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May 9, 2016 through May 27, 2016
Dr. Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, president and managing director of Kommon Denominator, Inc., and Dr. Marc Gopin, Director of the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, are the first two “Frontiers in Peacebuilding” speakers. The lectures are in conjunction with the Summer Peacebuilding Institute at Eastern Mennonite University. (Courtesy photos)
The annual “Frontiers in Peacebuilding” luncheon series in conjunction with Summer Peacebuilding Institute at Eastern Mennonite University has slightly changed its format. Two lunches have become dinners. The four events, however, still honor the conviviality of the shared meal with the opportunity to learn from experts.
The meals, held in the EMU dining hall, are open to the public (see below for ticket information).
The Summer Peacebuilding Institute, known as SPI, is hosted by the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. It has brought 2,900 people from 123 countries to EMU’s campus.
Participants come from training in two 7-day sessions (May 9-17 and May 19-27) and two 5-day sessions (May 30-June 3 and June 6-10). Tracks this year include trauma awareness and resilience, restorative justice, community action and organizing, the peacebuilding arts, and executive leadership for organizations focused on social change. The fourth session highlights skills-based courses, such as narrative practices, playback theater, photography for community empowerment, and blended arts and bodywork for resilience.
Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah: Can good come out of crisis?
Wednesday, May 11, 12:30- 2:30 p.m.
Dr. Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, president and managing director of Kommon Denominator, Inc., will discuss how the challenges and crises caused by conflict and violence present the peacebuilding community with opportunities to initiate new, innovative, and value-based approaches.
Marc Gopin: Healing the heart of conflict: an incremental approach toward less global violence
Wednesday, May 25, 12:30- 2:30 p.m.
Dr. Marc Gopin, Director of the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, will discuss taking positive steps towards peace in the context of war, focusing on lessons learned from 13 years of work in Syria.
Frances Flannery: Apocalyptic Extremism
Dr. Francis Flannery (left) and Dr. Erin Parish.
Wednesday, June 1, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dr. Frances Flannery is director of the Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Terrorism and Peace at James Madison University.
Erin Parish: Building Peace through Cleaning House and Clearing Space
Wednesday, June 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dr. Erin Parish, visiting instructor in cultural anthropology at Duke University, will talk about how physical everyday practices such as cleaning buildings and clearing land used in war play a crucial role in remaking community after conflict.
Tickets are $15 per person (e-mail [email protected] or call 432-4295 to purchase tickets). Tickets may be purchased up until one week before each luncheon. Some seats may be available at the door.