Directory:Kairos Foundation
The Kairos Foundation describes itself as 'a non-sectarian organization which takes into consideration all the revealed traditions of mankind' and 'a foundation for the recovery of traditional values in art and science' (http://www.kairos-foundation.com). The Foundation sponsors personal development training programs on four continents, qualifies teachers and coaches, and acts as a training provider to a range of private and public organizations and has "has helped many thousands of individuals transform their vision of life, and has worked with schools, universities, graduate programs, non-government organizations and government agencies on four continents, including eight penal institutions" (http://www.moretolife.org/foundation_goals.cfm) It is a registered charity in the UK and USA. It is also registered with companies house in the UK. They also offer coursework in the corporate sphere, as InteractionUS and InteractionUK.
It was founded in 1981 by Dr. Roy Whitten, a parish minister in the Episcopal Church, and clinical psychologist K Bradford Brown, PhD. The foundation runs courses called 'More to Life,' 'Power of Purpose,' and 'Power of Self Esteem,' 'Life Training Program' and 'Life Training Mastery Course.' Events are described as transcending 'all intellectual knowledge and historical speculation' (http://www.kairos-foundation.com) 'More to Life' weekend courses are billed as having various benfits, including strengthened leadership ability, increased confidence at work, improved interpersonal and team management skills, enhanced abiliites to listen to others and tell the truth, recovery of failed relationships, boosted self-confidence and self-expression, freedom from guilt, regret and mood swings, and better physical health (http://www.moretolifeny.org/what.html).
The foundation claims to keep fees as low as possible (http://www.lifetraining.org/foundation_goals.cfm), however at the time of writing a More To Life weekend would cost $495 in the USA and £345 in the UK. Refunds are not always available and where offered may be dependent on adhering to behavioural restrictions, controls on diet and the taking of unprescribed medicines during the course. Curiously, the foundation does not accept payment by credit card. The US branch of the Kairos Foundation has assets exceeding $600,000 and a yearly revenue of over $2 million (http://www.implu.com/nonprofit/770006571)
It has been described as a 'Large Group Awareness Training Program'. (http://www.cults.co.nz/k.php) A testimonial from an individual having attended a Kairos course describes the use of mind control techniques, rigid discipline of behaviour, public obeisance, information control, thought control, 'thought stopping' techniques, and emotional control. Attendees' behaviour can be restricted through a regime of rewards and punishments, and those attending the course may be required to ask permission to speak or leave the room (http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/l/life/melicia.htm)
More positively, other attendees have stated that during the 'More to Life' events "you are in your usual state of mind doing [the processes], guiding yourself [...] they are a great way to gain empowerment for yourself in a very down to earth [...] way, that have beautiful and uplifting results on all levels" and that although the training may have been counter-productive for some very vulnerable individuals, the organisation "did not feel like a cult" and that "no hidden agenda behind the work that they are doing" (http://www.nielshoven.com/2006/10/10/the-landmark-forum-cult/)
