MEANINGFUL WORLD
Trauma Outreach and Prevention
185 E 85 Street, New York, NY 10028
Winter 2007, Volume 2
Meaningful World’s Mission
Meaningful World represents all the activities of the Association for
Trauma Outreach and Prevention (ATOP), the Armenian American Society
for Studies on Stress and Genocide (AASSSG), and the activities of the
partnerships with collaborative centers, such as One-by-One,
Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy, Fielding World Wide
Network for Gender Empowerment, International Division of the American
Psychological Association, Psi Chi, SPSSI, NY, Karuna Center for Peace
Building, Columbia University Center for prevention of Humiliation,
and the United Nations.
Meaningfulworld is dedicated to providing information on formal
lectures, opportunities for informal networking, humanitarian outreach
programs, research, publications, and media involvements. Individual
and collective opportunities for change, development, and
transcendence are also provided through workshops, clinical
interventions, and referrals.
Lebanon Mental Health Outreach Project
After last summer’s 34-day conflict between Lebanon and Israel,
civilian’s continue to suffer from their personal losses, the trauma
endured during the attacks and even cluster-bombs, which kill or
injure civilians everyday.
To this day, it is unclear who is to blame for the crisis; however,
what is clear is the psychological impact this war has had on the
innocent civilians, mostly Lebanese, who bore the brunt of attacks. To
help alleviate this trauma, Dr. Kalayjian is pursuing an opportunity
to mobilize the Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention’s
(ATOP) Mental Health Outreach Project (MHOP) in Lebanon during the
month of May. MHOP would provide counseling to those traumatized by
recent events and train local mental health practitioners in trauma
intervention and psychotherapy. The invitation is from both the
American University of Beirut (AUB) as well as the Lebanese
Psychological Association.
You can help MHOP by sending a tax-deductible donations to ATOP, 185
E. 85th Street, New York, NY 10028.
If you are having trouble viewing this message, please go to ningful_world_winter_newsletter.html.
Gala Night Highlights
On November 29, the Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention
(ATOP), along with the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy
(ASP) hosted a Spiritual Healing Gala at Fordham University, Lincoln
Center with a theme of Creating a meaningful world: Transforming
trauma into psychospiritual healing.
The night started with guests mingling and perusing the silent auction
while enjoying wine served on silver trays by young women dressed in
ethnic Egyptian, Indian, Jewish, Greek, and Japanese clothes. The
lounge, candle-lit with mood and celebration, housed silent auction
tables adorned with a colorful silk `wisdom cloth’ textile
collections, a spiritual library, transforming body-mind services,
meditation CDs, health/beauty services and a live art show by
Alchemists of the Imagine Nation: Michel Chevalier, painter, Leah
Poller, sculptor, Rebecca Schweiger, painter/art teacher, Georgina
Galanis, cultural textile art, Peter Lien, Rwandan photographs.
One of the most moving portions of the night occurred as the guests
serenely listened to the Peace of Heart Choir, a talented group of
multicultural, multiethnic, and wheelchair disabled members, led
colorfully by Abigail Lumsden, conductor. This not-for-profit, musical
community came together shortly after the 9/11 tragedy to help promote
healing, diversity, community, bonding, and mutual understanding in
the New York City metropolitan area through music.
Following the choral presentation, Drs. Ani Kalayjian and Ken Porter,
Presidents of ATOP and ASP, respectively, welcomed the audience and
shared their organizations mission and philosophy, as photos of Mental
Health Outreach Projects (MHOP) from Pakistan and Sri Lanka were being
shown on the screen. Dr. Kalayjian explained how these photos were
from the recent disaster outreach projects taking place around the
world.
MHOP, a project of ATOP, has three-pronged approach: First is
providing direct psychological first aid to the survivors, second is
conducting research and learning from the experience; and third is
sharing this information with others, from the UN, to several
universities in the area as well as abroad, in refaree journals, as
well as through conferences and workshops. The images were of the
tsunami in Sri Lanka , the earthquake in Pakistan, and Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita in New Orleans and Texas. Also presented on the
screen was the history of how and why both organizations began their
involvement and commitment to healing. Both ATOP and
Meaningfulworld.com integrate the mind-body-emotion-spirit continuum,
while ASP integrates spirituality and psychotherapy.
Following dinner and the silent auction, Aleta St. James enlivened the
audience with her healing light graphics and musical concert. Visually
dynamic liquid graphics created by Spiro Carras, filmmaker,
accompanied Aleta’s chant and musical ensemble consisting of several
authentic Indian instruments: sitar, tabla, guitar, piano. They moved
the audience with their rhythmic music engaging all the senses, making
the concert one of the highlights of the evening. Her musicians
included Suresh Nasseir – guitar, Harold Stephan – piano, Kunal
Nasseir – tabla, Purnima Desai – swarmandal, and Pandit Kamal Misra –
violin, flute.
Special gratitude from the Directors Anie Kalayjian and Georgina
Galanis to the Meaningful World committee: Tina Felluss, Adrienne
Weiss, Thurston Reyes, David Pressley; as well as Taleen Babayan, ATOP
Treasurer.
ATOP and ASP express their gratitude to the following sponsors:
Fordham University, IONS, ABC Carpet & Homes, Foxwood Casino, Ehrlich
Wines & Spirits, Ferrara Bakery, Olympic Flame, Warren Tricomi Salon,
Natural Selection, Dr. Elliot Koziel, Thai Basil, Peter’s Place, Eagan
Restaurant, Dr. Ken Porter and all the individual donors and
participants listed on our program for helping to Create a Meaningful
World.
Post Traumatic Healing and Meaning-Making Workshop
On Saturday, January 27, 2007, a small group of enthusiastic
participants gathered at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center to take
part in Dr. Ani Kalayjian’s International Post Disaster Humanitarian
Relief & Post Trauma Healing workshop. With the intention of being
certified for future mental health outreach programs (MHOP) the six
participants were eager to learn from Dr. Kalayjian. It is also safe
to say that everyone left feeling more aware and fulfilled from such a
meaningful gathering.
The seminar began at 9:30 AM as the participants gathered and
introduced themselves over a light breakfast. After everyone was
acquainted Dr. Kalayjian showed a video on the aftermath of hurricane
Katrina. Far greater then the physical damage, the psychological
effects were discussed, as well as the need for trained mental health
practitioners. In addition the poor response system of the state and
the government as a whole was emphasized. For those who didn’t know
it was now clear that New Orleans was suffering even before the
natural disaster occurred – from poverty, illiteracy, and corruption.
Building on the video’s content Dr. Kalayjian explained her role
working with FEMA in Texas. She reviewed MHOP and the steps taken
after a disaster. Beginning with preassessment and ending with
remodification the participants were able to see not only the goal and
purpose of MHOP, but they were able to observe the complexity of
disaster relief.
Over lunch a video was shown of an MHOP team in action in Sri Lanka.
Although it was devastating to see the extent and magnitude of the
destruction, it was also inspiring to observe the improvements after
the implementation of MHOP. In the video the MHOP’s first team
members shared their concerns and feelings with each other while also
utilizing their expertise with the community through play, group
therapy, desensitization exercises, as well as through love for the
Sri Lankan citizens.
Next the guest speaker and founding president of PDHRE (People’s
Movement for Human Rights Learning) Shulamith Koenig was
introduced. She started by asking the group to call her Shula, and
humbly asked the participants not to clap. Shula then reminded the
group of Dr. Kalayjian’s positive work and volunteer spirit and
showered her with praise.
Shula’s focus was on human rights, and the need for all human beings
to have and hold dignity. She spoke of human rights as a way of life
and the need for every human being to know their rights. In addition
she spoke of the negative consequences of patriarchy, and reminded
everyone that men and women are the same. She discussed human rights
as morals and codes, and expressed the hope that some day we will all
know them.
After sharing and learning together the group was ready to take part
in an experiential workshop on Dr. Kalayjian’s bio-psychosocial &
spiritual model. First participants filled out a questionnaire that
focused on a trauma one had experienced and the impact it had on them.
Once this was complete the group began to share. The experiences
shared included the death of a friend and having to identify the body,
the turmoil of 9/11 and the loss of a pet that was not validated, the
fear of dying of a woman who once had a childhood brain tumor, the
loss of a husband from alcoholism and suicide, the sudden and early
loss of a mother after years of separation, the painful impact of
Vietnam War, and the loss of multiple members of one’s family within a
year.
Though the traumas were heart wrenching to hear and to witness
Dr. Kalayjian facilitated gently so that each person took an active
part in the healing process. Individuals who did not know each other
hours before were now showing empathy, genuine concern, and couched
one another into positive meaning-making and positive lessons learned.
At the end of the free expressions Dr. Kalayjian shared flower
remedies such as Crisis Comfort, and star of Bethlehem; and led the
group in meditation and physical release with the sounds of drums.
During this time each chakra was acknowledged and focused on through
diaphragmatic breath, movement, and ultimately, release of negativity,
trauma, and all that need not be held on. Last, sage was handed out
to be rubbed in the hands, and sniffed, as final goodbyes, hugs, and
gratitude were shared.
Dr. Ani Kalayjian dedicated the workshop to Hrant Dink. Hrant Dink
was a dear friend of hers who was recently gunned down in Istanbul for
his quest for democracy and free speech. At the workshop
Dr. Kalayjian spoke of him and put up his name and picture for all to
see and send intentions of peace for his soul, and peace to the world.
First Ever Mind-Body Spirit Symposium at the United Nations
United Nations Ambassador Mr. Francois Oubida, from the government of
Burkina Faso, together with the non-governmental organizations Human
Rights Committee, held a unique briefing at the United Nations with
invited panelists to discuss human rights violations and recovery
issues on February 15, 2007.
Entitled Human Rights Violations and Recovery: Mind-Body-Spirit
Practices, Ambassador Oubida welcomed attendees and panelists to the
first ever combined government/NGO UN program to include examination
of mind-body-spirit practices and stated that he was looking forward
to hearing from other representatives on how they work to protect the
human rights and indigenous rights of their nations citizens.
In support of Mr. Oubida, Dr. Ani Kalayjian, President of Association
for Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP), emphasized the importance of
addressing mind-body-spirit interventions to restore individuals and
communities. Dr. Kalayjian, who also holds the office of and NGO
Representative for FEMVISION and Armenian International Women’s
Association, set the stage by identifying a few of the many emails she
had received earlier in the day that all related to human rights
violations. She brought attention to women "mules" dying in drug
trafficking between Mexico and the US; violations to women in the
sex-trade industry in Russia; injuries to the Tibetan community in
China, child prostitution in Asia, the conflicts between the Tutsi and
Hutu in Africa, and she remarked on the recent assassination of
Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, who offended Turkish loyalists
by publicly claiming his Armenian heritage.
After a moment of silence in honor Hrant Dink, Dr. Kalayjian
introduced Dr. Beth Hedva, a transpersonal psychologist from Calgary,
Canada, who, under the auspices of SEFA (Save Emergency For Aceh),
trained recovery workers. In Aceh, which lost 170,000 souls, everyone
is a survivor of double trauma due to suffering 30 years of civil war
at the time of the Boxing Day Disaster. Dr. Hedva briefed the group on
The Bio-Psychosocial and Spiritual Model – case study in post tsunami
Banda Aceh.
Dr. Hedva showed slides of both humanmade and natural disasters,
outlined six- teps to recovery based on field research of
Dr. Kalayjian, and described how she extended Kalayjian’s model
through the practice of using ancient and indigenous cross-cultural
rites of passage as described in Hedva’s book Betrayal, Trust and
Forgiveness. Dr. Hedva reported on the experiences of local recovery
workers who learned to train themselves and others to use both
psychological and intuitive, spiritual resources to recover from
shock, loss or traumatic stress, and to renew courage, faith and
self-respect for both personal healing and community renewal. With 83
percent of donated funds held back as "already allocated,"
mind-body-spirit healing and community renewal in Aceh, Hedva
concluded, need to also include a global healing that addresses and
closes the "rich-poor" divide between more developed nations and those
nations that were hit hardest hit by the tsunami.
Dr. John L. Bolling, a psychiatrist who works with at-risk youth from
Harlem, New York, briefed attendees about his Soul-Centered-Model –
case study with inner city African American youth and how he utilizes
his Soul-Centered Model with his clients who do not respond to
traditional interventions. Dr. Bolling emphasized the importance of
incorporating feminine spirituality as part of `soul’ and referred to
African and indigenous cultures identification of the Earth as our
Mother (Mother Nature) who teaches us to focus on our interdependence
upon each other, by understanding the relationship between the
individual and the whole.
Dr. Bolling discussed incorporating traditional, pre-Christian African
approaches in his work. He used the example of the African traditions,
which honor one’s ancestors, including speaking to one’s ancestors and
"hearing" their voices, without being labeled as "crazy" or suffering
from a psychiatric disorder worthy of sedation or anti-psychotic
medications. Dr. Bolling spoke about the importance of the soul and
how its affect on a person’s functioning has been overlooked. He
stressed the importance of uniting both a person’s right, more
spiritual, side of the brain with their left, more rational or
concrete, side of the brain to develop a more complete soul-centred
model.
After a period of questions and answers, Dr. Kalayjian invited
Dr. Hedva to instruct attendees in some of the breathing practices
that release anxiety and foster stability and relaxation under
stressful conditions. Dr. Kalayjian concluded the session with the
statement `When one helps another, BOTH are strengthened.’
Dr. Kalayjian invited to lecture in Mexico City
Dr. Kalayjian was invited to lecture in Universidad Iberoamericana
Ciudad de México, in Col Lomas de Santa Fe, in Mexico. During the
2006 Fall semester, Dr. Kalayjian had six students from the same
university, who audited Dr. Kalayjian’s course in Practicum and
Clinical Experience in Psychology at Fordham University, and conducted
workshops with the Mexican immigrant population in NYC. Fordham
University has since established close relationship with
IberoAmericana Universidad since both universities are Jesuit sister
universities. The semester was culturally enriching for both groups
of students: those from Mexico as well as those from the US. During
the semester, Professor Alma Polo came and visited Fordham University
and established close relations with Dr. Kalayjian. This was a
meaningful relationship as the two planned their next collaboration.
In January, Dr. Polo and her colleagues had organized a conference on
Disasters and Mass Trauma and had invited Dr. Kalayjian to be the key
note speaker. Graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty and
administration had filled the auditorium. Dr. Kalayjian presented a
power point lecture, firstly starting with the Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita images with sounds, and then with the images of SE tsunami in Sri
Lanka, and concluded with the images of the earthquake in Pakistan.
The powerful images had moved students and faculty alike, some even to
tears, as Mexico has experienced several natural disasters including a
devastating earthquake killing 40,000 people and destroying the center
of Mexico City, hurricanes, tornadoes, as well as mud slides.
The holistic model that Dr. Kalayjian presented was highly appreciated
as Dr. Kalayjian described each step and gave examples from the field.
She has done over a dozen of mental health outreach programs around
the world, and the audience was attentively following every
description and every example. Dr. Kalayjian also focused on cultural
and religious rituals and meaning-making after each disaster. The
audience was ready to ask questions, and over 45 minutes was allocated
for Q & A. Questions were thought provoking, specific to coping,
preparedness, and meaning-making. A handful of attendees were
experienced in disaster management and came to talk with Dr. Kalayjian
at the end of the conference to exchange e-mails, websites, and
collaborative projects. One of those projects is to train and prepare
practitioners and corporate employees in Cancun area, as they
experience hurricanes almost annually. Dr. Kalayjian was invited to
return to Mexico in the summer to work on projects in Cancun,
specifically focusing on preparedness and training paraprofessionals.
Dr. Kalayjian was invited to take part in the 4th Latin American
Regional Congress of Cross-Cultural Psychology to be held in Mexico
City, the City of Palaces, from July 6th through 9th, 2007. The theme
of this Congress "Integrating culture into psychology" emphasizes the
importance of inserting cultural issues into main stream psychological
research and practice.
In the Media
Healthology Article on SAD
On Flower Power
Documentary on DC Cable on PTSD in American Veterans
Upcoming Events
March 22-23, 2007
2007 Annual Eastern Psychological Association conference
Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Kalayjian will be chairing a panel entitled: "Forgiveness:
Transforming Trauma Into Healing."
She will also be presenting on International Trauma, Outreach, and Prevention
April 6, 2007
Genocide Commemoration
Denial & Democracy: continued challenges for human rights in Turkey
Fordham University, New York, NY
April 14, 2007
Ethnicity, Identity, and Conflict Conference
The New School Psychology Society, New York, NY
April 24, 2007
Healing Generational Wounds of Genocide
Pennsylvania
May 11-12, 2007
Collaboration with ASP
Relationship as Spiritual Path Conference
Fordham University, New York, NY
September 5-7, 2007
60th Annual DPI/NGO Conference
Climate Change: How it impacts us all
United Nations, New York, NY
To register or receive more information about these events, email us.
Interested in Volunteering in Lebanon with the MHOP?
Email us at [email protected] and we will send you a volunteer
application. You can check out our past projects at
Meaningful World Volunteer Opportunities
Fundraising Intern
-Assist with current fundraising initiatives, i.e., Katrina and Rita
Hurricanes, and Earthquake in Pakistan
-Prepare tsunami drawings for auction
-Plan a fundraising event -Contact local organizations for material
donations, T-shirts, office supplies, etc.
-Contact corporate sponsors for grants and monetary donations in
collaboration with PR.
Public Relations Intern
-Maintain and update list of contacts-news, past and future donors,
volunteers, etc.
-Write and sent press releases, letters of solicitation, gratitude,
invitation, updates, etc.
-Edit newsletter
-Maintain contact with country representatives from past outreach programs
-Contact local school/churches/hospitals to plan events, fundraisers,
lectures, raise awareness -Contact other similar not-for-profit
organization for collaboration.
Videography & Photography Intern
-Edit tsunami video and create short film with raw footage
-Prepare video clips for website page
-Videotape and photograph events as needed
-Create short film with volunteer interviews
-Photograph members of committees for website and newsletter and
photograph events of the Association.
Research Intern
There are several research projects available: Spirituality, tsunami
follow-ups, earthquake in Pakistan , Hurricanes Andrew long term
follow-up, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita immediate impact and one year
follow ups, impact of long term trauma such as Genocide, Vicarious
Traumatization, generational transmission, forgiveness, etc.
-Assist with obtaining information/literature regarding any current
and ongoing research projects
-Enter data – SPSS
-Maintain list of relevant lectures, education opportunities,
presentation/publication opportunities, etc.
* Any creative contributions are welcomed and greatly appreciated
Kindly send your resume and a short statement of purpose and length
and kind of internship needed to: [email protected] and follow
up with a call to make an appointment at 201 941-2266.
This message was sent by: Association for Trauma Outreach and
Prevention, 185 E 85 Street, New York, NY 10028
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
