Uplifting Spirit Through Education - An Evening of Innovative Discussion

The International Association for Human Values sponsors an evening featuring five speakers noted for their innovative work in the fields of education, spirituality, community and human potential, to address current issues in the world of education.

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Media Contact: Francesca A. Jackson - (415) 722-3930

Uplifting Spirit through Education - An Evening of Innovative Discussion
Wednesday, May 14 at 7pm at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley

Keynote Speaker: His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar -- Humanitarian leader and founder, International Association for Human Values
Panel: Matthew Fox, Dr. Julia Hare, Nimat Shaheed-Jacks, Margaret Gorman
Moderator: Dr. Evelyn Wesley - President of Merritt College

Uplifting Spirit through Education -- An Evening of Innovative Discussion

April 2, 2003 (PR WEB) - The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) announced today that it will host a symposium entitled Uplifting Spirit through Education", at UC Berkeleys Zellerbach Hall this May. The event will feature five speakers noted for their innovative work in the fields of education, spirituality, community, and human potential.

Keynote speaker His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian leader and the founder of IAHV. He is the inspiration behind several successful charitable programs recognized for their ability to empower people to improve their own lives. These programs include the initiatives in value based education aimed at building responsible world citizens, and the 5H Program, a holistic community upliftment program which has touched over two million lives in India, South Africa, and Central America. The other panelists are Matthew Fox, a spiritual theologian and the founder of the University of Creation Spirituality; Dr. Julia Hare, Executive Director of the Black Think Tank; Nimat Shaheed-Jacks, Director of the University Preparatory Academy; and Margaret Gorman, a local Waldorf educator. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Evelyn Wesley, President of Merritt College in Oakland.
    
The evenings discussion will address the current issues that young people face, what is missing from the current education structure, and practical solutions for improving it. The speakers will also give insight into new ways to think about education, how to teach young people essential life skills, and how to nurture each young person to develop their full potential.

This event comes at an important time for California education; the state budget shortfall has forced many school districts to lay off large numbers of their teachers, placing an additional burden on students. Administrators, educators, and parents are all looking for new ways to provide children with the education they need. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that education does not mean academics alone, and that more is needed to prepare young people to lead successful lives -- socially, physically, spiritually, intellectually, and professionally.

IAHV is a non-profit, non-governmental organization working in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote and support the development of human values throughout the world; through a variety of educational activities and service projects aimed at social transformation and upliftment, IAHV works to improve the quality of life for all.

Information and tickets for the event are available at www.iahv.org, symposium@iahv.org, or by calling 800-454-9857 &
Cal Performances box office at 510-642-9988.