Transnational Trainers Gathering Summary A week-long gathering of experienced nonviolence trainers will be held to exchange approaches and proven training formats, build a network of trainers who can respond to increasing requests for training, and devise strategies for developing local capacities for training. Background and Need The past two years has seen a marked increase in the use of nonviolent tactics on overcoming entrenched regimes in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. At the same time, regional friction, national liberation struggles, and inter-ethnic conflicts continue. In many of these situations, local organizers have asked for assistance from the international community, specifically requesting experienced nonviolence trainers to share concepts and skills in support of their efforts. The International Fellowship of Reconciliation, War Resisters International, Peace Brigades International and the International Network of Engaged Buddhists have an ongoing interest in promoting the development of nonviolent movements for justice and peace. However, their capacity to respond to requests for training has been limited. One reason for this limitation is a lack of trainers who are prepared to respond to such requests. Many local trainers lack international or cross-cultural experience and are understandably reluctant to venture into difficult situations where they are not completely aware of language, culture and politics. Trainers also sense that training teams should be of mixed ethnicity, nationality and gender, but few trainers have the international contacts to put together such teams. Goals of the Gathering 1. The first, short-term goal of the gathering would be to increase the capacity to respond to requests for nonviolence training by expanding the number of experienced trainers ready and willing to engage in cross-cultural training. 2. The gathering would begin the process of building a transnational network of trainers by providing a place for people to meet each other, exchange experiences and develop working relationships. 3. The gathering would provide an opportunity to devise longer-term strategies for developing capacities for nonviolence training around the world. Time will be provided for meetings of trainers from within specific organizations and from regions. Participants Thirty to thirty-five experienced trainers will be invited from a wide range of countries, with particular emphasis on participation from the South and Eastern Europe. This will not be a gathering for people new to nonviolence or to training, but will be a chance for experienced people to exchange ideas and develop strategies for outreach to a wider group. Since this is a gathering for a limited number of people, there will be a process and criteria for selecting participants. Some places will be reserved for key people from the sponsoring organizations. Additional participants will be selected upon application. Proposed criteria for selection: experience, present training activities, plans for follow-up, geographic representation, diversity of participants, representation of different training styles. Date and Site The Trainers Gathering will be held July 19 - 26, 1991 at the Community of the Ark in Handel, Netherlands, just before the WRI Triennial. While a site in the South might be preferable, it is easier and less expensive for participants from Africa and Asia to travel to Europe. Format/Agenda Since one of the principal aims is the exchange of experiences and skills, the bulk of the time will be devoted to workshop sessions where participants demonstrate training techniques and principles. Some sessions will focus on specific skill areas: nonviolence theory and practice, nonviolent intervention, organizing for social change and social movements, conflict resolution/mediation, inter-ethnic relations, group process/decision-making, peacekeeping, etc. Other sessions will focus on issues in the practice of training: cross-cultural training, awareness of bias, working in teams, experimental learning, etc. Time will also be set aside to deal with organizational and regional issues and follow-up: how to continue to work together; how training requests will be handled; the roles of IFOR, WRI, PBI and INEB; funding mechanisms; how to reach out to groups which are not connected to the international network, etc. Organizing the Event Three people from the United States and one form Europe are working together as key organizers, writing proposals, seeking funding and consulting widely about the purposes, participants and agendas for the Gathering. They are working with an international advisory group which includes peoples from diverse regions and the sponsoring organizations. IFOR is providing logistical support in Europe and WRI, PBI and INEB have offered additional organizing assistance as they are able.