Friday, February 23, 2007

Krista Tippett - "Speaking of Faith"


Speaking of Faith

Krista Tippett , host of the program “Speaking of Faith
on American Public Media, discusses some of the deep questions that compelled her to create and launch the nation's premiere public radio program on religion. In her book, Krista describes how her understanding of religion and spirituality as a force in the modern world have been shaped by her conversation partners and intellectual heroes from Elie Wiesel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer to Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh and Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai.

Her book is revealing and analytical, at once a journalistic and theological exploration of the reasons religion has moved front and center in our culture since the radio program began to pilot in the late 1990s.


March 1, 2007 (7 p.m.)
Twin Cities The Fitzgerald Theater 10 E Exchange Street St. Paul, MN
651.290.1221

March 6, 2007 (7 p.m.)
Philadelphia Free Library of Philadelphia 1901 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA
215.567.4341

March 7, 2007 (7 p.m.)
New York Barnes & Noble Broadway + 82nd Street New York, NY
212.362.8835

March 8, 2007 (7 p.m.)
Washington, DC Olsson's Books & Records 2111 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA
703.525.4227

March 9, 2007 (7:00 p.m.)
Atlanta Carter Center Cecil B. Day Chapel 453 Freedom Parkway NE Atlanta, GA
404.865.7100

March 12, 2007 (Noon)
Chicago University Club 76 East Monroe Street Chicago, IL
312.696.2208

March 12, 2007 (7:30 p.m.)
Chicago Borders Books and Music 101 Rice Lake Square Wheaton, IL
630.871.9595

March 13, 2007 (7 p.m.)
St. Louis Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Road St. Louis, MO
314.367.6731

March 20, 2007 (7 p.m.)
Twin Cities Barnes & Noble 2100 North Snelling Avenue Roseville, MN 55113
651.639.9256

April 28+29, 2007 Los Angeles Book Festival


Krista will be talking about her journey as a thinker, journalist and national radio conversationalist.
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Monday, February 19, 2007

European Council of Religious Leaders meet in Birmingham, England from - 12 to 14th February 2007

Birmingham: Cardinal Daneels at European religious leaders conference


Cardinal Godfried Danneels, Archbishop of Malines-Brussels, was one of the keynote speakers at the fourth European Council of Religious Leaders Conference, on the theme Muslims in Britain, held at a Sikh Gurdwara situated in Soho Road, Birmingham, from Monday 12 to today, 14 February, writes Peter Jennings.

The European Council works within the framework of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, which since 1970 has brought people together across religious boundaries including Christians, Jews and Muslims.

The first UK conference of ECRL was held in the new conference centre at the impressive Sikh Gurdwara (GNNSJ), at the invitation of Dr Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, its distinguished Spiritual Leader and Chairman.

Cardinal Danneels, who was appointed Archbishop of Malines-Brussels in 1979 by Pope John Paul II and given the red in February 1983, introduced the third session, Religious in the public sphere. During his paper Cardinal Danneels, who was born in June 1933, said: "It seems impossible, even pretentious, to determine and define what one might call the European genius, the European mentality, or the European sensitivity."

Archbishop Dr Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, Head of the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church, introduced the second session, on the complex issue, Terror and fear, that was closed to the media in order to allow a frank exchange of views. In 1992, following the fall of the Communist government, Dr Anastasios was appointed Archbishop of the newly established Albania Orthodox Church.

Imam Dr Ataullah Siddiqui, from the Islamic Foundation in Leicester, and Vice Chair of the Christian Muslim Forum, introduced the first session of the conference, Muslims in Britain - What's the problem?
The previous evening, Mr Bill Ozanne, Secretary, Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, gave a short address, Birmingham as a Multicultural City.

Mr John Battle MP, (Leeds West since 1987), the Prime Minister's Envoy to the Faith Communities, was among the observers at the conference, meticulously organized by the Oslo, based ECRL Secretariat and assisted by the helpful and efficient volunteer members of the Gurdwara.

Meanwhile, members of the Birmingham Faith Leaders' Group, including Archbishop Vincent Nichols, sent a special message of welcome dated 12 February, to the delegates and observers attending this important conference.

The message said: "It is especially opportune that the conference, focusing on Muslims in Britain, is being held in Birmingham at this particular moment.

"As leaders from the City's faith communities we are aware of the feeling of isolation and vulnerability among many in the Muslim community, following the recent action to arrest nine men and subsequently charge six individuals, on suspicion of involvement in the planning of terrorist acts. We believe our faiths should lead to a more peaceful and stable society where all members of the community, of whatever background, can participate fully.

"We are united in supporting the police and other public authorities in the investigation of suspected plans to undermine the security of individuals and communities. We believe those investigations and resulting judicial processes should be carried through with fairness and transparency.
"Terrorist activity is about criminality and we have consistently condemned such activity and the damage it causes. We regret the sensational nature of much of the media coverage which has exacerbated the difficulties faced by local communities."

The message concluded: "In this regard, we stand together with the Muslim community of Birmingham during these difficult times. We are convinced that our faith traditions, working together, can provide an important vision for the cohesion and wellbeing of our City."
Source: Diocese of Birmingham

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Sunday, February 18, 2007

Service for the Soul: Volunteer Opportunities with Indicorps -- Application deadline April 1st 2007


INDICORPS - FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 1, 2007

Apply now to August 15 class of the Indicorps fellowship program at http://apply.indicorps.org

Indicorps seeks committed individuals with the experience, conviction and leadership potential to find constructive solutions to India's most pressing problems. As an Indicorps Fellow, you will join a community of individuals who constantly push their limits for both individual performance and collective impact. Although you may work in some of the most challenging circumstances, the Indicorps fellowship is a rewarding and transformational personal journey.

Visit the Indicorps website ( http://www.indicorps.org) for detailed information on the Indicorps vision, program, and application process.Applicants must be of Indian origin (by the definition of the Government of India) and have, at minimum, a university degree or five years work experience. Individuals must make a minimum commitment of one (1) year and are required to apply specifically to projects of their interest. The application deadline is April 1, 2007, 2007

For further information contact:
Roshni Kasad roshnikasad@gmail.com

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Seminar for College Bound Students and their Parents -in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday 21st April 2007

The Atlanta Zoroastrian Association
will host its third annual
Seminar for College Bound Students and their Parents

on Saturday, April 21, 2007

from 1 pm to 5 pm at Georgia Tech.

Topics are designed to help students and their parents answer the following questions:


When will I need to apply for college?
What are the criteria for my choosing a college?
How many colleges should I apply to?
How important are Advanced Placement courses in the admissions process?
How do I pick a major ?
engineering, social sciences, humanities, medicine?
How important are extracurricular activities in a college application?
When should I take the SAT?
How many times is enough?
What do I need to do to finance my education?

Panelists include distinguished faculty and professionals from the Atlanta area.

For further information and to register
please contact Sherry Unwala by April 15, 2007.
Telephone number 678-513-3750
or by email at: sherryunwala@yahoo.com
Cost: $20 per family.


Location :
Georgia Institute of Technology Institute of Paper Science and Engineering Building
Seminar Room 500 Tenth Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0620
Directions:
Take the 10th/14th St. exit at the 75/85 Thruway in Midtown.
Go west on 10th street until you reach the intersection of Hemphill and 10thAtlantaGA-US
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Saturday, February 17, 2007

Scholarship available from Upakar - An Indo-American Community Foundation

Upakar
An Indo-American Community Foundation


"When Upakar started in 1997, we had many skeptics question why a foundation was needed to provide need-based scholarships to Indo-Americans. The proof has literally been in the result. Over the last ten years we have granted almost 100 scholarships to students from 20 states who have attended a variety of educational institutions, ranging from public universities to community colleges to the Ivy League. In order to keep up with the rising cost of living, we raised our scholarship grant to $3,000 per year. The scholarship will renew each year during your education as long as you maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA. We have introduced a voluntary mentoring program for our Scholars- an outstanding opportunity to seek the advice of, and network with, other successful young professionals...."

Scholarship Application Form
Application Postmark Deadline - April 27, 2007
http://www.upakar.org/main/Application_2007.doc


Dr. Nirupma Rohatgi
Chair, Upakar Board of Directors
Visit: www.upakar.org

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Friday, February 16, 2007

Habitat for Humanity - Fundraiser on 22nd March 2007

A Season of Service: March 21st to April 22nd

Ms. Manor Will Party at Mate in Georgetown
March 22nd, 2007

Ms. Manor, a group of entrepreneurial women who have pledged to raise $150,000 to sponsor a DC Habitat for Humanity home in 2007, is hosting a Happy Hour at Mate, 3101 K Street NW, on March 22nd.

The evening will feature a select menu of martinis, beer, on the rocks drinks, white and red wine and Mate will donate 50% of the proceeds from all drinks purchased to Ms. Manor. A silent auction and music will add to the fun at this trendy and sophisticated venue.


When: March 22
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Mate,
3101 K Street NW
Washington DC


DC Habitat for Humanity empowers low-income working families to buy affordable, volunteer-built Habitat homes, revitalizing their neighborhoods and strengthening their futures.





DC Habitat for Humanity

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

Email: news@dchabitat.org
Phone: 202-882-4600
Fax: 202-882-9343
Web: http://dchabitat.org

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Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The Collected Lyrics of Hafiz of Shiraz


THE COLLECTED LYRICS OF HAFIZ OF SHIRAZ

Translator
Peter Avery

Publisher
Archetype in association with the Iran Heritage Foundation

Publication date
February 2007

Introduction
Hafiz (d.1389-90) is honoured as the greatest lyric poet of Iran and its greatest writer of ghazals, the form which he perfected, and the collection of his lyrical poetry, the Divan is without doubt one of the world's greatest literary achievements. Translated here into English from the edition of Parviz Khanlari, the 486 poems, which are capable of interpretation on many levels, have been rendered as literally as possible while at the same time the aim as been to try to convey some sense of the poetry to the reader who lacks knowledge of Persian. The collected lyrics are presented here with extensive annotation by one of today's most eminent scholars of Persian literature.Peter Avery, has devoted his life to Persian literature and history. Having taken a degree at the London School of Oriental and African studies, and after living in Iran and the Middle East until 1957, he became Lecturer in Persian Studies in the University of Cambridge. He is now retired but continues to live in King's College, Cambridge. His works include A translation of the Ruba'iyat of Omar Khayyam, with poet John Heath-Stubbs, and The Speech of the Birds, the Mantiqu't-tair of Faridu'd Din Attar.

Retail price
34.95 GBP Hardcover, plus 2.75 GBP postage and packing.19.95 GBP Paperback, plus 2.75 GBP postage and packing.

Orders and enquiries
For placing an order or additional information please email books@archetype.uk.com
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Thursday, February 08, 2007

ZAGNY participates in Annual Revlon Run/Walk for Women - May 25th 2007

On Saturday, May 5th, 2007
the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York
will participate in
the annual Revlon Run/Walk for Women
in the fight to help eradicate women’s cancers.

Over the past five years, with the participation of ZAGNY members, their families and friends, we have raised close to $25,000 for this worthy cause. Once again, we will be participating as a “team” for this event.

The event is in New York City and participants can choose to run or walk this 5k race. It starts in Times Square and ends in Central Park. Our team usually meets at a specified location at 8:30 am. Exact location details will be sent to you via email 2 weeks prior to the event.

To register and join our team (Team #1109), please log onto the Run/Walk website. Our team name is Zoroastrian Association of Greater NY and the team number is 1109.

The Registration fee of $25 includes your registration fee, a t-shirt, and a gift bag. We encourage you, your family and friends to join our team to help raise funds for this very important cause and to support the thousands of women, who have fought this disease, are currently battling it, and the ones who have unfortunately lost their lives because of it.

We thank you in advance for your support. If you cannot participate in the actual event but would like to make a contribution by clicking here, then selecting a participant to sponsor on our team (Team #1109).

If you have any questions, please call
team captain Sheroo Kanga at 201-227-1890
or via email at kangavs@yahoo.com

Join us this year, and walk among thousands united by the power of the human spirit.

Symposium: Middle East Garden Traditions - April 27-28 2007

SYMPOSIUM
SYMPOSIUM
SYMPOSIUM
The Middle East Garden Traditions:
Unity and Diversity Question,
Methods and Resources in a Multicultural Perspective

April 27-28, 2007
Meyer Auditorium
Sackler/Freer Galley
Smithsonian Institution
National Mall, Washington DC

The symposium will discuss the long lasting history of interlinked garden traditions in the Middle East, since Roman times, and in the Islamic world up to the present. It will highlight cultural continuities, variations and differences between gardens from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian plains.

Archaeologists and historians from the Mediterranean and Islamic worlds, Europe and the US, will bring together new sources for richly documented studies of gardens in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, the Ottoman world, Judea, Morocco and Moorish Spain. They will explore how conflicting influences operated, the form of cultural reception of gardens in religious and mystical societies, the political uses of gardens, and new directions of archaeological research. This conference will bring together new information and surprising results from the last fifteen years of research, at a remove from the clichés of Orientalism.
Program
Registration Form (PDF, 110 KB)


The symposium is cosponsored by Dumbarton Oaks and the Freer and Sackler Galleries.

Paid registration through Dumbarton Oaks is required.
To register, visit the Dumbarton Oaks Web site.

For more information:
please call Alison Maffry at 202- 339-6460
or email MaffryA@doaks.org.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Home Garden and Landscape Studies
Copyright © 2007, Dumbarton Oaks, Washington DC, Trustees for Harvard University,
All rights reserved.
Contact Webmaster

Freer + Sackler Galleries
Smithsonian Institution
202.633.4880. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Earth Day 2007 Bike Ride in Washington DC

Sunday, Apr 22nd, 2007:


The word hazon is Hebrew for "vision."

Our vision is of a community that fosters people's journeys, that engenders compassion among its members...

Our vision is of a community in which people's lives are enriched through engagement and challenge: engagement across difference, with those of different ages or backgrounds or beliefs, and challenge, both physical and intellectual, a mechanism for learning, growing and acting.

Bike route features a range of settings, from charming country roads of western Montgomery County, Maryland to urban bike lanes of Washington, DC

Join the people of the bike!

A Quote from one of the bike riders last year:

"Hazon is
'be the change that you want to see in the world.'... "

For more information about the Bike Ride in Washington DC
contact Lindsey Paige Savoie, DC Ride Co-chair,
or Sabrina Malach, Hazon Program Assistant,
at 212-644-2332.

Contact Information for Hazon
829 Third Ave, 3rd FloorNew York,
NY 10022212-644-2332
info@hazon.org
www.hazon.org
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Hafiz and the School of Love in Classical Persian Poetry - 30th March to 1st April 2007

HAFIZ AND THE SCHOOL OF LOVE IN CLASSICAL PERSIAN POETRY
Conference
30 March - 1 April 2007
University of Exeter, Exeter
This conference hopes to reveal, through the works of Hafiz, the historical, aesthetic, rhetorical, philosophical and theological bases of his love lyrics in the culture and civilization devoted to the School of Love in mediæval Persia.

Organised by
University of Exeter and the Iran Heritage Foundation.
Covened by
Dr. Leonard Lewisohn, University of Exeter & Prof. James Morris, Boston College.

Introduction
Recent research into Hafiz's romantic lyricism by Iranian scholars has revealed that in addition to his masterful use of poetic devices and his expertise in rhetoric and imagery, his verse is also deeply steeped in the philosophy and symbolism of the Persian Sufi love mysticism.

The speakers at this conference aim to explore the aesthetic theories and mystical philosophy of the classical Persian love-lyric (ghazal) as exemplified in the poetry of Hafiz, the greatest master of this genre (along with such other major figures as Rumi and Sa'di). To this end, Hafiz's rhetoric of romance will thus be situated-for the first time in the Western study of Persian Literature-within the broader literary context of what scholars refer to as 'Love Theory' in Arabic and Persian poetry in particular and Islamic literature in general. His symbolic vocabulary and lexicon of sophisticated technical terminology relating to wine and intoxication (both sacred and profane) will be analysed in depth...

Other speakers will examine the views of the famous commentators on his poetry in Safavid Iran, Mughal India and Ottoman Turkey, who interpreted his verse in the context of the 'School of Love' (madhhab-i 'ishq) in classical Persian literature. It is projected that the international roster of Iranian and Western specialists on Persian literature will thus reveal for the first time the historical, aesthetic, rhetorical, philo! sophical and theological bases of his love lyrics in the cultu! re and c ivilization devoted to the School of Love in mediæval Persia.

Exhibition
An exhibition of works by Jila Peacock entitled 'Ten Poems by Hafiz' has been organised in conjunction with the conference. The exhibition consists of silk-screen prints of calligraphic shape poems from Hafez in Persian, alongside their English translations. There will be an official exhibition opening to which all conference participants are invited on Friday 30 March, 2007 from 6.00pm-8.00pm. There will be wine, fruit juice and baklava available.

Registration and Accommodation
The following fee covers all conference sessions
(Both days: Saturday and Sunday), Buffet Lunch and Teas/Coffees on both days.-

Full Rate for Conference ONLY: 50 GBP- Student Rate for Conference ONLY: 25 GBPThe following fee covers all conference sessions (Both days: Saturday and Sunday), Buffet Lunch and Teas/Coffees on both days as well as B&B in an En-Suite Room (for description of the rooms see ‘Travel and Accommodation’ on the left column of this page).- Full Rate for Conference AND Accommodation (For the nights of 30th and 31st March and 1st April): 200 GBP- Student rate for Conference AND Accommodation (For the nights of 30th and 31st March and 1st April): 175 GBP-

Full Rate for Conference AND Accommodation (For the nights of 30th and 31st March ONLY): 150 GBP- Student Rate for Conference AND Accommodation (For the nights of 30th and 31st March ONLY): 125 GBP-

Full Rate for Conference AND Accommodation (For the night of the 31st March ONLY): 100 GBP-

Students Rate for Conference AND Accommodation (For the night of the 31st March ONLY): 75 GBPClick here for registration and/or accommodation form. You can pay by post, email or on-line through the University of Exeter website.

Additional information
Visit www.iranheritage.com/hafizconference/ for the conference programme, abstract of papers, bibliographies of speakers, and other information related to the conference.

Publication of proceedings
A volume of the conference's proceedings (edited by the convenors, under the same title as the conference: Hafiz and the School of Love in Classical Persian Poetry) should be ready for publication by 2008.

Race for the Cure in 2007

60 Miles Closer to a World Without Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer 3-Day participants report intent to change behavior based on breast health messages learned on event

PHILADELPHIA – Jan. 24, 2007 – Registration is now open for the 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day Series, a three day, 60-mile walk to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer programs.


The 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day Series includes events in:

Boston (August 3-5),
Chicago (August 10-12),
Cleveland (August 17-19),
Twin Cities, Minn. (August 24-26),
Seattle (September 7-9),
Michigan (September 28-30),
Philadelphia (October 5-7),
Atlanta (October 12-14),
Tampa Bay, Fla. (October 19-21),
Dallas/Ft. Worth (October 26-28),
Arizona (November 2-4), and
San Diego (November 9-11).

The Breast Cancer 3-Day is not for everyone. It is unlike other events in that, for many, it is a life-changing journey that starts months in advance with training and fundraising. The journey culminates in a challenging weekend that requires participants to walk nearly the length of a marathon three days in a row, sleep in tents and eat under the stars. Sometimes it's hot. Sometimes it's rainy.

In the end, the challenge they undertake not only lends invaluable visible and financial support to the breast cancer movement, participants find the camaraderie the event fosters helps strengthen old friendships or create new ones that last a lifetime.“The [Breast Cancer 3-Day] is just an amazing experience. It's three days of people being the way people should be. Everyone just makes you feel wonderful, said a 2005 Breast Cancer 3-Day participant.According to a 2006 Breast Cancer 3-Day survey, participants confirmed the event leaves an indelible mark.

Half of the respondents said signs along the route and in camp gave them new information about breast health. Of those people, two-thirds said they would change their behavior based on the new breast health information.

Nearly 75 percent of survey respondents say they want to participate in their cities' " Breast Cancer 3-Day" in 2007.
Seventy percent said actually participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day was more fulfilling than giving money. About the 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day SeriesThe Breast Cancer 3-Day is an opportunity to educate tens of thousands of people about breast health, including the importance of early detection. Participants spend months training and raising the $2,200 required fundraising minimum in preparation for the event. Online support and coaches are provided when each participant registers to ensure a safe and memorable experience from start to finish.On event, participants travel an average of 20 miles a day during each Breast Cancer 3-Day, raising awareness for breast cancer throughout the streets.

All participants are provided meals, snacks, liquids, mobile showers, tents, safety guidelines, and 24-hour medical support. The events generate millions of dollars to fund critical breast cancer research and community outreach programs. Many people choose to travel outside of their hometown with a group of friends or family members to make the journey even more meaningful.

Proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Day are used for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. As the primary beneficiary of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure receives 85 percent of net proceeds and the remaining 15 percent goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

To register or for more information visit http://www.the3day.org/, or call 1-800-996-3DAY.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure® and the Breast Cancer 3-Days, the organization has invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill its promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-800 I’M AWARE.

About the National Philanthropic Trust
The National Philanthropic Trust, the event manager of the Breast Cancer 3-Day Series, is an independent public charity dedicated to promoting and facilitating charitable giving by individuals, families and organizations while expanding their knowledge in the field ofphilanthropy. Founded in 1996, NPT is one of the 150 largest charities in the United States with$625 million in assets under management. Since its inception, NPT has raised over $1 billion in charitable assets and made more than 19,000 grants to U.S. and international charities totaling $540 million.Source: 2006 Breast Cancer 3-Day Post-Event Survey of nearly 18,000 participants conducted in Fall 2006

Contact Information:
Wendy Fitch, 402-934-5491
wfitch@barkleyus.com
Date: 1/24/2007Â
© Breast Cancer
http://www.the3day.org/site/pp.asp?c=pmL6JnO8KzE&b=2182495
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Monday, February 05, 2007

Shared Security -- WCRP Secretary General's Update January 2007

World Conference of Religions for Peace
Secretary General’s Update
January 2007




A major international initiative, the Helsinki Process, has adopted as a priority focus the theme of “shared security” from the Religions for Peace Eighth World Assembly.

Initiated in 2002 by the governments of Finland and Tanzania, the Helsinki Process promotes cooperation among governments, civil society organizations, and the corporate sector. It seeks to discover innovative and practical ways of building networks to tackle problems of globalization and encourages democracy, good governance, sustainable development, and mutual security.

At the Religions for Peace Eighth World Assembly in Kyoto, Japan, last year, 800 religious leaders from a hundred countries adopted a declaration on “shared security.” The Assembly indicated that—even on practical terms—each individual should be deeply invested in a notion of “shared security.” No one can build a wall high enough to protect himself or herself from vulnerabilities of others. This practical reason for shared security complements a more basic moral reason for it, supported by every religious tradition: the responsibility each of us has to care for our brothers and sisters and to treat others as ourselves. Finally, the Assembly emphasized that shared security is the collective responsibility of all sectors: governments, businesses, and civil society.

The Helsinki Process has partnered with Religions for Peace to convene three working sessions of an expert working group from a cross section of these sectors. Since August, this group has met three times: in Kyoto, Helsinki, and, just last week, in The Hague. Currently, the discussions are focusing on the unique ways in which religious communities can advance security by mobilizing their moral and spiritual heritages around security challenges. Religious communities have the tremendous additional advantage of being the largest social networks in the world.

The working group will soon convene again in Alexandria, Egypt, to map out the roles that religious communities may play in building security in the Middle East. I look forward to sharing with you the ways in which the Religions for Peace family’s concern for shared security can be creatively linked to relevant commitments in the governmental and private sectors.



In peace,
Dr. William F. Vendley
World Conference of Religions for Peace

Hollow Reed Teahouse - February 25th 2007

Hollow Reed Teahouse

In the Hollow Reed Teahouse (the name is inspired by the great Persian poet Rumi) you meet people from all over the world in a spirit of respect and harmony. Whatever your own religion, you can share your beliefs here, and in conversation learn about what others believe and hold sacred.

When: Sunday, February 25, 2007 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fees: Scholarship/Complimentary, Suggested Donation $10.00-@$25.00
To register: http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,M3,7f5addeb-cead-414e-b6e2-ff9e66181673
Or URI-DC Hollow Reed TeaHouse

For more info call Greg Drury at 202-686-9813 or email URIDC@earthlink.net

Thursday, February 01, 2007

First Annual Interfaith Film Festival, Washington DC

The Interfaith Conference
www.ifcmw.org
will be inaugurating
the first Annual Interfaith Film Festival
of Metropolitan Washington in 2007.

Under the direction of Laura Seltzer, an IFC board member and documentary film maker, the IFC will coordinate a dynamic interreligious film series consisting of three evenings of programming. Each evening will feature a number of short films corresponding to a particular theme. The screenings will be accompanied by interfaith discussions and/or receptions.

It is our hope that the films and discussions at the festival will stimulate dialogue and deepen understanding, thereby supporting the IFC’s mission of building a just community—this time through the wonderful medium of film.

For more information including internship opportunities,
contact Laura Seltzer.
Click here to see the flyer for this event
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Peace and Conflict Resolution - European University Center

INVITATION TO STUDY PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
at the European University Center for Peace Studies (EPU),
Stadtschlaining, Austria
Website www.epu.ac.at,
Email epu@epu.ac.at,
Tel +43-3355-2498-515.
****************************************************************
We wish to invite you to join a select group of 44 students from around the world in an intensive course in peace and conflict studies at the European University Center for Peace Studies (EPU) in Stadtschlaining, Austria. All the courses are taught in English, by leading specialists in their field from around the world, including Johan Galtung, one of the founders of the academic discipline of peace research and frequent mediator in international conflicts. Studying with the founder of a new academic discipline is a rare opportunity, like studying physics with Isaac Newton. EPU offers students a well-rounded program covering Peace with Security, Development, Freedom, Nature and Culture.

The Program, established in 1988 by Dr. Gerald Mader, Founder and President of the Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution, received the 1995 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education.

In addition to attending courses, students get to know each other closely and conclude friendships for a lifetime. In spring of 2006, we had 42 students from 29 countries from five continents, half from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Many former students said that studying at EPU was the best time of their life. Peace Studies are a highly interdisciplinary and growing academic field. Students who have successfully completed our program are well grounded in both theory and practice to face the challenges of global conflict transformation. We are happy and proud that many of our former students now have thriving careers in international organizations, NGOs, businesses, universities, or work with their governments.

WHY STUDY AT EPU? We offer a number of advantages, among them: -EPU has a comprehensive program that covers ALL aspects of peace. -EPU combines theory with practical experience. Our professors work on practical applications in the field as well as on theory. -You live in a close community with people from all over the world. -EPU offers one of the oldest peace studies programs in Europe.

TOPICS INCLUDE: Introduction to Peace Studies, Peaceful Conflict Transformation, Mediation, Peacebuilding, Demilitarization, Nonviolence, Security, United Nations Reform, the Global Economy, Development, Human Rights, Governance and Participation, International Law, Safeguarding a Livable Environment, Cross-Cultural Communication, Peace Education, Peace and the Media, Reconciliation after Violence, Peace and Deep Culture. In addition, there are several academic excursions. A course calendar is listed below. For a more detailed explanation of the program and a catalogue with course descriptions, see www.epu.ac.at
Fall term 2007: 30. Sept. - 22. December (Apply by 15 Apr. 2007) Spring term 2008: 3. February - 26. April (Apply by 15 Sep. 2007) Summer term 2008: 1. June - 23. August (Apply by 15 Jan. 2008)

LOCATION: Stadtschlaining is a beautiful, small and quiet medieval town with a 766-year old castle hosting a peace museum, in the foothills of the Alps, between Vienna and Graz, surrounded by hiking trails, with a hot spring and spa nearby. Classrooms and 44 single rooms with private bath are located in a new building.

PEACE LIBRARY: next to the castle is a famous peace library with 25,000 books and many films, most of them in English.

WHO SHOULD APPLY: Students from any discipline interested in peace and conflict resolution, young diplomats, government officials, NGO members, teachers, journalists, lawyers, social workers, officers, psychologists, and anyone interested in solving conflicts by peaceful means. A first university degree (bachelors or equivalent) is required, and preferably some professional experience.

DEGREES: Those who successfully complete one trimester obtain a Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies. Those who complete three trimesters (Fall, Spring and Summer) and write a thesis obtain a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies, approved by the Austrian Ministry of Education. Students can begin in any of the three trimesters. The three trimesters need not be taken in succession, they can be spread over several years if preferred.

COSTS: Euro 2500 tuition + Euro 1400 room rent per trimester, plus a Euro 700 fee for two thesis advisers for the Master of Arts program, or 12'400 Euro for the entire MA program. A few full scholarships for MA students are available for applicants from focal countries of Austria's development cooperation. Some partial scholarships are also available. You can indicate on the application form if you wish to apply for one of those scholarships. For those who can pay all or part of their tuition or raise funding from other sources, the chances of being accepted are higher than for those who apply for a full scholarship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY: see www.epu.ac.at, and click on "European University Center for Peace Studies", second on the left. If you have further questions, please contact Anita Flasch, EPU Administrative Assistant , Tel +43-3355-2498-515 (mornings). We will be happy to answer your questions and help you.
EPU does not discriminate on the basis of (among others) gender, race, class, age or national origin.
With best regards, Dietrich Fischer, Academic Director, EPU
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Here is the EPU Course Schedule for 2007-2008
During some weeks, two courses are offered, one in the morning and one in the afternoon (each counting 2.5 credits of the European Credit Transfer System, ECTS), and during some other weeks only one course, meeting mornings and afternoons (counting 5 credits). Students are required to take 30 credits per trimester, but are welcome to listen to more courses it they wish. All courses are open to students in both the Masters and Certificate programs. For course descriptions and lecturers biographical notes: www.epu.ac.at
morning = 09:00-10:30 and 11:00-12:30 afternoon = 14:00-15:30 and 16:00-17:30
Seminars are every Wednesday 18:30 - 20:00, followed by a reception Films are shown every Tuesday and Saturday at 20:00
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FIRST TRIMESTER (30. September - 22. December 2007): Direct Peace
Week 1: 1-5 October mornings and afternoons Orientation for New Students and Formulation of Study Goals Fred Dubee, MA, United Nations, New York; Kaarina Dubee, MA, Goeteborg, Sweden; Mia Toerrissen, Sweden
Week 2: 8-12 October mornings Introduction to Peace Studies Dr. Zarko Puhovski, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Week 2: 8-12 October afternoons Peace and Business Fred Dubee, MA, Global Compact, United Nations, New York
Week 3: 15-19 October mornings Working for Peace in Conflict Zones Robert Rivers, MA, ARCA Project Co-Coordinator, PATRIR, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Week 3: 15-19 October afternoons Theories and Methodologies in Peace Studies Dr. Ronald H. Tuschl, Research Director, EPU
Week 4: 22-26 October mornings Nonviolence: From Philosophy to Practical Tool Prof. Jorgen Johansen, Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Coventry University, UK
Week 4: 22-26 October afternoons Social Justice and Equity in Education Dr. Diane Ross, Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio, USA
Week 5: 29 October-2 November mornings Nonmilitary Approaches to Security Dr. Dietrich Fischer, Academic Director and Student Adviser, EPU
Week 5: 29 October-2 November afternoons Violence, Security and Demilitarization Prof. Biljana Vankovska, St. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia
Week 6: 5-9 November mornings Human Security: Health and Environment Dr. Alexander Lautensach, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Week 6: 5-9 November afternoons Human Security: Civil Society and Economy Dr. Sabina Lautensach, Editor, Australasian Journal of Human Security, Univ. of Auckland, New Zealand
Week 7: 12-16 November mornings Terrorism: Its Causes and Prevention Dr. Robin Poulton, Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond, USA
Week 7: 12-16 November afternoons Overcoming the Domination System Dr. Jori Manske, Interim Executive Director, The Center for Nonviolent Communication, Santa Barbara, California, USA
Week 8: 19-23 November mornings Transition from Civil War to Peace Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Sri Lanka
Week 8: 19-23 November afternoons The European Union as a Peace Force Dr. Lutz Schrader, Editor, Welt Trends, Univ. of Hagen, Germany
Week 9: 26-30 November mornings and afternoons Peaceful Conflict Transformation Dr. Johan Galtung, Professor of Peace Studies, Director, TRANSCEND, a Peace and Development Network, Versonnex, France
Week 10-11: 3-14 December mornings Governance and Participation Dr. Tilman Evers, University Lecturer, Kassel, Germany
Week 10: 3-7 December afternoons Gender and Peace Gal Harmat, MA, Tel Aviv, Israel
Week 11: 10-14 December afternoons Negotiation, Mediation and Reconciliation Stella Sabiiti, Director, Center for Conflict Resolution (CECORE), Kampala, Uganda
Week 12: 17-21 December mornings Arms Control and Disarmament Bernardo Mariani, Project Manager, International Arms Transfer
Week 12: 17-21 December afternoons Structures of Peace Dr. James Calleja, Administrative Director, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
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SECOND TRIMESTER (3. Feb. - 26. April 2008): Structural Peace
Week 1: 4-8 February mornings and afternoons A Life-Sustaining Economy Dr. Johan Galtung, Professor of Peace Studies, Director, TRANSCEND, a Peace and Development Network, Versonnex, France
Week 2: 11-12 February mornings and afternoons Second Trimester Orientation Brittney Menzel, MA, Utah, USA
Week 2: 13-15 February mornings and afternoons Introduction to Structural Peace Brittney Menzel, MA, Utah, USA
Week 3: 18-22 February mornings Peace and the Global Economy Dr. Georg Frerks, Centre for Conflict Studies, Utrecht University
Week 3: 18-22 February afternoons Imagining Cultures of Peace: Research Methodology, Writing, Praxis Prof. Myler Wilkinson, Mir Centre for Peace, Selkirk College, Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
Week 4: 25-29 February mornings and afternoons Peacebuilding: from the Local to the Global Level Kai Frithjof Brand-Jacobsen, MA, Director, Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania, PATRIR, Cluj-Napoca
Week 5: 3-7 March mornings and afternoons Human Rights Dr. Walter Suntinger, International Consultant on Human Rights, Vienna
Week 6: 10-14 March mornings and afternoons Working for Peace in Conflict Zones: Training for Trainers Gal Harmat, MA, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel, and Robert Rivers, MA, ARCA Project Co-Coordinator, PATRIR, and Nonviolent Peace Force Trainer, Cluj, Romania
Week 7: 17-21 March mornings Democratization Professor Paul D. Scott, Kansai Gaidai University, Osaka, Japan
Week 7: 17-21 March afternoons Conflict Transformation and Deep Culture Dr. Wilfried Graf and Mag. Gudrun Kramer, Institute for Integrative Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding (IICP), Vienna
Week 8: 24-28 March mornings and afternoons Introduction to Conflict-Free Conflict Resolution Dr. Roshan P. Danesh, lawyer and consultant on conflict 5
Week 9: 31 March-1 April mornings and afternoons, 2 April morning Introduction to Education for Peace Dr. Hossain B. Danesh, President, Education for Peace International
Week 9: 2 April afternoon, 3-4 April mornings and afternoons Peace and Schools Synove Faldalen, The Social Pedagogic College, Norway
Week 10: 7-11 April mornings and afternoons Crises Prevention, Intervention, Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Reconciliation Dr. S. P. Udayakumar, Director, South Asian Community Center for Education and Research, Nagercoil, India
Week 11: 14-18 April mornings and afternoons The Design, Management and Evaluation of Peace Projects and their Context Dr. Bernd Baumgartl, International Consultant on Administrative Reforms, Education, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, Vienna
Week 12: 21-25 April mornings Global Civil Society and Global Governance Dr. Jody Jensen, Institute for Social and European Studies, Koszeg, Hungary
Week 12: 21-25 April afternoons Conclusion Dr. Diane Hendrick, Consultant, Trainer and Researcher in Conflict Transformation, Vienna
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THIRD TRIMESTER (1. June - 23. August 2008): Cultural Peace
Week 1: 2-3 June mornings and afternoons, 4 June morning Conflict Mitigation, with case studies Dr. Jan Oberg, Denmark, Director, Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research, Lund, Sweden
Week 1: 4 June afternoon, 5-6 June mornings and afternoons Cross-Cultural Communication and Conflict Transformation Dr. Diane Hendrick, Consultant, Trainer and Researcher in Conflict Transformation, Vienna
Week 2: 9-10 June mornings and afternoons, 11 June morning Global Mass Media, Information Warfare and Cyberwar Dr. Ronald H. Tuschl, Research Director, EPU
Week 2: 11 June afternoon, 12-13 June mornings and afternoons Mediation Dr. Sara Rozenblum de Horowitz, Univ. of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Week 3: 16-20 June mornings Sufism and Peace Ms. Mussarrat Bashir Youssuf, MPhil, MA, Independent Consultant to the World Bank and the United Nations, Islamabad, Pakistan
Week 3: 16-20 June afternoons Utopias of Peace in Literature Dr. Laszlo W. Farkas, EPU Faculty, Szombathely, Hungary
Week 4: 23-27 June mornings Peace Education Andria Wisler, MA, Columbia University, New York
Week 4: 23-27 June afternoons African Resources and Obstacles for Peace Prof. Saibou Issa, Centre for Peace Studies, Department of History, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Week 5: 30 June-2 July mornings and afternoons Introduction to Nonviolent Communication (REQUIRED!) Eva Rambala, Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication, Budapest, Hungary
Week 5: 3-4 July mornings and afternoons Nonviolent Communication (REQUIRED!) Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, Center for Nonviolent Communication, Moehlin, Switzerland
Week 6: 7-11 July mornings Gender in Peace Support Operations Ina Curic, MA, Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania, PATRIR, Cluj-Napoca
Week 6: 7-11 July afternoons Negotiation Dr. Raymond Saner, Centre for Socio-Eco-Nomic Development (CSEND), Geneva, Switzerland
Week 7: 14-18 July mornings and afternoons Deep Culture, Conflict Culture and Conciliation (REQUIRED!) Dr. Johan Galtung, Professor of Peace Studies, Director, TRANSCEND, A Peace and Development Network, Versonnex, France
Week 8: 21-25 July mornings and afternoons International Law and World Order Dr. Richard Falk, Visiting Distinguished Professor in Global and International Studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara, USA
Week 9: 28 July-1 August mornings Culture and Conflict Dr. Marc Howard Ross, William Rand Kenan, Jr., Professor of Political Science at Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA
Week 9: 28 July-1 August afternoons Religions and Peace Dr. Kamran Mofid, Founder, Inter-faith Perspective on Globalization for the Common Good, Coventry
Week 10: 4-8 August mornings Conflict Analysis and Resolution Dr. Cheshmak Farhoumand-Sims, St. Paul University, Canada
Week 11: 11-15 August mornings Peacebuilding in Conflict Zones Crina Resteman, MA, Nonviolent Peace Force, Sri Lanka, and PATRIR, Romania
Week 11: 11-15 August afternoons Peace Journalism Annabel McGoldrick and Jake Lynch, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Universty of Sidney, Australia
Week 12: 18-22 August mornings Conclusion Fred Dubee, MA, United Nations, New York
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