50th annual Summer Institute: 2017 Jubilee – ICASSI in Indianapolis

The 50th Summer Institute of ICASSI was held on the campus of Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA amid trees and flowered walkways, located in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood of upscale homes and manicured lawns. Butler University was founded by abolitionist, Ovid Butler, and encompasses 290 beautiful acres of fountains, walkways, and its famous carillon, bell tower. From early in the mornings (during Bloc 0 for exercise, stretches, walking, and running) to the evening programs of International nights and Cooperative Games, ICASSI participants, young and old, did much learning, laughing, playing, and talking with each other in the finest example of social interest.

As in every year, ICASSI provided its unique program of lectures, classes, and activities in an enriching social environment. A stellar faculty and staff from seven countries facilitated educational experiences for attendees from 31 countries around the globe.  Over 300 people enjoyed this unique ICASSI experience. For the first time ever, over 40 Parent Educators from the Peoples’ Republic of China were in attendance. Their enthusiasm and eager learning helped inspire all who had come to live by and learn the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs.

Plenary lectures featured the following topics: ICASSI: Past, Present, and Future; Empowering Independence in Children; Leadership Today; Family Counseling Demonstration; Dreikurs and Adler in a Changing World; Meaningfulness; the Crucial C’s (Connect, Capable, Count, Courage); Individual Psychology and Other Approaches to Counseling; Healthy Living: Mind-Body-Spirit; Where Do We Go From Here?

Weekend trips to the Art Museum, the Children’s Museum, and White River State Park demonstrated to attendees the beauty of the Crossroads of America, Indiana.  Some ventured to outlying cities and the countryside to absorb the gently rolling hills, green fields of corn and soybeans.  Hoosier hospitality was everywhere ICASSIans ventured.

Scholarships made it possible for participants to attend from across the globe, thereby bringing the teachings of Adler and Dreikurs to many countries.  Lifetime friends were made among the parents, teachers, counselors, and professors who supported each other in the spirit of Gemeinshaftsgefühl (Social Interest or Community Feeling).

Encouragement was everywhere, with children and seniors alike laughing and talking together.  The ICASSI experience has been described as “utopia,” where folks treated each other with the respect and dignity that every human being on this planet deserves.  The non-discriminatory policy of ICASSI welcomed persons of all religions, social classes, races, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origins and helped to enhance the educational experience of every participant.  Living together in a welcoming community provided everyone with personal and professional growth.

The jubilee ICASSI 2017 upheld the glorious tradition of social interest and educational growth in exemplary fashion.  Many first time participants left determined to come to Bonn, Germany, for the next summer’s adventure in social interest and learning, known as ICASSI !!