Monday, June 3, Anytime - Sliding scale $25 - $100
You are invited to join our online course, Unarmed Civilian Defense Instead of War, starting June 3!
1) Six-week Online Course: The course consists of six core modules, covering the following:
Module 1: Unarmed Civilian Defense: What is it?
Module 2: What Has UCD done thus far, and what potential does it have?
Module 3: What can individuals and organizations do?
Module 4: What can governments do?
Module 5: What is the role of communications and media in effective UCD?
Module 6: Putting it all together
This course is 100% online and interactions are not live or scheduled, so you can take part whenever works for you. Weekly content includes a mix of text, images, video, and audio. Online discussion forums provide spaces for mutual learning and exchange, where facilitators and participants can ask questions, share challenges faced, and explore issues relevant to the weekly content. Facilitators also provide feedback on optional assignment submissions.
2) Three Interactive Live Sessions: The three 1-hour optional Zoom calls are designed to facilitate a more interactive and real-time learning experience:
Zoom Call #1: Introductions - Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • 11:00 AM • Eastern Daylight Time (US & Canada) (GMT-04:00)
Zoom Call #2: Reflections on the course thus far: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 • 11:00 AM • Eastern Daylight Time (US & Canada) (GMT-04:00)
Zoom Call #3: Course Reflections. What next? - Tuesday, July 9, 2024 • 11:00 AM • Eastern Daylight Time (US & Canada) (GMT-04:00)
3) End-of-Course Strategy Game -
Registration is now open. Click here to enroll in this course.
This course not only provides an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and cutting-edge research and action on nonviolent responses to war and militarism. It also offers a chance to engage with, pose questions to, and learn from peers and experts who bring extensive experience in research, analysis, concepts, methods, and/or the real-world practical application of nonviolence in areas such as Afghanistan, Palestine, and Ukraine.
These experts include:
Dr. John Ruewer: With 40 years of experience in studying, teaching, and practicing nonviolent alternatives to conflict, Dr. Ruewer has ground experience in Haiti, Colombia, Central America, Palestine/Israel, South Sudan, Ukraine, and U.S. inner cities.
Dr. Karen Kennedy: Holding a Doctorate in Arts and Social Sciences focused on alternatives to war and an MA(Res) in Peace and Conflict Studies, Dr. Kennedy is involved in nonviolent movements and research groups including Schweik Action and XR.
Omid Wali: Hailing from Afghanistan, Omid bring academic expertsie and first-hand experience of large-scale violence and invasion. He is a Rotary Peace Fellow and Fulbright Fellow recognized for his contributions to peace and social change. Here is a video by Omid inviting you to enroll in the course and discussing the significance of nonviolence, drawing from his experiences in Afghanistan.
Balkis Chaabane: An award-winning peace and security practitioner from Tunisia, Balkis is a youth engagement expert with extensive international experience and several prestigious awards for her work. In her video, Balkis extends an invitation to join the course, shares insights into her background, and provides details about the module she will be facilitating.
Luther N. Mafalleh: From Liberia, Luther is a social and development worker, Media for Peace Trainer, and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience. He is also a Rotary Peace Fellow and IEP Peace Ambassador.
Dr. Yurii Sheliazhenko: Executive Secretary of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement and winner of the International Peace Bureau’s 2022 Sean MacBride Peace Prize, Dr. Sheliazhenko is a prominent figure in the peace movement. In his invitation to join in the course Yurii highlights the value of studying unarmed civilian defense.
Join us for this 6-week online course to learn about nonviolent ways to resist war and other war-like situations. The course includes six core modules, three interactive live sessions, and an end-of-course strategy game.
We hope to see you join us for this potential transformative learning experience.