AVSI-USA will participate in a unique event taking place in the heart of Manhattan, New York City from January 13-15, 2012. It is the 3rd edition of the annual New York Encounter, a weekend cultural festival which gives a large audience opportunities for cultural dialogue through public discussions, artistic performances, and exhibits which are open to the public and almost all free of charge. Politics, education in the age of social networking and the Arab Spring will be among the topics discussed, with guests including former Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, Frank Anderson, former chief of the U.S. Central Intelligence Ageny’s Near East Division, President of the Catholic Movement Communion and Liberation, Fr. Julian Carrón, and the Archbishop of Dublin, Diamund Martin.

The ideals of the New York Encounter are those which motivate all of AVSI’s activities, namely the certainty of the common desire for truth and goodness of every human heart which comes from lived Christianity and makes possible dialogue and collaboration to build a more human world. AVSI-USA will participate with a booth hosted by staff and friends to answer questions and help communicate first-hand about AVSI's projects in the world.

 “New York Encounter is the place where different cultures can meet each other in a positive way, and that is why an event like this could only take place in New York”, said Maurizio Maniscalco, president of the event. “Last year three thousand people visited New York Encounter, and I’m sure that our intriguing program, in which we will focus on some of the most challenging issues of our time, will attract a even larger audience this year. New York Encounter is for everyone who believes that a true dialogue among cultures is still possible today.”

For more information see: www.newyorkencounter.org

Specifically on AVSI-USA’s participation, see: "At the heart of the New York Encounter"

See pictures of the event