Decolonising Peace Work

Who can register for this course?

The course is designed for peace workers with a basic knowledge of diversity and anti-racism who want to deepen their understanding of colonialism and anti-racism in relation to their work.

Depending on methods and topic of the training, we limit the number of available spaces to a manageable size (a maximum of 20 participants). Register early to reserve your place! 

Content

The trends of thought based on discriminatory ideologies have strengthened the systems of power and oppression that we have today and the extent of their fields of action. These systems, which were for the most part Eurocentric and based on a universality of values, contributed to the destruction of all other values deemed primitive.

The genocides, wars and conflicts of all kinds resulting from this past can only be addressed through a critical analysis of the concepts and reasons that supported these systems of oppression, colonization, and genocide. We will analyse these mechanisms of oppression through the concept of the 4 I's (Ideology, Institutions, Internalization and Interpersonal). This will allow us to set the foundation for a peace work based on the development of a sustainable strategy of care and reparation.

Objectives

After the course, participants …

• are more confident in dealing with the concepts, terms, and language that perpetuate marginalization, among them: racism, coloniality, and white privilege.
• have a deeper understanding of dynamics of power and identity, and its role in peace and conflict practice and interventions.
• have unpacked some of the structures, systems and practices that maintain racism and coloniality in this field.
• have identified some of the concepts, approaches, strategies, and tools for anti-racist and decolonized practice.
• have further developed a critical understanding of their own role as peace workers, and as well as the role of their organizations in rethinking current racist practices, in shifting the balance of power, and in effectively supporting communities in building and achieving their vision of peace.

Key Concepts

• racism and colonial continuities in peace work
• white supremacy, white saviourism, white charity in peace and conflict transformation
• Internalization of racism: self-under-estimation as BIPoC / unreflected white privilege
• un-learning racism in peace work
• Intersectional – feminist perspectives in peace work

Methodology

The training is given by a tandem of two trainers with experience in transnational human rights work and decoloniality as practitioners, consultants and researchers. We ensure a lively alternation of different methods as well as phases of listening, phases of activity and space for reflection and evaluation sequences.

The seminar is an offer for (self-) reflection and for the expansion of one's own scope for action. Methods from mindfulness and embodiment complement theory and practice sessions.

The training introduces collaborative methods such as peer groups, collegial consultation and a self-organised space for exchange about the issues at stake. These formats allow for self-paced learning in between the seven modules.  

The seminar considers the existence of potential multiple discrimination among the participants.

In the course, participants use a variety of tools, including a digital learning platform, a video conferencing tool, and an online whiteboard. Participants should therefore have a good internet connection (1 Mbit down/upload or better). A headset is highly recommended.

Workload

Deliverables:

• Regular and active participation in the course
• Active engagement with the self-paced-learning material on the learning platform ILIAS
• Active participation in a peer group (with 2-3 other participants)
• One case analysis of peace/conflict work from the perspective of the 4 Is

After a successful participation, participants receive a certificate and become part of our alumni network.

Total expected weekly hours: 6 to 8 hours per week

Schedule

Technical Introduction on 16 October 2023 from 13:00 to 14:00 CEST
Online Live Sessions from 19 October 2023 to 30 November 2023, every Thursday from 13:00 to 15:00 CEST/CET