CENTER FOR PEACEMAKING AND CONFLICT STUDIES
Director: Peter Smith
The Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies (CPACS) is a unique expression of the university's commitment to peacemaking in the world.
Purpose and Mission of CPACS
The call to peacemaking is universal and timeless, since conflict is always with us. Its shadow is found in all cultures in all times, beckoning for response. When constructive, it leads to better understanding and deeper relationships. When destructive, it tends toward confusion and separation.
The Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies (CPACS) was established at FPU in 1990:
• To promote greater understanding of the dynamics of conflict.
• To train people in the theology, science and art of constructive conflict management.
• To promote and assist in the development of cooperative dispute resolution and justice programs within the institutions of the church and society.
Programs and Activities
The center is responsible for a variety of programs and activities, which include:
• Graduate programs in peace-making and conflict studies.
• Leadership development of international faculty in peacemaking
• Restorative justice and conflict resolution programs that embody theory and practices and that create internship opportunities for students.
• Community development of Victim-Offender Reconciliation Programs (VORPs).
• Mediation training and services for people in businesses, churches, schools and other organizations.
• Community, business, church, school, and other organizational consulting and conflict management.
• Research and development to advance restorative justice, peacemaking and conflict studies.
Current Programs
Academic Programs
• Master's degree and certificate options in peacemaking and conflict studies
Community Projects
• FPU campus discipline/mediation
• Restorative Justice Initiative with Fresno County Juvenile Court
• VORP (Victim Offender Reconciliation Program) with Fresno County Probation and Juvenile Court
• Peace and justice projects with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
As a unit of Fresno Pacific University, CPACS community projects are funded by contracts, grants, endowments, cash and in-kind donations and fees for service.
See http://peace.fresno.edu/rji/ for additional information.
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