ARAS was developed by Bob Trask as he began his path toward enlightenment. ARAS takes us step by step through a simple yet effective method of building trustworthy and dependable relationships with nearly anyone in our lives.

 

Since Acceptance, Respect, Affection and Support are the four basic fundamentals of human relationships, our expression of them gives others what they hunger for, what they need in order to feel valuable and connected. People treasure your acquaintance when they feel welcomed to be exactly themselves.

 

Acceptance is honored as unique and valuable. Respect is to be understood and cared for. Affection is gained by being listened to and encouraged. Support is to hold up others as well as yourself.

 

There are thousands of stories of those who have turned their lives around by learning to treat others with Acceptance, Respect, Affection and Support. It is not necessary to think how to do it, only to practice an attitude of ARAS toward others. Appropriate expressions then flow naturally. Try this consciously with someone whom you've been having problems and watch as the distance dissolves.

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ARAS has a storied past. For an astounding 49 years, ARAS projects and programs have been lifelines to people around the world. Whether it is a terminal patient in distress or a homeless family in need of food and shelter, ARAS is there with volunteers, funding, and referrals to help and to heal. Over the years, Bob and his team have conducted personal-empowerment seminars and workshops, provided 8,000 bicycles for poor African villagers, and presented full wardrobes of clothes, books and groceries to thousands of struggling people and their families at annual festivals and drives. ARAS supports many other organization’s projects through volunteer assistance. ARAS gives communities the tools and resources to change the journey from surviving to thriving. Because they  understand the value that comes from community service, they constantly provide volunteers with opportunities to be of service through the worthy projects of ARAS and other organizations.