Institute of Advanced Studies
Power With...Ideas for peace, love and respect in a violent world
Ongoing wars, violence on the streets, in homes, in schools; increasing anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug abuse; racist attacks, gang rapes and murders of innocents. In materially wealthy societies one would think that levels of happiness would be such that these ills should be diminishing rather than increasing.
So what is wrong and what’s to be done about it? What changes need to occur locally, nationally and worldwide?
The 2009 Day of Ideas focused on:
- The idea that Power With rather than Power Over is the essence of more equal relationships of all kinds.
- Related areas where major shifts in thinking and behaving can occur to reduce the societal ills cited above.
The keynote speaker shared her experience of working with children using a person to person approach based on respect and love, an approach that may ultimately make a world of difference.Other speakers addressed aspects of the above from their own experience and convictions, suggesting how shifts in thinking and behaviour might occur within individuals and societies. Shifts which would effect substantial and lasting change, reduce societal ills and increase happiness.
Speakers included:
- Amy Berson, Oxfam WA
- Adele Carles MP Fremantle
- Felicity Hill, Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom
- Dr David Mountain, AMA spokesperson on Emergency Medicine
- Gary Williams, Pathways WA
- Bernadette Wright, psychologist ABC1 Kids Business