Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI)
About SPI
You can’t change your world alone!
- The world bends towards justice… if we make justice a priority.
- Peace is possible… when communities take peaceful action.
- Social change is achievable… if we work together.
Small groups in every society are building a world organized around principles of justice, equity, human dignity, right relationship with our planet, and peace. The work looks different in each context and we don’t always use the same language to describe it.
Summer Peacebuilding Institute is built around the belief that those working to bring about positive social change need to:
- Learn from each other,
- Enhance their understanding of problems and possibilities,
- Increase their practical skills for promoting change,
- Take time for rest, reflection, and renewal.
At SPI we support these needs by providing courses that:
- Can be taken for credit or training,
- Are taught by academically credentialed practitioners,
- Encourage participants to share their wisdom and knowledge,
- Link better understanding of problems with practical skills for changing them.
We also support self-care and respite in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley through group meals, hiking,sporting activities, theater and musical performances, and various other extracurricular activities.
Only one course may be taken per session. All courses can be taken for training and skills enhancement or academic credit. Contact spi@emu.edu for more information.
An Imporant Update Regarding SPI Participation and
Travel Restrictions
The Summer Peacebuilding Institute is rooted in global learning, mutual exchange, and relationships that cross borders and contexts. Recent changes to U.S. travel policy have created real barriers for some members of our international community, and we recognize the disappointment, uncertainty, and disruption this may bring.
While these policies are beyond SPI’s control, we are committed to responding with care, transparency, and responsibility. We are communicating directly with affected applicants, offering refunds when participation is no longer possible, and doing our best to share clear and timely information as circumstances evolve.
We also recognize that immigration policies can be complex and difficult to navigate. As part of our commitment to supporting participants, we rely on guidance from trusted professional organizations, including the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), which provides up-to-date information and analysis on changing U.S. immigration and travel policies. We encourage individuals to seek professional guidance as they discern their own circumstances.
At the same time, our commitment to accessible and transformative peacebuilding education remains strong. We are actively exploring opportunities to offer SPI programming in other regions of the world and through alternative formats, and we look forward to sharing more about these possibilities in the months ahead.
Our dedication to accompanying peacebuilders working toward justice, healing, and peace in their communities, continues to guide us. We are deeply grateful for the trust, resilience, and global partnerships that shape SPI, especially in moments of uncertainty.
January 21st, 2026
Kory Schaeffer - Director of Programs, CJP
Gloria Rhodes - Academic Director, CJP
