Goals and Outcomes

Decision makers in project areas are exposed to new and effective approaches to resolving conflict. 
In a group of some 40 participants, almost all significantly widen their community network; most are able to become a “mediating presence” in their areas of influence, modeling new approaches to conflict transformation and peacebuilding; and a smaller number from each session will move to dedicate considerable time to teach others the skills and approaches.  Currently, more than 500 community and religious leaders participate in Plowshares-based conflict transformation seminars each year in the U.S. and overseas, and some 50 voluntarily make major time commitments to active peacebuilding roles in mediation and/or teaching.

Projects, organizations, and alliances that are sustainable and provide tangible benefits to project nations and communities. 
Participants and/or sponsoring organizations often establish local centers to sustain and expand the impact of the Plowshares conflict transformation workshops.  These centers were established in six U.S. urban centers, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Cuba, and Uganda.

North American leaders gain global perspectives and increased motivation to address local problems.
On Plowshares’ formative (and often trans-formative) travel seminars, participants build mutually beneficial international relationships and develop concerns producing social changes through their respective organizations and in their individual lifestyles.  Seminar participation is by application; from 25 to 50 participants are accepted each year to join a Plowshares traveling seminar.  Since its inception, Plowshares has introduced more than 800 North American leaders to visions and challenges of struggling nations.

Innovations in conflict transformation and education. 
Plowshares is continually developing and refining methodologies in theological, immersion, and dialogical education, and in mediation and peacebuilding.  Programs are independently researched, and the learning is often shared at national and international consultations and published in reports, scholarly articles, and books to disseminate insights to others in the field. Examples include an international consultation held in Los Angeles on Learning from South Africa and 12 books on human rights and peacebuilding.