HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-2013 Written CommunicationsThe Art of Living Foundation is dedicated ro serving society by strengthening the individual. We do this by offering
programs that eliminate stress, create a sense of belonging, restore hutnan values, and encourage people from all
backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions to come together in celebration and service.
As a Non - Governmental Organization (NGO), The Art of Living Foundation works
in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of
the United Nations, participating in a variety of committees and activities relating to
health and conflict resolution. We also conduct a number of educational programs
and in partnership with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), we
carry on various humanitarian service projects that:
UPLIFT THE INDIVIDUAL
Friendliness, compassion, love and caring — these human values are part of us, yet
most of the time they are covered by a veil of stress. A disease -free body and a
stress -free mind are the birthrights of every human being, yet we have never been
taught how to handle our negative emotions. The Art of Living Foundation offers
simple and effective techniques that alleviate the effects of stress and increase joy and
enthusiasm in daily life.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
Serving others is an expression of joy, an expression of love; through service to
humanity we can expand our individual boundaries. When we focus on how we can
be useful to the people around us and to the whole world, our hearts blossom and a
new dimension opens within us. Volunteer projects are integral to the Art of Living.
The Foundation emphasizes social responsibility and inspires individuals to give back
to their communities.
FOSTER GLOBAL CHANGE
Today there is a great need for all of us to move from limited identifications of
nationality, race, religion and culture to a broader understanding of the unity of
human life, which can help to bring about a more peaceful world. The founder of the
Art of Living Foundation, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, travels the world
addressing various forums to foster human values and spread a message of unity
among all traditions.
P.O. Box 50003
Santa Barbara, CA 93150
800.897.591 3
www.arroAiving.or-
\X /e care for the world, we care for .you. THE ORGANIZATION
MrnnBF:RSHII'S
• CONGO (Conference of NGOs in Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations), Geneva and New York
• United Nations NGO Committees: Health, Mental Health, Committee on Aging, New York
• United Nations NGO Values Caucus, New York and Geneva
• International Union for Health Promotion and Education, Paris
• NGO Forum for Health, Geneva
• National Association of Women's Organizations, Uganda
INTERNATIONAL IECOGNITION OF HONOR
WARTIAL LISTING)
• 2006 St. Peters the Great Award by the Russian Government
• 2006 Award by the Government of Mongolia in recognition of
H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's contribution to the nation
• 2004 National Day of Prayer at the White House,
Washington, DC, USA
• 2003 U.N. World Economic Forum: Davos, Switzerland
• 2002 U.N. 55th AnnualDPI /NGO Conference:
"Breaking the Cycle of Violence "; New York, USA
• 2002 World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD)
Johannesburg, South Africa
• 2002 U.N. World Economic Forum: New York, USA
• 2002 U.N. - World Summit on Sustainable Development
Prepcom New York, USA
• 2001 Back on Track America: Program aimed at getting US
businesses back on track after 9/11
• 2001 54th annual DPI /NGO Conference: NGOs Today:
Diversity of the Volunteer Experience
• 2001 UN Conference on Racism and Discrimination,
Durban, South Africa
• 2001 Village Adoption Program for Post -Quake
Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, Gujarat, India
• 2000 U.N. Millennium World Peace Summit,
New York, USA
• 2000 XIII International Aids Conference, Durban, South Africa
• 1999 UN -NGO Conference, Seoul, Korea, Youth Program
Leader: Inspire, Empower, Act!
• 1998 World Conference on Conflict Resolution,
St. Petersburg, Russia
• 1998 International Symposium:
Human Values and Human Rights, Zagreb, Croatia
• 1997 "Guru Mahatmya" award by Government of Maharashtra,
India
• 1996 International Conference of Helsinki Citizen's Assembly,
Armenia
• 1995 U.N. World Social Summit, Copenhagen
We care for rke, world, we Care for you.
RECOGNITION OF HONOI, IN THE U.S.
(PARTIAL LISTING)
• 2005 Proclamation by Mayor Bob Wasserman, Fremont, California
presented to IAHV and Art of Living Foundation for
Tsunami Relief, trauma care and rehabilitation
• 2005 Global Humanitarian Award from the Governor of Illinois
• 2004 Proclamation by Mayor Gus Morrison, Fremont,
California, presented to IAHV
• 2003 Proclamation by Mayor Tom Bates, Berkeley, California -
Declaration of May 14th as "H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day"
• 2002 Proclamation by Governor James E. McGreevey, New Jersey,
presented to His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
• 2002 Recognition of Honor by Mayor James K. Hahn, Los Angeles,
California, presented to the Foundation
• 2002 "His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day," Chicago, Illinois,
June 28
• 2002 "His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day," Beverly Hills,
California, May 8
• 2002 Phoenix Award awarded by Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia,
April 29
• 2002 Atlanta Senate Resolution, Declaration of April 29 as
"H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day" in Atlanta
• 2002 His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day in Austin, Texas,
January 10
• 2001 Letter of Support by Mayor Marylou Makepeace,
Colorado Springs, Colorado, presented to
H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
• 2001 Certificate of Congressional Recognition, Congresswoman
Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston, Texas - presented to IAHV, 5H
Program
• 2001 Letter of Support by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton,
Washington, DC, presented to IAHV, 5HProgram
• 2001 Certificate of Honor by the Board of Supervisors, San
Francisco, California, presented to IAHV, 5H Program
• 2001 His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day in Washington, DC
August 26
• 1990 -91 Advisory Board, Yale Divinity School
P.O. Boa 50003
Santa Barbara, CA 93150
800.897.5913
www.arrofliving.org
Q THE ORGANIZATION
'The Art of Living .FOLIII&M011 (AOLF) is an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization
with a presence in over 140 countries around the world. Founded in 1981 by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,
the Foundation has special. consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United
Nations and is dedicated to empowering communities by strengthening individuals. - 111rough a wide array of
programs and grass -roor initiatives, the foundation works in the following six key areas:
• SELF - DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: The AOLF's unique Self- Development programs are
based on ancient breathing techniques, meditation, and modern group dynamics, and cater to every
age group and section of society. Over 20 million people from all walks of life worldwide have
benefited through these programs to alleviate the effects of stress and increase joy and enthusiasm in
daily life.
• CONFLICT RESOLUTION: The AOLF has been instrumental in promoting peace and harmony
in conflict stricken areas such as Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Kashmir and Israel. The
program includes techniques that create a sense of belongingness and deeper understanding of the
diversity of life. It has been very successful in opening lines of communication between opposing
groups and creating a platform for open dialogue.
• TRAUMA RELIEF: The AOLF's Trauma Relief program has brought much needed relief and
support to hundreds of thousands of people following both man -made and natural disasters, such as
9/11 New York, South Asia Tsunami, Beslan Floods, and Hurricane Katrina. In addition to providing
medical attention, essential supplies, and shelter, the program is comprised of stress - elimination
workshops and self -help groups that equip trauma victims with the confidence and the ability to
combat post- trauma stress disorder (PTSD).
• YOUTH EMPONVERMENT: The AOLF offers customized stress elimination and training
programs for high- achieving, mainstream, at -risk and rural youth. These programs work to create
responsible young leaders and reduce youth based violence. Successfully implemented in South Asia,
South Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, the foundation has also been working with several
school districts in the United States and with youth in New Orleans.
• PRISON PROGRAM: The AOLF's Prison Program enables prisoners, guards, police and parole
officers, judges, and other participants to effectively deal with stress and anger, break the cycle of
violence, and helps with reintegration of prisoners into society. Through this program, the founda-
tion has reached approximately 175,000 prisoners in countries including the USA, Russia, Nether-
lands, Scandinavia, Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and India.
• SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: In efforts to support socio- economic growth at grass -root
levels, the AOLF has reached out to more than 25,000 villages implementing the 5H program -
Health, Homes, Hygiene, Harmony in Diversity and Human Values. Besides 5H program it has initi-
ated programs in the areas of chemical free farming, natural resources management, vocational train -
%ing and women empowerment.
P.O. Box 50003
We care for the world, we care for vou.
Santa Barbara, CA 93150
800.897.591.3
www.arto(living.org
0 THE FOUNDATION
Humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar calls for
Stress Free, Violence Free Bay Area
MC Yogi to Perform at Launch Event
San Jose, CA, March 19, 2013: "The Wright brothers appeared crazy before they flew. I have this crazy idea — a world
without violence. With all the violence in the world this idea may appear to be hoping for a Utopia, but we need to dream,
and we will get there," said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Global Humanitarian and Founder of Art of Living Foundation (AOLF).
He has called for a Stress Free, Violence Free Society all around the world. In Bay Area the campaign was initiated in
early February. A Launch Event will be held on Sunday, March 24 at 4pm at the San Jose Convention Center, where Sri
Sri will give a keynote address and inspire the campaigners to take action to combat violence around them through acts of
non - violence. It's a free event and everyone can register at www.stressfreeviolencefree.org.
Musician MC Yogi will be performing at this event where other guest speakers include Dr James Doty of Stanford's Center
for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and Dave Cortese, Supervisor, County of Santa Clara who himself
has been doing a lot of work in the field of non - violence.
The Campaign has people such as Ro Khanna, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce in Obama
Administration and Vivek Paul, ex -CEO Wipro and a VC in Bay Area, as Ambassadors. Ash Kalra, Councilmember San
Jose; Raj Salwan, Councilmember Fremont; Corey Gin, Leadership and Employee Enrichment Program (LEEP),
California State University East Bay are wholeheartedly championing the cause. Many community leaders, Mayors
(Cupertino, Fremont, Milpitas, Sunnyvale), city officials, activitsts, have confirmed participation at the March 24 event,
which will be attended by over 8000 people from all over the Bay Area.
Since its initiation in early February, the Stress Free, Violence Free Campaign has seen over 10,000 acts of non - violence
by over 2000 campaigners all across the Bay Area. Non - profit organizations such as International Association for Human
Values (IAHV), The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), Next Door Solutions to
Domestic Violence, Carry the Vision, Silicon Valley FACES, Ever Forward Club, Vision Literacy, Stillheart Institute,
Peninsula Jewish Community Center, have joined hands for the coalition, and many more are joining every day. Major
Silicon Valley corporations are not only helping spread the word about the campaign but also encouraging their
employees to join the campaign. Some are offering to sponsor the tickets to attend the launch event. Among the
companies that have partnered are Brocade, Intel, Symantec, Bloom Energy, Cisco, Applied Materials, Juniper Networks
and Nvidia.
Over 300 volunteers are working to make this dream come true in the Bay Area. A number of pre - launch events have
taken place. In Fremont on March 9 there was a conference for a "Safe and Peaceful Fremont ", which was attended by
many local officials including Interim Chief Richard Lucero of Fremont Police Department, Councilmember Raj Salwan,
non - profit organizations (Rodney Clark of SAVE and Gayathri Sundar of Narika), school board members (Desrie
Campbell and Lily Mei of FUSD), and citizens. They all agreed that authorities alone couldn't create a safer environment.
It has to be done through a collaboration of all citizens of the city.
In Cupertino a symposium was organized on Feb 24 on the topic "Parents Combating Stress in Teens" followed by a call
for action to attendees to identify a trigger for stress in their current situation and to take an action to overcome a personal
stress and to bring relief to someone stressed. The symposium drew parents from Lynbrook, Monta Vista, Saratoga and
Cupertino High school. There were also parents from a few middle schools in Cupertino. The five panelists were from
different backgrounds - a life coach, a PTA mother, a director of a Non - profit, a high tech industry executive, and an
aerospace industry engineer.
On Feb 10 at San Jose's Overfelt High School campaign partners IAHV and Carry the Vision organized a symposium
Ending Violence in Our Schools - Can We Take Responsibility, which was attended by school teachers, students and
parents. The Dublin Center of AOLF has been organizing Know Your Neighbor Workshops where they facilitate
neighbors coming together to discuss common issues of stress, violence, safety and other issues of immediate concern.
"In today's society one is isolated from their neighbors, which leads to disconnect from the whole society. Know Your
•
www.us.artOTliving.org
Neighbor is a program to connect people to create belongingness and also safety for people. Typically attended by 10 -15
people, who all feel inspired that they too can do something and participate to make change," said Rashmi Patel,
Instructor and Program Coordinator for Dublin Center of AOLF.
On Feb 14 the Santa Clara and Dublin Centers of AOLF hosted the One Billion Rising to end Violence - A Dance party
along with a guided meditation that was attended by over 50+ people of all ages and races to stand in solidarity, in one
voice, to put an end to violence among women and children. "One in three women is subjected to domestic violence at
one point or another. The night was an eye opener for many who never realized that there are other forms of abuse than
just physical violence," said Rashmi. The Santa Clara event was co- hosted by another campaign partner Maitri.
Another event being organized on an on -going basis is Peace Begins with Me. These sessions are conducted in
people's homes, libraries, and organizations to inspire people to take responsibility for creating a stress free and violence
free community. "Peace begins from within, and participants are taught tools and techniques to cope with stress that will
help them feel peaceful. Opening dialogues for people to come up with ways and ideas to create peace and harmony in
both their lives and in their environment," said Rashmi, "People feel good about having tools to manage their emotions
and stress and share that the clarity and peace that they felt would help them interact differently in the world."
A few weeks earlier an event was organized in Oakland too, which was attended by over 200 local residents who came
together to explore ways to reduce violence in their city. "This campaign is not just a movement but a revolution that has
been started. It is of the people, by the people, for the people. It is about people saying enough is enough. It is about
saying I don't want another Sandy Hook, Aurora or Santa Cruz. I have to stand up now and take action. Authorities alone
cannot prevent acts of violence. It all starts with me," said Tara Edel, a volunteer for the campaign, "If not now, then
when ?"
The campaign aims to lead a sustainable grassroots movement that brings together thousands of individuals, non - profit
organizations, corporations, and the government in a collaborative effort to build a stress -free, violence -free community.
"We want to create a community where every member feels connected to a greater whole, and empowered to create
positive change around them," said Sridhar Suri Dasika, a software engineer and a volunteer with the Art of Living
Foundation who is also Campaign Manager, Bay Area, "We will do this by engaging everyday people into compassionate
action, inspiring them to stand together as a collective force of change, in turn creating waves of positive change in the
community."
About Art of Living Foundation:
The Art of Living Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational and humanitarian organization founded by spiritual
leader and humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Sri Sri's initiatives have benefited more than 30 million people worldwide.
The Foundation is one of the UN's largest volunteer -based NGOs, and works in special consultative status with the UN's
Economic and Social Council, participating in a variety of committees and activities relating to health, education,
sustainable development, conflict resolution, and disaster relief.
For more information, visit artofliving.org.
About Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian leader, spiritual teacher and an ambassador of peace. His vision of a stress -free,
violence -free society has united millions of people the world over through service projects and the courses of The Art of
Living.
Press Contact:
Sanjana Chopra 925.202.5346, sanjana.chopra @artofliving.org
• www.us.artotliving.org
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JOIN THE CAMPAIGN!
Take action in your community
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ATTEND THE LAUNCH!
March 24th featuring international
humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
150 West San Carlos St.
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CAMPAIGN FOR A
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VIOLENCE FREE
COMMUNITY
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With Orchestra & Supertitles
Presented by Bay Shore Lyric Opera & Verisimo Opera
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FOX THEATER -2223 BROADWAY, REDWOOD Cl
FOXRWC.COM OR (6 i0) 369 -7770
TICKETS: $22 -542
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Richarch Lynde, The Pajaronian
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December 13th, 14th and 15th, 2013
Friday Shows: gam, 11 am & 7pm
Saturday: 3pm & 7pm *
Sunday: 11 am * & 3pm
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This year it's easier than ever to sponsor, register
and manage your fundraising online.
You can go to www.lungsrus.org to:
• Register as a walker
• Sponsor a walker
• Set up a team or personal webpage
• Email a link to your personal or team page to those
in your address book
• Learn more about the Breath of Life Walk
• Get information about Breathe California and our
work in the community
iBreath 19ife
Saturday, October 8, 2011
5K(3.1 mile) Walk
West Valley College, Saratoga
14000 Fruitvale Avenue
Registration begins: 8:30 a.m.
Walk begins: 10:00 a. m.
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Why participate in the Breath of Life Walk?
Breathe California is the only local agency devoted
to fighting lung disease in all its forms. 100% of
the proceeds from the walk will remain here in the
Bay Area to help fund Breathe California's wide
array of local programs and services. These funds
will allow us to assist those suffering from lung
disease now, prevent new cases of lung disease in
the future and promote lung health research.
By taking part in
the Breath of Life Walk,
you can help us:
• Teach asthmatic children how to take control of their
condition
• Offer education and support to local residents who
are suffering from emphysema and lung cancer
• Eliminate asthma - related deaths and raise awareness
about this serious health condition
• Keep youth from getting addicted to tobacco and
offer assistance to smokers trying to quit
• Improve local air quality to ensure that all Bay Area
residents can breathe easier
For nearly a century,
Breathe California has dedicated itself
to fighting lung disease and building
healthy communities in the Bay Area.
BREATHE
CALIFORNIA
of the Bay Area
1469 Park Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 998 -5865
www.lungsrus.org
Step One: Register
Visit www.lungsrus.org and click the registration
link to register online. Our homepage also has a
walker and team captain resource kit with additional
fundraising information to help you get started.
Step Two: Muster the Troops
The Breath of Life Walk can be great fun if you
have good company! Put together a team of fam-
ily, friends, neighbors, co- workers and members
of other groups within your community. We can
provide you with brochures, posters, sample letters
and more tips to help you build a big team. Visit
www.lungsrus.org for additional walk materials.
Step Three: Fundraise
Tell people why you are walking and how their
donations will be used to help fund a variety of
lung health programs and services. Send donors to
the website to pledge to your team online, or col-
lect pledges in person. Bring your donations with
you on walk day or to our office prior to October
9th. For donors requesting acknowledgement,
please provide their name and address.
Once you've built your team and raised pledges, be
sure to join us for the big day! Show your commit-
ment to fighting lung disease by coming out to the
tranquil campus of West Valley College for our lei-
surely 5K (3.1 mile) walk. And, our walk will feature:
• Continental breakfast provided by Fresh Choice
• On -site music to get you up and going
• A raffle for our walkers
• A silent auction
• Lung health displays and information
• Odyssey Days alternatively fueled vehicle display
Come on out for an event
that the whole family can enjoy!
Qualify for great incentive gifts
• Everyone collecting $100 or more will receive
an official Breath of Life Walk t- shirt.
• Additional fundraising will entitle you to the
incentives below.
$200
Breathe California water bottle
$300
Pedometer
$500
Stainless steel travel mug or ball cap
$750
Breathe California sweatshirt
$1,000
Red Box courier bag
$1,500
$75 gift card for a local merchant