George Stratemeyer - MA in Conflict Analysis and Management (MACAM)
I’m 46 and I work in Duncan, B.C. for a not-for-profit organization that provides family mediation and counselling services. I’m originally from Germany. I came to Canada in my early twenties and completed the business administration program at the University of Toronto. I spent quite a few years in private industry but then became interested in conflict per se and moved to the beautiful West Coast for extensive mediation training with the Justice Institute of British Columbia in Vancouver. Since then I’ve worked as a mediator in private practice as well as for not-for-profits.
Several years ago I realized that I had hit a ceiling in terms of my capacity to improve myself through practice and experience. I was seeking a theoretical framework to give me a better, more focused approach to my work. I chose RRU because of its combination of residencies and distance education. The online process was really attractive because it offered both flexibility and the opportunity to write a major research project or thesis for my master’s.
The program starts off with a three-week residency that provides some basic footing in conflict theories before you start the distance education. When I came back to Duncan I found I was reflecting on my day-to-day work in a very different way by challenging my old notions and assumptions. The continuous flow of information and stimulation from the online component also had a major impact. The combination of education and my professional life worked very well in parallel. One was enhancing the other on a constant basis.
One interesting aspect I didn’t realize initially was that my co-learners would be from all over the world. The furthest away is from Bahrain, the closest from Victoria. There’s also a good mix of ages, genders, interests and very diverse, professional backgrounds. Working with my co-learners on group assignments has really helped me relate to other people better.
The program offers three concentrations right now: political-ethno; community-school; and organizational development. All three areas provide you with a particular focus on conflict in these environments. And because our studies have such a strong practical focus, we’re being prepared – very well prepared, I’d say – to go out into our communities knowing we can make a difference.
The relationship here with the faculty is such that they see us as mature students who have experience and skills in our own right. Together we have created a unique learning environment. I imagine the experience of each successive cohort would be equally unique, and that’s wonderful. I think all this is the result of how open and engaged the learners feel here. Each of us greatly enhances the experience of the others.
It’s been a really positive experience here. Now, after this second residency, I’m ready to go back out in the world, continue my work while also writing my thesis. It’s a little sad to be leaving, of course, because I’ve had wonderful experiences here and felt very connected to equally wonderful people.
