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Interest GroupsInterest groups were the heart and soul of AAGT when we began. They were an essential part of the fertile ground of AAGT, which is deeply committed to the principles of inclusiveness and dialogue as it helps our members grow. To this end, the Interest Groups developed as vehicles through which individuals could share their ideas, talents, and concerns about Gestalt therapy as applied to various groups and applications of our theory. As time passed interests have dwindled and voluntary leadership has waned. Thus, in 2009 we have only three active interest groups, the largest of which is an outgrowth of the AAGT members’ interest in having a good time together. This is the Irish Interest Group, which has a history of meeting on the Friday night of our biannual conferences in an Irish Pub with unique ceremonies and “The Sacred Shorts of St. Ansel” are part of the humorous protocol used in its induction of members. Seàn Gaffney, Brian O’Neill and Charlie Bowman are the founding leaders of this celebrated and motley crew. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-sexual Interest Group has a long history of activism and has met regularly at our conferences under the able leadership of Allan Singer. This interest group provides a forum for members to (1) develop awareness, understanding, and sensitivity within AAGT membership and among the broader Gestalt community to gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-sexual concerns, (2) increase clinical competence in working with people across the span of sexual orientation, with particular interest in the application of Gestalt therapy theory and practice with gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-sexual populations, and (3) consider how issues of interest to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-sexual community may be included in AAGT programming, as well as to actively represent these ideas and seek inclusion through participation in the AAGT organizational structure. The International Next Generation Interest Group (INGIG) was formed by new AAGT members during our 2008 Conference in Manchester, England, bringing new life and enthusiasm into our organization. Michael Diettrich-Chastein is one of the organizers of INGIG and was elected to the Board of Directors as Interest Groups Coordinator at our Manchester Annual AAGT Meeting. Interest Groups of the past are listed here to encourage AAGT members to consider activating ones that you would like to see functioning. To promote the concept of Interest Groups we ask you to find 2 or more members interested in what interests you, then contact the Interest Groups Coordinator with your ideas and enthusiasm to re-energize this wonderful concept. Or if you have an interest area not listed here, please feel free to instigate a movement to form a new group.
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