SPECIAL PROGRAMS

CIIAN's Special Programs focuses on the development of special resources such as research papers, manuals, and videos. It also sponsors speaker series and dialogues as well as the design of innovative training workshops.

Our Special Programs emerge from current issues and trends, as well as being responsive to client needs.

The Canada Expedition (TCE) is an initiative of CIIAN's Special Programs.

Please contact us for further information.

The Canada Expedition

The Canada Expedition (TCE) centers on the search for solutions to a sustainable humanity focusing on four dynamically interactive pillars: 1) the need to stabilize climate change, 2) the need to develop an eco-economy, 3) the need to prevent political violence, and 4) the need to liberate human potential. 

A new website for TCE is currently being developed.

For more information on TCE contact Carol Linnitt.

Course Descriptions

| From Conflict to Collaboration | The Power Clinic for Mediators | Violence Prevention: Theory-Informed Practice | Negotiating Agreements In Conflict Settings |

From Conflict to Collaboration

CIIAN is in the process of developing a one day "From Conflict to Collaboration" workshop which will focus on teaching organizational leaders how to channel the power of conflict toward making better decisions, to move from conflict resolution to organizational improvement.             

The workshop will deal with the benefits and challenges of such an approach and seeks to stretch the comfort level of organizational leaders when dealing with parties' advisors in mediation.

 As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to: 

• Identify the possible sources and underlying causes of conflict within your organization;
• Identify the organizational characteristics that have been shown to promote successful collaboration and determine how to develop them within your organization; and
• Identify the necessary elements of a conflict management system in your organization to resolve internal conflicts in a way that promotes collaboration. 

The Power Clinic for Mediators

WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

During this engaging workshop, Dr. Ben Hoffman, President of  CIIAN, will present his views on how and why he now breaks all the rules of mediation to help his clients as they dispute on what he calls the "power axis".

Based on his findings as a mediator with experience in conflicts ranging from violence in the home to aggravated political conflict and war, Ben will argue that at the heart of conflict is power. Three principle forms of power will be outlined, and the challenges, tools and techniques for moving parties from destructive to constructive use of power will be explored. Participants will examine the implications for their own practice as "third party neutrals", challenged to address power imbalances at, and away from the table.

Use of the "power axis" in personal development and organizational transformation will be introduced.

FEATURES:

• Disputing along the power axis;

• Beyond neutrality;

• Expanding the clinical event; and

• Power self-assessment with implications for personal and clinical practice.

CERTIFICATE: Workshop participants will receive a CIIAN Certificate.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE? 

This advanced level one-day course is for anyone who is interested in the role of power in mediation. Interested participants should have a thorough understanding of mediation theory and skills.

WHERE IS THIS COURSE DELIVERED? 

This course will be delivered in Ottawa, venue TBA.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Dr.Benjamin Hoffman

Return to Top

Violence Prevention: Theory-Informed Practice

WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

This course gives participants a comprehensive framework and practical skills to link Early Warning to Early Response through holistic multi-sectoral, multi-level interventions. The course emphasizes practical ways to apply theory on the ground and at strategic levels. The assertion that you cannot prove success in prevention is challenged through a focus on power and violence. The role of the "Peace Guerrilla" is outlined including peace advocacy skills and action. Both operational and structural recent research and lessons from a demonstration case in West Africa are highlighted, especially the relationship between security and development and role of local actors.

FEATURES:

• A simulated multi-issue and multi-party peacegame.

CERTIFICATE: Workshop participants will receive a CIIAN Certificate.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE? 

This 3 day course is for anyone who is or will be working on violence prevention at the international level.

WHERE IS THIS COURSE DELIVERED? 

This course will be delivered in Ottawa, venue TBA.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Dr.Benjamin Hoffman 

Return to Top

Negotiating Agreements In Conflict Settings

WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

This five day, dynamic course gives participants a set of key skills to meet the challenges of working in high conflict, violent settings. These "toxic" environments can challenge our negotiation skills, can cause personal stress, decreased efficiency, and even team breakdown resulting in compromised or failed projects. Personal and organizational readiness are required. The course is interactive, experiential and on the leading edge of practice.

FEATURES:

• The role of power in conflict;

• Negotiation and mediation skills;

• Dealing with tough adversaries; and

• Effective teamwork.

CERTIFICATE: Workshop participants will receive a CIIAN Certificate.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE? 

Mid- and Senior-level individuals involved in all aspects of international development (emergency relief to long-term reconstruction) and peacebuilding in conflict settings.

WHERE IS THIS COURSE DELIVERED? 

This course will be delivered in Ottawa, venue TBA.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Dr.Benjamin Hoffman

Return to Top