The underlying goal of In Our Own Words is to document and communicate new perspectives on our society that transcend current social, cultural, and political divisions in order to help bring about a more compassionate and positive world.

First conceived in 1993, the IOOW study is based on interviews conducted in 2000 with over 1,600 householders who were selected to statistically represent current American society. Each participant answered more than 210 questions covering a broad range of topics -- politics, leadership, business, ethics, and spirituality.

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nitial study will be used to develop varied applications for a wide range of audiences. Subsequent phases of this program will include further statistical research, personal interviews, focus groups, workshops, and television programming to heighten awareness of how ordinary people are becoming more spiritually aware of their connection to society, nature, and the cosmos. It is our expectation that In Our Own Words will contribute greatly to bridging the beliefs of separation that our society holds -- beliefs which keep us all from connecting on a deeper level.

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