Newsletters
July 2008
Raffi Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Summer is here - a time to enjoy the good weather and all the outdoor activities our good Earth provides.
Raffi turns 60 this month. He is making time for much fun amidst his new writings for a book based on the Covenant, as well as songs for a new cd.
Raffi Meets Muhammad Yunus at UBC
In March Raffi attended a special Honourary Degree Ceremony at the University of British Columbia for Nobel Laureate, Muhammad Yunus
Well known as the founder of The Grameen Bank and the pioneer of microcredit, Professor Yunus participated in a panel discussion on Corporate Social Responsibility, moderated by UBC's President, Stephen Toope.
Raffi was inspired by Professor Yunus' evening talk at UBC's Chan Centre, where he outlined practical ways to create a world without poverty.
Raffi Travels to Europe and The Middle East
In April, 2008, Raffi met personally with two important global figures: Ervin Laszlo, founder of the Club of Budapest, and HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan. On the same trip, Raffi met with a number of UNICEF and UNESCO representatives, senior United Nations officials, educators, development workers and young people from many countries.
Ervin Laszlo is recognized as a leading systems theorist and is the author and editor of dozens of books, including the recent Science and the Akashic Field. During their visit, Dr. Laszlo officially welcomed Raffi as an Honourary Member of the influential Club of Budapest, dedicated to advancing planetary consciousness. He invited Raffi to contribute a chapter for a forthcoming anthology, as well as an essay on Child Honouring for the Journal of General Evolution.
At the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan, Raffi met with HRH Prince El Hassan and gained his support for a Children & Nonviolence Campaign urging religious leaders to call for a ban on physical punishment. Raffi also attended the U of Calgary Honourary Degree ceremony for His Royal Highness at the Canadian Embassy.
HRH Prince El Hassan is chair of the Global Marshall Plan Initiative (GMPI) aiming at moving the global economy towards balance between economy, environment, society and culture.
Raffi in Japan
On May 24-26, 2008, Raffi was invited to the Third Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) in Hiroshima, Japan. The Forum brought together leaders from the major religions of the world, along with UNICEF and UNESCO representatives, senior United Nations officials, educators, development workers and young people from many countries.
During the opening evening ceremonies, Raffi delighted the audience with a spirited performance of his songs "It Takes a Village" and "Turn This World Around". Forum youth spontaneously joined him on stage, as did 91 year-old Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto (head of the Arigatou Foundation), much to everyone's surprise.
Raffi participated in a number of conference events, including a march to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. At the closing reception, Raffi's songs included "One Light One Sun" and "Salaam Shalom," which sparked a circle dance throughout the hall.
Raffi Meets Lieutenant Governor of BC
In June at Government House in Victoria, His Honour Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of BC, received Raffi for a talk on Child Honouring. Their conversation touched on many points of mutual interest regarding children and youth.
Annie and Raffi
Ann Leonard, writer/host of the hugely successful film, The Story of Stuff, in Vancouver on a recent speaking engagement, had a number of meetings with Raffi. Annie is now the newest member of the Child Honouring Advisory Council.
Raffi For Toxic Free Canada
On April 22, Raffi celebrated Earth Day by speaking at the launch of Toxic Free Canada at the invitation of Executive Director, Mae Burrows (pictured to Raffi's left)
Notable Books
If Many People Share The Same Dream, a downloadable pdf brochure from GMPI
Creating A World Without Poverty by Muhammad Yunus
To Be A Muslim: Islam, Peace, and Democracy by Prince El Hassan bin Talal in collaboration with Alain Elkann