Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding

Who can register for this training?

The training is designed for people working in and intending to work in both front-line and management peacebuilding roles in conflict areas, with individuals and communities impacted by war, persecution, or other circumstances that can elicit trauma.

Content

This 5-week online course introduces peacebuilders to the core principles and practical applications of trauma-informed peacebuilding. Through weekly 4-hour interactive sessions and 2 - 3 hours of guided independent study, participants explore how trauma affects individuals, groups and systems in conflict-affected contexts - and how to respond to it with awareness, empathy and resilience. Facilitated by two professionals with extensive experience in trauma support and peacebuilding, the course provides a safe, participatory and reflective learning environment where participants connect theory to their own conflict realities.

The course will explore key aspects of trauma-informed practice in order that participants can more effectively engage in peacebuilding through a trauma-informed lens and protect themselves from risks in order to maintain their own well-being and effectiveness in their work.

Objectives 

By the end of the training, participants will have...

• a good understanding of trauma and its impact on the brain, body, behaviour and relationships.
•  an appreciation of collective, historical, and transgenerational trauma, including colonial and structural dimensions.
•  increased self-awareness and self-care strategies to address secondary trauma and compassion fatigue.
• knowledge of trauma-informed tools and approaches for engaging safely and effectively with trauma-affected individuals and communities.
•  increased understanding of how to analyse and plan projects and activities through a trauma-informed lens.
• begun to integrate trauma-informed principles — safety, trust, empowerment, choice, collaboration and cultural sensitivity — into conflict analysis, project planning and team dynamics.

Key Concepts 

• Trauma and its effects on brain, body, nervous system and behaviour
• Collective, historical and transgenerational trauma
• Core principles of trauma-informed practice
•  Practical tools for working with trauma-affected individuals and communities
•  Intersectional, trauma-informed approach to project planning and team dynamics
• Secondary trauma and compassion fatigue
• Personal boundaries and self-care
• Trauma-informed cultures and policies within organisations

Methodology

Each week combines presentations, small-group discussions, experiential exercises and individual self-reflection activities designed to translate learning into practice. The training is aimed at increasing knowledge, understanding and skills required in trauma-informed peacebuilding and, importantly, how to apply this within participants’ own conflict situations. The trainers aim to create a safe learning space in order for participants to share their own and learn from each others’ experiences.

Do you have questions about this training? Our team is happy to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact me: selena.gould@propeace.de

Application

We prioritise smaller class sizes to promote interactive exchanges and the integration of your own practical experiences. Therefore we limit the number of spaces to a maximum of 20 participants. Register early to reserve your place!

Contact persons

Selena Gould & Marie Zornbach