Pandemic sends Summer Peacebuilding Institute online
When the Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI) moved online this year in response to COVID-19, it lost some of the aspects that attract people to the Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) program in Harrisonburg, Va., each summer, like in-person networking and conversations shared over meals. But it also opened the door for many to attend who otherwise couldn't due to travelling and attendance costs, visa complications, and work commitments, says SPI director Bill Goldberg. This year, more than 180 participants from 27 different countries tuned in to SPI sessions via video conference.