The organizers try to invite several people from the same area or even the same organization to diminish the difficulty of sharing the experience and knowledge gained with those at home. The training provides an opportunity to get away from tense conflict situations and the stresses of living with daily violence. By bringing local activists and peace team volunteers together, everyone develops a deeper awareness of the different approaches to nonviolent organizing. Participants depart from the training with a sense of solidarity and connection to the rich world of nonviolent struggle that spans the globe. The training methodology is primarily elicitive, as is the design process.
Participants help shape the training to best meets their needs.
The theory and practice of nonviolence is woven throughout the program. Interested participants are encouraged to work with the training team in the design of specific content within the focus areas, and have the opportunity to facilitate some sessions. The training grew out of a desire to enhance the typical week to 10-day training some peace team organizations offer. It has evolved to serve nonviolent activists from across the globe. By bringing people intending to engage in fieldwork together with people they are likely to work with when they are in the field, both develop a better understanding of these distinct roles and approaches to conflict intervention.