Summer Peacebuilding Institute Opens Its Doors for the 2025 Season

NCDD Friends at The Center for Justice & Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) shared an exciting announcement. Mark your calendars for May 19 - June 13, 2025, when Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI) will welcome participants to its campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Applications are now open, and interested individuals can apply directly through the SPI website at emu.edu/spi. Read the blog post below for more info and for further details on courses, scholarships, visa support, and more, read on or visit the official site.

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The Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI) at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is back for 2025, offering a transformative experience for peacebuilders worldwide.

From May 19 – June 13, join us in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for in-person courses that integrate practical skills, theory, and a strong focus on justice and resilience. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your peacebuilding journey, SPI has something for you.

Apply now: emu.edu/spi
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2025 Courses
SPI’s three-session lineup features expert-led courses (2–3 credits each):

Session 1 (May 19–27)	Session 2 (May 29–June 6)	Session 3 (June 9–13)
Project Leadership for Peacebuilders – Sharon McKenna	Understanding Conflict – Gloria Rhodes & Joe Cole	Music and Peacebuilding – Benjamin Bergey
Identity, Privilege, and Justice – Gaurav Pathania & Katie Mansfield	STAR Level 2 – Katie Mansfield & Lisa Collins	Gun Violence & Restorative Justice – Ram Bhagat & Tawnya Pettiford-Wates
STAR Level 1 – Crixell Shell & Hyojin Chang	Design for Sustainability – Joe Cole & Taisa Mattos	Mediation – Shannon Alabanza
-	Unsettling Anti-Racism – David Evans & Jonathan McRay	Formation for Peacebuilding – Gloria Rhodes & David Malual Wuor Kuany

Full course details: emu.edu/spi

Support & Accessibility
SPI provides scholarships, visa assistance for international attendees, and on-campus lodging and meals. Visit our website for more information.

CJP Open Houses
Interested in CJP’s master’s programs? Join a free virtual open house (registration required):

• Mar 18, 6 PM EST
• Mar 28, 12 PM EST
  
  

Why SPI?
For over 30 years, SPI has empowered activists, educators, and peace builders through innovative training. The 2025 season offers hands-on learning in a beautiful setting—made accessible through financial and logistical support.

Don’t wait—SPI 2025 is your opportunity to grow as a peace builder. See you in Harrisonburg!