Awareness In Mind: Mindfulness and Compassionate Communication
This session will present the Awareness in Mind (AIM) course that introduces young people to mindfulness and compassionate communication. We intend to support the health and well-being of young people through Social-Emotional Learning interventions addressing the increasing number of mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. This session will highlight key elements and outcomes of a curriculum designed to empower middle and high-school-aged students, supporting their emotional and social intelligence. We invite teachers, school leaders, and parents to join this interactive workshop. Let's create learning experiences where young people feel heard and affirmed, practice self-control, and learn empathy for others.
About the Facilitators
Colin Parker is a dedicated NVC and meditation practitioner who has been studying and facilitating NVC learning for 9 years and practicing Vipassana meditation for 11 years. He was born in Rochester, NY and attended the University of Virginia, graduating in 2004 with a degree in Economics and Mathematics. During his subsequent 16-year career in Healthcare IT, he found himself at various times as a manager, CEO, and entrepreneur. All of these experiences left him looking for something more aligned with his values and nourishing to life. Discovering NVC and Vipassana represented a pivotal moment in his personal growth and a shift in his life purpose. His present goal is to openly share these valuable tools and support others in their learning and healing journeys.
Sunita Virani is a multi-faceted leader with over 16 years of experience in the field of Education. She also received her Masters in Education from the University of Southern California. Sunita is an ace at connecting with and retaining relationships with various ISD's. Besides the people in her organization, she is also known for her expertise in engaging with people within the broader community. She has worked with a diverse set of stakeholders to raise funds for programs that promote social awareness, offer climate change solutions, and expand opportunities for the people of 30+ countries. Sunita served as the former Assistant Program Director for Empowered Educators program for the past few months and is now the Co-Founder and CEO of Infinite Pathways.
About Our Aim Foundation
Our AIM Foundation, a US-based (501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a global reach, and a proven track record of initiatives that provide all communities with the resources, training, and infrastructure necessary to meet the basic needs of their populace.
The organization took its first step in the USA through an intergenerational initiative which grew into a national program called "GrandKids" and "Close 2 Hearts" making a huge impact by building bonds between teens and seniors. The Elder Affairs of Tallahassee Association honored it with a "Golden Choice Award" for embracing oft-forgotten elders and its team were invited as speakers to the annual Arab Congress on Children's Health. The foundation is also a twice-recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the President of the United States, and the Point of Light Award from the White House.
Our AIM Foundation is a donor-run organization and it directs 95% of donations received to the beneficiaries. It has a Platinum status on GuideStar. It provides lifesaving resources for the past 14 years to communities in the most remote, poverty villages as well as refugee camps of South Asia, Africa, and in the USA. Our AIM is empowering marginalized communities with free services through Education, Health, Water & Sanitation, Women & Youth Empowerment, Hunger Prevention, and Covid-19 Relief response.
To date, the services have benefitted over 4,000,000 + individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including 950,000+ orphanage children and 700,000+ abused and raped victims. Our AIM volunteers have built 2,000+ water and sanitation facilities, 900+ homes, etc.
It was recently awarded the "Most Empowering Remote Community Support Organization 2022 – East Africa" by Acquisition International Non-Profit Organizational Awards. Recognized for the impact the organization is making among the elderly, the vulnerable, and those who need urgent relief. It also has recently secured the prestigious Global Water Awards 2022 of the International Water Association for its great contribution to the global water sector through its leadership and innovative solutions.
Facilitators:
Colin Parker
Sunita Virani
Class Format
- Online
- Family and Education
- Live Workshop
Mayor of Tampa