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ABOUT OWN EMPOWERMENTThe OWN Empowerment (OWN) is dedicated to the principles of unity, empowerment and shared stewardship of the earth. Susan Carew or Peacefull/fool, the creator of OWN is a Graduate in Peace Studies (2002) from La Trobe University, Melbourne in Australia. Susan has an Economics and Marketing degree and has had extensive experience in market research. Susan has conducted research into the areas of: peace, non-violence and laughter in relation to conflict resolution, anti-bullying and world peace. Susan (Peacefull) has entertained the public as a World Peace Clown in hospitals and public spaces since 2000. The purpose of clowning is to bring laughter, healing and joy to create a sense of unity between people. Clowning also facilitates personal development in respect of learning unconditional love and self confidence. In 2002, Susan was invited by the American Clown Doctor, Dr. Patch Adams to clown in Russia with an international team of clowns. The clowns visited orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes, shopping centres and were a visible presence on the streets of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The purpose of clowning in this context was to create connection, joy and unity between people. The experience reinforced change through action. To create something you have to 'be' it or lead by example, as Gandhi stated: ‘To be the Change You Wish to See in the World ’.Susan was invited to speak at the International Conference on Peace and Reconciliation (2003), at Melbourne University and to deliver papers on:
‘How Effective is Laughter and Comedy in Creating an Atmosphere of
Positive Peace?’
‘To What Extent is Non-violence a Solution in Creating a Durable World
Peace?’
Susan is a Rotary Scholar and completed the Rotayr Peace and Conflict Studies program in Bangkok, Thailand. She travelled through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and studied conflicts. She also clowned in a 40,000 refugee camp, HIV clinic, Mental Health Hospital and presented a workshop on healing and humour to health professionals in Thailand. It was the first time this had been done and the staff were given the opportunity to clown with Susan in out patient waiting areas. It was very successful. Susan is available to teach the REALHOPE anti-bullying program to primary school children in Australia and abroad. This program is the first of its kind which teaches values, peace, nonviolence and anti-bullying utilising the powerful symbol of the clown. |
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