Frequently Asked Questions

What religious affiliation does C4R have?

The Center 4 Reconciliation does not have any religious affiliation and does not teach reconciliation from a religious perspective. However, some of the teaching does incorporate a spiritual component in ways similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve-Step program. The Center 4 Reconciliation acknowledges that a higher power exists outside of ourselves but does not dictate how students choose to envision that higher power (e.g. as a god, karma, fate, the universe, the acknowledgement of the light of life in others). Each student is encouraged to bring their religious/cultural beliefs into the classroom and share themselves authentically with others.

When do classroom sessions meet?

TBD

Why should I take C4R’s courses?

You should take the Center 4 Reconciliation's courses if you have missed an opportunity to grow or learn because of some problem/issue in your life with another person, community, or social system that you would like to see fixed/changed. The Center 4 Reconciliation will teach you the actionable steps of reconciliation and how to move toward true and meaningful change, which can be applied to all relationships in your life.

How is C4R different from other DEI workshops?

The Center 4 Reconciliation is different from most Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity trainings because we teach classes, not workshops, and the core program lasts 10 months. Students must demonstrate that they are committed to the work of reconciliation through a financial commitment, time commitment, and a commitment to bring someone else to the class with them. Students are expected to come into the classroom with a specific problem/issue they would like to fix/change. Students will do readings and homework throughout the year and are expected to report on the work that they are doing in their relationships/neighborhoods/organizations. They will receive feedback from themselves, their classmates, and their instructors about their growth and progress.

How is C4R different from other higher education certifications/degrees in reconciliation?

The main difference between the Center 4 Reconciliation and other reconciliation programs in higher education is that we focus on application and real change in real communities rather than the study of reconciliation as an academic discipline.

While some lecture will still occur, most of the classroom sessions will be interactive and engaging and homework assignments will foster change and reflection rather than memorization and regurgitation. Additionally, our program is less expensive than traditional higher education, there is no need to be accepted to the school to enroll in courses, and it is a short-term, focused program as opposed to a 2-4 year degree with requirements outside of reconciliation.

How much does it cost to take C4R’s courses?

Each of the four phases of the curriculum costs $250 per student, for a total cost of $1,000 for all four phases per student. There will be other expenses that students will be responsible to cover including purchasing required reading materials and expenses associated with homework assignments or community engagement sessions. *Note: Every student must sign up with at least one other student, so, for example, a pair of students would be required to pay $2,000 total for both students for all four phases.

Why do I need to sign up with another student?

Students need to come into the course with at least one specific problem/issue in mind that they would like to work through as C4R’s courses are intended to be experiential; the process of reconciliation is taught, not just the concept of reconciliation. To facilitate hands-on lessons, students must have someone with whom they will be able to share and be vulnerable.

How long is each classroom session?

Each classroom session is three hours long with breaks taken throughout the session. The field trip/community engagement sessions will take place outside of the classroom and may take more time.

How long is each phase of the curriculum?

Each phase of the curriculum involves five class periods over the course of ten weeks.

How long does it take to get a C4R certification in reconciliation?

To receive certification, a student must complete the four main phases of the curriculum. This will take ten months to complete. The Center 4 Reconciliation will offer more courses in the future outside of the main curriculum teaching the four components of reconciliation, but the certification only pertains to the first four phases.