Hellenic Odyssey of Preservation and Enlightenment

Background informationAt a time when nations are challenged by failing economies, troubling security concerns, diminishing natural resources, formidable social problems, and strained intergroup relations, we are compelled to find new sources of inspiration to lift our spirits, call us to greatness, and move us to develop innovative solutions that will shape a better world for coming generations.

Given the current economic recession in Greece, Olympism4Humanity Allianceis initiating a venture called Hellenic Odyssey for Preservation and Enlightenment (HOPE). Our vision is to create a Pan-Hellenic global consortium that will serve as a social capital platform for promoting innovation, inspiration, civic engagement, cross-cultural dialogue, and social entrepreneurship. HOPEtargets the resolution of local social challenges such as unemployment, antisocial behavior, bullying and aggression, academic/school drop out, inter-group intolerance, social isolation and disengagement.

HOPE aims to recruit, inspire and support committed entrepreneurs with ongoing mentoring; cultural and educational exchange programs; heritage preservation initiatives; capacity building, civic engagement, and social entrepreneurship ventures. HOPE will provide unique opportunities to preserve and utilize the core Hellenic virtues and heritage in the modern world and to support, inspire and equip Hellenes and Philhellenes to become socially engaged individuals that embrace innovation, youth development and social transformation in their respective communities. The ultimate goal of this project is to create the conditions and supporting mechanisms for social innovation and entrepreneurship, inspired by (a) Marathon, Athenian, Olympian and Macedonian virtues and ideals, (b) Alexander the Great, Socrates, Aristotle and Ancient Hellenic legacy, (c) history and practices of athletic, educational and cultural diplomacy, and (f) global citizenship, civic engagement and democratic governance heritage.

HOPE Inspirations, Foundations & Virtues

• Marathon HOPE: (Resilience, Peacebuilding, Determination)
• Athens HOPE (Wisdom, Philosophy, Democracy)
• Delphi HOPE (Imagination, Creativity, Innovation, Technology, Cyberspace)
• Olympia HOPE (Olympic Values, Arêtes/Virtue , Cultural and Educational Diplomacy)
• Epidaurus HOPE (Performing Arts, Literature, Poetry and Creative Writing)
• Macedonia HOPE (Global citizenship, Cultural and Educational Diplomacy)
• Alexander the Great HOPE (Humankind Defender, Friendship & Collaboration)
• Panellinios HOPE (Revival of Olympic Games, History, Regeneration)
• Kyriakides HOPE (Humanity, Youth Engagement, Determination, Sport Philanthropy)
• Socrates HOPE (Youth Education, Wisdom, Socratic Pedagogy and Wisdom)
• Aristotle HOPE (Perfect Friendship, Eudemonia, Arête- Ethics and Virtue)

First Steps of HOPEClick here and follow steps and winds of Hope!

Click here for more information about our summer steps of HOPE, a month long summer program to be implemented in Greece in Summer 2015!

Click here to download the HOPE Summer Program e-brochure.