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
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
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 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,
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:
newsid=661.
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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 , 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’.
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. Autumn 2008
For the latest news and events, kindly visit
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
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
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
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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:
.
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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:
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
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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.
This message was sent by: Association for Trauma Outreach and
Prevention, 185 E 85 Street, New York, NY 10028
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
