Summary of "Creating a Peace Profession -Video 1 - CPSC"

Main ideas and purpose

The video invites people who already work to reduce conflict (mediation, facilitation, negotiation, conflict analysis, etc.) to professionalize their practice by joining a globally recognized “peace profession.” Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC) presents a practical first step toward that goal: an accreditation process for peace practitioners that confers credibility, trust, and respect.

Accreditation aims to raise the profile and influence of peace practitioners so they are routinely included in decision making and hired to achieve results locally and globally. The overarching vision is to transform the peace movement into a recognized profession, improving employment opportunities for practitioners and contributing to safer communities, protected livelihoods, environments, and infrastructure.

Key concepts and lessons

Peace practice spans many settings — home, community, workplace, business, regional, and global — and uses many methods (mediation, facilitation, negotiation, conflict analysis, etc.).
A professional umbrella organization and standardized accreditation can:
- Provide recognition and legitimacy for practitioners.
- Streamline hiring and involvement in policymaking.
- Increase trust and respect for peace work comparable to other professions.
Professionalizing peace work is both practical (better employment and decision-making roles) and normative (raising standards and protecting society).

Accreditation methodology (detailed steps)

Accreditation is assessed in two distinct stages:

Core values assessment
- Examples of values: empathy, humility, sincerity, sound judgment.
- Process for the stage:
  - Self-assessment by the candidate.
  - Reference checks.
  - An interview.
Key competencies assessment
- Examples of competencies: communication, conflict transformation, conflict analysis, facilitation, mediation.
- Process for the stage:
  - Self-assessment by the candidate.
  - Reference checks.
  - An interview.

Interview format and review - Three board members conduct the candidate interview/assessment. - An observer or auditor reviews the accreditation process itself to ensure ongoing improvement and quality control.

Outcome - Successful candidates receive pre-qualification as a peace professional, conferring credibility and aiding employment and participation in decision-making opportunities.

Benefits for stakeholders

For practitioners:
- Recognition, credibility, and greater likelihood of being asked to contribute to peacebuilding decisions.
- More employment and professional development opportunities.
For employers:
- Streamlined hiring and clearer standards for selecting qualified peace practitioners.
For citizens and society:
- Professional practice contributes to a safer world, protecting livelihoods, the environment, and infrastructure.
For the peace movement:
- Collective elevation to a recognized profession increases influence and ability to effect change.

Call to action

Practitioners are invited to apply for accreditation assessment.
Others can support or advocate for the process; both applicants and supporters are needed to build the profession.

The initiative seeks to build credibility, trust, and respect for peace practitioners so they are routinely included in decision making and hired to achieve results locally and globally.

Speakers / sources featured

Unnamed narrator / presenter (primary voice in the video)
Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC) — organization presenting the accreditation initiative
Roles mentioned (not necessarily speaking): three board members (assessors) and an observer/auditor (process reviewer)