3 Principles Network   DES MOINES, IOWA

 
 
Three spiritual gifts - Mind, Thought and Consciousness - enable us to see creation and guide us through life. An understanding of these gifts has come to be known as the 3 Principles (see Sydney Banks at: www.sydneybanks.org). In February, 2004, through the gracious funding of Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, an initial training about the 3 Principles, was offered in Des Moines, IA.  The goals were:

 1) to expose local health care providers and individuals who provide a variety of supportive services to low income, under-served populations in our community to the understanding;

 2) to conduct an evaluation to assess program quality and potential for improving health and well being in our community by using this understanding as the foundation for delivery of all health and human services in Polk County.

At the conclusion of this training, feedback and evaluations were so positive that eighteen of the forty participants attending gathered together and formed a volunteer task force; these individuals saw enormous potential for sharing the 3 principles across services and disciplines in the community and wanted to contribute their time and effort to this vision.  This group has become known as the 3 Principles Network. 
Since June, 2005 this volunteer group has obtained funding, provided coordination, recruited participants, and regularly hosted trainings taught by national and local trainers.  Over 550 individuals have participated (as of May, 2008) Sharing of the principles has been delivered in two parts:

Part I:  Understanding the Human Factor , teaches the basic and universal principles of Mind, Thought and Consciousness which govern human psychological functioning and experience; and

Part II:  Applications, teaches how an understanding of these three principles can help guide us in relationships, parenting, job effectiveness and satisfaction, and everyday life. 
 Post-training evaluations by participants have included these kinds of comments:
       • It has helped me see that peace of mind and a sense of well being truly is in me - and in all human beings. • The training experience was positive, affirming, and truly empowering • it has reduced work-related stress and burnout - I am enjoying my work again! • it is helpful across all aspects of life and with all humans, regardless of gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, culture, education, job, need, or which side of the service equation you are on (providing services or receiving services).  Community classes are now filling up quickly and have waiting lists based on word of mouth endorsements.  Requests for presentations at various staff meetings and service/resource groups are increasing. And trainings with a special focus have begun to be offered: a 4-part series for managers, supervisors and administrators; and a 2-part series for mental health professionals entitled “A New Paradigm of Hope”. The Network has continued to grow, adding new members after each training. The targeted population continues to be front line service providers, managers and service recipients from health care, child care/early child development, corrections, youth services, substance abuse, mental health, community development, re-entry programs, employment, domestic violence, social services and aging services, as well as teachers, students, administrators, parents and community residents. The general public is always welcome! The Center for Healthy Communities at Iowa Health – Des Moines has been the lead agency for the initiative; and Network members represent United Way of Central Iowa, Iowa Health – Des Moines, Neighborhood Health Initiative, Des Moines Public Schools – Success Program, West Des Moines Schools, Making Connections – Des Moines, La Clinica de la Esperanza,  Iowa CASA, American Friends Service Committee, the faith community, West Des Moines Youth Justice Initiative, Callanan Middle School, and several community residents.  In addition to the initial funding provided by Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, support for the initiative over the past three years has been received from United Way of Central Iowa, Making Connections – Des Moines, Chrysalis Foundation, Prairie Meadows, Wellmark, Iowa Health – Des Moines, and participant registration fees. http://www.sydneybanks.orgshapeimage_1_link_0

Welcome to the 3 Principles Network