[Listeeworld] Common Bond Institute in 2010

[Solweean@aol.com]

COMMON BOND INSTITUTE
12170 S. Pine Ayr Drive, Climax, MI 49034 USA  
Ph/Fax: (269) 665-9393   
SOlweean@aol.com   www.cbiworld.org

November 30, 2009

Dear Friends,

I am writing to ask you to consider directing your 2009 tax deductible contributions to our vitally needed efforts at healing toxic divisions and polarization both in the US and societies around the world, and the trauma of war that fuels violence in many regions. 

CBI and the International Humanistic Psychology Association (IHPA)* are volunteer organizations that for each of the past nearly 20 years have significantly expanded our work even in the face of increasingly dire financial challenges. Regardless of the challenges, our commitment to continuing this healing work has never been questioned. In contrast to the great extent and impact of our efforts, our operations are always incredibly frugal and low budget. In fact, due to the sheer amount of tasks we take on and accomplish each year we are commonly assumed to be much larger organizations with paid staff and secure budgets. This has been both a compliment and a burden in appealing for needed funding support. 

Although our efforts have a long, consistent history of being successful in making a true difference in the world, the current economic crisis is threatening our ability to continue. Traditionally we have relied on conferences fees (based on ability to pay), donations, and our own personal funds to cover whatever it takes to pay the costs of doing this important work. This year we realize we need to be more direct in reaching out to those of you who know us and our history, and who value the need for our work continuing, to appeal for your help in keeping it afloat through these troubled economic times. 

* IHPA is a Federal non-profit organization (501c3) qualified to receive tax deductible contributions. Every dollar you contribute through IHPA is tax deductible. Checks can be made out to: International Humanistic Psychology Association and sent to the above address. Or donations by credit card and bank withdrawal can conveniently be made directly through PayPal at: www.ihpaworld.org

For many years we have organized and operated vital humanitarian programs impacting thousands of individuals and communities around the world, including those in regions of turmoil and war - programs that continue to make a tangible difference in their daily lives and the collective futures of ourselves, our children, and grandchildren. I invite you to visit our website for full details. Among the longest term and most successful are:  

 > Organizing over 30 international conferences on conflict transformation and healing in the US and other countries, to bring parties in conflict together for dialogue, provide skills training, and expand public dialogue and awareness of critical issues. The latest was the 4th International Conference on Engaging The Other, gathering key representatives from across the social-political spectrum for 4 days to genuinely engage in authentic, respectful dialogue bridging the divide that threatens the unity and health of our society. The outcome of this latest leap of faith has already been truly phenomenal and precedence setting, with many transformative experiences leading to immediate joint action plans and commitments to collaborate.

 > Operating humanitarian training programs assisting hundreds of local relief workers and counselors by teaching trauma recovery skills to increase local capacity to treat thousands of victims of war and violence within their communities. Trainings are provided free and trainees are sponsored to participate.

 > Assisting participants of our conferences and trainings in forming important collaborations and service organizations, often between previously opposing parties. Creating and sustaining an expanding global network of cooperation in building local capacity to meet community needs is a vital part of our service.

Many of you regularly make contributions to good causes as part of your annual tithing and tax planning. I ask you to consider directing this year's contributions to support our humanitarian efforts. 

Thank you for any help you can offer, and for contributing the positive energy of your funds to continuing this vital work in the world. I want to wish you all a season of good health, happiness, and peace. 

Sincerely,
Steve 

 * (A signed copy of this letter as an attached file is available on request) 
_________________________________________

Steve Olweean
Director
Common Bond Institute
President
International Humanistic Psychology Association
12170  S. Pine Ayr Drive, Climax, Michigan  49034  USA
Ph/Fax: 269-665-9393   E-mail: SOlweean@aol.com
Web site: www.cbiworld.org