Tibetan Peacebuilding and Leadership Training

We have just completed our conflict resolution training program for Tibetan community leaders in Banglore, India! We had 20 participants this January, ranging from monks and teachers to Settlement Officials and marketing executives from Tibetan settlements in South India. The training, led by political psychologist, Dr. Eileen Borris, focused on developing basic mediation and conflict management skills through understanding the structures of multi-track diplomacy. Participants learned how to utilize the tools and resources available to them to build new peacebuilding structures within their communities, and how to strengthen the structures that already exist. Emphasizing the importance of sustaining the message and movement of nonviolent activism, the training was an initial step in empowering the Tibetan Diaspora to take action toward achieving their desired future, as well as in support of their brothers and sisters inside Tibet.

A few take-aways, as expressed by our 2013 participants:

• "Peace is a process, not an event."
• "You must have a plan. You must have willpower. You must have determination. We have shown determination and willpower. This week we have begun to develop a plan whereby even we, as ordinary citizens, can act for the benefit of our people."
• "The training has given me conviction to continue our middle-way peaceful approach. We can see now what would happen if we turn our struggle to violence."

The most poignant lesson eminating from our training was one of true inspiration, gained from the insightful words and contributions of our motivated participants who are determined to find peace for their people.

We continue to provide support and resources to our participants in their efforts to build peace, both within their communities and across the Diaspora. Meanwhile we are hoping to raise enough funds in the near future to hold a cross-settlement dialogue.

Thank you all for your support.