Archive for Peace Guerilla

Just Released – Peaceweaving: Shamanistic Insights Into Mediating the Transformation of Power

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Dr. Ben Hoffman’s most recent book titled “Peaceweaving: Shamanistic Insights Into Mediating the Transformation of Power” is now available to purchase online through Amazon.

Image of the front of "Peaceweaving" book by Ben HoffmanPeaceweaving invites the reader to let go of conventional ideas about conflict, and then guides us on a journey through a parallel universe of working for peace from a shamanistic perspective. Far from fanciful, Hoffman grounds his discussion of evil spirits, the destructive use of power, and the central role that our values play in producing conflict and the ways in which we try to resolve it in solid practical experience. Offering us an ‘evolutionary paradigm’ of power, and how we might help transform the way power is used, we find ourselves undergoing our own transformation and come out the other end with new insights and techniques to apply in our personal lives and professional practice. A tour de force for anyone wanting to make our world more peaceful.

“A real page turner by one of Canada’s and the world’s leading mediators. I haven’t enjoyed reading a negotiation or mediation book so much since I read ‘Getting to Yes’. Ben’s story is truly inspirational. A must read full of practical tips for anyone who has any interest in conflict resolution.”

David Bennett LL. B., Chartered Mediator, Ottawa

“In this book Ben Hoffman deftly merges the technical and mystical dimensions of mediation. There is no one path to combine the science and art of mediation, no standard way to bring together the politics and poetry of peacemaking – and Ben Hoffman does not pretend tehre is. What he does do is to trace his own personal path of weaving and developing as a mediator, thereby inspiring us to be more honest, to look deeper, and to go further. Mediation technocrats as well as mediation romantics may be unsettled by this book. Those who can sustain such discomfort, however, will be greatly enriched.”

Simon J. A. Mason, Mediator and Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich

“This is a highly personal work. It is also something that takes the practice of peacemaking and drops it down from our heads into our hearts, our guts. This is where peacemaking belongs. Our heads are much too puny to handle this most engaging of soul-making activities! Mediators, peacemakers, people of professionals everwhere – come read this book! It’s the one we’ve been waiting for.”

Julia Menard, Mediator and Leadership Development Consultant, Victoria, BC

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Peace Guerilla students from Ross Road Elementary School meet with Dr. Ben Hoffman

March, 2011

In March, 2011 Peace Guerilla students from Ross Road Elementary School in North Vancouver met with Dr. Ben Hoffman, President of the Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiation (CIIAN). Ross Road Elementary School is currently running a peace education pilot project involving grade 6 and 7 students in dialogue about peace and how it applies to themselves, their community and the world. Working with teacher leaders Anami Naths and Carmen Yuen and supported by Inya Mitrovich, a masters student in the Conflict Analysis and Management Program at Royal Roads University, this student group has learned about conflict resolution and problem solving, and has engaged in critical thinking about global issues. This pilot project came about as a result of CIIAN’s Canada Expedition initiative. Anami Naths, teacher and Canada Expedition guide, was inspired to launch the project as result of her involvement with the Canada Expedition. The Peace Guerillas of Ross Road Elementary School are the first group of students sponsored in part by CIIAN. Please contact CIIAN (ciian@ciian.org) for more info on this pilot project and how you too can be involved!

A few photos from the event:

- See the CIIAN Summer 2011 Newsletter or visit the Ross Road Elementary School – “Peace Guerillas” website and blog for more information abou this initiative.

Ben Hoffman Receives First Canadian Peace Professional Accreditation

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
November 24th, 2010

After four years of groundbreaking work, the Ottawa-based Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC) accredited its first two graduates at a wine and cheese reception in Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada, November 24, 2010.

The event was attended by representatives of leading civil society organizations and political parties. These included Liberal MP Larry Bagnell, NDP MP Bill Siksay, and Joe Foster from the Green Party. A certificate of appreciation was posthumously presented to Ross McNaughton for his vital role in developing the Accreditation program; his daughter Angela and son Donald accepted the award.

CPSC, the first organization to develop and apply a standardized methodology for accrediting Peace Professionals, presented accreditation certificates to their first two graduates: Dr. Ben Hoffman and Yves Morneau.

Photo of Yves Morneau and Dr. Ben Hoffman - Peace Professionals

Yves Morneau and Dr. Ben Hoffman - Peace Professionals

Photo of Dr. Ben Hoffman at Peace Professionals Event

Dr. Ben Hoffman - Speaking

Photo of Ben Hoffman Signing Peace Guerilla Book at the Peace Professionals Event

Dr. Ben Hoffman - Signing His Book: Peace Guerilla

Photos by: Koozma J. Tarasoff

See more photos of the event here…

Dr. Benjamin Hoffman is a specialist in negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding. He obtained his B.A. and M.A. (Psychology) from Wilfred Laurier University, an M.A. in International Relations from Tufts University, and a Ph.D. from York University, UK. He also specialized in International Peacemaking at the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation. Ben’s interest in mediation began incorrectional services in Northern Ontario and grew over the last 30 years to include healing and restorative justice work in a variety of national and international settings. For the past two years he led a community healing process in the City of Cornwall under the auspices of the Public Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse. From 2000 to 2003, he was Director of the Conflict Resolution Program at The Carter Center, acting as President Jimmy Carter’s representative, focusing on implementing the Nairobi Agreement, negotiations with the Lords Resistance Army, and efforts to end the nineteen year old war in Sudan. As President and CEO of the Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiation he is also currently active in violence prevention and reconciliation in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa and is mediator in the Gladstone Reconciliation, BC. Dr. Hoffman is called upon to provide mediation, peacebuilding advice, and to lecture to a wide range of clients throughout the world.

Excerpt taken from the following document: First Peace Professionals Accredited in Canada

Bonnechere Authors Festival

Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada
July 28th, 2010

Ben will speak at the Bonnechere Authors Festival in the Ottawa Valley. Ben will discuss his experiences that led him to write his recent book, Peace Guerilla; unarmed and in harms way my obsession with ending violence.

Media Inquiries

All media inquiries should be directed to:

Beth Boyle | talkshop media
604 638 6161

Other Works
Ben has published other titles, such as: The Peace Guerilla Handbook and 1+1=3: New Math for Human Relations. Go here to see other publications by Ben.
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