4th Annual International Conference on "ENGAGING THE OTHER:" The Power of Compassion

November 12-15, 2009

San Francisco (San Mateo), California, USA
San Mateo Marriott Hotel ~ San Mateo, California

Keynotes by: Huston Smith, Michael Lerner, Michael Ostrolenk

At a time when polarization is the culprit,
a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary conference examining concepts of "The OTHER" from a universal, cross-cultural perspective to promote wider public dialogue about images of "Us and Them"

Co-Sponsored by: 
Common Bond Institute,
Meridian University, Transpartisan Alliance,
National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation, 
and International Humanistic Psychology Association
Supported by:
Public Conversations Project
Endorsed by:
an international list of over 100 organizations and universities

~ REGISTRATION IS OPEN TO ALL ~
Continuing Education Credits (CECs) available
FULL DETAILS at:
http://www.cbiworld.org/Pages/Conferences_ETO.htm

REGISTER NOW: * See Fee Schedule for Fee Options and Discounts at:
http://www.cbiworld.org/Pages/Conferences_ETO_Fees.htm

WE INVITE YOU TO:
an extraordinary conference to address the roots of fear-based belief systems, negative stereotypes, prejudice, polarization, enemy images, scapegoating, and artificial barriers of misunderstanding and distrust that divide us.
JOIN
over 75 presenters and visionaries - including conservatives and liberals from across the social-political spectrum, and hundreds of concerned individuals, to take part in 4 days of authentic dialogue bridging the divide and cultivating our capacity for appreciation of diversity, reconciliation, and genuine, respectful engagement.

"An important, timely dialogue ...everyone needs to be part of."

PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE IS TO:
  > Raise the level, depth, and breadth of public dialogue and awareness on core issues. The conference examines dimensions and dynamics of "The OTHER" on individual and group levels, and considers how enemy identity is formed, perpetuated, and manipulated.
  > Identify and compile fundamental questions, dilemmas, and implications for further deep inquiry and examination in an expanding public dialogue, and to challenge embedded negative belief systems that promote adversarial perceptions of the "The Other."
  > Tap our shared wisdom and compassion as a community - from the local to the global - in developing practical applications to address divisiveness and polarization and to promote a shared consciousness of peace.
  > Create Networking Opportunities for collaboration
  > Formulate findings and products to make available to all.

FORMAT AND CONTENT:
A 4 DAY program of - 3 Keynote Speakers, - 3 Topical Plenary Panels - 25 Concurrent Break-out Sessions of Workshops and interactive Panels, - Daily Facilitated Dialogue Groups to engage concepts and explore practical applications, - Interactive All-conference Experiences, - Resource and Networking Hub, - Morning Yoga Sessions, - Tibetan Buddhist Sand Mandala Ritual, - Evening Performances, Cultural programs, and Community activities, - Rich Networking and Action Planning - Intentional Multi-cultural Community

View Full Program at: http://www.cbiworld.org/Pages/Conferences_ETO_ProgSessions09.htm

AN OUTSTANDING GATHERING OF MORE THAN 75 PRESENTERS AND FACILITATORS:
Huston Smith, Michael Ostrolenk, Michael Lerner, Maggie Herzig, Fred Luskin, Maha ElGenaidi, Joseph McCormick, Corinne McLaughlin, Joan Blades, Amanda Hydro, Max Pappas, Susan Partnow, Aftab Omer, Geshe Gendun Gyatso, Tashi Wangdu, David Hartsough, Sal Nunez, Mahvash Hassan, Michael Wolfe, Kathy Geller, Kirk Schneider, James Hernandez, Stanley Krippner, Sharif Abdullah, Benina Gould, Skip Robinson, Ilene Serlin, Steve Olweean, Sandy Heierbacher, Philip Hellmich, Robert Fersh, Len Traubman, Libby Traubman, Osprey Orielle Lake, Danny Shandor, Meganwind Eoyang, Daniel Tutt, Sarah Talcott, Linda Blong, Cate Creede, Jan Elliot, Kathy Armijo Etre, Tamyra Freeman, Lourdes Morales, Jeff Leinaweaver, John Glaser, Carol Glaser, Alvaro Cedeno, Huda Abu Arqoub, Aaron Hahn, Dave Belden, Kenn Burrows, Steve Bhaerman, Harry Cornbleet, Marti Roach, Andrew Greene Jr, Sahar Driver, Mutomba M'Panya, Zara Zimbardo, Devi Gursahaney, Chip Baggett, Hina Pendle, Lisa Montana, Gabbriella Yates, Pam Kramer, Roger Marsh, Lynn Feinerman, Edwin Rutsch, Spring Chen, Shannon Wheeler, Larry Mens, Tash Terry, Elena Higgins, Vijali Hamilton, Kalsang Lhundup, Jampa Tenzin, Ngawang Tseten

LOCATION: San Mateo Marriott Hotel,
1770 South Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, California 94402
(10 minutes from San Francisco Airport)

FOR FULL DETAILS on Program, Proposals, Registration, Fees, Hotel, Displays, and Ads CONTACT:

Common Bond Institute
Details at Website: www.cbiworld.org
Steve Olweean, Director, Conference Coordinator
12170 S. Pine Ayr Drive, Climax, MI 49034 USA  
Ph/Fax: 269-665-9393    
Email: SOlweean@aol.com

General Conference Fee: $350 (see website for more fee options and discounts) Special discounted hotel rate for ETO Conference participants.