International Association for Human Values
Peace is possible in our lifetime – Re-awakening of Human Values is the key
IAHV offers researched and evidence-based programs to solve root causes of society’s most serious problems – allowing Human Values to flourish again worldwide.
Our Mission
IAHV offers programs to reduce stress and develop leaders so that human values can flourish in people and communities. We foster the daily practice of human values – a sense of connectedness and respect for all people and the natural environment, an attitude of non-violence, and an ethic of social service. Our programs enhance clarity of mind, shift attitudes and behaviors, and develop leaders and communities that are resilient, responsible, and inspired.
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Our Founder
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an international humanitarian leader who is the global rallying voice of this generation’s collective call for peace.
Named one of the “Seven Most Powerful People in India,” by Forbes, his world-renowned meditation techniques helped end the 60 year conflict in Colombia. He has been credited in bringing opposing parties together to facilitate meditation and peace talks in Iraq, Cote d’Ivoire and India.
Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values, Sri Sri is leading the way toward peace and tolerance through meditation and humanitarian efforts. Over 35 years, his programs and initiatives have touched the lives of over 370 million people in over 150 countries.
“Sudarshan Kriya,” the meditation technique introduced by Sri Sri is backed by research and implemented in schools, corporations, prisons, refugee camps and retreat centers around the world. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri rekindled traditions of yoga and meditation that have helped millions of people achieve personal and social transformation by relieving stress and discovering inner peace in daily life.
Sri Sri’s mission is to show the world that through achieving inner peace, we will be able to see our human interconnectedness and become a One World Family.
Board of Directors
Abhimanyu Sud (MD CCFP) is an Assistant Professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. His work focuses on the development and evaluation of policies for complex health problems such as the opioid crisis.
He has volunteered for IAHV for many years including in the areas of sustainable development and physician wellness. He is proud to be serving a President to support all the wonderful work of the organization in Canada and internationally.
Spencer brings 13 years of international management and facilitation experience, and has lead self mastery, emotional intelligence, team connectedness workshops and coaching for hundreds of leaders and teams including the Government of Canada, and Iraq, the European Parliament, Google, Intuit, GE, TD, FSRA, Ford, FIFA, WTA, London Police Association, United States Armed Forces and Canadian Armed Forces. Formerly involved in academic research at Mount Allison, and McGill University in the fields of oncology and cardiology respectively, he has also worked on the corporate side of science in marketing with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and is a certified Executive Coach. He has been the lead instructor on multiple research studies examining the effects of Meditation and Breathing Techniques in partnership with The Schulich School of Medicine at UWO, and currently sits on the PTSD Advisory Committee at Mount Sinai Hospital in partnership with the University of Toronto, and Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.
Darcy Sheffield is Chief Operations Officer for a unique soil recycling facility which he helped design and operationalize within a twelve month period. He has an Engineering degree and an MBA and is adept at developing long term strategies with the ability to implement and see them realized.
Experiencing the results from several of IAHV’s programs, he knew this was something he wanted others to have the opportunity to experience too, and has volunteered in supporting the non profit.
For relaxation, he enjoys spending time with his sons and in the outdoors , plus though often not so relaxing, he loves watching his favourite sports team – the All Blacks.
Shreya was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. She lived a privileged life in sharp contrast to what was happening in the country around her. She never took her privilege for granted and every weekend was spent in some service activities to serve the less fortunate.
She was blessed to have a father who taught her about service before self and this one powerful teaching shaped her life. She went to England for University and graduated with a Degree in Baking and Finance. She dove into the world of Finance and Investment Banking for 7 years.
Investment Banking proved to be a very unfulfilling career for her and she switched gears and became a Yoga and meditation teacher with the Art of Living Foundation. She now teaches Full-time with the foundation and primarily travels and teaches around the Prairies. Her main interest lies in teaching Youth Programs, First Nation’s communities and Prison Programs.
We Believe
- All human beings are equal.
- Responsibility and an attitude of selfless service are the foundation of true empowerment.
- Peace, happiness and compassion are the intrinsic nature of human beings.
- Socio-economic development must be built on human values to be sustainable.
- Incorporation of human values into all aspects of life will ultimately lead to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.
Background
IAHV is an international volunteer-based NGO in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. IAHV Canada is a not for profit charity registered with the CRA, holding the charity number 871270757 RR 0001. Your contributions are fully tax-deductible in Canada and IAHV Canada can provide you with a donation receipt upon request. IAHV Canada uses 5% of your donation for administrative costs and 95% is used for the cause however during the COVID Relief Campaign for India 100% of your contributions will be utilized for the COVID relief work.
- Raising awareness of the key role of Human Values in achieving a global society of peace, justice and well-being for all. We do this through Conferences, Symposia, Workshops, Advocacy for timeless wisdom.
- Re-awakening of Human Values in the individual, communities, among countries – through natural evidence-based programs, practical tools and techniques
- Inspiring people to live and express Human Values in daily life – through voluntary service to society/community.
IAHV contributes to the 17 SDGs of the UN, to programs of governments and communities; IAHV has developed own programs and projects for special regions or communities – wherever help and change is needed.
