Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Meaninful World - Newsletter, Autumn 2008

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Meaninful World - Newsletter, Autumn 2008

    ATOP's Meaningful World Humanitarian Outreach Team Returns from
    Armenia Mission : PART II

    Iraqi refugees, escaping war and fleeing to their homeland, come
    face to face with poverty, isolation, and discrimination. Within the
    last four years, it is estimated that about 1,000 refugees arrived in
    Armenia . The primary reason for Iraqi Armenians to emigrate to
    Armenia is repatriation; however, in the West, Iraqi refugees are
    provided with better resources, housing and medical treatment. One
    refugee remarked, `If they knew the conditions for refugees here, why
    did they send us?' More refugees have sought special residency status
    and thought about the possibility of gaining dual citizenship, but the
    lack of jobs and security continue to discourage them. Their years of
    hardship and disappointment have spurred them to seek new avenues in
    order to receive more psychological counseling after years of coping
    with post-traumatic stress.

    The Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP), a humanitarian disaster
    relief project of the Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention
    (ATOP) headquartered in New York and founded by Dr. Ani Kalayjian.
    The second team of MHOP was organized and delivered mental health
    trainings and assistance to Armenia . The goals of the MHOP mission
    included trainings with psychologists, psychiatrists, and social
    workers, counseling sessions with Iraqi refugees, lectures at
    different institutions, and meditations sessions daily. UNHCR of
    Armenia has invited Dr. Kalayjian to return to Armenia for training
    more psychiatrists and psychologists and establish disaster
    preparedness and trauma transformation centers around Armenia .

    Dr. Kalayjian forms a New Working Group at the UN:
    Healing, Transformation and Spirituality

    In May 2008, the United Nations has accepted the NGO Committee on
    Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns (NY) as a new Working Group
    entitled Healing, Transformation and Spirituality.

    This working group is spearheaded and Chaired by Dr. Ani Kalayjian
    and supported by Georgina Galanis, UN Representative of the Institute
    for Inter-Balkan Relations, and Dr. William Gellermann, UN
    Representative of the Communication Coordination Committee for the
    United Nations (CCC/UN). Among those invited to be members of the
    Board of Advisers are JP Farrell, Executive Director of the Global
    Health Chaplaincy in New York , and Dr. John Bolling, a Soul- Centered
    Therapy Practitioner in Harlem , New York .

    The statement of purpose for this working group on Healing,
    Transformation and Spirituality is to transform pain of trauma into
    healing through love, forgiveness, post-trauma growth and
    meaning-making utilizing the Biopsychosocial & Spiritual Model,
    forgiveness and other integrated practices. For more information about
    this group, kindly visit www.csvgc-ny.org


    Worldwide Network for Gender Empowerment

    Meaningful World supports the constant efforts of the Worldwide
    Network for Gender Empowerment (WNGE). The WNGE is a dedicated global
    network of communities and individuals whose mission is to support
    research, activism and change related to women's and gender
    issues. The Network is housed under the auspices of Fielding Graduate
    University. To learn more about WGNE please visit
    http://www.fielding.edu/wnge/wngebrochure.pd f.

    Nagorno-Karabagh and MHOP's Outreach:
    Territorial Conflicts as a Post Soviet Legacy

    Driving into the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh , one
    senses the eeriness of a present still living in the rubble of past
    war-time condition. A stroll through the unpaved streets brings one
    face-to-face with cows eating out of trash bins, dilapidated homes,
    and steady unwavering silence. Fourteen years after cease-fire was
    declared in this territory, refugees from Baku continue to suffer from
    severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Since the violent phase of the
    war ended, various international aid organizations and Armenian
    organizations provided Karabakh Armenians with some funds to rebuild
    their ancient homeland; however, little construction is taking place,
    since people are not as willing to invest in a territory where the
    future is uncertain. Additionally, the team was told that no
    psychological rehabilitation had been carried out previously.

    The mountainous terrain of Karabakh (termed Artsakh in ancient
    Armenian), was a historically Armenian land that was designated as
    part of Azerbaijan under the Soviet Empire. With its steep cliffs,
    overhanging rock and endemic wildlife, it is at the same time both a
    splendor of the South Caucasus and a region rife with misfortune.
    After the perestroika movement of the late 1980s, Armenians sought
    reunification of Armenia with Karabakh, which initially resulted in
    bitter rivalry and programs. In 1991, full-scale war broke out
    between the two neighbors until 1994, when the remaining Armenians
    drove Azeris out of Shushi (historic city) and Stepanakert (capital of
    Karabakh) and cease-fire was declared.

    ATOP, a non-profit humanitarian disaster relief organization of
    the Association for Disaster and Mass Trauma Studies, spearheaded by
    Dr. Ani Kalayjian, organized its Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP)
    for Karabakh, with the goal of delivering psychological counseling to
    those impacted by the devastating war. The mission included
    counseling refugees from Baku (the capital of Azerbaijan ) at the
    Center for Refugees in Shushi and training psychologists at the
    Conflict Transformation Center in Stepanakert. Additionally, MHOP
    gathered data from refugees in order to better assess their needs,
    with the intention of returning and establishing centers to provide
    them with ongoing psychological support.

    MHOP uses the Biopsychosocial and Spiritual Model, with a series
    of six-steps to accurately assess, identify, explore, and work through
    trauma. Within the approach includes assessing levels of trauma
    through sharing, providing empathy and validation in a group setting,
    finding the positive in difficult situations, and the use of
    techniques to release negative emotional imprints and calm the
    body-mind and the spirit. The refugees filled out a stress-reaction
    questionnaire, from which the team noted that 99% of the refugees
    interviewed continued to suffer from a severe form of posttraumatic
    stress disorder. Many of the refugees expressed feelings of grief
    from losing husbands and sons as well as their homes as a result of
    the war. Seated in a circle, one by one, participants talked about
    their experiences, as the others listened attentively and provided
    empathy and comfort. When asked about positive lessons learned from
    their experiences, the majority could not think past the negative;
    however, a few stated that war-time conditions brought an inner
    strength and resilience that they didn't know existed within them.

    MHOP's next stop was the Conflict Transformation Center in the
    capital city of Stepanakert , where the team administered a training
    program to psychologists on self-empowerment, assertiveness, anger
    management, and forgiveness.

    Members of the first outreach to Karabakh were Dr. Kalayjian, team
    coordinator and director, and Ani Jilozian, ATOP intern. The team is
    seeking funding to conduct a follow-up training and study in the near
    future. Those interested in sending a donation or getting involved as
    a volunteer may visit www.meaningfulworld.com or call (201) 941-2266.


    Intern Spotlight: Kanae Hashimoto

    Kanae Hashimoto 22, was born and raised in Kyoto Japan. Coming from
    a family involved with global exchange programs for international
    students, she was able to learn about many parts of the world
    throughout her childhood. As a child she dreamed of going abroad to
    study English and working alongside socially responsible
    organizations.
    This year her dream was actualized, as her primary focus while here
    in the USA has been studying English and enunciation at ALCC, American
    Language Communication Center, and the Teacher's College at Columbia
    University. Her internship with ATOP and MeaningfulWorld has exposed
    her to Trauma Outreach Trainings and Forgiveness workshops that will
    enrich her understanding of international relations and conflict
    resolution.
    Kanae is in her third year of Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, and
    will return to Japan in the fall to finish her studies on problem
    solving in developing countries, refugee aid, NGOs and the United
    Nations operations. She is hoping that her experiences and education
    will aid and direct her career in becoming part of JICA, Japan
    International Cooperation Agency which is a intermediary between Japan
    and developing countries.
    During her time in America as an intern for Meaningfulworld Kanae
    has learned much about this culture and its contrasting views. Those
    who have met her say that her industrious and kind attitude will serve
    her well in this field and in life --When she is not being an angel--
    Kanae loves to munch on a New York delicacy --"fat witch" brownies and
    listens to inspiring Obama speeches. Meaningfulworld would like to
    Thank her for making our world a better place. Arigato Kanae-until we
    meet again. ....

    International gathering in NYC:

    Thursday, 18 September 2008,

    Fordham University , 113 W. 60 St. , NYC

    For the first time this year, the 61st U.N. conference is far from
    NYC - in Paris on 3-5 September 2008, so many New York reps will be
    unable to convene, http://www.unngodpiconference.org.

    In concert with several UN groups this year, Fordham University
    hosts the fifth annual international gathering on 18 September 2008 at
    3-6 pm. As in past years, the gathering is open to all UN reps, as
    well as local students and professionals interested in international
    issues. It offers a preview of the 2nd annual Psychology Day at the UN
    on 20 November 2008. Its three formal workshops at 3-4:45 pm, are
    followed by an informal reception at 5-6 pm.


    An Evening with a Mystic :
    My Encounter with Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
    by Georgina Galanis

    Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of Isha Foundation, is a yogi,
    mystic and spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of
    profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serve as a reminder that
    inner sciences are not esoteric philosophies from an outdated past,
    but a contemporary science vitally relevant to our times.Isha's
    flagship program distills powerful, ancient yogic methods for the
    modern person to create harmony in the body, mind and emotions. It
    introduces Shambhavi Maha Mudra - a simple but powerful kriya (inner
    energy process) for deep inner transformation.

    His ashram in Tamil Nadu, India is a very special place, a doorway
    to the divine. Architecturally designed by Sadhguru himself, the The
    Yoga Center contains the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple , a powerful and
    unique energy-form sitting under a pillarless 250,000-brick dome
    structure as well as Theerthakund, a sacred underground water body.
    Every week, thousands of people converge at this unique meditation
    center to seek out inner peace and wellbeing.

    "Midnights with a Mystic" A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss,
    (Hampton Roads Publishing) is Sadhguru's new book co-authored with
    Cheryl Simone, a devotee transformed by his teachings. I stood in line
    with my friend Dr. Jayantilal Patel, a medical intuitive and hindu
    historian so we could have our books signed and meet the master up
    close.

    You can see photos, register for Inner Engineering programs and
    understand the globally healing mission of Isha at ishafoundation.org


    "Crippling A Generation Iraqi Children"
    Dr. Cesar Chelala, an international public health consultant and a
    co-winner of an Overseas Press Club of America award, recently wrote
    an article for The Middle East Times on the staggering numbers of
    Iraqi children that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
    >From the article:
    "The increasing number of Iraqi children affected with Post
    Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the saddest, and least
    known, legacies of the Iraq war. A new clinic for their treatment just
    opened in Baghdad . That it is the first of its kind says a lot about
    how this problem is being addressed. Until now, as related by
    journalist Lourdes García Navarro, hundreds of children suffering
    from PTSD have been treated by Dr. Haider Maliki at the Central
    Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Baghdad."
    For the entire article, kindly visit:
    http://www.mideast-times.com/left_news.php? newsid=661.

    ------------------------------------- ---------------------------
    New Partnership:
    Armenian Relief and ATOP

    For less than $1 a day, just $250 per year will help meet the
    needs of an Armenian child who may not have parents and loving family.
    For information visit www.meaningfulworld.com, and make checks to
    ATOP and mail ASAP to 139 Cedar Street , Cliffside Park , NJ 07010-1003.
    We are grateful for your donations,
    'when one helps another both become stronger'.

    -------------------------------------- --------------------------

    . Autumn 2008

    For the latest news and events, kindly visit www.MeaningfulWorld.com

    Upcoming Events

    September 18 Mini conference and reception on 'International
    Psychology' hosted by Fordham University. Held from 3-6 pm and will
    feature 15 speakers in various workshops. For additional information
    please contact, [email protected]

    September 19-21 Dr. Kalayjian will be the Key Note Speaker at The
    Ararat Center's Women's Retreat and will present on 'Healthy
    Transitions: The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection. For information about
    the retreat, please visit www.araratcenter.org.

    September 25-27 The first 'Encuentro Internacional Para La Atencion
    Psicologica En Desastres' will be held in Mexico.

    September 27 Ask yourself and your friends...What can we do to make a
    difference in the world today? Become a certified Meaningfulworld
    Humanitarian Outreach Team member and join us on our next global
    travel and healing program . Register Today for our Humanitarian
    Outreach Certificate Program : Phase 1 Training begins September 27th,
    October 27, November 22th. Along with Dr. Kalayjian and VP of
    Development for Meaningfulworld, Georgina Galanis each session
    presents a guest from the community. If you would like to be a guest
    presenter please or register for our certified course contact
    [email protected]
    October 6 World Habitat Day 2008. Two forums and a luncheon hosted by
    the United Nations Habitat and Fordham University. For more
    information, please conact [email protected]
    October 7 Symposium on 'New York Chinatowns' at St. Francis
    College. For more information, please contact [email protected]

    October 17 Trauma Conference held at City College

    October 20-24 Dr Kalayjian and Georgina Galanis, Co chairs of the
    working group "Health - Transformation- Spirituality" under the
    committee for Spirituality Values and Global Concerns United Nations
    csvgc-ny.org, have planned a workshop called, " Cultivating the Seeds
    of Forgiveness and Meaning-Making: Transforming Trauma into Healing
    and Peace Building', featuring author and retreat leader Joy Carol and
    other speakers TBA.

    November 14 20th GNY Conference on Behavioral research. Call for all
    student/professional research abstracts by Oct. 13 and sent to
    [email protected] November 20 2nd Annual Psychology Day held at the
    United Nations. Please contact [email protected] for additional
    information.

    December 5 Pre-Holiday Healing Circle held at Fordham University. For
    additional information, please contact [email protected].

    Past Events

    June 28 Training session on 'Non-Violence, Peace Building, Conflict
    Transformation, Anger Management, Self-Empowerment, Assertiveness, and
    Forgiveness'. Session was held at Fordham University and organized by
    Dr. Kalayjian.

    July 20-25 The XXIX International Congress of Psychology was held in
    Berlin, Germany. The conference was sponsored by the Association
    Internatinale De Psychologie Appliquee (IAAP). More information can be
    found on www.icp2008.org.

    August 28 The UN-OHRLLS held 13th annual Open Forum

    September 3-5 Dr. Kalayjian is organizer and chair of workshop on
    'Women's Rights Are Human Rights: Cases from Africa, Caucuses, Europe
    & Middle East'

    September 5-7 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference themed 'Reaffirming Human
    Rights for All: The Universal Declaration at 60'. The conference was
    hosted by UNESCO and held in Paris, France. For more information,
    please visit www.un.org/dpi/ngosction/index.asp

    -------------- --------------------------------------------------
    Exciting News!
    We congragulate Dr. Kalayjian on her newly elected position as
    Council Member of the Executive Committee of The NGO Committee on
    Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns, United Nations, New York
    (CSVGC-NY). For more information about the committee, kindly visit:
    www.CSVGC-NY.org .

    _______


    Dr. Kalayjian has been on a working group through the United
    Nations and has co-edited a chapter on Climate Change and its impact
    on mind-body-spirit which is entitled: From Ego to Eco: A New World
    View. The web site where you can read the article is at:
    http://www.climatecaucus.net/spirit_draft.htm


    June 5, 2008: Planning Committee of United Nations' Annual Psychology Day

    >From left: Daniel Cordero (Summer Intern at Meaningful World and AIWA at UN,
    Dr. Denmark (Chair of Conference for UN Psychology Day), and Dr. Kalayjian.

    Dr. Kalayjian works with an Iraqi refugee

    APA Age & Technology Symposium

    --------------------------------------- -------------------------

    Organization Support

    Meaningful World is proud to support 'Green Cross: Academy of
    Traumatology' which brings together world leaders in the study of
    traumatology for the purpose of establishing and maintaining
    professionalism and high standards for the field. www.greencross.org


    This message was sent by: Association for Trauma Outreach and
    Prevention, 185 E 85 Street, New York, NY 10028

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Working...
X