Thinking about becoming a CPTer? Here are some frequent questions:

1. Do I have to be a Christian?
2. Do I have to go on a delegation?
3. Does CPT provide financial support?
4. If I join, where will I go?
5. How much time will I spend on a project?
6. How much does training cost?
7. Where do I stay during training?
8. Can I just do the training and not join?
9. Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

1. Do I have to be a Christian?

You need to self-identify as a Christian. CPT does not have a "litmus test" to determine whether someone is a Christian but we want applicants to have made a commitment to following Jesus. CPT workers have chosen to join the nonviolent community of Jesus Christ and are committed to seeking God's will in their work, worship, and decision-making. On project sites, CPT works enthusiastically with local partners from a variety of faith traditions, and we encourage the formation and development of other faith-based, nonviolent peace teams.

2. Do I have to go on a delegation?

Yes. The delegation experience is an important part of CPT's application process. Delegations give you, the potential CPTer, a first-hand experience with actual CPT work in one of our project locations. You get to see exactly the type of work you might do as a CPTer. And it gives CPT a chance to see how you function as part of team in the midst of a sometimes stressful conflict setting. Finally, delegations experiences are important reference points for the work done in CPT's Peacemaker training should you decided to move in that drection.

3. Does CPT provide financial support?

Yes, full-time workers are supported through a monthly needs-based stipend, and they are asked to participate in fundraising efforts. Part time workers (Reservists) are asked to fundraise the specific cost of their CPT ministry (two weeks to three months on CPT project a year for three years), the set amount is equal to that of a delegation.

4. If I join, where will I go?

You will probably serve on the project that interests you. Language is also a factor, and if you speak Spanish, for example, you may be asked to serve on a Spanish-speaking project like Colombia. CPT does not issue "marching orders" for your placement; the decision is a mutual conversation between the CPTer and the organization.

5. How much time will I spend on a project?

This varies depending on the project and visa considerations. Full-time CPTers spend nine months every year on a project. This may consist of a rotation of three months on-project, one-month off-project, or it may be a rotation of six months on-project, and two months off, or something else. Part-timers commit to serving a minimum of two weeks to two months each year, for three years.

6. How much does training cost?

Training is free, and it's for people who have stated an intention to join CPT. All trainees, however, cover the costs of travel to and from training.

7. Where do I stay during training?

The training group lives and trains together as a group. The group might stay at an area church, or in bunk-bed dorm rooms at a nearby retreat center.

8. Can I just do the training and not join?

Unfortunately, no. CPT is not just a nonviolence training organization. We train people who have stated an intention to join CPT and serve in conflict settings to reduce violence. We believe in our nonviolence training and wish we could offer the training to everyone, but we don't have the resources.

9. Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

Call either of our offices and we'll be happy to answer your questions – we love talking to people interested in joining!
CPT Chicago office: 773.277.0253
CPT Canada office: 416.423.5525