Do you research, educate, practice, or serve in one of the IBAVI priority areas? Would you like to connect with other colleagues and professionals around the world who share these interests? Are you currently a student who is studying issues of relevance to the IBAVI? With membership, you are able to join one (or more) of the IBAVI special interest groups and deepen the dialogue:

• conflict resolution
• human and minority rights
• sustainability
• equal treatment and access
• global education
• religious and cultural understanding
• for students

The International Beliefs and Values Institute is pleased to announce the release of a dynamic new journal from Springer Publishing in New York. Sponsored by the IBAVI, Beliefs and Values: Understanding the Global Implications of Human Nature brings together scholars, educators, practitioners, students, policy makers, and other leaders to consider what beliefs and values are, where they come from, and how they are linked to actions, policies, and practices around the world.  An international and interdisciplinary journal, Beliefs and Values bridges scholarship and application, showcases exemplary people, projects, and programs, and facilitates a greater understanding of self, others, and the world at large.  Through engaging articles and innovative features, Beliefs and Values helps us better understand the global implications of human nature and more effectively address the most pressing issues of our day (see www.springerpub.com/bv). IBAVI individual, institutional and/or organizational members receive Beliefs and Values at a significantly discounted rate.

The IBAVI’s e-newsletter, THE LINK, is published twice a year. THE LINK features IBAVI news and projects, upcoming Beliefs and Values articles, and membership information. In addition, THE LINK periodically highlights members and their institutions and projects.

In development since the early 1990s, the Beliefs, Events, and Values Inventory (BEVI) is an innovative, web-based, and state-of-the-art measure that assesses a number of different processes and constructs, including but not limited to: 

• Basic openness
• Receptivity to different cultures, religions, and social practices
• The tendency to (or not to) stereotype in particular ways
• Self- and emotional awareness
• Preferred strategies for making sense of why “other” people and cultures “do what they do”

The BEVI has a number of practical, educational, and scholarly applications. For example, at an individual level, the BEVI helps people understand better what they believe and value about themselves, others, and the world at large, and how such beliefs and values may – or may not – be conducive to learning, personal growth, relationships, and the pursuit of life goals. Group and organizational leaders can use the BEVI in a number of ways, by helping individuals understand the diverse worldviews of the people with whom they live, learn, or work, promoting dialogue about why we believe what we believe, and facilitating healthier group processes. Institutions such as colleges and universities may use the BEVI to examine “big picture” issues of how, when, for whom, and under what circumstances learning occurs (e.g., study abroad), to evaluate specific programs or learning outcomes over time, or to comply with assessment or accreditation requirements. 

To learn more about the BEVI, please see www.thebevi.com. IBAVI individual, institutional, and/or organizational members receive significantly reduced rates on BEVI Certifications Workshops, reports, and analyses.

Each year the IBAVI organizes a Members’ Meeting to facilitate a more intimate dialogue on IBAVI projects and priorities. At these events, members can network, highlight their own institutions, research, and other projects, and engage in education and training experiences.

The IBAVI sponsors of conferences and workshops with a discounted registration fee for members. Current topics under consideration include the six IBAVI areas of focus as well as leadership development. Conferences will also be organized around current IBAVI projects, including understanding the global implications of human nature, the power of art to overcome cultural differences, taking the local food movement global, and measuring the impact of international learning. Please watch the website for further developments, and send your suggestions to ibavi@ibavi.org.

Deepen your connection to the IBAVI and other members by completing the IBAVI Expertise Profile. By listing your skills, experiences, and areas of interest, you can connect with other members, share your expertise, and join IBAVI projects. Upon joining, you automatically complete the IBAVI Expertise Profile, which gives you access to loal and global colleagues who share your interests.

The IBAVI organizes domestic and international study tours for professionals and their families. Each tour focuses on one or more of the IBAVI priority themes, exploring belief systems, cultural practices, and economic and political structures in each location. Participants engage in service and leadership development activities as well as enjoy local music, arts, and cuisine. Please contact ibavi@ibavi.org for more information.

Each year, the IBAVI recognizes a distinguished individual who exemplifies the transformative aspirations that are at the heart of the IBAVI’s mission, rationale, and goals. Through their lives and work across one or more of the IBAVI’s six areas of emphasis – conflict resolution, human and minority rights, sustainability, equal treatment and access, global education, and religious and cultural understanding – these extraordinary individuals embody “Sustainable Visions and Values.”

Past recipients of the SVV Award are as follows:

• 2006 - 2007: Usha Nayar, Ph.D.
  www.usnayar.com
• 2007 - 2008: A. T. Ariyaratne, D.Litt., D.H.
  www.sarvodaya.org/about/our-founder
• 2008 - 2009: Akwasi Aidoo, Ph.D.
  www.community-fdn.ca/conference2008/program/profile_aaidoo.cfm
• 2009 – 2010: Claudia Bernardi, M.F.A.
  wallsofhope.org/arts-educators/

Members are eligible to nominate possible recipients of the SVV award, by sending 1) a description of the nominee, highlighting his or her work in one or more of IBAVI’s six areas of emphasis, 2) a copy of the curriculum vita (if available), and 3) at least two nomination letters to ibavi@ibavi.org no later than March 1 of each year.

In addition to significant discounts on Beliefs and Values, the IBAVI-sponsored journal, IBAVI members receive a 25% discount on Springer Publishing materials, a highly respected, 60-year-old publishing company located in New York. Please see www.springerpub.com for a complete list of available publications and materials.

The IBAVI Speakers Bureau is an international network of scholars, practitioners, advocates, educators, policy makers, government officials, students, and other professionals who are interested in making a difference in the world through engagement in the six IBAVI thematic priorities: conflict resolution, human and minority rights, sustainability, equal treatment and access, global education, and religious and cultural understanding. The Bureau can provide topics and speakers for your event. Please contact ibavi@ibavi.org for more information on the IBAVI Speakers Bureau.

The IBAVI engages in a wide range of research, educational, and service projects working with individuals, groups, institutions, and organizations around the world. Members receive regular updates regarding our activities as well as opportunities to participate in, or initiate new projects. Please see the Featured Projects section of this website or contact ibavi@ibavi.org.

The IBAVI supports fellowships for students and colleagues working on IBAVI projects. For more information, please contact ibavi@ibavi.org.