Conference

1999 Conference: Cults, Psychological Manipulation & Society

Conference: Cults, Psychological Manipulation, and Society: International Perspectives

When: May 14-16, 1999

Where: Minneapolis, MN

AFF (American Family Foundation), the leading professional organization concerned about cults and psychological manipulation, was founded 20 years ago in 1979. AFF is known for its professionalism, for building its practical educational services for families, former group members, helping professionals, educators, young people, and the public on a base of scholarly study and research.

This year’s conference reflects AFF’s breadth and depth of understanding by examining social issues, scientific research, and practical needs of all who are interested in this subject. The conference is part of a larger educational effort in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and is supplemented by pre-conference workshops and educational events.

Friday Events:

Cults, Psychological Manipulation and Society: An Overview
Michael Langone, Ph.D.

Cultic Groups and Families
Margaret Singer, Ph.D.

Cultic Groups and Politics
Dennis Tourish, Ph.D.

Cultic Groups and Mainstream Religions
Ronald Enroth, Ph.D.

Governmental and Legal Responses to Cults in Europe
Lars Grip

Governmental and Legal Responses to Cults in the U.S.A.
Alan Scheflin, J.D

Thought Reform Consultation: A Panel Discussion
David Clark; Carol Giambalvo; Joseph Kelly; Patrick Ryan; Hana Whitfield; Jerry Whitfield; Mike Kropveld, Moderator

So Easily Fooled! You’re Not as Invulnerable as You Think
Robert Fellows, M.T.S.

Saturday Events: Researching Cultic Groups
Reports on recent research by
Peter Malinoski, M.A., JoniBeth Whitney, M.A.,
Rod Marshall, Ph.D., Lois Kendall, Janja Lalich, M.A., Josep Jansa, M.D., Stephen Kent, Ph.D., Paul Martin, Ph.D., Moderator

Support Groups for Ex-Members and Families
William Goldberg, M.S.W.; Bruce Laughton; Donna Mayotte, M.A., L.P.

Psychological Needs of Former Group Members
Lorna Goldberg, M.S.W.; Mary Kent; Alex Stein

The Dark Side of the Moons: A Dialogue with the Ex-wife of the Reverend Sun Myung Moon’s Eldest Son
Nonsook Hong and Herbert Rosedale, Esq.

Can Cultic Groups Change? The Case of ISKCON
Anuttama Dasa; Radha Dasi; Joseph Kelly; Michael Langone, Ph.D.

Should Society's Response to Cults Ignore Theology?
Roger Olson, Ph.D.

International Reports
What Needs to be Done about Cults: A Panel Discussion
Herbert Rosedale, Esq. and representatives from cult educational organizations in Europe and North America

 Sundays Events:

Workshop for Families
Livia Bardin, M.S.W; Donna & Jonathan Collins; Hana Whitfield

Workshop for Former Group Members
Carol Giambalvo; Joseph Kelly

Symposium: So You Want to Help: What Can Individuals Do?
Sandy Andron, Ed.D.; Patrick Ryan; Heather Svoboda

Toward a Common Research Agenda
Diverse researchers in discussion; Arthur Dole, Ph.D., Moderator
Private Conversations with Experts (optional; as resources permit)

Preconference Events:

Public Lecture: So Easily Fooled! You’re Not as Invulnerable as You Think
Robert Fellows, M.T.S. (Wednesday 7:30 p.m.; repeated Friday evening & 7:30 p.m.)

Programs for high schools
Robert Fellows, M.T.S.; Donna Collins (Wednesday and Thursday)

Clergy Workshop
Craig Branch (Thursday 7:00 p.m.)

Educators Workshop
Sandy Andron, Ed.D.; Michael Langone, Ph.D.; Marcia Rudin; Patrick Ryan (Thursday 7:00 p.m.)

Mental Health Professionals Workshop
William Goldberg, M.S.W.; Roseanne Henry, M.A.; Josep Jansa, M.D.; Margaret Singer, Ph.D.; Heather Svoboda (Thursday 7:00 p.m.)

Readings from Former Group Members: A Literary Evening
Alex Stein (Thursday 7:00 p.m.)

 

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