- What are MBB University Chapters?
University Chapters are groups of dedicated students who have formed a student organization to support and participate in MBB activities and projects. Faculty advisors and MBB Mediator Members assist with educational and mentoring activities.
- Can anyone join?
Yes, students at any graduate level are eligible provided that they meet the sponsoring university’s requirements for student organizations. Undergraduate students and other members of the university and community are welcome to participate in most on-campus activities, but MBB does not charter University Chapters below the graduate level.
- Can students join even if there is no University Chapter in their area?
Yes, any student can join MBB as a Student Member, if there is no University Chapter in the area. He/she may join the activities of the closest University Chapter, however their participation may be limited by geographic constraints.
- What if I have no prior exposure to conflict resolution?
Prior experience or training as a peer mediator or courses in mediation or other related topics are not required.
- How do I start a University Chapter?
Go to Start a Chapter section at MBB's website.
- How do University Chapters create sister relationships?
It is expected that each University Chapter will affiliated with an international university. This may include a country that has experienced a civil war or an ongoing conflict. It is also expected that each University Chapter will create a relationship with a Professional Chapter in their area. By fostering these sorts of relationships, MBB gains the requisite diversity in cross-cultural competency that permits comprehensive peacebuilding initiatives.
- How long are University Chapters chartered for?
They are chartered on an annual basis provided they have met the minimum requirements for renewal each October.
- What are the minimum requirements for a University Chapter to have its charter status renewed?
A University Chapter must meet these conditions to be considered active and therefore have its charter status renewed:
1) Maintain at least 10 members
2) Conduct at least one public event per semester.
3) Submit 2 end-of-semester reports per year to the National Office.
- How much are University Chapter dues?
U.S. Chapters: US $365 annually
International Chapters: US $182.50 annually
Chapter dues are due October 1 and remain the same regardless of the number of students. Faculty members can become members with no additonal fee. Chapters may choose to implement local dues with the consent of MBB.
- What contributions are required of University Chapter members?
University Chapter Member dues are included in the $365 ($182.50) Chapter dues. University Chapters, with the consent of MBB, may implement local chapter dues or other in-kind service requirements.
- What do I get for my membership dues?
University Chapter Members are eligible to participate in any MBB Project. You will have access to MBB Forum and other conflict resolution and peacebuiling resources.
- Are University Chapter Members paid for their work?
No, all work is pro bono, unless there is a formal internship or fellowship awarded by MBB for specific duties.
- How do I apply for individual membership?
You can become a Student Member without belonging to a formal University Chapter. Fill out the PDF Application.
- Over the course of the academic year, what types of activities do University Chapters host?
University Chapters are expected to have at least one public event each semester in addition to monthly meetings. Examples of public events include: speaker series, book or film viewing and discussion and public service projects. University Chapters also host trainings each year for its Members.
- What are the goals of University Chapters?
Chapter goals include the support and research for MBB's Projects as well as community outreach by building conflict resolution and peacebuilding awareness.
- Is there a formal mission statement for University Chapters?
Yes, all University Chapters have the following Mission Statement: "University Chapters further MBB's mission by engaging students, faculty, and conflict resolution professionals in a university-based setting. They enhance knowledge and skills by partnering students with practitioners and global student networks to promote peace by the integration of diverse conflict resolution processes within vulnerable communities."
- How are University Chapters operated?
Each University Chapter elects itsleaders on an annual basis. MBB mandates the following positions:
Co-Presidents: Two presidents will be elected, from different graduating years to maintain continuity within the student chapter. For example: during any given year there will be a senior and junior president. The junior president will be elected for the two years prior to their graduation and will make a two year commitment to the chapter. The following year this person will become the senior president and a new junior president will be elected.
A vice president, secretary/treasurer, should also be elected to fulfill the remaining roles. University Chapters may choose to create other positions and committees to implement various functions.
Students may initiate and implement their own local projects in conjunction with local MBB Mediator Members, however University Chapters may not initiate and implement their own project domestically or internationally independent of MBB.
- What communication or reporting is required from University Chapters to MBB?
University Chapters are required to submit an end-of-the-semester report within two weeks of the end of every semester. These reports should include basic information such as current membership, chapter activities and other events hosted.
University Chapters are further encouraged to communicate with the National Office frequently and send reports on their activities to be published in the MBB membership newsletter Peace & Reconciliation Report. To send submissions, e-mail Barbora Batokova, PR Report Editor at batokova.mbb@gmail.com.
- What type of research do University Chapters perform?
University Chapters are the heart and soul of providing background and current information and/or potential stakeholders in a particular project. Chapters will work closely with MBB Mediator Members and advisors on creating appropriate policy and protocols for specific projects. There may also be general country profiles or dispute resolution research assigned to a chapter. Each chapter is responsible for assembling the appropriate teams to conduct the research and file a report with MBB.
- What sorts of publications are University Chapters likely to create?
University Chapters are responsible for developing their own website, blogs, and other appropriate media. Factual information must be approved and the content is to be consistent with the values and mission of MBB. Student products such as research papers, essays, media presentations, photos, poetry, etc. that promote peace may be published on the student chapter website or blog.
MBB is a non-partisan organization and is not an advocacy or activist organization directly involved in causes or political agendas. The presentations, communications, publications and any other form of information that we disseminate is intended to be from a neutral perspective. As a charitable, humanitarian organization, MBB and its affiliated chapters and committees are not permitted to participate in partisan or other political activity. MBB does not advocate for particular groups or governments, but promotes peace via a consensual processes based upon recognition and empowerment of diverse perspectives.
- What happens when I graduate?
After graduation you can continue participation by joining MBB as an Associate Member or a Mediator Member. You will maintain alumni status with a University Chapter pursuant to eligibility requirements of the local chapter. You may continue to participate with your University Chapter and their activities through your alumni affiliation.
- What if I move after graduation, can I affiliate with another MBB University Chapter?
Yes, you would still maintain your status as an alumni of your home chapter, but would be welcome to participate in activities of any local chapter.
- How are projects chosen?
There is a formal and detailed process for the selection of projects. See Project Model.
- How are volunteers selected or assigned to a project?
University Chapter Members from any chapter may apply to work on the project either domestically or on location. If the project involves a country, where the University Chapter has a sister chapter relationship, then it is expected that students from those chapters will be given priority over other possible participants.
MBB evaluates the applications for matching qualifications and interests with needs of the project. Teams are assembled on a per project basis.
- What is the typical time a volunteer works on a specific project?
As a University Chapter Member, you will be asked to commit to a specific amount of work over a set time period. These project assignments will be designed so as to have minimal to no interference with your normal academic commitments. MBB is committed to building sustainable peacebuilding initiatives in those communities where it works, and is therefore interested in finding volunteers that can continue to be involved in projects over a longer period of time.
- Who pays for travel expenses?
Payment of travel expenses varies from project to project. Individual University Chapter Members may be requested to pay for or find an underwriter to sponsor all or a portion of their own expenses.
- If I want to travel to many new places, can I work on different projects?
No, MBB’s mission is to create sustainable, long-term relationships so it is unlikely that anyone will be selected for more than one project. Continuity is critical to sustainable peacebuilding.
- How realistic is it that a student will have the opportunity to work abroad on a project?
For every MBB project proposal, MBB builds in costs for University Chapter Members to spend time at the project sites during breaks and the summer. Although only a small number of students may participate in each project, MBB strives to incorporate student participation on teams.
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