Michigan
Peace
Team is able design
nonviolence trainings for groups with a specific
focus, and with the days, times and length
desired by the group. We offer basic and
advanced nonviolence trainings but we also
tailor the nonviolence trainings for the group's
needs. Our workshops provide participants the
knowledge and skill to apply the healing and
transforming power of nonviolence to situations
of conflict and violence wherever they occur.
Workshops are experiential and participatory in
nature. Participants learn about nonviolence and
empowered peacemaking through exercises and role
plays facilitated by our experienced and highly
qualified trainers.
Workshops are organized in cooperation with a
local sponsor. Workshops may include a vigil or
some other nonviolent action which addresses a
situation of conflict in the local community. We
provide training on civil disobedience or
preparation for a particular protest (political
conventions, the SOA protest, etc). If there is
a particular kind of training that you are
looking for, please ask! We may be able to
provide it. We have a wonderful group of
seasoned trainers around the state of Michigan.
We are also able to offer the trainings in
Spanish.
Goals of Training:
-
Experience the transforming power of nonviolence for oneself and society;
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Learn about and practice skills for nonviolent peacemaking;
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Learn of domestic & international violence reduction peacemaking efforts and opportunities for volunteering on projects;
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Experience working together with others as a peace team.
Major components of the Basic Training:
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Stories of empowerment, from one-on-one conflict situations to small and large peace teams, domestic (such as dealing with hate groups) and international;
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Theoretical and spiritual (interconnectedness of all humans and the earth) basis of nonviolence;
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Music and humor;
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Understanding the Roots of Violence;
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Theory and practice of Communication skills: (e.g., Active Listening, "I" messages, etc.);
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Experience of working as teams;
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Theory and practice of Consensus decision making;
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Theory of Public Witnessing and Direct Action;
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Mechanisms for social change;
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Cultural and racial sensitivity;
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Practice through role plays, quick decision exercises, hassle lines;
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Moving forward, forming a local peace team
MPT utilizes 2 or 3 trainers for each training.
Logistics:
- 1-day training can be 8-10 hours. The fee is based on a sliding scale, dependent on the number of registrants; the more registrants, the lower the individual's fee.
- Often the organization holding the training workshop funds part of the cost of the workshop fee, with the remainder divided among and paid for by the participants. No one should be excluded from the workshop because of the fees, as our mission is to train all that have interest. Please contact MPT if the fees should present a problem.
- Size of Group: Minimum is 10 participants; fewer than 10 make it difficult to do the role-plays, with 12 to 20 participants an optimal amount. Groups can be larger.
- If you are interested in hosting a nonviolence training, please contact Michigan Peace Team or phone us at: 517-484-3178.
TRAINING DATES & LOCATIONS
We are constantly adding new trainings, so check back for more upcoming trainings near you.