Developing Youth Leadership for Peace and Justice
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.
UPCOMING NATIONAL TRAININGS
Kirkridge Peacemaker Training Institute, January 2-8, 2002, Bangor, Penn.: Participants develop nonviolence, leadership and organizing skills; visit local groups working for peace and justice; and participate in work project. Workshops cover isssues of race, gender, and sexual orientation, as well as the religious roots of nonviolence. Some schools recognize this training as a January term project and offer college credit. Co-sponsored with Kirkridge, a mountain retreat center in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Shadowcliff Peacemaking Training Institute, TBA Summer 2002, Nyack, N.Y.: Introduction to nonviolence with strategies for positive social change in dealing with violence, gender issues, racial and economic injustice. Leadership, communication and conflict resolution skills. Visits to social change groups in the area. Held at Shadowcliff, FOR headquarters on the Hudson River, just north of New York City.
UPCOMING ADVANCED TRAININGS
Advanced PTI Training for Trainers, Location and Dates TBA, November 2001 and February 2002: The A-PTI is a Training for PTI graduates who want to take the "next step"
and gain first-hand organizing experience as a Local Organizer with the Fellowship of Reconciliation. At the Advanced PTI Training for Trainers, Local Organizers prepare to coordinate and facilitate a Local PTI with assistance from US FOR staff. Locations are determined based on PTI alumni interest — currently we are considering the Northwest (Washington/ Oregon) and Washington, D.C., areas for upcoming trainings.
UPCOMING LOCALTRAININGS
Local Peacemaker Training Institutes, Dates TBA, Summer 2002: Local PTIs will take place in various states in the summer of 2002. These nonviolence trainings are similar in content to the Shadowcliff and Kirkridge trainings (see above), with an additional focus on networking and organizing in participant's own communities. Local PTIs are coordinated and facilitated by Local Organizers, community based activists who have graduated from both the Peacemaker Training Institute and the Advanced PTI Training for Trainers, with support from US FOR staff. Watch this website for location updates.
PARTICIPANTS
Trainings are open to people ages 17-25 including high school and college students, workers, and young people not employed or in school. The programs will help both experienced organizers and those who are getting involved for the first time. Participants will be selected to ensure a range of ethnic, religious, and class backgrounds, as well as broad geographic representation. Local PTI participants will be primarily recruited from their own geographic regions. In most cases, the group will be limited to no more than 20 participants.
FACILITATORS
Trainings are facilitated by experienced peace and justice activists from the Fellowship of Reconciliation and co-sponsoring groups. Perspectives and experiences of local activists are also central to each program.
COST
While the full cost for the summer training is $150, PTI uses a sliding scale of $50-$150 depending on the ability to pay. Estimated cost for the Kirkridge PTI is on sliding scale of $300-$375. Local trainings vary in cost. Those with school or other sponsorship are encouraged to pay the full rate. Fundraising suggestions are available from FOR. Financial assistance is available for the Kirkridge PTI. Fees cover registration, food, housing and local transportation. Participants must arrange their own transportation to the training site.
LOCAL SPONSORSHIP
Past participants have benefited from sponsorship by local organizations and programs. University student groups, campus ministries, local peace and justice groups, and service organizations have all provided financial support for past participants, 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; individuals are encouraged to seek sponsorship from groups with whom they are involved.
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. You may be able to receive college credit for attending our trainings. Explore the possibility with your professors and advisors, and talk to us for suggestions.
APPLICATION
Deadline for Kirkridge PTI is December 1, 2001. Other Deadlines TBA. To apply online, please click the link below for the training you wish to apply for. Or, to request an application and more information by mail, please fill out and send the Request for Application and Information below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Apply Online for Kirkridge 2001
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.
©2004 Fellowship of ReconciliationFellowship of Reconciliation
Peacemaker Training Institute
1050 Selby Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651.647.4465 Email: pti@forusa.org
