The Institute is in the process of developing partnerships with the private sector to find innovative, grassroots solutions to complex social challenges. Ideal partners are those companies who recognize that investing in human development is vital for continued economic development. The Institute’s unique brand of social entrepreneurialism and independence has allowed it to take risks, to venture beyond accepted conceptions and models, to create new approaches to social development and cultural transformation and to bring people together to create with all of our diversity and difference.

Who We Are

The East Side Institute is an international training and research center recognized for its cutting edge approach to human development. The Institute was founded in 1985 in New York City by a small group of professionals and academics who believed that new methods for human development required an independent location from which to build community.

Today, the Institute and the network of organizations, institutions and individuals it works with in the US and abroad directly serve over 500,000 people annually. The Institute reaches thousands more each year through workshops, seminars, conferences, trainings, print and other media materials, and the Internet.

Our Philosophy

We have made a radically innovative discovery: in order for human beings to grow, they must be supported to perform. Performing — being other than “who we are” — is how we grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually. And if growth — whether individual, organizational or societal — is to be transformative, it must come from the bottom up. People must create it together. The Institute offers creative and effective alternatives to helping, healing, teaching and building community.

Core Programs and Needs

Performing the World

Bi-annual conference – www.performingtheworld.org

Bi-annual international conference that attracts 350-400 professionals and social entrepreneurs from over 25 countries. The next conference will be held in October 2007 in Tarrytown, NY. In 2005, we provided full or partial support to 50 innovative practitioners and scholars, most of whom were from Asia, Africa and South America. For 2007, 100 scholarships will cost $120,000.

Follow link for more information about Performing the World 4 (Word Doc) and sponsorship benefits (Word Doc).

The International Class

A 10-month NYC residency and distance-learning training program  

Training program for helping professionals, educators and community developers throughout the US and internationally who want to learn the Institute’s performance-based approach to human development and learning. Now in its third year, the program has trained 30 colleagues from 10 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Kenya, Nicaragua, Serbia, South Africa and Taiwan. For 2007-08, 10 full scholarships (including travel) for three residencies in New York City will cost $57,000.

Developing Teachers Fellowship Program

A one-year training program for NYC public school teachers

Training program for NYC public school teachers in the Institute’s method for creating more creative, collaborative and effective learning environments. The program began in 2006 with teachers from 11 public schools, who each received a $2,500 stipend upon completion of the program. For 2007-2008, stipend costs for teachers in 20 schools will cost $50,000.

The Centre for Youth and Community Development in South Africa

A training program for young people and adults dealing with HIV/AIDS

Annually supports hundreds of young people, educators and health workers in South Africa to practice a more positive approach to HIV/AIDS. For 2007, providing trainings in South Africa and in New York for 10 youth and 5 adults will cost $15,000, including travel and stipends.

Staff

Dr. Lois Holzman, the Institute’s director, is known for her pioneering work in exploring the human capacity to perform and its fundamentality in learning and development. Dr. Holzman, who received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University, is the author of numerous books and is an international workshop leader, trainer and speaker. With a staff made up of a full-time Programs Coordinator and a part-time Director of Special Events, the Institute relies on hundreds of volunteers who believe in our mission.

Financials

The Institute carries out its programs with no government funding. The current annual budget is $500,000, roughly half of which is earned through educational and training activities; the balance comes predominantly from hundreds of private donors.

Board of Directors and Institute Associates

The 5-member board includes representatives from the medical, social service and non-profit sectors. The Institute has also established a group of Associates with whom we work collaboratively. These thirty educators, youth and community developers and health and mental health professionals are located in several US cities and in cities and towns in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Denmark, South Africa, Argentina, Kenya and Taiwan.

Contact:    Mary Fridley, Director of Development

East Side Institute for Group and Short Term Psychotherapy

212.941.8906

212 941.0511 (fax)

mfridley@eastsideinstitute.org