDF format for easy downloading from the internet. The Summer 2009 issue is particularly focused on peace and nonviolence work being done in Asia, and includes articles addressing work in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Israel/Palestine.

FOR members are invited to contribute to "IFOR in Action," and the next issue will focus on peace and environmental work happening in Africa. Deadline for submissions is July 10.

IFOR's Women Peacemakers Program (WPP) also regularly publishes a newsletter, which is sent out in text form via e-mail. The latest edition, "WPP e-opportunities 58," was distributed two weeks ago, and included a wide range of resources on gender equity, sexual violence, creative peacemaking, and related issues, including calls to action, nominations for international awards, job opportunities, and more. To subscribe, e-mail Jose de Vries at the WPP office in the Netherlands.

Today the WPP office distributed an application form for an upcoming Training of Trainers on "Overcoming Violence: Exploring Masculinities, Violence, and Peace." Contact Jose de Vries (above) for more information — applications are due July 15, 2009 for this special program, which has the following objectives:

• To train male trainers on gender-sensitive active non-violence (ANV);
• To explore the concept of masculinities in relation to issues of violence and peace;
• To establish community-based teams who can multiply gained skills and knowledge;
• To create a pool of male gender-sensitive ANV trainers;