|
|
|
 |
FAQs—Frequently Asked Questions
What is Capacitar? Capacitar is:
How many people are part of Capacitar? The Capacitar network includes hundreds of thousand of people on five continents (North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe) who have learned Capacitar practices and incorporated them into their lives, work and communities. A small staff in California directs the nonprofit organization, Capacitar International. Capacitar International has a training team that responds to invitations for trainings and represents the organization in the field. In many countries Capacitar local teams and groups of multipliers have developed their own organizations that sponsor ongoing gatherings, workshops and outreach. What does "solidarity" mean to Capacitar? Since its founding in 1988, Capacitar has accompanied grassroots people in places of war, violence, poverty and disaster. We have walked in solidarity with those working for justice, peace and reconciliation in their communities. Because of our two-fold commitment to heal ourselves and heal our world, we have gained the trust of people living in places of trauma and violence. The credibility of Capacitar with so many grassroots people is directly connected to this commitment of personal and societal healing and transformation. How can Capacitar work effectively with so many different cultures? Capacitar work embodies a fundamental respect for and sensitivity to cultures and traditions. Using popular education methods, Capacitar develops in its trainers and participants principles of multicultural understanding. In Capacitar workshops facilitators create an atmosphere of respect for cultural systems including: language, boundaries, gender issues, learning styles, mores and customs. When Capacitar receives invitations from grassroots groups or organizations to come to their country or region, trainers work closely with hosting groups to learn about their culture and socioeconomic experience so that workshops and methods meet the needs and reality of the people. How do people in various cultures react to learning the energy practices? Most grassroots people are sensitive to energy and are grateful to learn ways to connect with the energy in their own hands. The practices Capacitar teaches come from ancient cultures as well as current research. Energy is the basis of most traditional healing systems. In modern times, many people have lost the fundamental connection with their own body wisdom and their capacity to use their energy for healing. In our trainings people are encouraged to reconnect with this source and to ask their community elders what they traditionally did in their culture to heal their bodies and spirits. Does Capacitar teach"new age" things? Capacitar practices (i.e. acupressure, Tai Chi, Pal Dan Gum, Chakra work, etc.) do not originate with the "new age movement" but come from many ancient cultures. The practices have been well researched by Capacitar for their benefit to body, mind and spirit. Current medical research also shows the positive health benefits of many of these ancient practices. Some newer modalities (Emotional Freedom Technique, Thought Field Therapy and Polarity) have also been included in Capacitar programs because of their effectiveness. We have field tested all practices with hundreds of people from different cultures and socioeconomic groups. We evaluate program content, methods and outcomes. Is Capacitar faith-based? Capacitar is non-denominational respecting the faith, religious beliefs and commitments of all people. Capacitar recognizes the spiritual interconnection we all share with the Source of Being. Through its practices Capacitar endeavors to inspire people to recognize the sacredness of life and the goodness and wisdom we carry within our body-mind-spirit, and to make a commitment to create justice, nonviolence and peace in our world. Many people use Capacitar as part of their daily spiritual practice and incorporate some of the practices in their group rituals and ceremonies. Can anyone be a Capacitar trainer? Participants in Capacitar workshops are encouraged to informally share what they learn with their families, friends and communities in the spirit of popular education. Capacitar International has a team of trainers who officially represent the organization and its policies and curriculum. These trainers respond to invitations received by Capacitar International and are responsible for ongoing research, evaluation and development of programs. What is the meaning of "popular education"? Popular Education is a dynamic educational method developed by Brazilian Paulo Freire empowering people to awaken to own their wisdom and power. It is used extensively with grassroots people in Latin America and Africa. Popular education forms the basis of Capacitar's learner-centered approach. Using wellness practices, such as Tai Chi and acupressure, Capacitar teaches "body literacy" to reconnect people to their own wisdom and capacity. An important aspect of popular education is the multiplier effect—what a person learns they are encouraged to pass on to their families and communities, empowering the learner, contributing to the community and multiplying the work. Does Capacitar do therapy? Capacitar uses a popular education approach, rather than a therapeutic approach. Workshop leaders are educators, not therapists or counselors. Capacitar places skills in the hands of the people so they can do for themselves. In many places where Capacitar works individual therapy is not culturally appropriate while education is valued and accepted. The Capacitar educational approach is an important way to meet the needs of many traumatized people in places of massive trauma and violence where there are often not enough individual therapists.
Disaster Response: Until the immediate needs of food, shelter, health care and some rebuilding of infrastructure have been met, people cannot begin to address the emotional and physical manifestations of the traumatic events that they have suffered. When peoples' lives have been stabilized, the emotional effects of trauma will begin to surface. There will not be sufficient psychiatrists, psychologists or grief counselors to reach all those affected. This is the time for Capacitar to respond with its self-help educational program to empower people with simple skills that enable them to resolve the emotional pain and physical symptoms associated with trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder, so that they can rebuild their lives. About Capacitar Disaster or Emergency Response Capacitar has successfully implemented programs for traumatized victims of Hurricane Mitch, earthquakes and political violence in Central America, for Hispanic populations in New York after September 11, for the people of East Timor and Indonesia, for people on both sides of the conflict in Ireland/Northern Ireland and for victims in other conflict zones, such as Colombia, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Israel and Palestine. Since 1988, over 50,000 people have participated in 2.000 primary trainings offered by Capacitar in collaboration with 600 grassroots and 100 partner organizations in over 30 countries. |
 |
