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Christian Movement For Peace (CMP) WorkCampsPublisher: Christian Movement for PeaceYear Published: 1982 Resource Type: Organization Cx Number: CX2461 Inactive/Defunct Organization The Christian Movement for Peace (CMP) is an international, ecumenical movement active in the campaign against militarism and consistent in its support of disarmament. Abstract: The Christian Movement for Peace (CMP) is an international, ecumenical movement active in the campaign against militarism and consistent in its support of disarmament. Much of the group's work is geared to public education and consciousness-raising on issues pertaining to militarism and social justice. For the past 60 years the Movement has been organizing Workcamps for young people between the ages of 18 and 30 as a part of its educational focus. Workcamps (originally a European concept) provide youth from various parts of the world with the opportunity to "live and work together in a group situation while having the chance to reflect upon their various political, social, religious and cultural traditions." Participants work on a variety of community-oriented projects on a volunteer basis. Workcamps fall within three categories: 1) Social action: This type of Workcamp may involve working with the mentally or physically handicapped, or with such groups as Amnesty International or the Overseas Book Centre. Participants help to provide some socially useful service to either a local community or the larger global community. 2) Alternative lifestyles: This type of Workcamp may involve working with a co-operative group or living "in community" with groups of people who have opted out of the mainstream and who are developing progressive lifestyles of their own, such as the Dandelion Co-op and The Farm in southeastern Ontario. 3) Manual work: These Workcamps are organized around such activities as renovations to buildings, minor construction work, painting, and agricultural work. Various organizations ranging from conference centres on social justice issues to small agricultural communities have sponsored this type of Workcamp. Often, elements from all three categories will be present in each Workcamp setting. Last year a total of 75 Workcamps were organized in Europe and North America. This year 16 Workcamps have been slated to take place in North America. Workcamps are generally of three weeks duration. Volunteers are responsible for paying their own transportation costs to and from the Workcamp site. Upon arrival, volunteers are housed and provided with food at no expense. While the application deadline for the 1982 Workcamps is flexible, interested individuals should contact CMP as soon as possible. Registration fee is $50. CMP is also looking for people who would be interested in volunteering for leadership roles in their North American Workcamps. This organization no longer exists. This abstract was published in the Connexions Digest in 1982. |