Dr. Mark Davidheiser of Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida asked me to share information about the
Africa Peace and Conflict Network (APCN) . I know we're all busy with many mundane and spiritual concerns but please take a moment to read about this wonderful organization and feel free to assist, participate and volunteer in anyway. The link is
http://africapeace.org
More about APCN follows:
Background and Summary
APCN is a humanitarian, charitable organization dedicated to contributing to a positive peace in Africa. It is comprised of over 150 Africanist scholars and professionals active in conflict analysis and resolution research, training, and practice. APCN is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and with the State of Florida as an independent non-profit organization, effective February 2008.
APCN's work encompasses negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, and other areas related to conflict prevention and management such as development, relief, governance, policing, and law. Activities include Africa-focused research and knowledge generation and dissemination, and peacebuilding work, assistance, and training.
APCN developed out of a unique concentration of Africanist expertise within the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (DCAR) at Nova Southeastern University -- one of four doctoral level conflict resolution programs globally. At any given time roughly thirty African doctoral students are undergoing training through DCAR and APCN. This core nucleus expanded to encompass members from other locations and institutions and partnerships were formed with organizations in Africa, Europe, and elsewhere. APCN’s membership includes faculty, postgraduate students, and professionals with extensive research and practitioner experience in Africa and conflict issues. APCN members have unique expertise related to most current African conflicts, including those in Ethiopia, Cote de Ivoire and the Mano River region, the Nigerian Delta, and Darfur.
A sample of APCN’s Africa-based partner organizations includes the following:
1] Peoples Federation for National Peace and Development (Malawi)
2] All Rights Organization, Gambia
3] documenting democracy (Sierra Leone and USA)
4] Uganda Peace Foundation Initiative
Since its inception in 2004, APCN has engaged in:
1] Capacity building and human resources development in the field of African peacebuilding
2] Mentoring Africans studying conflict analysis and resolution in order to produce a group of committed peacebuilders with robust analytical and practitioner skills
3] Assisting prospective and current peacebuilders and peace organizations
4] Research and publication of research findings
5] Education and information dissemination through public presentations
I hope that you all would take a moment to journey over to APCN and I look forward to sharing more discussions and blogs with you all in the very, very near future...
Frank