Developing Youth Leadership for Peace and Justice

Peacemaker Training Institute

Young people around the globe hold a vision of a more just and peaceful society. Deeply concerned about pervasive violence and injustice, many youth are seeking to create nonviolent alternatives and take an active part in positive social change.

The Peacemaker Training Institute helps young people become more effective peace and justice activists. PTI trainings held across the country offer:

• Nonviolent strategies to deal with interpersonal and systematic violence, racism and other social injustices;
• Opportunities to network with other active youth from diverse cultures;
• Leadership, communication and conflict resolution skills;
• Interaction with experienced activists working for peace, equality and community empowerment;
• Hope and inspiration for the future;
• The confidence and ability to make a difference.

National Basic Trainings

Participants

Trainings are open to all people ages 17-25 including high school and college students, workers, and young people not employed or in school. Young people of color and others who do activism for survival, including GLBTQ, ESL/non-citizens, and working class youth, are encouraged to apply and give voice to the program. The basic PTI is an introduction to nonviolence, justice issues, and organizing for people new to the study and processes of nonviolent organizing, and also serves as a refresher for people who are experienced in personal/political activism. Local Basic PTIs range in size from 10-20 participants, National Basic PTIs generally have 18-30 participants, and Advanced PTIs are limited to a maximum of six participants.

Facilitators

Trainings are facilitated by a core training team of local PTI organizer, US FOR staff (National PTI’s), and experienced peace and justice activists from the Fellowship of Reconciliation and co-sponsoring organizations. An emphasis at local PTIs is placed on connecting participants to guest facilitators from the local/regional peace and justice community.

Cost

The fee for participation in a Basic PTI is $475-$625, on a sliding scale based on ability to pay. Fees for the Advanced PTI and Local PTI can vary. Organizers work hard to ensure that everyone who wants to attend a PTI is able to attend. Organizers offer fundraising support in the form of sponsorship suggestions, local FOR group contacts, other organizational contacts, and help with any necessary documentation. Participants with connections to a school, church, or organization are asked to pay the full rate. Limited scholarship assistance is available for young people of color. Fees cover program, materials, food, housing and local transportation for the week. Participants must arrange their own transportation to the training site.

Local Sponsorship

Past participants have benefited from sponsorship. University student groups, campus ministry programs, local peace and justice groups, churches and community/ service organizations have all provided financial support to participants in the past, and have been strengthened by the skills and insights contributed by these individuals after completion of the program. Organizations are encouraged to consider sponsoring one or more members to a PTI and/or advanced PTI with an understanding that participants will return to their organization or community to help organize a PTI or other work with young adults.

College Credit

Students are often able to apply their experience toward an independent study for credit in many disciplines including anthropology, communications, conflict studies, peace studies, philosophy, religion, sociology, and others. Explore the possibility with your professors, advisors, career/internship coordinator or service-learning coordinator, and talk to us for suggestions and help.

Application Process

There are three ways to apply for a PTI Training. If possible, please apply online.

1) Fill out the **ONLINE APPLICATION**

2) Download application and e-mail completed form as an attachment to pti@forusa.org with "PTI Application" in the subject line

3) Download and print application and mail completed form to:

Peacemaker Training Institute
Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA)
1050 Selby Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104

Please be sure to indicate the dates and location of the PTI you are applying for. You are encouraged to attend the PTI closest to you if possible. If you are open to attending one of several PTIs, please indicate your first and second choices. Deadlines vary by training, approximately one month before PTI start date for basic PTIs. Some trainings offer early acceptance for early applicants in order to assist participants in setting work and travel schedules — please apply early if possible. E-mail pti@forusa.org or call Brie Phillips at 651-757-5353 with questions.

Upcoming Training Programs for Basic and Advanced PTIs

Read past participants' comments about PTI and learn about the issues they have organized around.

Learn more about past PTI facilitators.

View photos of past PTI courses.

Links to many valuable resources for Peacemakers.

Apply online for upcoming PTI Courses.

Upcoming PTI — Related Events

Wanted: News, editorials, Alumni updates (What are you up to?), etc.

Mail to:

FOR Nonviolent Youth Collective
1050 Selby Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
e-mail: pti@forusa.org

The PEACEMAKER TRAINING INSTITUTE, a project of the FOR, is made possible through generous gifts from Adele Thomas, the New York Friends Group, and the Kirkridge New Generation Fund. The FOR gratefully acknowledges their support.

Fellowship of Reconciliation
Peacemaker Training Institute
1050 Selby Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-647-4465 Email: pti@forusa.org

©Fellowship of Reconciliation 2007