Q: Could you give us a short background on Christian Peacemaker Teams:
A: Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) arose out of a call in 1984 for Christians to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war. Today, CPT places violence-reduction teams in situations of crisis and areas of militarization around the world, offering an organized, nonviolent alternative to war. CPT provides organizational support to persons committed to faith-based nonviolent alternatives in situations where lethal conflict is an immediate reality or is supported by public policy. CPT seeks to enlist the response of the whole church in conscientious objection to war, and the development of nonviolent institutions, skills and training for intervention in conflict situations. CPT projects connect intimately with the spiritual lives of its constituent congregations. Gifts of prayer, money and time from these churches undergird CPT peacemaking ministries. An initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers), CPT has membership and support from individuals and congregations from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Q: What are some volunteer opportunities you offer? Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?
A: Short-term education/action delegations of seven to 14 days link communities experiencing violence with concerned individuals, churches and groups in North America and elsewhere. Delegations are a first step for those wishing further involvement with CPT as part of the Christian Peacemaker Corps. Delegation participation is open to all those with interest in active peacemaking and human rights work and requires no special prior training. Minimum age for delegation members is 18 years; there is no upper limit and many people over age 70 have participated. The Christian Peacemaker Corps is made up of volunteers who work either full-time or as reservists (two weeks to three months a year) on CPT project sites. Applicants first participate in a short-term delegation and then go through a 4-week intensive training course prior to joining the Corps. Minimum age for the Peacemaker Corps is 21; there is no upper limit. Current sites for delegations and on-going teams are Colombia, Iraq, Israel/Palestine, northwest Ontario, and the Arizona/Mexico borderlands.
Q: What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect?
A: On-going teams stay in modest apartments with shared rooms. Delegations may stay in similar housing or in modest hotel rooms or hostels. Team members and delegates share food preparation and other household durties. Participants should expect a simple lifestyle. Team worship is part of the daily routine. Work includes human rights monitoring and documentation, accompaniment of vulnerable individuals in the conflict zone, meeting with representatives of various local organizations, and engaging in nonviolent public witness that challenges the violence of the situation (prayer vigils, marches, etc.)
Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?
A: Come with the expectation that you will be transformed by the experience.
Q: What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?
A: There is limited personal space and time during the intensely-scheduled delegation experience.
Q: On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?
A: CPT offers one of the few opportunities for average North Americans (and others) to meet individuals and families directly affected by major conflicts going on in our world today. Because delegation members have actually talked with Iraqis or Palestinians or Colombians affected by our government(s)'s policies, they have credibility to talk about what they have seen and heard and thus further the cause of peace.
Q: Why should they pay to volunteer with Christian Peacemaker Teams? How is the money used?
A: Christian Peacemaker Teams depends on the contributions of many grassroots supporters to carry out our common peacemaking ministry. Each person who joins a CPT team is part of extending that circle of support. Delegation members and Peacemaker Corps reservists raise funds to cover their expenses. Full-time Corps members also do their best to raise support, and receive a small personal stipend and living expenses.
For delegates and reservists, about half the requested fee applies to airfare. The rest goes for on-ground expenses (transportation, housing, food, honorariums, etc.), and a modest portion for overhead and program support. The annual cost of supporting a full-time member of the Christian Peacemaker Corps is about one-tenth the amount needed to support a member of the U.S. military.
Q: Do you have any advice on funding a volunteer experience abroad?
A: We encourage individuals to contact their home church or meeting, local peace groups, family members and friends about supporting their delegation trip or Peacemaker Corps work. Making announcements to a congregation or group in person or through a newsletter, writing letters, hosting a supper or benefit concert are all ways volunteers have raised funds for CPT work. In addition to raising funds, this gives those who may not be able to join a team the opportunity to support something they believe in, and provides openings for sharing about the experience and multiplying the impact of the delegation after the participant's return.
Q: How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?
A: CPT does not do aid or development work. Realizing that on-going violence impedes the health and well-being of all those living in conflict zones, CPT's peacemaking goals are complementary to that of aid and development organizations. Until direct conflict abates, development workers have very limited space. Through violence reduction, CPT contributes to creating space for communities to organize for their broader needs.
Q: Why should someone volunteer with Christian Peacemaker Teams?
A: Over 15 years of experience has shown us that: trained, skilled teams from "the outside" can work effectively to spur and support local efforts toward nonviolent peacemaking; "getting in the way" of injustice through direct nonviolent intervention, public witness and reporting to the larger world community can make a difference; and peace team work engages congregations, meetings, and support groups at home to play a key advocacy role with policy makers. Becoming part of short-term CPT delegation or the Christian Peacemaker Corps allows a person to take an active role in building a more peaceful world.
Q: How can someone get in contact with Christian Peacemaker Teams and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
A: How can someone get in contact with AidCamps International and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
Christian Peacemaker Teams, PO Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; Tel: 773-277-0253; Fax: 773-277-0291; or visit our website at: http://www.cpt.org.
For questions about short-term delegation contact the Delegation Coordinator at delegations@cpt.org; for questions about joining the Christian Peacemaker Corps contact the Personnel Coordinator at personnel@cpt.org.
