College of Psychology and Humanistic Studies

Saybook's Donna Nassor appointed as a New York representative of the International Peace Research Association (IPRA)

Psychology/Social Transformation PhD student Donna Nassor has been appointed as a New York representative of the International Peace Research Association (IPRA), a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) since the 1980s. In her new position, Donna will be responsible for attending meetings and committee functions, offering advice as a civil society representative in direct contact with UN representatives.

NGOs may apply to be in consultative status with ECOSOC, with its rights and responsibilities varying depending on whether they are classified as general, specific expertise, or roster. Some years ago, due to the efforts of peace scholar Elise Boulding, IPRA was granted consultative status as a roster organization. ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system. As a roster organization, IPRA is granted passes for two organizational heads, for one main representative and four additional ones at New York headquarters and the Vienna and Geneva offices. These representatives bring IPRA's voice to the UN by providing input on the final documents of the ECOSOC commissions through participation in the NGO caucuses that are formed during their conferences and in so doing introduce a discourse that is an alternative to the dominant one on various issues. They can also take part in activities organized by the Conference on NGOs in consultative status with the UN (CONGO), a network of organizations which work together to bring NGO expertise into the discussions of governments in UN fora.

Since 1964 IPRA has been pursuing interdisciplinary research into the most pressing issues related to sustainable peace around the world today. As a network of scholars, practitioners and decision-makers from all continents, they strive to stay at the cutting edge of the state of the art of peace. By linking its regional associations throughout the world, IPRA is about building communities of inquiry. Donna will bring Saybrook's committment to scholarly humanistic research and transformative social change to her consulting work with IPRA and ECOSOC.

Saybrook doctoral student Donna Nassor presents at APA symposium on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Portions of Donna's paper were presented at APA Division 48 Invited Symposium: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Potential Psychological Contributions to Resolution, Reconciliation, and Peace Building (August 2011, Washington DC). The full paper online can be found at Facilitate Global.

Models of Restorative Justice for Peace-Building and Transformative Societal Change In Palestine-Israel 

I come in peace with the intention of enhancing relationships, engaging in dialogue, creating alliances, building bridges and actively being a more effective agent of social change.  None of that can be done by avoiding the truth.  We can only move toward peace with justice if we collectively are willing to do what needs to be done.  I am a third generation Lebanese/Syrian American, raised as an Orthodox Christian.  Until I was 16, I thought that all Arabs were either Syrian or Lebanese and that all were Orthodox Christians.  I have a strong background in the world of business.  At the age of 36, I graduated from law school and practiced law for many years, mostly representing adults and juveniles accused of crimes as a public defender and as private counsel.  I became a lawyer because I thought I would acquire the tools to be a more effective agent of social change.  I was wrong.  Thankfully, I am now retired from the practice of law. I eventually had to admit I was almost powerless over the very broken criminal (justice) system in which I found myself working.

After helping to move mass quantities of human beings through the criminal system, in a small rural county in Pennsylvania, utilizing the punitive model, I discovered the concept of “restorative justice” (RJ)--    an effective and holistic alternative to the punitive system being used by people around world.

My experiences told me clearly that punishment was not effective in adjusting the behavior of the same people who kept coming through the justice system.  The indigenous practices of community, healing, and reconciliation had the potential to be transformative.  RJ recognizes that harm to an individual also has other layers and dimensions.  Not only is the individual affected by the harm, the community, the families of the victim and offender and the offender are also affected.

Videos of Peace Movements Worldwide event now online!

On October 30th, AHIMSA and The Metta Center for Nonviolence Education presented a free public forum, entitled: Taking stock of peace: Inspiration from Peace Movements Worldwide.

This special event launched the recent publication of Peace Movements Worldwide, a three-volume anthology with chapters covering insights and action from every continent with accounts of courageous and creative actions, ranging from the personal to the global.

Saybrook professor Marc Pilisuk co-edited the volume and speakers included members of the Saybrook community: Donald Rothberg, Melissa Anderson-Hinn, Angel Ryono, Gianina Pellegrini, and moderator Bob Flax.

The event was recorded by Wolfgang Saumweber and made available free online, in 5 parts.

 

 

 

Watch PsyD student Martha White's presentation to the Hawaii state legislature

Saybrook PsyD student Martha White's recent presentation to Hawaii state officials, including the Lt. Governor, has been posted to video.  It can be seen here.

White gave the presentation, on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), as part of Hawaii's programs for International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Awareness Day.

It's a subject White has been passionate about since adopting a child from Eastern Europe who suffers from FASD.  Her experience tending to her adopted daughter led her to eventually become a mental health counselor and advocate for children with related syndromes.  She has a private counseling and consulting practice, specializing in preschool mental health, challenging behaviors, and adult recovery from childhood trauma.