A PROGRAM FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE FAMILY

THE FAMILY
The family is the world in microcosm, the arena for individual and social development, and the workshop of civilization. Family, society, and civilization are closely interrelated, and the welfare and development of each is dependent upon the other two in this triangle of life and growth. The relationship between the family and society is organic in nature, and has a direct impact on the welfare and progress of civilization. In fact, no civilization is possible without sound, healthy families, functioning within the framework of a progressive society. The importance of both the family and society lies in several unique aspects of the human species:  prolonged childhood dependency, multidimensional socialization, and the consciousness of self and others. These significant human characteristics form the biological, emotional, and social foundations for both the family and society and for their continued interdependent development in all civilizations.

THE FAMILY TODAY
The institution of the family is facing major crises today: one concerns the place of women and girls and their unjust and unequal treatment by boys and men. Such abusive practices are based on unfounded theories and assumptions and in many parts of the world continue to be justified as expressions of cultural norms and religious beliefs. Another important issue has to do with the role of the family in raising the next generation. As societies become more prosperous, with increasing numbers of women joining the work force and many fathers abandoning their parental responsibilities, many children are being reared by one parent or by individuals other than their parents, often in institutions outside the home. This is of grave concern, as the quality of parenting that these children receive is definitely inferior to what the children might receive from loving and adequately parents in a stable home environment. Yet another area of concern is the fact that in some parts of the world, much violence and prejudice is committed against individuals outside the family, often justified in the name of family solidarity and “blood” ties. These and many other concerns raise legitimate questions about the family and its role in the contemporary society.

PURPOSE of EFP-FAMILY
To create a learning occasion for members of families about the nature and dynamics of the healthy development of the institutions of marriage and the family; how to create unified and harmonious relationships; how to move from a power-orientation to a love-orientation; how to create unity-based families; how to practice gender equality in marriage and family; how to prevent excessive conflict and violence in family relationships; how to deal with everyday conflicts effectively and peacefully when they occur; how to make the family an abode of peace; and how to raise our children to become peaceful and peace-creating individuals.

PROGRAMS
Part One:     Creating Healthy Marriages
What is Marriage?
Love in Marriage
Power in Marriage
Types of Marriage
Stages of Marriage
Equality in Marriage
Unity-Based Marriage
Dealing with Crises in Marriage
Happiness and Marriage
Issues of Morality and Spirituality and their Relevance to Marriage
Other Issues as they Emerge

Part Two:     Creating Healthy Families
What is Family?
Worldview and the Family
Unity and the Family
Types of Family
The Human Power to Know, Love, and Will
Human Needs and Rights in the Family
Unity-Based Family Relationships
Unity-Based Decision-Making in the Family
Dealing with Crises in the Family
Issues of Morality and Spirituality and Their Relevance to the Family
Other Issues as they Emerge

Part Three:    Healthy Parenting
Dynamics of Healthy Psycho-Social-Spiritual Development
Parenting and Love
Parenting and Self-Knowledge
Parenting, Autonomy and Discipline
Parenting, Compassion, and Justice
Parenting and Identity Formation
Educating for Meeting Life Challenges
Educating for Peace (Inner, Interpersonal, Intergroup)
Other Issues as they Emerge

MODES OF DELIVERY
Day-long Workshops (One full day for each of the three modules)
Weekly Seminars (four 3-hour sessions, once a week for four weeks for each of the three modules)
Customized Workshops/Seminars (arranged in consultation with the client)

COSTS
Day-long Workshops: $100
Week-end Seminars: $150
Weekly Seminars: $250
Customized Workshops/Seminars (arranged in consultation with the client)

CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. H. Danesh                        Tel: +1-604-639-7910
EFP-International (Canada)                Fax: +1-604-733-9424
101-1001 W. Broadway, Suite 900            E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Vancouver, B.C., V6H 4E4                Website : www.efpinternational.org