Dear Sara Weisman ,

An integral goal of The Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution (IIMCR) is to provide its participants with views from the widest selection of individuals from around the world.  For this reason, we are seeking hardworking, dedicated students associated with Stand Darfur who may be interested in attending our 2005-2006 African Symposium at The University of Cape Town in South Africa.  As leading members, we ask that you please forward this e-mail to the members of your e-mail list who may be interested in learning the art of negotiation.  Below is a brief summary of what our organization's mission statement is and an outline of our upcoming African Symposium. 

The Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution is contacting college and university students worldwide whose leadership and interests make them candidates to participate in our organization's 2005-2006 African Student Symposium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in Cape Town, South Africa.  We believe that this program may be of special interest to dedicated students of your organization. 

IIMCR symposiums provide the training and skills of conflict resolution to students who are passionate about undertaking actions to establish peace and security in their communities, countries, and in the world.  IIMCR, in cooperation with the Faculty of Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam, is inviting a select group of students and young professionals to interact with a renowned faculty in the form of lectures, training exercises and simulations.  By combining theory and practice in conflict analysis, project design and implementation, and in negotiation and mediation, participants will develop the practical skills needed to confront violent conflict constructively.  The diverse faculty is composed of scholars, negotiation and mediation experts, current and former diplomats, and conflict resolution specialists.

Symposium classes are conducted in English under the academic supervision of leading scholars and practitioners of conflict resolution.  Participants are eligible to take the Symposium for academic credit through IIMCR's academic partner, Erasmus University Rotterdam, which will provide students with a transcript and certificate in order to receive credit at their home university.

The program runs from December 28, 2005 to January 14, 2006.  The program cost is $2,750, yet students who apply before the early application deadline of October 1, 2005 will receive a $500 discount subtracted from their overall tuition.  Additionally, applicants who are admitted to the program will be eligible to receive financial aid from our organization.  Young professionals, graduate students, and highly qualified upper-class undergraduate students will be considered for admission.  It is highly recommended that students take advantage of this unique opportunity as quickly as possible because there is limited available space and applicants for the African Symposia will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis.

Directions for applying:

1)      Go to our website,  www.iimcr.org

2)     On the front page it should read "Applications Now Being Accepted For 2005-2006 Africa Symposium…"  Press on the link below

3)     The next page should have a section that reads "2005 Africa Symposium on Negotiation…"  Click on the "Register Now!" link

4)      The next page is the official application.  Please follow the directions and fill out the required information.

5)      Once the application is complete, please press on "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page

More information about the Symposium, as well as our other programs around the world, can be found on our website at www.iimcr.org, or students can contact David Kushner at (202) 347-2042 or Africa_Symposium@... .

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sincerely,

David Kushner

African Symposium Director

Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution

1424 K Street NW, Suite 650

Washington, DC 20005

E-mail: Africa_Symposium@...

Tel: +1 (202) 347-2042

Fax: +1 (202) 347-2440