Almost 20 years ago, discussions began at Grebel to develop a non-degree Conflict Management Certificate Program (CMCP) consistent with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies mandate to undertake research and public education, and to provide support for peacemaking efforts at various levels. The program would deliver practical, relevant skills taught by recognized practitioners in the emerging field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Content would reflect the values of Grebel and the underlying belief that while conflict is inevitable, violence is not.
Over the past two decades, the program has grown, developed, and adapted. Today’s workshop choices branch out from the original ADR evaluative methods, and now include “Conflict Coaching,” “Peacemaking Circles,” and “Temperament Theory,” with plans to include “Mental Health and Conflict” and “Movement and Conflict” in 2018. In recent years, we have responded to the growing demand for experiential learning, by encouraging both undergraduate and graduate students to enroll in workshops for academic credit. This value-added education gives students an opportunity to learn from, and network with, working professionals while developing invaluable, transferable skills.
Participants frequently comment that “I wish I’d known this when I started my career in ….” Whether their field is human resources, ministry, policing, or manufacturing, the basic understanding of conflict, systems theory, and communication provides tools that change a person’s life experience. The transformational impact of these workshops is powerful. At a recent workshop, a participant shared that they had originally registered to take a workshop while in the midst of a very difficult work conflict. The workshop not only helped them face their situation, but subsequent workshops built their capacity to work through their issues, and provided a safe community to share their journey.
As a non-academic program, the CMCP has limited access to funding. However, two bursary funds are available to participants: the Landau Family Scholarship and the Congregational Leadership Fund. Donations to help these funds grow are welcome and tax deductible. A recipient of these bursaries recently wrote this note:
“I want to convey to you my sincerest gratitude and my most heartfelt thanks for helping make it possible for me to attend these classes. Your generous gift is helping me to become a better pastor, a better leader, and is helping our church to walk a much healthier path. These classes have also helped me to find a measure of personal healing, as the severity of the issues in our church left a mark on me as a leader as well.”
