by Pat Brady
As an accredited and chartered mediator and a certified Canadian counselor, and in my role as a mediator for Victims and Offenders of serious crime, I have completed many accreditation processes. Generally, this has been a requirement to do each job. These processes required me to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to competently provide a particular service.
CPSC provided a different method of assessment. It was not about getting a job or doing a specific job; rather it was about me, personally, and my capacity to do front line peace work generally; mediation, facilitation, education and engagement. Together with the assessment board I was able to reflect on my personal values, as well as my competencies, not something that had been a major part of previous assessment processes.
After I initially applied, I withdrew my application following a review of the biographies of those already accredited. I felt I was not in the same league, i.e., others had PhDs, and had done extensive international work. I was encouraged to continue, and I found it was a process of self-reflection and not comparison. It became a personal process of self-assessment more than satisfying board members to obtain another designation.
I believe this process should be offered for all peace service providers, and I am grateful to CPSC founders for identifying this need and providing this insightful person-centered process. I encourage practitioners to apply and enjoy the journey without self-imposed expectations of success or failure.