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Our Inspiration
FIONS was founded in 1989 by three New York-based IONS Board Menbers: Charles Brush, Payne Middleton and Sandra Shepard Wright. Its purpose was to provide a local forum for members of the Institute of Noetic Sciences to get together to explore new frontiers of consciousness as championed by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, ScD upon his return from his walk on the moon. Schooled in the rigor and strict discipline of science, Edgar's perception of the world and our place in it was profoundly altered by his trip into deep space.
Sitting in the Apollo capsule as it hurtled towards Earth on the return trip, he experienced the Universe as a "harmonious living system" far more complex and "conscious" than our scientific explanations would lead us to believe. He founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) in 1973 as a way to continue to explore what he called the "universe of consciousness."
Our Strength
At each stage of FONS' development, the right leader has emerged to move us forward. Under the passionate and committed leadership of Elizabeth (Betty) Haynes, FIONS survived the tenuous early years that are critical to every new organization. Her generous financial contributions and tireless devotion ensured FIONS' early survival.
Jane Hughes Gignoux's presidency brought much needed structure and organization. Under Jane's leadership, FIONS organized a successful fundraising cabaret gala, "The Song Is You," the proceeds from which allowed us to move into our own office space and hire a part-time administrator. Subsequent annual fundraising Dinner Salons made it possible for us to launch our first outreach program, "Teens for Planet Earth." Spearheaded by former board member Pat Kery, and supported by volunteer mentors, Teens for Planet Earth encouraged teams of New York City high school students to consider two questions: What kind of planet do I want to live on? and, How can we makes our lives better? The students created posters that addressed those questions. Entries were judged, first by professionals, then celebrities. Finalists received cash awards and their posters were displayed in New York City buses throughout the five boroughs.
Nancy Barrie Chivian, successor to Jane, added flair, excitement and inspiration. Nancy commissioned the first in-depth study of the membership, asking the membership to rigorously explore what FIONS meant to them as individuals and as a group, thus helping the organization to regain and solidify its focus as a developing and forward-thinking organization, concerned with the key concepts of consciousness, groundedness, usefulness, and connection.
Always evolving, FIONS yet again rose to the challenge to redefine ourselves when finances forced us to re-think our need for a physical place. Under the able leadership of Debbie Lawrence, PhD, FIONS has fully embraced the electronic age. Without a physical central meeting place, our community has not only survived, but has strengthened. Former board member Perry Goldschein, was instrumental in designing and publishing our newsletter electronically, making it available to anyone who wants to sign-up. It is now distributed bimonthly to over 350 members, friends and affiliates.
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