The Episcopal Peace Fellowship-Maine Chapter is sponsoring a weekend retreat focused on deepening in the ways of making peace. Creating a Culture of Peace (CCP) is a national training program providing a holistic and practical foundation in spiritually-grounded active nonviolence. Instead of confrontation that polarizes and demonizes, participants practice skills for respectful engagement. Participants learn how to adopt peacemaking as a way of life. The training is highly participatory and draws upon the wisdom, experience and talents of all the participants and on the skills and knowledge of three trainers. Mutual learning occurs through storytelling, mediation, small group sharing, brainstorming, role-playing, thought-provoking exercises, music and movement.

The total cost of the CCP retreat (including room and board) for each registrant is $200 (Early Bird registration) until September 30, 2008, and $225 after October 1. The enrollment deadline is Oct. 30. Participants are asked to commit themselves without exception to the entire 3-day retreat, from noon on Friday, November 14, until 3 P.M., Sunday, November 16.

The Five CCP Modules:

• Understanding violence
  
• The experience and dynamics of active and creative nonviolence
  
• Social change
  
• Building community
  
• Practical planning for local peace-making events