Peace Matters Expedition
InterFaith Dialogues on Peace – June 2016

Outward Bound Peacebuilding is pleased to announce the June 2016 Peace Matters Expedition, an interfaith exploration of peace. The program is offered in partnership the Nobel Peace Prize Forum and delivered with Voyageur Outward Bound. This June, 12 student leaders will come together to explore the meaning and value of peace across faith traditions as they spend five days on a canoeing and rock climbing expedition in the St. Croix Riverway, Minnesota. After the expedition, students will participate in the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, including an opportunity to collaborate on a workshop.

Please click here to learn more about the program and to apply.

Program at a Glance
– Orientation and pre-post curriculum sessions (done via webinar)
– 5-day canoeing and rock climbing expedition in St. Croix Riverway, Minnesota
– Workshop at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum

Dates
June 1-5: Expedition (Participants need to arrive to Minneapolis by the evening of May 31st for a 9am start time on June 1st)
June 7-9: Nobel Peace Prize Forum is June 7-9

Participant Profile
Currently enrolled undergraduate students in U.S. institutions with demonstrated leadership capacity and interest in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding.

Location
St. Croix Riverway, Minnesota

Tuition
$1000 per student that includes the 5-day expedition, food, accommodation (from June 1-9), course materials, technical gear and instruction, and NPPF entrance fees

Details about the Program Components

During the expedition, participants will canoe and rock climb around the St. Croix Riverway in Minnesota. Each day will start with a theme that participants explore in pairs or small groups. Interactive workshops during the journey will introduce new skills focused on leadership, consensus building and conflict transformation, among others. The wilderness aspect of the expedition provides the challenge, inviting participants to move out of their comfort zone and explore the concept of risk as relevant to leadership and peacebuilding. The coming together of a group of diverse individuals offer opportunities to practice effective listening, compassionate leadership and deepening religious and cultural understanding.

Following the Expedition, students will participate in the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, including an opportunity to collaborate on a workshop. The Nobel Peace Prize Forum is an international conference focusing on the work of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, as well as leading peacemakers and peacebuilders. Under the auspices of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, this annual conference brings leaders in government, business, academia, civil society and youth to Minneapolis.

At the end of the program, participants will receive a Peace Matters Expedition Certificate of Completion signed by all three partner organizations. More importantly, they will connect and build partnerships with a community of individuals who are interested in interfaith dialogue, peace and the environment.