The Center for Faith and Peacemaking is pleased to announce our 2008-09 Internship program!
Internships are for one academic year and may be arranged for field studies or academic credit as allowed by your educational institution.
Our internships are designed with maximum flexibility to empower students to develop and implement their own projects within our program areas. You choose your own hours and learning outcomes; we'll provide you with the tools and connections to get started.
By serving as a CFP intern, you will develop valuable first-hand skills for ministry in today's world. You will also join an exciting and unique network of ecumenical and interfaith colleagues, who will continue to be available to you as you begin your own ministries after graduation. Upon successful completion of an internship program, we will also provide you with references, job referrals, and other resources as you begin your vocations.
Program Areas:
Communications, Web and Media: Works with print, web, and other media projects of the Center for Faith and Peacemaking and its programs. These may include the Chicago Seminarian magazine, program and project blogs, listserves, web pages, social networking sites, and new technologies. Builds relationships with staff and student contact persons on each campus responsible for communicating information. Recruits and encourages writers/ bloggers for CFP publications.
Spiritual Resources: Connects primarily with spiritual directors, chaplains, pastoral counselors, therapists, retreat centers and other spiritual resources available to the seminary community; builds connections between these professionals and regional seminary students; helps to facilitate joint events; provides these resources to Safe Seminaries and student colloquy groups as appropriate.
Community Relations: Work with congregations, individuals, organizations and other public institutions in the geographic regions immediately surrounding the seminaries. Connect these neighborhood assets with seminarian colloquy groups and individual student volunteers; build relationships between seminaries and larger communities.
National Campaigns: Researches, publicizes, and organizes students to participate in national campaigns and events for social justice causes, such as the School of the Americas vigil in Colombus, GA, Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, DC, etc. Connects with advocacy organizations and other regional student groups participating in same campaigns.
Caucus Coordinators: Works directly with students in one of the following interest areas:
Eco-Justice, Peacemaking, Women in Ministry, Men in Ministry, Latina/o Caucus, Black Seminarians' Caucus, Queer Seminarians' Caucus, Interfaith Students' Caucus, International Students' Caucus, Seminarians with Disabilities, Seminary Parents' Group, Seminary Spouses, Student Leadership Caucus. We also welcome inquiries for other topic areas.
Vagina Monologues: Works directly with other interested students, staff, faculty, and neighbors of the Hyde Park seminaries to produce the annual production of the Vagina Monologues.
Grantwriting and Administration: Assists the Executive Director with researching and applying for grants and other sources of funding; also assists in day-to-day operations of CFP.
Interfaith Peace Teams: Assists with tasks related to the formation of the Interfaith Peace Teams as an international accompaniment-based peacebuilding organization.
To Apply, please send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to Le Anne Clausen, CFP Director: leanne@seminaryaction.org.
Internships are located within Hyde Park, and often allow for working from one's own home. All internships are open until filled, and more than one intern may be assigned to a program area.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq
[118days.org]
Greetings everyone,
Last night I was up a little too late, absolutely engrossed in a book. (It's been too long since doing this, as having reading assigned to me for school takes all the joy out of said reading). But this one I chose of my own accord. It was important, and close to home.
Christian Peacemaker Teams, the organization I worked for most of my time in the Middle East and on the US/Mexico border, has just published "118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq." As you know, I returned from Iraq to begin seminary, and Tom Fox, the person who joined the team in my place, was taken hostage along with my colleague Jim and two visiting delegates, and Tom was later killed. This is one of the events that has made it very hard for me to feel at peace in completing my studies.
I find it incredibly helpful and cathartic reading--too much grief at the time had to be 'shelved' because I was also in the midst of changing churches and seminaries. I also find it to be helpful in doing my own writing work now; I just sent back my revisions to the publisher for my Iraq memoir, which ends a little before this book picks up. It also helps me to think about how I will prepare my next book, which is the memoir from jail.
If you are interested in purchasing the book for yourself, or recommending it to your bookstore or library, please visit 118days.org. Also, here is a short clip if would like to read a bit:
On November 26, 2005, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members Tom Fox and Jim Loney along with delegation members Norman Kember and Harmeet Sooden were kidnapped in Iraq. Tom Fox was killed on March 9, 2006. Jim, Norman and Harmeet were freed two weeks later on March 23 after 118 days of captivity.
The kidnapping of these four peacemakers was like a rock thrown into a pond.
This collection describes the ripples on the water, the impact and results of that rock, in stories characterized by hope, courage, friendship, and forgiveness. 118 Days bears witness to vital peacemaking being done around the world in these times.
Tricia Gates Brown is the editor of pieces from 23 contributors to this volume.
--
Posted By dead reformer to Journal of a Young Activist at 6/07/2008 03:21:00 AM
Greetings everyone,
Last night I was up a little too late, absolutely engrossed in a book. (It's been too long since doing this, as having reading assigned to me for school takes all the joy out of said reading). But this one I chose of my own accord. It was important, and close to home.
Christian Peacemaker Teams, the organization I worked for most of my time in the Middle East and on the US/Mexico border, has just published "118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq." As you know, I returned from Iraq to begin seminary, and Tom Fox, the person who joined the team in my place, was taken hostage along with my colleague Jim and two visiting delegates, and Tom was later killed. This is one of the events that has made it very hard for me to feel at peace in completing my studies.
I find it incredibly helpful and cathartic reading--too much grief at the time had to be 'shelved' because I was also in the midst of changing churches and seminaries. I also find it to be helpful in doing my own writing work now; I just sent back my revisions to the publisher for my Iraq memoir, which ends a little before this book picks up. It also helps me to think about how I will prepare my next book, which is the memoir from jail.
If you are interested in purchasing the book for yourself, or recommending it to your bookstore or library, please visit 118days.org. Also, here is a short clip if would like to read a bit:
On November 26, 2005, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members Tom Fox and Jim Loney along with delegation members Norman Kember and Harmeet Sooden were kidnapped in Iraq. Tom Fox was killed on March 9, 2006. Jim, Norman and Harmeet were freed two weeks later on March 23 after 118 days of captivity.
The kidnapping of these four peacemakers was like a rock thrown into a pond.
This collection describes the ripples on the water, the impact and results of that rock, in stories characterized by hope, courage, friendship, and forgiveness. 118 Days bears witness to vital peacemaking being done around the world in these times.
Tricia Gates Brown is the editor of pieces from 23 contributors to this volume.
--
Posted By dead reformer to Journal of a Young Activist at 6/07/2008 03:21:00 AM
Popsicles in church, and other signs of radical welcome
Sunday I visited a friend's church that completely bowled me over to what church could be. It was called 'Family of Hope,' and when I left that night, I left with a strong sense of family, and of hope, too, for our future church.
Lawrence, a precocious three-year old, served as the announcer, praise song leader, and usher. He would get everyone's attention, at full volume, and then the pastor would fill in the details. When he wasn't fulfilling one of his duties, he was dancing in the aisles, or visiting a variety of folks in their pews. Nobody gave a second thought, they just visited with him quietly as the service proceeded. One of the banners of this church's mission is: 'Child-Inclusive.' They clearly had this down pat. Why shouldn't children help lead church?
It was hot in the church--a ninety degree day with too much humidity in the air, and it overpowered the fans. No matter, this church had a new summer tradition--it handed out freez-pops to everyone, adult and child alike, during the children's sermon. We all held our brightly colored pops, and listened, and it was so great together, so simple, so delightful. Why shouldn't we have popsicles in church? There were, of course, plenty of napkins.
The day would continue to be adventurous--a huge thunderstorm blew in and knocked out the electricity (but not the 'power') of the sermon; it cleared up just in time for the afternoon party, celebrating the third year of the new church start (the benchmark for sustainability). We feasted on fried chicken, orange sherbet punch, and an enormous cake with a winding road to symbolize the spiritual quest they had been on together. Then there was the "Extravaganza"--friends from neighboring churches and ministries sharing their music with us, from a variety of styles--and two young leaders of this church sharing their vision for reaching out to the youth of the community--teenage girls and pre-teen boys especially, something I've rarely seen before.
Two more phrases caught in my mind: the pastor said "You are welcome here no matter how well you make it look put together--or how broken up it really is." She called out that painful facade so many of us in the churches put up for so many reasons. The regional minister present emphasized the church's dedication to 'Welcoming, Healing, and Growing.' I could see for myself they were living out this expansive call.
In short, this is a church of the new revolution. Where young and old and single and partnered and all races and backgrounds and orientations are welcome. This church doesn't have to be so far away. This church, with the right spirit, the right vision, could break out in all our churches, all over.
We just have to let it.
peace,
Le Anne
Lawrence, a precocious three-year old, served as the announcer, praise song leader, and usher. He would get everyone's attention, at full volume, and then the pastor would fill in the details. When he wasn't fulfilling one of his duties, he was dancing in the aisles, or visiting a variety of folks in their pews. Nobody gave a second thought, they just visited with him quietly as the service proceeded. One of the banners of this church's mission is: 'Child-Inclusive.' They clearly had this down pat. Why shouldn't children help lead church?
It was hot in the church--a ninety degree day with too much humidity in the air, and it overpowered the fans. No matter, this church had a new summer tradition--it handed out freez-pops to everyone, adult and child alike, during the children's sermon. We all held our brightly colored pops, and listened, and it was so great together, so simple, so delightful. Why shouldn't we have popsicles in church? There were, of course, plenty of napkins.
The day would continue to be adventurous--a huge thunderstorm blew in and knocked out the electricity (but not the 'power') of the sermon; it cleared up just in time for the afternoon party, celebrating the third year of the new church start (the benchmark for sustainability). We feasted on fried chicken, orange sherbet punch, and an enormous cake with a winding road to symbolize the spiritual quest they had been on together. Then there was the "Extravaganza"--friends from neighboring churches and ministries sharing their music with us, from a variety of styles--and two young leaders of this church sharing their vision for reaching out to the youth of the community--teenage girls and pre-teen boys especially, something I've rarely seen before.
Two more phrases caught in my mind: the pastor said "You are welcome here no matter how well you make it look put together--or how broken up it really is." She called out that painful facade so many of us in the churches put up for so many reasons. The regional minister present emphasized the church's dedication to 'Welcoming, Healing, and Growing.' I could see for myself they were living out this expansive call.
In short, this is a church of the new revolution. Where young and old and single and partnered and all races and backgrounds and orientations are welcome. This church doesn't have to be so far away. This church, with the right spirit, the right vision, could break out in all our churches, all over.
We just have to let it.
peace,
Le Anne
Friday, March 28, 2008
GlobalServe is Growing!
I am pleased to announce that our GlobalServe Co-op is expanding! We have just filled our second apartment, at 6226 S. Woodlawn, and have plans to continue growing over the summer, towards a goal of 40 spaces this year. Within the next three years, our goal is to have at least 100 spaces in the six-neighborhood area (Hyde Park, Woodlawn, Kenwood, Bronzeville, Washington Park, and Englewood) available as affordable cooperative community housing for young people in service to our neighborhoods. It is no small task, but we've met some good people to help us out and have some exciting possibilities ahead.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Live from the IFYC Conference in Chicago
[Editorial for the Chicago Seminarian this week]
As I write this, I am in the midst of the 5th National Conference on Interfaith Youth Work, held October 28-30 downtown at the Chicago Cultural Center. I am positively, delightfully, overwhelmed.
I am overwhelmed that the first conference had 30 participants, and this year’s conference has 550. I think I talked to about a hundred new people in one afternoon, and when that got to be too much, I looked for old friends in the crowd. Or, I could’ve ducked into the quiet meditation room near the entry if I needed to get away for a little while longer.
So far I’ve been to workshops that are imminently practical, like ‘Fundraising 101,’ ‘Youth Leadership in the Interfaith Movement,’ and ‘The 6 Best Practices in Interfaith Organizing.’ Also available were service projects, sessions to meet one another directly in dialogue, and a neat idea called ‘speedfaithing’-like speed-dating, a quick but intensive introduction to a religious tradition, presented by a practitioner in that tradition, without having to spend a semester in class.
One of the most helpful things I’ve found at this conference, in addition to meeting 550 new friends and colleagues, and getting practical skills for organizing, is the emphasis on sustainability. Is campus organizing just something you do while you’re in school? Will it simply have to die when you graduate? Or can you take the steps to ensure that others will benefit from your work after you move on?
In starting this newspaper and SeminaryAction last year, I was having fun, but it was a shock to me when most of my original cohort graduated last spring--I was the junior member of our group. I also found out that there was a curiosity among a wider population, and not too many other folks doing what we were doing. It’s been a steep learning curve, trying to create something bigger that can do more good. And there hasn’t been much sleep lately. But I am encouraged by events and support like this. Hope you will find that encouragement too. Check it out: http://www.ifyc.org/.
--Le Anne
As I write this, I am in the midst of the 5th National Conference on Interfaith Youth Work, held October 28-30 downtown at the Chicago Cultural Center. I am positively, delightfully, overwhelmed.
I am overwhelmed that the first conference had 30 participants, and this year’s conference has 550. I think I talked to about a hundred new people in one afternoon, and when that got to be too much, I looked for old friends in the crowd. Or, I could’ve ducked into the quiet meditation room near the entry if I needed to get away for a little while longer.
So far I’ve been to workshops that are imminently practical, like ‘Fundraising 101,’ ‘Youth Leadership in the Interfaith Movement,’ and ‘The 6 Best Practices in Interfaith Organizing.’ Also available were service projects, sessions to meet one another directly in dialogue, and a neat idea called ‘speedfaithing’-like speed-dating, a quick but intensive introduction to a religious tradition, presented by a practitioner in that tradition, without having to spend a semester in class.
One of the most helpful things I’ve found at this conference, in addition to meeting 550 new friends and colleagues, and getting practical skills for organizing, is the emphasis on sustainability. Is campus organizing just something you do while you’re in school? Will it simply have to die when you graduate? Or can you take the steps to ensure that others will benefit from your work after you move on?
In starting this newspaper and SeminaryAction last year, I was having fun, but it was a shock to me when most of my original cohort graduated last spring--I was the junior member of our group. I also found out that there was a curiosity among a wider population, and not too many other folks doing what we were doing. It’s been a steep learning curve, trying to create something bigger that can do more good. And there hasn’t been much sleep lately. But I am encouraged by events and support like this. Hope you will find that encouragement too. Check it out: http://www.ifyc.org/.
--Le Anne
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Seminarians Prepare for SOA
An inter-seminary coalition is currently making plans to attend the annual vigil at Ft. Benning, GA (WHINSEC/SOA) to protest the on-going training of Latin American military and police units that have been tied to widespread human rights abuses. If you have interest in attending this year's vigil, which will be held on November 15-18 of this year, please contact me as soon as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements for travel and lodging.* There may be funds available through your student government or other organization to help finance the costs.
Students that have gone in the past have found this to be a very meaningful experience and an important part of their educational experience, so I hope that you will consider making the effort to go. If you are unfamiliar with this issues surrounding WHINSEC, please visit the SOA Watch website at www.soaw.org or contact me at 773-908-7262.
*Those with interest in going, please reply to this message and indicate your commitment level at this point in time. I would like to know by the beginning of reading week approximately how many people are thinking about going so we can book the appropriate number of motel rooms. Again, with any questions, please contact me.
Nathan Soule, McCormick Theological Seminary
Nsoule@mccormick.edu
Students that have gone in the past have found this to be a very meaningful experience and an important part of their educational experience, so I hope that you will consider making the effort to go. If you are unfamiliar with this issues surrounding WHINSEC, please visit the SOA Watch website at www.soaw.org or contact me at 773-908-7262.
*Those with interest in going, please reply to this message and indicate your commitment level at this point in time. I would like to know by the beginning of reading week approximately how many people are thinking about going so we can book the appropriate number of motel rooms. Again, with any questions, please contact me.
Nathan Soule, McCormick Theological Seminary
Nsoule@mccormick.edu
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Questioning Authority
[Editorial for this week's Chicago Seminarian]
Who do we allow to tell us what to think, and what to do? This is a question timely for seminary students in particular. Some would answer ‘God,’ or ‘the Bible;’ others might do or think mostly only what their church body tells them to, no matter what the politics are of the denomination--after all, keeping your head down and asking no questions is a good way to cruise through unhassled in life. We all know this. Still, others may find the desire to question what we’re told on any given topic...worth a little hassle. Hopefully not too much, though, right? After all, we all know it, those who ask too many questions often get into trouble like they never imagined. And it hurts.
Monks in Burma (also known as Myanmar) are asking questions these days. And they are getting killed. Those images and radio reports are haunting me the most this week. Their pictures remind me of pictures I saw in the Chicago Historical Society two summers ago, of seminarians and clergy marching in the streets to support the cause of human rights. Where are we called to march today?
In a few months, seminarians and clergy will march to protest the U.S. Army School of the Americas at Ft. Benning, GA. Some will be arrested and imprisoned.
Other seminarians are traveling to the border, to the Middle East, to Africa, to Colombia; some are traveling to the neighborhoods we so rarely go in our own city, each asking questions--each deciding to find out for her or himself what is happening and what must be done to heal our world. Some are asking questions on their own campuses. When we question what we’ve been told, it is wise to go together and draw on each other’s strength and support. Let us do likewise.
-Le Anne
Who do we allow to tell us what to think, and what to do? This is a question timely for seminary students in particular. Some would answer ‘God,’ or ‘the Bible;’ others might do or think mostly only what their church body tells them to, no matter what the politics are of the denomination--after all, keeping your head down and asking no questions is a good way to cruise through unhassled in life. We all know this. Still, others may find the desire to question what we’re told on any given topic...worth a little hassle. Hopefully not too much, though, right? After all, we all know it, those who ask too many questions often get into trouble like they never imagined. And it hurts.
Monks in Burma (also known as Myanmar) are asking questions these days. And they are getting killed. Those images and radio reports are haunting me the most this week. Their pictures remind me of pictures I saw in the Chicago Historical Society two summers ago, of seminarians and clergy marching in the streets to support the cause of human rights. Where are we called to march today?
In a few months, seminarians and clergy will march to protest the U.S. Army School of the Americas at Ft. Benning, GA. Some will be arrested and imprisoned.
Other seminarians are traveling to the border, to the Middle East, to Africa, to Colombia; some are traveling to the neighborhoods we so rarely go in our own city, each asking questions--each deciding to find out for her or himself what is happening and what must be done to heal our world. Some are asking questions on their own campuses. When we question what we’ve been told, it is wise to go together and draw on each other’s strength and support. Let us do likewise.
-Le Anne
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