The GAIN Newsletter: 2021 Wrap-up & 2022 Plans
Dear Friends and Alumni,
It’s our shared humanity that gives us hope for the future and inspires our work. Here are some of our favorite highlights:
2021
Despite the countless challenges posed by the pandemic, the virtual platform allowed us to reach out and give space to people from communities which otherwise would not have been possible. While the virtual courses like “Transforming Historical Harms” and “How to Navigate Difficult Conversations” encouraged critical discussions, we also translated our discussions into campaigns like “Afghan Voices” and “Every Immigrant Has A Story” that allowed individuals affected by the Taliban takeover or those facing immigration challenges to share their unscripted emotions. In August this year, CSP celebrated 30 years through an online alumni and faculty reunion around the world. Eight Global Alumni Ambassadors were appointed to facilitate local networks and regional gatherings in Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, Middle East, North America, South and Central America. On the International Day of Peace, with our anthem “Be Peace”, we launched a hopeful appeal to the people of the world to extend their solidarity and unite for all those whose voices are silenced.
Watch the glimpse, here:
As you reflect on 2021, we share this beautiful poem “A Tear and A Smile” by Khalil Gibran recited by Dr. David Anderson Hooker as it brings us all a spiritual comfort and a beacon of hope.
2022
To welcome 2022 with empathy and peace, we have composed a meditation music piece inspired by the Indian raga Jhinjhoti.
We deeply value how the quiet has helped us during time of reflection. May your year be filled with the blessing of music. We encourage you to use this musical piece during your reflections and also share it with people who might benefit from it.
We have exciting things in the pipeline for 2022. A number of online courses and webinars, masterclasses, alumni gatherings, GAIN roundtable conversations, alumni spotlight short films, podcasts, and Caux Scholars Program in Caux, Switzerland and Asia Plateau! We hope we can do more in-person events.
Currently, we are in the process of redesigning our website with a fresh approach facilitating easy access of more resources such as exclusive playback of our online courses and masterclasses for our alumni community. We invite you all to visit the website when it is ready in the coming few weeks.
As we close out 2021, we wish you meaningful connections with the people in your lives and with those less fortunate whose lives you may touch. Happy 2022!