Press Release

For Immediate Distribution

New York, NY

Presented by The Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP)
The Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy (ASP)
MeaningfulWorld.com
At Fordham University, Lincoln Center campus, 113 West Sixtieth St. and Ninth Ave., NYC
On November 29, 2006, at 7:00pm

This 2006 nonprofit gala and multicultural event, CREATE A MEANINGFUL WORLD, will include a rich reception and stunning program featuring Aleta St. James, Spiritual Healer and Author, in her debut multimedia meditation performance, Spiritual Magik by Edward Majian, and live music entertainment to be specified.

ATOP founder Anie Kalayjian (professor of social science at Fordham University and liaison to the U.N.), and president of ASP, Dr. Ken Porter, along with ASP founder Dr. Henry Grayson, will emcee the event and speak on spirituality and healing intervention during times of trauma and uncertainty. Additional activities will include multi-culinary taste delights and a Silent and Live Auction where attendees can support ASP & ATOP’s integrative mission through global programs, by bidding on works of art and professional mind & body services. Tickets are available online and by contacting the directors listed below.

ASP, a professional membership volunteer-run organization based in NYC, is founded on the belief that the integration of the psychologies of the world's spiritual traditions and the new findings of science regarding the practice of psychotherapy and counseling is crucial to effectively and sensitively resolving the societal conflicts and emergencies of the 21st century. Focusing on the education and psycho-spiritual health of local and global communities, members meet monthly at 250 West 57th St Suite 501 NY NY. ASP makes available its network of psycho-spiritual therapists, healers, nurses, clergy and physicians to aid in global, onsite intervention programs organized and carried out by ATOP and MeaningfulWorld.

Founded in 1989 (formerly the Association for Disaster and Mass Trauma Studies), ATOP has aided communities struck by natural disasters across the globe, responding to earthquakes in Armenia, Turkey, North Ridge and Pakistan, the tsunami in Sri Lanka, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in New Orleans and Texas, and communities suffering in the aftermath of manmade disasters such as victims of and participants in the Gulf War, Iraq War and populations traumatized by post-9/11 terrorism. Organizing and mobilizing its volunteers, ATOP helps communities recover from the devastating impact of mass disasters by assisting survivors in integrating their traumatic experiences in meaningful ways, achieving forgiveness of past wrongs, re-forging a productive vision of the future, and developing healthy, proactive coping skills with which to embrace the present.

The evening’s co-organizers, Dr. Anie Kalayjian, President ATOP, and Georgina Galanis, Vice President ASP, have declared this first annual event, “a meaning-filled celebration of partnership and healing.” By bridging the efforts of these organizations (ATOP, ASP, MeaningfulWorld) through the provision of research, education and coordination, participants facilitate humanitarian outreach and trauma prevention programs as well as individual and collective opportunities for change in pre- and post-disaster mental health management. These compassionate, integrated services are teamed with global perspectives in a transformative journey promoting physical, mental and spiritual health and healing to those affected by war, natural and manmade disaster.

Few of you however, may be aware that Mrs Dukakis is a staunch advocate of humanitarian and women's issues. She describes "feminism" as expressing concern for the health and welfare of the women and children of the world. Her own cause, "Voices of Earth" a non profit theatre company, was designed to help women explore their spiritual heritage and birth their own transformation in issues unique to their lives.

In 1985, after a family crisis, her therapist told her that she needed to "focus on herself, by herself" or he would no longer see her. On a friend's recommendation she visited The Omega Institute where she was moved by the words of Gaytri Devi-- an Indian guru in the vedanta tradition-- when she spoke of "the Great Mother" deepening her spiritual journey and connection -- she understood that "she had to open her heart further to fully accept, as well as give this great love."

Unable to attend this evening as Honorary Chair of this event- Ms. Dukakis sends us her message of support.

"To be open hearted you have to trust -- but trust with open eyes. You have to look at the reality of things. Sometimes there is darkness and pain. That's part of life too. But being open hearted especially when the world pretty much looks like a place your heart should be defended and protected against.

People working together to heal one another in the face of life and its contradictions is very valuable work. These are people who must open their hearts to accept and transform the wounds of those less fortunate--- to be compassion in action. To teach courage, peacemaking and ways to bridge cultural gaps. We can do this with your support and commitment of trained psychotherapists, doctors, healers and through the use of creative arts and healing that birth spiritual strength and meaning in this world."

ASP and ATOP Meaningful World would like to thank Ms. Dukakis for her message in support of our cause, for her open heart and her expressive talents in the arts that continue to enrich our lives.