Peace Ambassadors is offering youth the opportunity to take part in an intensive training program starting on June 16, 2009.  With the Peace Ambassadors program you'll be given the skills to become an anti-racism social justice facilitator and community peace builder. 

Courses

• Anti-Racism Foundation Course
• Peaceful Conflict Transformation 
• Public Speaking and Media for Community Building
• Social Justice through Creative Artistry

The courses will cover the following Anti-Racism basics:

• Peaceful Conflict Transformation
• Public Speaking
• Media Skills
• Social Justice / Social Artistry

During the training process throughout the year participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills co-facilitating presentations and community peace-building with our program coordinator, Ian Mathieson. 

To become a full Peace Ambassador, you must complete all 4 intensive training courses. They do not need to be done in sequential order - courses will be offered on a rotating basis so if you miss one you can catch it when it's offered again. 

Registration

Registration is required (see course descriptions for registration link) and the only cost  is membership with the Centre for Race and Culture.  If you are not already a member, click here to apply for your membership.     

For more information please contact:

    Ian Mathieson
    Peace Ambassadors Coordinator
    780.425.4644, ext. 2
     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Course Descriptions

Anti-Racism Foundation Course

This course covers the basics of what you need to know about confronting racism and discrimination.  It will cover themes such as the different types of racism, how to recognize racism and methods for confronting and countering racism such as social activism, social artistry and political and personal approaches in our communities.  This course offers a knowledge base for further action and a critical approach to social issues and conditions.  Length: 3 hours

Course Dates:      TBA - check back soon or complete the online form to put your name on a waiting list 
        Facilitator:     Ian Mathieson, Peace Ambassadors coordinator

 Online Waiting List Form 

This course deals with transforming conflict in a way that recognizes culture, dominance oppression and inequality.  By looking at how we structure relationships interpersonally, communally, and globally we will build an understanding of the role that conflict plays in our lives.  What is peaceful conflict transformation?  What is "peace"?  How do we build peace?  How does racism and discrimination relate to conflict? Covering theory and practice this will be a highly engaging and participatory session.

Course Dates:     Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, 6:30 pm  - 9:00 pm
       Facilitator:     Ian Mathieson, Peace Ambassadors coordinator with guests

 Registration form 

Conveying your message as a social activist, professional or even as an individual is a vital part of community-building,  this course will cover what it takes to effectively build communication skills that can be put to use in meaningful ways. Speaking with the media, developing your message and using new technologies will be the focus of this session. We will also look at how media can perpetuate and exclude certain groups thus perpetuating cycles of discrimination and racism. 

Course Dates:      TBA - check back soon or complete the online form to put your name on a waiting list 
        Facilitator:     Ian Mathieson, Peace Ambassadors coordinator with guests

 Online Waiting List form 

Solving social problems is a creative business - hence this session will explore how we can use artistry and creativity to build peace and community, in particular dealing with racism and discrimination.  This course will look specifically at how theatre, arts and drama, with examples of theatre of the oppressed, can be used for social justice activities.  There will also be options to explore other art forms depending on the interests of the participants.  Another highly interactive workshop! 

Course Dates:      TBA - check back soon or complete the online form to put your name on a waiting list 
        Facilitator:     Ian Mathieson, Peace Ambassadors coordinator

 Online Waiting List form 

More Courses to come!  Keep checking back!

If you have suggestions for different courses that deal with oppression, social justice, and in particular racism or anti-racism, please contact the program coordinator Ian Mathieson at  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 780.425.4644, ext. 2.