Institutional Affiliation
University for Peace
Start Date
15-1-2026 10:45 AM
End Date
15-1-2026 12:15 PM
Proposal Type
Workshop
Proposal Format
On-campus
Proposal Description
BACKGROUND
Groups working toward creating peace and equity often focus on external innovation without addressing internal culture shifts necessary to navigate change and achieve their goals. Michelle’s doctoral research and practice address this challenge through a design research study and peace innovation project focused on organizational culture transformation through a design justice framework. Findings suggest that interweaving the framework with storytelling, arts, and embodiment practices are key to support people in navigating change processes to strengthen relationships, foster trust, and build community.
ABOUT
The workshop offers an applied learning experience for participants to explore the concepts of design and innovation as they relate to healing, peace, and justice. In this session, we will co-create a space to re-imagine peacebuilding processes that include healing and connection. You can expect a collaborative, screen-free experience that includes personal and group reflection, embodiment practice, and play.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Participants will increase their understanding of a design justice framework, experiential learning methods, storytelling and somatic embodiment. They will have an opportunity to engage in personal and collective reflection to strengthen relationships, foster trust and build community. They will be exposed to tools and resources for application within their professional and personal contexts.
LOGISTICS
Ideally, the workshop runs 1-1.5 hours (flexible), located outdoors or in a room where tables and chairs can me moved aside. While there is no technology required, simple paper and drawing materials such as ‘Sharpie’ markers can be utilized. The pedagogy draws from Popular Education, applied improvisation, storytelling, experiential education and outdoor leadership, as well as arts such as drawing and poetry.
RISK MITIGATION
This is an educational, skill-building workshop and participation is by choice; it is not a therapeutic program, nor does it replace medical, legal, or other professional advice. Participants will be informed of learning objectives and activities and will be provided resources for self-care and collective-care.
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Health Communication Commons, Illustration Commons, International Relations Commons, Leadership Commons, Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons, Nonprofit Studies Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Organization Development Commons, Other International and Area Studies Commons, Other Political Science Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Political Theory Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Social Justice Commons, Technology and Innovation Commons
Embodying Design Justice: A peace education framework to strengthen relationships, foster trust and build community
BACKGROUND
Groups working toward creating peace and equity often focus on external innovation without addressing internal culture shifts necessary to navigate change and achieve their goals. Michelle’s doctoral research and practice address this challenge through a design research study and peace innovation project focused on organizational culture transformation through a design justice framework. Findings suggest that interweaving the framework with storytelling, arts, and embodiment practices are key to support people in navigating change processes to strengthen relationships, foster trust, and build community.
ABOUT
The workshop offers an applied learning experience for participants to explore the concepts of design and innovation as they relate to healing, peace, and justice. In this session, we will co-create a space to re-imagine peacebuilding processes that include healing and connection. You can expect a collaborative, screen-free experience that includes personal and group reflection, embodiment practice, and play.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Participants will increase their understanding of a design justice framework, experiential learning methods, storytelling and somatic embodiment. They will have an opportunity to engage in personal and collective reflection to strengthen relationships, foster trust and build community. They will be exposed to tools and resources for application within their professional and personal contexts.
LOGISTICS
Ideally, the workshop runs 1-1.5 hours (flexible), located outdoors or in a room where tables and chairs can me moved aside. While there is no technology required, simple paper and drawing materials such as ‘Sharpie’ markers can be utilized. The pedagogy draws from Popular Education, applied improvisation, storytelling, experiential education and outdoor leadership, as well as arts such as drawing and poetry.
RISK MITIGATION
This is an educational, skill-building workshop and participation is by choice; it is not a therapeutic program, nor does it replace medical, legal, or other professional advice. Participants will be informed of learning objectives and activities and will be provided resources for self-care and collective-care.