Jack Payden-Travers's Page

What motivated you (or your organization) to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

I was initially motivated by the Vietnam War and my country's escalation of that crisis.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself or the work of your organization (no more than 3 paragraphs)

Jack Payden-Travers is presently studying at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding of Eastern Mennonite University. Since leaving his position as a history professor in 2002, Jack has worked in the field of capital punishment. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Advisory Board of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. He has worked as the Public Education Associate of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Capital Punishment Project and is a former Executive Director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Since the late 1960’s he has been active in the movement for peace and social justice. He is a former national staff member of the American Fellowship of Reconciliation where he worked as a trainer in nonviolence and direct action. Jack and his family presently reside in Lynchburg, Virginia where he has volunteered with Gateway, a residential treatment program for men in recovery and with Daily Bread, a local soup kitchen. He is past chair of the Local Human Rights Committee of Central VA. Jack and his wife, the Rev. Christine Payden-Travers, have recently celebrated their 37th anniversary. He enjoys canoeing and kayaking and playing with his grandchildren.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you (or your organization) have direct and significant expertise

USA

What is your current country of residence (or location of your organization)?

USA

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

Conflict Transformation and Restorative Justice

How many years professional experience do you have ?

15+

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise (or the primary sectoral areas of your organization) ?

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Conflict Resolution, Education, Facilitation, Human Rights

Which are your primary skills areas(or the primary skill areas of your organization)?

Advocacy, Training

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

Civil Disobedience