Definition: Empowerment Training

The Art of Living Foundation , is a non-profit, volunteer based organization founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Mission statement

A non-denominational, educational and humanitarian non-profit organization, The Art of Living Foundation stated mission is to uplift society by strengthening the individual through programs that create a sense of belonging, restore human values, develop life to its full potential, and encourage people from all backgrounds, religions, and cultural traditions to come together in celebration and service. According to the Foundation, it has programs in more than 140 countries around the world, and offers several courses to bring individuals knowledge and techniques to unlock their deepest potential and bring fullness to life.[3]

Organization

The Art of Living Foundation has its international headquarters in Bangalore, India at Veda Vignan Manahvidyapeeth or VVM campus (usually referred to as the Bangalore Ashram)and has regional centers in more than 140 countries.[4] The foundation was founded by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.[5]

AOLF has been a nonprofit 501(c) educational and humanitarian organization in the U.S. since 1989. Accredited as a United Nations Non-Governmental organization in 1996, it is now one of the UN's largest volunteer-based NGOs. It works in special consultative status with the UN's Economic and Social Council, participating in a variety of committees and activities relating to health, education, sustainable development, conflict resolution , and disaster relief.

The Foundation operates as a social business and its main activity is to organize Art of Living courses, yoga and meditation workshops,[8] and education and trauma relief in areas of trauma and disaster.[9]. The majority of the officers of the organization, along with most of its teachers and staff, are volunteers. All humanitarian programs, disaster relief efforts and training programs are conducted through, or in conjunction with its sister organization, the International Association for Human Values (IAHV).[10] Some of the key world-wide chapters include the Art of Living Foundation (U.S.A.), Vyakti Vikas Kendra (India), Die Kunst des Lebens (Germany), Art of Living Center (Canada), Art of Living South Africa, Art of Living Israel, Art of Living Brazil, and Art of Living Argentina. All told, there are international centres in 140 countries.[11]

Courses

Courses include:

* The Art of Living Course and Sudarshan Kriya
* The Art of Living Course Part 2
* DSN - Creating a Divine Society
* Sri Sri Yoga
* Wisdom Series
* Youth Leadership Training Program
* ART Excel (All-Round Training In Excellence) ages 8yrs-13yrs
* YES! for Teens (Youth Empowerment Seminar) ages 14yrs-18yrs
* YES Plus!(Youth Empowerment Seminar Plus!) ages 18yrs-30yrs
* The Art of Living Prison Program

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