MPACS Newsletter - October 29th

Monday, October 29, 2018

MPACS Newsletter banner: image of pumpkins with the title

In this newsletter you will find...

Events:

Jobs & Opportunities:
Notes:

Disclaimer: Events and opportunities above are not all endorsed by the PACS department; this bulletin includes opportunities that we think PACS students may be interested in but are not sponsored by PACS. Please use your own discretion to determine if an opportunity is right for you.


Events

Indigenous Dispute Resolution Forum

Date: November 14th, 2018
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Native Canadian Centre
Cost: $200

The Indigenous Dispute Resolution Forum will bring together a panel of renowned Indigenous thought leaders to explore the theme: Building a Bridge of Understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioners and Community: Promoting Reconciliation through the Sharing of Indigenous Knowledge and World View of Conflict Resolution. It will foster transformation and provide a learning space in which you can share Indigenous expertise and world views on conflict.

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Parliament of the World's Religions

Date: November 1st-7th, 2018
Time: Varies
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Cost: Day pass $60-$145

The Parliament of the World's Religions is the world's largest interfaith gathering! This year, it welcomes thousands of delegates to Toronto, from 80 countries that represent almost 200 religious, spiritual, and Indigenous traditions. It will feature more than 900 programs and events.

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MCC Peace Conference

Date: November 10th, 2018
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Forward Church, Cambridge
Cost: $10-$45

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is hosting this day-long Peace Conference that will inspire and inform through general sessions, workshops, and conversations. MCC has been involved in peacebuilding initiatives both locally and internationally for over 60 years. At this convention, you will be able to see, hear, and experience how MCC is changing lives and communities through their efforts.

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Women, Peace, and Security

Date: November 11th, 2018
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Conrad Grebel Great Hall
Cost: Free

Women, Peace, and Security: Dispatches from Time and Place is a public forum to remember the impact of war and colonization on women and girls. Speakers include: Lori Campbell, Carol Acton, Zaitun Hnin Pwint Phyu, and Jennifer Henry.

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"Imagining Peace" - Remembrance Day Centenary

Date: November 10th, 2018
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Kingston City Hall Memorial Room
Cost: $50

Kingston will host world-renowned peace expert, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Paul Rogers, at several events to mark the Centenary of the end of the First World War. Rogers will be the keynote speaker of "Imagining Peace: A Vision for Canada." He has worked for the past 40 years on international security, especially the interlinking issues of economic difference, environmental limits, and political violence.

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The World Remembers: An Afternoon for Peace

Date: November 11th. 2018
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Location: Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, Kingston
Cost: $29

Join the Isabel and non-profit organization PeaceQuest to mark Remembrance Day with a concert! It will feature Open Voices Community Choir, the Juno Award winning Okavango African Orchestra, the Kingston Youth Choir, and PeaceSong. The concert will include a visual memorial marking the centenary of the end of World War I.

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Restored and Forgiven: The Power of Restorative Justice

Date: November 18th, 2018
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Conrad Grebel Great Hall
Cost: Free

"Restored and Forgiven: The Power of Restorative Justice" is a public lecture that features guest speakers Ray and Vi Donovan (MBEs) from the United Kingdom. They work passionately to give voice to a restorative justice approach through education and system change.

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Restraining Great Powers: Soft Balancing from Empires to the Global Era

Date: November 8th, 2018
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Location: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Room A1-20
Cost: Free

Power politics have taken a different form. Instead of employing strategies like active military alliances, leading powers seek to restrain threatening powers through the use of international institutions, informal alignments, and economic sanctions; this is called "soft balancing." Lecturer T.V. Paul will explain how these subtler forms of balance-of-power politics can be useful in helping states achieve their goals against aggressive powers.

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Justice and Reconciliation in World Politics

Date: November 22nd, 2018
Time: 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Balsillie School of International Affairs. Room 1-43
Cost: Free

Justice and Reconciliation in World Politics is a book that examines normative and critical theory of how to conceptualize practices of justice and reconciliation that aim to respond to colonial injustices. Author Catherine Lu will argue that contemporary moral/political projects of justice and reconciliation involve strategies of decolonialization. decentering, and disalienation.

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"Peace Research in a Turbulent World" Lunchtime Seminar

Date: November 7th
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Location: Conrad Grebel University College, Room 2202
Cost: Free

Join us for this informal lunchtime seminar with Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, University of Bradford. Rogers is a world-renowned peace expert who has worked for the past 40 years on international security, especially the interlinking issues of economic difference, environmental limits, and political violence.

International Humanitarian Law Conference

Date: November 13th, 2018
Time: 8:30am-5pm
Location: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Room 1-42
Cost: Free

This conference aims to uncover the role that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) plays as an instrument of peace. It will address disarmament and arms control, the importance of education in conflict and peace times, and health and disability in armed conflict. Experts in the field, including academics, practitioners, and representatives from the Canadian Red Cross Society will be in attendance.

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"Forbidden Dream - Fighting for the Right" Discussion

Date: November 7th, 2018
Time: 7pm
Location: Hagey Hall of the Humanities Theatre
Cost: Free

Zahra Mahmoodi, former captain of the first women's soccer team of Afghanistan, grew up with the knowledge that she would not be able to pursue her dreams because she was a girl. She has fought for women's rights using her global platform and was honored with the Muhammad Ali Six Core Principles Humanitarian Award in 2013 for her efforts. In this discussion, she will provide insight about the rights of women and girls and the important role that sport can play in advancing development.

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Back to top.


Jobs and Opportunities

The Power of Restorative Justice: Philosophy and Practice
Participate in this three day workshop to learn about the positive impact and benefits of a restorative justice approach with Vi and Ray Donovan (MBEs) from the United Kingdom. The aim is to enable participants to develop knowledge and skills that will allow them to practice meaning restorative approaches. This workshop is offered as an elective in the Conflict Management Certificate Program.

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Canadian School of Peacebuilding
Applications are now open for the 11th annual Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP)! It will be held June 10th-14th and June 17th-21st, 2019, in Winnipeg, Canada. Anyone who is interested in growing as a peacebuilder is welcome to apply- local and international, young and old, students, practitioners, and those brand-new to peacebuilding. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn across faith, cultural understandings, and rural and urban settings.

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North Coast Innovation Lab Internship Opportunities
The North Coast Innovation Lab (NCIL) is a place-based initiative for people to work together on tangible projects and initiatives that build a resilient economy as a tool for community well-being. Based in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, their work has been adapted to reflect the unique opportunities, challenges, cultural context, geography, and people that make up the city. NCIL is seeking four currently enrolled Masters students for upcoming paid internship opportunities. Each position and their descriptions are linked below:

NCIL Project Coordinator: HSEDS Social Enterprise
NCIL Project Coordinator: Vertical Farming
NCIL Project Coordinator: Nisga'a Society Food Security
NCIL Project Coordinator: Redesign Rupert Downtown Redevelopment

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MEDA Internship Opportunities
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is hiring for International Interns beginning January 2019! MEDA is an association based in Waterloo that invests in people who live in poverty around the world to help them earn a sustainable livelihood for their family and for community enrichment. PACS alumni and MPACS students and alumni are welcome to apply.

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Global Mennonite Peace Conference Call for Proposals
The 2nd Global Mennonite Peacebuilding Conference and Festival (GMP) will take place in Netherlands in 2019! GMP invites proposals that address specific aspects of building peace with justice from the perspective of the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition or which locate themselves in this tradition of a peace church. Proposals may include thematic panels, workshops, or artistic contributions. Applications close December 31st, 2018.

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W3: Waterloo Women's Wednesdays Call for Papers
W3: Waterloo Women's Wednesdays is seeking research proposals, panel ideas, and creative presentations for the first ever W3 Represents: Research Symposium. Women-identified and non-binary graduate students from all fields and disciplines at the University of Waterloo are invited to present. Submit a 300-word abstract describing your project and why and how this venue might facilitate the presentation of your work by November 30th, 2018. Research need not be focused on gender and sexuality.

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ACN Conference Call for Papers
This multi-disciplinary conference focuses on the future on nonviolence and whether or not the past successes of nonviolent movements are adequately remembered and celebrated. The goal of this conference is to enhance the discussions around nonviolence. To do so, they are seeking presentations from a variety of academic disciplines! Abstracts are due November 10th, 2018. Presenters should plan on a thirty-five minute presentation. Contact Kim Chartier at kchartie@ashland.edu for questions or more information.
CPA Opportunities Fair
The Centre for Peace Advancement (CPA) is providing an opportunity for students to learn more about the roles peace innovators and peace organizations have in promoting peace and justice. There will be representatives available to engage with students, answer questions, and inform them of any potential volunteer or internship positions. Drop by the Centre for Peace Advancement on the fourth floor of Conrad Grebel University College between 11:30am-1:30pm on October 31st to enjoy food and conversation!

Notes

Humans of PACS
Hi everyone! PACS Communications Assistant here. I want to try something new: Humans of PACS! We want to hear YOUR stories about your experiences and time in the PACS program! Each month, we want to highlight several people on our social media to showcase the diversity of students in the program and the multitude of backgrounds and experiences we bring to our shared peace efforts. What you share is up to you- it can range from your time in the program, long-term goals, or even general insights on life. Undergrads and Masters students are both welcome! If you are interested in participating or would like more information, DM us on any social media or email pacsasst@uwaterloo.ca!

Graduate Student Stress Management Group
These graduate student stress managements groups offer a safe, confidential space in which you can talk about stressors in graduate school and life, emotions, and relationships. This includes problems with anxiety and depression. This group can help you understand how to work through issues in both your personal and academic life. Sessions can be attended on a drop-in basis.

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Wellness Seminars

Many students struggle with mental health issues that are worsened by the stress of school. We want to remind you about the resources available on campus to help you take care of yourself the best that you can. The following seminars will provide information about mental health, self-care, and useful strategies for coping with issues you may have during the school year.

Coping Skills Seminars
These coping skills seminars will teach you the basics of self-care, mindfulness, meditation, and useful strategies for coping with and anxiety and stress:
  • Challenging Thinking
  • Managing Emotions
  • Strengthening Motivation
  • Cultivating Resiliency

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Alleviating Anxiety Seminar
This seminar is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness and is designed to help you better understand anxiety, its causes, and the factors that maintain it. You will be introduced to a number of strategies to alleviate anxiety in the moment, challenge your thoughts, and change anxiety-inducing behaviours.
Flu Clinics
It's that time of the year again: get your flu vaccination and skip the stress of sickness! There will be a community flu vaccination clinic through Health Services in the SLC on November 6th, 7th, and 8th, from 9am-5pm.