NEWS
May 07 2013 03:39 pm Young Humanist Adventure in Costa Rica July 2013 --
The Ethical Humanists trip to Costa Rica is still accepting reservations!! Join us for a once in a lifetime trip to Costa Rica July 12th to 24th 2013. The trip is open to people ages 14 and up. We have opened the trip to anyone high school age and up to allow families and intergenerational family members to travel together. The focus of the trip is Encountering Cultures and the highlights of the trip are time in a rainforest lodge, salsa dance class, platform with local performers, a service project with a local school, a visit to a tribal community, surfing, and a visit to Manuel Antonio national park. The price for the trip is $1,700 which includes everything but the airfare. To support the youth at the Ethical Societies we are running a sale of $500 off all high school students’ tuition. |
 May 02 2013 09:57 pmDialogue Spring 2013 Issue --
We hope the Spring 2013 issue of Dialogue brightens your day. It is bursting with information on exciting events we hope you join like the AEU Assembly! Submissions for the Summer issue are due by June 25th and it will be published in July. Related Link |
 Apr 30 2013 03:38 pmEthical Action Report 2.0 - May 2013 --
Welcome to the Ethical Action Report 2.0
** Sign-up for our June 13th Advocacy Day! ** Anti-Abortion Forces on the March" by Abby Scher ** NYSEC Helps Promote Paid Sick Leave: A Personal Reflection by Abe Markman ** Try a "Do It At Home" Service Project - by Melissa Sinclair
Related Link |
 Apr 08 2013 12:15 am98th Annual Assembly - Fairfax, VA - June 13-16, 2013 --
"Inspiring Action: Making a Difference" Join the Chesapeake region Ethical Culture Leaders and the AEU in helping each Ethical Society flourish and in exploring how each Society can get involved in the isues associated with mass incarceration. You'll find inspiration and education about practical ways to work for more humane criminal justice. Our Keynote Speaker will be Bart Lobow, Director of the Annie E. Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. We will also present the Elliott-Black Award to this year's recipient The Southern Poverty Law Center for their dedication to fighting hate and bigotry, and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. We have great lineup of workshops for you to enjoy - so we look forward to seeing you in Fairfax, VA!!! To register online go to http:www.regonline.com/aeu2013. You can print the Assembly Brochure and mail in your registration by clicking below:
Related Link |
| Apr 03 2013 10:24 am Ethical Action Report 2.0 - April 2012 --
Ethical Action Report 2.0 A publication of the American Ethical Union (AEU) In honor of Earth Day 2013, this month’s Ethical Action Report is devoted exclusively to an environmental theme. Read it, and then go for a walk in nature! In April’s Report:
Thanks to the many contributors including Kate LaClair, Curt Collier, Marv Friedlander, Nick Sanders, and Abe Markman & his Environmental Stewardship Committee. The growing support for the Ethical Action Report around the movement is inspiring. Keep sending me your ideas for future submissions – Let’s share our Ethical Action successes and challenges with others in the movement! The AEU encourages Societal Chairs of Ethical Action Committees to contact Hugh Taft-Morales, Editor, HughTM@gmail.com with ideas for future Ethical Action Reports. You can access the complete issue by clicking on the following link: http://aeu.org/library/eactions/EAR201304.pdf Please consider sharing the Ethical Action Report within your Ethical Societies. Thank you to everyone for your commitment to Ethical Action. Related Link |
| Mar 11 2013 11:23 am AEU 98th ASSEMBLY - Fairfax, VA --
Save the Date!!! June 13-16, 2013 AMERICAN ETHICAL UNION 98th Annual Assembly The Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel Fairfax, Virginia “Inspiring Action: Making a Difference” Join members of other Ethical Societies for workshops dedicated to helping you make more ethical choices for yourself, your Society, and our world. Registration will begin in early April! Related Link |
Mar 11 2013 00:05 am FES 2013 Conference -- May 24 - 27, 2013 in St. Louis --
Current FES members and FES alums: Please join us for the 2013 FES Conference in St. Louis, MO on May 24-May 27, 2013 (Memorial Day weekend)! Scholarships are available and we encourage you to apply! Click on the link below for registration materials. Email forms to fesconference@gmail.com and send payment to the AEU office by April 19th to secure a spot! The tenth annual FES Conference (FES X) will include: connecting with old and new friends, discussing current issues as an ethical person, visiting the Ethical Society of St. Louis where we will lead a platform, and working together on a service project. We're inviting alumni to join us for all or part of the weekend and start planning our next ten years! Accommodations will be provided at the homes of Ethical Society members. Related Link |
Mar 11 2013 00:00 am Membership Committee Announces New Co-Chairs --
We are pleased to announce that the newly reorganized AEU Membership Committee has new Co-Chairs. They are:
The Membership Committee is our prime source for membership, growth and community development resources. They are also developing programs for the annual Assembly on community development topics and, in the planning, are some mid-year growth workshops. In addition, the Membership Committee serves as a liaison for many other services available within the Ethical Culture community for any Society finding itself in times of difficulty or with hard choices before it. As for other membership resources, please don't forget that the AEU publication "Great Expectations" has many Membership and Growth related resources and is available on-line at the http://aeu.org web site [tab "In the Library - Titles - G] and through the AEU office. Call Law'nence "L" or Donna at 212 873-6500. For people who want to share ideas on membership and growth matters, including techniques, challenges, questions and answers, we are organizing a list-serve, like the Presidents' list, to serve as a forum. It will be open to membership chairs and others interested in this important subject Best, Richard Koral |
| Fev 27 2013 03:43 pm Ethical Action Report 2.0 - March 2013 --
Welcome to the new Ethical Action Report!! Our March 2013 Issue addresses the following topics: * Portrait in Deeds: Jennie Fels of Philadelphia (1855-1943) by Betsy Lightbourn* Leg of Mutton, Taco Bell, Vegetable Stew, Soda by Marv Friedlander * In Honor of Animals: Some Darwin Day Activities * Previewing the Ethical Action Report for April: An Earth Day Special Edition!
Related Link |
| Fev 08 2013 12:04 am Dialogue Winter 2013 Issue --
Stay warm with our Winter 2013 issue of Dialogue! There are fascinating articles about our ethical action projects, good-byes to Leaders, and upcoming events including the young humanists conference and AEU Assembly. Related Link |
| Jan 31 2013 02:56 pm Ethical Action Report 2.0 - February 2013 --
Welcome to the February 2013 Ethical Action Report. Topics to be discussed as the following: (1) Obama and Climate Change (2) Honoring MLK Jr. Day (3) Reaching the Homeless and Disaffected - Ethical Action at Work at Our Society (4) Fighting Homelessness in Asheville (5) Follow Up from WES: the 10th Giver Click on the following link for the full report -
Related Link |
 Jan 30 2013 00:30 amIs Atheism a Religion? --
The New York Times asked: Can atheism replace religion? Is it a religion? Related Link |
 Dec 29 2012 04:51 pmNew York Times Asks "Where are the Humanists?" --
Samuel G. Freedman's article, "In a Crisis, Humanists Seem Absent," asks where were the humanists after the Newtown tragedy. Read the full article here (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/29/us/on-religion-where-are-the-humanists.html?_r=1&) and then read the letter below that Leader Anne Klaeysen sent to the editor to clarify some misunderstandings.
To the Editor: Related Link |
Dec 15 2012 10:12 pm Newtown Connecticut School Shooting --
The tragedy of the killings in Newtown Connecticut on December 14th is unspeakable. What could be more chilling than the intentional killing of innocents? You are shocked and appalled, shaken to your core. Remember this feeling and do not let it go.
Think of your own children sitting in their classrooms, think of your neighbors' kids waiting at the bus stop, think of the millions of children throughout the country who will be returning to school on Monday. Get inside their heads and their hearts.
Think about the world you want them to see--and think about how painfully far we are from that world at this moment. If you are against violence and for peace this is your moment. This is your time to come forward, to step up, to sound out and make yourself seen and heard. Do not be dissuaded or deterred, stand tall, stand proud. Shout loud and long. Don't stop shouting. You will not be alone. You will not be alone if you act right now. You will not be alone if you go, right now, into the street to demand attention, to insist that you be heard. We are with you.
If you are against limiting access to firearms, if you are working to get legislation passed to make it easier to get guns and carry them--this could be your moment. This could be your wake-up call to alert you that you have been on the wrong path, that your efforts have led to tragedy, that it is time to turn it around. Your guns are not protecting you and they certainly are not protecting us. Let's make it harder, not easier, to get access to lethal force. This is your chance to be a part of the solution. Back off. Stop pestering your elected officials, come join us in the streets--it's not too late for you.
If you are a hunter or shoot guns for sport, this could be your moment, too. It's all about priorities. Are your needs to have and use guns so great that the entire country has to mold itself to those needs? Are you willing, in the name of justice, to curtail your own access to firearms to promote the greater good for all? If so, come forward. Speak about your love of country and your desire to be a good citizen and how that desire leads you to agree that it is time to severely limit access to firearms. Come join us and we'll march shoulder to shoulder.
In the end we all want the same things - opportunity to live a good life and freedom to do so. We have a lot more in common than you might think.
It is time. See you out there. Bart Worden, Executive Director |
| Dec 03 2012 03:41 pm Ethical Action Report 2.0 - December 2012 --
Welcome to the new Ethical Action Report! In this Report discussion items will include: ISSUE FOCUS: Bearing Public Witness Against the Death Penalty, Is This Ethical Action? A Series of Commentaries, Follow up on the November Ethical Action Report!, and Continued Appeal for Submissions to the Ethical Action Report
Related Link |
Nov 19 2012 10:03 pm Emphasizing the 'giving' in 'Thanksgiving' --
The Washington Ethical Society's Stone Soup Celebration and $100 Giveaway stories were featured in the Washington Post. Related Link |
| Nov 08 2012 12:29 am Ethical Action Report 2.0 - November 2012 --
Thanksgiving Notes: Expressions of Gratitude! Related Link |
| Oct 02 2012 06:56 pm Ethical Action Report 2.0 - October 2012 --
Our October issue of the AEU's Ethical Action Report addresses the following topics: Letter to the Editor: AEU Religious Education Resources Issue Focus: Occupy Movement at its One-Year Anniversary Issue Focus: Child Immigrants Discussion Issue: Criminal Justice Reform Please follow the provided link to read more on each of these topics. Related Link |
 Oct 01 2012 11:39 pmThe Morality of Money - YES 2012 Conference --
YES - The Youth of Ethical Societies is inviting all its members to its 2012 conference to be held in St. Louis, from November 8th to November 11th. The central topic of discussion will be The Morality of Money. A 13 page registration brochure has been prepared and is available from the link at the end of this news item. Related Link |
Oct 01 2012 05:21 pm AEU Religious Education Fall Conference & Family Weekend!! --
The AEU will be holding its annual RE Conference and Family Weekend at the Stony Point Conference Center located at 17 Crickettown Rd., Stony Point, NY 10980 starting November 2nd - 4th. This years theme will be "Love, Logic and Ethics" - How do we cultivate loving children, who think critically with a grounding in Ethics? We will explore our practice and develop skills as parents, teachers, and religous educators. We come together for community, mutual support, and learning. To learn more about our conference and to register you can click on the link provided below and it will bring you directly to our event website. We hope to see you there!!
Related Link |
Oct 01 2012 11:32 am Organized Labor - Bread and Rose, Once Again Wed, 09/26/2012 by Susan Rose/Leader of ESWOW --
On Labor Day, I attended the Bread and Roses Heritage Festival. This year was the 100th anniversary of the great textile strike which set so much in motion - which made it possible for workers to organize, for citizens to organize, for women to organize. One of the groups performing was Besere Velt (Better World) who gave a show about the history of the strike. What struck me the most was their presentation of the beginning of the strike - especially how they were able to mobilize people without having a common language, and not having twitter. Sadly, the video does not capture the people planted in the audience shouting out strike in a multiple of languages, almost reflecting the 20 or so languages spoken by mill workers in Lawrence, MA. |
 Sep 30 2012 08:37 pmWatch video of the Future of Ethical Societies Conference --
Did you miss the Future of Ethical Societies 2012 Conference in Chapel Hill, NC? Watch this video to see how great it was. Click HERE to see the video. |
| Sep 05 2012 01:52 pm Ethical Action Report 2.0 - September 2012 --
A publication of the American Ethical Union (AEU) As Ethical Societies around the country kick-off their 2012-2013 program season, the EAR is evolving to try to be more useful to you and to generate more constructive, engaged dialogue about “deed before creed” throughout the movement. While change can be difficult (and some may prefer the old style EAR), we hope this new format offers stimulating ideas and practical hints that make ethical action more effective and rewarding at your societies and in your lives. In this Report:
This AEU Ethical Action Report was written and edited by Hugh Taft-Morales with editorial help from Amanda Poppei, Randy Best, Peggy Goetz and Maureen Taft-Morales. It can also be viewed by clicking on the following link: http://aeu.org/library/eactions/EAR201209.pdf Please consider sharing our Ethical Action Report within your Ethical Societies. Thank you to everyone for your commitment to Ethical Action. |
 Aug 23 2012 11:11 pmThe Sikh Coalition letter --
AEU joined over 150 organizations in submitting a letter written by The Sikh Coalition urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on hate crimes Click on the link below to read a PDF of the letter. You can learn more at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/. Related Link |
 Aug 23 2012 04:09 pmThe Humanist Institute Leadership Training Program - Wants You!!! --
Do you wish to learn more about the depth an breadth of Humanism? The Humanist Institute, a program that prepares students to spread the messsage of Humanism, is accepting applications for its Class 19. Click the related link below for a full view of the announcement. Related Link |
| Jul 23 2012 03:58 pm 2012 Dialogue Summer Issue --
Read our latest issue of the Dialogue to learn about what is happening in our Ethical Culture Societies and communities all over the world. Related Link |
 Jul 10 2012 07:50 pmNew AEU Executive Director --
At the 97th AEU Assembly in June the AEU Board appointed Bart Worden as the new Executive Director. For almost two years, the American Ethical Union (AEU) has been without an Executive Director. During this time the AEU Board and the National Leaders Council have joined together in seeking to re-envision the role that an Executive Director can and should take in order to promote the growth and vitality of the Ethical Culture Movement. In addition, there have been regional listening sessions in which Society members from around the country expressed their views on leadership and other issues ranging from growth to technology to communications. As a result, there is a broad consensus that the Ethical Culture Movement needs unified and central leadership to best assure the health of the Societies, as well as a clear voice through which it can best spread its message nationally and globally. Bart is the Leader at the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester. While the Executive Directors of the recent past had been professionals from outside the Movement, it is generally believed today that leadership can best be provided by a person within the Movement, whose commitment is deeply rooted. The initial goals of the position can be summarized as follows: * To energize and engage the talents and passions of our Societies' members, * To revitalize the functioning of volunteer committees and activity groups, * To maximize the effectiveness of the AEU to serve the individual Societies' needs. |
| Jul 02 2012 04:56 pm Ethical Action Report July - August 2012 --
Our July-August 2012 Issue of the Ethical Action Report addresses the following topics:
Related Link |
Jun 06 2012 10:41 am AEU ASSEMBLY - VENUE CHANGE --
Dear 2012 Assembly Participant, Due to circumstances beyond, its control, the Best Western Hotel's management company has temporarily closed our hotel. However the AEU has secured both meeting and sleeping room space for our Assembly at the HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS-LATHAM whose address is: 400 OLD LOUDON ROAD, LATHAM 12110. If you have made your reservation directly with the Best Western Hotel it will automatically be transferred to the Holiday Inn Express Latham. As with any hotel reservation, you will be asked to present your credit card upon check-in. There will be no additional charges to you. Our new hotel's phone number is: 518/783-6161 Directions to our new hotel: Albany International Airport ( ALB) - Distance: 5.0 MI/8.05 KM SOUTH to Hotel - Complimentary Shuttle Available - Taxi Charge (one way): $ 13.00 USD o Time by Taxi: 10 minutes o I-87 N to Exit 7. Follow signs and merge onto Rt 9/Rt 9R towards Cohoes/Latham. Take a right onto Columbia St. Ext. Take a right onto Old Loudon Rd. Train - Station Name: Rensselaer- Albany Amtrak - Distance: 5.0 MI/8.05 KM SOUTH to Hotel - Complimentary Shuttle Available o Taxi Charge (one way): $ 21.00 USD o Merge onto 787N. Take the exit for Rt 7W toward R t9N Saratoga. Take Rt9N to Latham. Take a right off the exit From the north: I-87S to exit 7. Follow exit ramp to signs for Latham. End of ramp take right onto 9N. Hotel is one block on the right. From the south: Take NYS Thruway to exit 24. Take I-87N to exit 7. At the end of the ramp take Latham exit. At end of ramp make a right. The hotel is one block on the right. If you are arriving by bus, train or plane, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LATHAM offers complimentary transportation, but you must call 518/783-6161 when you arrive. If you have any problems or concerns, please contact our Venue Logistics Consultant, Sue Walton at 847-209-0047 or via email sns@swwalton.com. Sorry for any convenience that this might have caused you. Best Regards, Law'nence "L" Miller Director of Administration |
| Jun 03 2012 03:10 pm June 2012 - Ethical Action Report --
Ethical Action Report A publication of the American Ethical Union (AEU) Our June 2012 Issue of the Ethical Action Report addresses the following topics: In this issue: Let People, Not Money, Vote: Overturn Citizens United Keep Political Ads off PBS and NPR Build Peace and Reduce the U. S. Military Presence in Afghanistan End Government Subsidies and Tax Breaks and Loopholes This AEU Ethical Action Report was written and edited by Hugh Taft-Morales with editorial help from Amanda Poppei. The American Ethical Union encourages Societal Chairs of Ethical Action Committees and their Ethical Action Committee members to contact Lawnence Miller (lmiller.aeu@gmail.com) or Donna Pang (dpang.aeu@gmail.com) with ideas for future Ethical Action Reports. This May Report will also be listed on www.aeu.org under the following prompts in the right hand column of the front page: In the Library Now Ethical Action Report June 2012 It can also be viewed by clicking the link below. Please consider sharing our Ethical Action Report within your Ethical Societies. Thank you to everyone for your commitment to Ethical Action. Related Link |
 May 29 2012 11:25 pmDocumentary "In God We Teach" now available online --
In 2007, Matthew LaClair secretly recorded his history teacher, David Paszkiewicz, asserting that if students did not embrace Christ, they deserved to go to hell. "In God We Teach" is a documentary that "explores the blurred lines between personal belief, religious dogma and civil law through the eyes of an average, blue-collar American town," explains Director/Producer Vic Losick. View the film online and feel free to stream, download, share, and embed the film for non-commercial use. Visit ingodweteach.com for more information. Related Link |
May 05 2012 03:15 pm Opening for a New Executive Director for the AEU --
For almost two years, the American Ethical Union (AEU) has been without an Executive Director. During this time the AEU Board and the National Leaders Council have joined together in seeking to re-envision the role that an Executive Director can and should take in order to promote the growth and vitality of the Ethical Culture Movement. In addition, there have been regional listening sessions in which Society members from around the country expressed their views on leadership and other issues ranging from growth to technology to communications. As a result, there is a broad consensus that the Ethical Culture Movement needs unified and central leadership to best assure the health of the Societies, as well as a clear voice through which it can best spread its message nationally and globally. While the Executive Directors of the recent past had been professionals from outside the Movement, it is generally believed today that leadership can best be provided by a person within the Movement, whose commitment is deeply rooted. The goals of the position can be summarized as follows: * To energize and engage the talents and passions of our Societies' members, * To revitalize the functioning of volunteer committees and activity groups, * To maximize the effectiveness of the AEU to serve the individual Societies' needs, and * To serve as the face of the Ethical Culture Movement and to communicate its mission to the public and other organizations, spear-heading partnerships with outside groups in order to promote our public policy goals. Although there is so much to be done, the finances of the AEU limit us to supporting only a part-time Director, at least for the next few years. It is hoped and expected that as the finances of the AEU rebound, the job will also grow into a full time position. The Executive Director would be paid $20,000 per year with an additional budget of $5,000 for travel expenses. At this time, the position is being underwritten primarily by pledged contributions to a special fund. The qualifications of a preferred candidate can be summarized as follows, although these are not all strict requirements: * Participation in Ethical Culture for at least five years; familiarity with its foundations, philosophy and structure. Leadership training preferred. * B.A. degree in the liberal arts, M.A. preferred. * Ten years experience in non-profit organization and development preferred. * Administrative experience to include financial management, budgeting, personnel supervision, and strategic planning. * Experience in foundation grant writing a plus. * Ability in speaking to small and large groups and in using social media and traditional media communications. The AEU Board will be accepting applications for this position from interested parties until May 21, 2012, which is the day preceding its next Board meeting. All those interested in being considered for this position will please express their interest by sending a letter and a CV to Richard Koral, Vice President of the AEU Board, at richardlkoral[at]optonline.net. For opportunities to contribute to the fund supporting the new Executive Director position, please contact the AEU office at lmiller.aeu[at]gmail.com or dpang.aeu[at]gmail.com. The new position of the Executive Director of the American Ethical Union is for: * Inspiring and galvanizing the Movement through a compelling articulation of the vision, mission and priorities of the Ethical Culture Movement, * Stimulating a robust, growing, and transformative movement in the context of the 21st century, * Communicating the message of Ethical Humanism within and beyond the movement in a way that engenders enthusiasm and encourages membership, * Keeping abreast of congregational concerns, programs, events, and opportunities, * Working in partnership with the Societies, the AEU Board and the NLC to create and implement the animating visions, strategic aims, and measurable goals of the federation, * Promoting and representing the Ethical Movement to the broader Humanist and religious communities, and to social, political, and economic arenas, and * Overseeing the administration and programs of the federation. |
 May 04 2012 00:57 am2012 Dialogue Spring Issue --
Read our latest issue of the Dialogue to learn about what is happening in our Ethical Culture Societies and communities all over the world. Related Link |
| May 01 2012 05:20 pm Ethical Action Report - May 2012 --
In this issue of the American Ethical Union's Ethical Action Report topics reviewed are the following: ** End Racial Profiling ** Encourage Voter Participation! ** Support Comprehensive Progressive Immigration Reform ** Reduce Carbon Emissions To read the full report click on the following link: Related Link |
 Apr 30 2012 02:28 amCreating Communities of Hope and Justice -- AEU Assembly June 14-17, 2012 --
Gather with members and friends of Ethical Culture Societies for workshops dedicated to helping you make more ethical choices for yourself, your Society, and the World. The AEU 97th Annual Assembly will be held at the Best Western Sovereign Hotel in Albany, New York. Our Assembly is an important point in our lives as Ethical Culturists. It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in what it really means to belong to Ethical Culture. During Assembly, we gather with like-minded people and we experience the Movement in a larger context. Each member has unique talents within Ethical Culture. By participating in our annual Assembly we show each other, newcomers, and the greater community that we are a people with strong ideals, willing to declare our ethical principles for the betterment of humanity. The Assembly is also where we are able to renew and make new acquaintances with members of societies from across the country. It is an exciting opportunity to learn from each other, not only through the many workshops but by strengthening communication between members of all societies. Click HERE for the Assembly Brochure. Go to registration site through the link below. Related Link |
| Apr 17 2012 04:39 pm ESWoW Community Call Racial Bias and Law Enforcement --
Sunday, April 22, 2012 5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, and 8pm ET. The number for the call is 866-740-1260, access code 5766842#. The call will last one hour. Bart Worden, Leader of the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester, in White Plains, NY, will be joining the ESWoW Community Call to discuss the issue of racial bias in law enforcement, our part in such bias, and thoughts about what we can do to make positive changes. Bart has been taking action on this issue in Westchester and wrote "Police Officers Reflect Our Racial Bias," http://www.lohud.com/article/20120408/OPINION/304080051 for the local Westchester newspaper the Journal News. I found this paragraph to be most thought-provoking: But lets face it: our law enforcement is a reflection of us. Our own attitudes, opinions, misperceptions and apprehensions are what drive the behavior of law enforcement. Our obsession with personal safety, our fear of people who dont look like us, our inattention to the lives of anyone who is not perceived as our kind lay the groundwork for racial bias and provide a sustaining environment for that bias. Please invite anyone you know who is interested in this issue and/or Ethical Culture to participate in the call. Related Link |
Apr 09 2012 10:41 am AEU Lay Leadership Summer School 2012 --
The AEU is very excited to announce that we are now accepting application for the eighth AEU Lay Leadership Summer to be held July 14 - 21, 2012 on The Mountain in Highlands, N.C. We have assembled a dedicated, skilled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty composed of professional and lay leaders from around the country. The brochure and application/registration forms can be found in the AEU Library located on the right side of the AEU homepage. They can also are available at your local Ethical Culture Society. The deadline for applying to the Lay Leadership Summer School is March 1, 2012 so we ask that if you are interested not to delay because space is limited. Click here for the registration form. The link for the brochure is below. Related Link |
| Mar 30 2012 12:38 am Ethical Action Report - April 2012 --
In this issue: **Protect Young Black Men: Demand Equal Justice Before the Law **Constructive Opportunities for our Youth: Support the PROMISE Act **Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act! **Show our Humanity by Protecting Dolphins and Whales Related Link |
 Mar 21 2012 01:28 pmESWoW Community Call on MONDAY, April 2, 2012 with Catherine Bordeau. --
Womb Raiders and American Politics Women's Reproductive Rights "First, an understanding of reproductive rights includes that women should have the right to her own reproductive decision-making, including voluntary choice in marriage, family formation and determination of the number, timing and spacing of her children and the right to have access to the information and means needed to exercise voluntary choice. Second, a more specific priority includes the right to sexual and reproductive security, including freedom from sexual violence and coercion, and the right to privacy. In short, eliminate the control of the womb raiders. Allow women to freely and safely decide if, when and with whom they have sex with; if, when and with whom they marry; if, when, with whom and how many children she will bear. All hospitals must put patients rights first. Those rights include the ability of the patient to make informed decisions based on the patients own religious or ethical beliefs. Not the hospitals beliefs. Or the doctors. Or the pharmacists. Or the nurses. Or even the spouses. Each patient has a right to make her own choice. Each woman has a right to choose for her own womb her own life according to her own ethical and religious beliefs." Catherine Bordeau, Leader-in-Training, shared the above in a Platform Honoring Women's Reproductive Rights at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture in March 2011. Catherine will be joining the ESWoW call on MONDAY, April 2, 2012 to disucss the current attack on women's reproductive rights. Catherine brings her own interest and expertise in this field as well as the experience of her partner who works for the International Womens Health Coalition and fights for womens reproductive rights around the world. Please join us for this call and invite people who might be interested in this topic and/or Ethical Culture. The call will be on April 2, 2012 at 5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, and 8pm ET. The call will last about 1 hour. The number for the call is 866-740-1260, access code 5766842# |
| Mar 19 2012 10:49 pm Creating Communities of Hope and Justice -- AEU Assembly 2012 --
Gather with members and friends of Ethical Culture Societies for workshops dedicated to helping you make more ethical choices for yourself, your Society, and the World. The AEU 97th Annual Assembly will be held at the Best Western Sovereign Hotel in Albany, New York. Our Assembly is an important point in our lives as Ethical Culturists. It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in what it really means to belong to Ethical Culture. During Assembly, we gather with like-minded people and we experience the Movement in a larger context. Each member has unique talents within Ethical Culture. By participating in our annual Assembly we show each other, newcomers, and the greater community that we are a people with strong ideals, willing to declare our ethical principles for the betterment of humanity. The Assembly is also where we are able to renew and make new acquaintances with members of societies from across the country. It is an exciting opportunity to learn from each other, not only through the many workshops but by strengthening communication between members of all societies. Click HERE for the Assembly Brochure. Go to registration site through the link below. Related Link |
 Mar 18 2012 09:55 pmFreethinkers will gather in DC for a Reason Rally Saturday, March 24th --
Join Ethical Culture members and other freethinkers from across the country at the Reason Rally in Washington, D.C. Saturday, March 24th! Related Link |
 Mar 13 2012 11:45 pmAEU mentioned in Jane Fonda's book --
Jane Fonda mentioned the AEU in her book, "Prime Time": "Try putting yourself into situations where you are likely to find people who share your interests, your values--or your challenges...In his book about longevity The Blue Zone, Dan Buettner suggests joining a spiritual community; if you aren't of a particular denomination, you might try humanistic communities like the American Ethical Union or Unitarian Universalism." |
Mar 09 2012 10:39 am SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR AEU BOARD POSITIONS --
To the Societies, Fellowships and Circles of the American Ethical Union: The Board Development Committee of the American Ethical Union is seeking candidates to run for election to positions on the Board of Trustees and/or as officers at the next AEU Assembly in June. Participation by the broadest range of member organizations in the AEU will help assure the vitality of the Ethical Movement and the effectiveness of its democratic institutions. We ask you to disseminate this information within your community and to encourage your most active and talented members to participate in AEU activities. The Board of Directors is the principal governing body of the American Ethical Union outside of the annual Assembly of organization delegates. Directorship is a responsible position bearing fiduciary duties and requiring fidelity, confidentiality, non-conflict of interest and prudence under both the by-laws and the laws of the State of New York, under which the AEU is organized. The Board of Directors is composed of nine elected members who each serve for a three year term. (Two additional Directors are appointed by the National Leaders Council.) Three positions are up for election each year at the annual Assembly. A Director may serve up to two consecutive terms. Participation on the Board will require attendance at seven meetings a year. Travel, lodging and meal expenses are not automatically reimbursed at this time, so each Director must be prepared to bear these costs. Such expenditures may be tax deductible to the Director. To the extent resources permit, some expenses may be reimbursable to someone residing far from the East Coast if that would encourage participation. Meetings by electronic means have occasionally been employed and it is expected that its use will be expanded in the future. In addition, there are conference call meetings and email correspondence. It is expected that Directors will be generally proficient with the use of email, computer/ electronic communications and the internet. There is an expectation that all Directors will be committed and engaged and that they will participate in committee activities and make funding contributions to the organization as well. For any member in good standing whom your organization may recommend for nomination to the Board, please send a letter, a resume and contact information to the AEU Office, att: the Board Development Committee, at its main offices at 2 West 64th St., New York, N.Y. 10025 or to the email address Lmiller.aeu@gmail.com no later than March 30, 2012. The Board Development Committee will assemble a slate of candidates that may include more than the slots that are open, in which case the delegates attending the Assembly will choose among them. In addition, an individual may run independently of the official slate for election to the Board as a director or as an officer (president, vice president, secretary and treasurer). Persons seeking to present themselves as independent candidates for board director positions must submit a petition containing ten (10) signatures. Persons seeking to present themselves as independent candidates for officer positions must submit a petition containing the signatures of fifty (50) members representing at least five (5) different Societies. Officers must also be Directors. Petitions would have to be submitted to the AEU office prior to April 18, 2012. Additional information and petition forms are available to anyone interested in seeking to participate on the AEU Board by promptly calling the AEU Office at (212) 873-6500 or writing to Lmiller.aeu@gmail.com AND DONT FORGET - - there are committees which need your help, too. Bring your expertise, interest, energy and passion to the whole Ethical Movement by joining an AEU committee! Encourage your membership to call or write to the AEU office and inquire today! |
 Mar 06 2012 10:14 pm2012 Dialogue Winter Issue --
Read our latest issue of the Dialogue to learn about what is happening in our Ethical Culture Societies and communities all over the world. Related Link |
| Mar 02 2012 11:46 am Ethical Action Report - March 2012 --
In this issue: * Demand Equal Pay for Equal Work * Ask the Supreme Court to Embrace Ethics Reform * Protect the Artic from Oil Exploitation and Ruin * Seek Non-Military Easing of Tensions with Iran The link can be accessed by clicking: http://aeu.org/library/eactions/EAR201203.pdf Related Link |
Fev 16 2012 05:02 pm ESWoW Community Call February 19, 2012 - An Update on the Evolution Wars --
Presidential candidates who don't believe in evolution. School districts trying to give equal weight to teaching "intelligent design." Why is science important to Ethical Culturists? Are there connections between science and poetry? Please join the ESWoW Community call with guest Dr. Anne Klaeysen, one of the Leaders of the NY Society for Ethical Culture. Anne spoke at the NY Society on Feb. 5, 2012 on "Inherit the Wind" Revisited: An Update on the Evolution Warshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMAgQx3gEME in honor of Darwin Day (Feb. 12). She will join us to discuss these current day concerns about science, evolution and public policy. I just listened to the Platform address she gave and appreciated Anne's combination of good science, clear analysis and poetry. Please join us on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, 5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET. The number to join the call is 866-740-1260, access code 5766842#. This call will last one hour. For safety reasons we ask that you not drive while participating in ESWoW calls. Know someone who might be interested in this discussion? Please invite her or him, or them! Interested in this topic, but can't make the call? Please let me know - susan.rose@eswow.org. Related Link |
| Fev 02 2012 10:46 am Ethical Action Report - February 2012 --
In this issue: * Hold Wall Street Accountable * Promote Green Energy Innovation through Incentives * Support the Reason Rally and the Secular Coalition for America Lobby Day * Define Medical Neglect to Include Faith-Healing-Only Treatments for Children To read more please follow this link: Related Link |
Jan 30 2012 05:09 pm ESWOW - Eight Commitments of Ethical Culture - Feb. 5th Conference Call --
What principles have inspired Ethical Culture? In this call, Lois Kellerman* will present an introduction to eight underlying commitments that have profoundly shaped the Ethical movement. This call is an opportunity to be introduced to Eight Commitments of Ethical Culture, and begin to explore how these commitments relate to your own values. This call will also let us know if there are people interested in going deeper to explore the importance of these ideas and how you can incorporate them into your life. Please join us on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, 5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET. The number to join the call is 866-740-1260, access code 5766842#. This call will be 75 minutes long. For safety reasons we ask that you not drive while participating in ESWoW calls. Know someone who might be interested in this good introduction to Ethical Culture call? Please invite her or him, or them! Interested in this topic, but can't make the call? Please let me know - susan.rose@eswow.org. You can read Eight Commitments of Ethical Culture on the ESWoW site http://www.eswow.org/what-is-ethical-culture at the bottom of the What is Ethical Culture page or on the AEU website http://aeu.org/library/display_article.php?article_id=3 *Lois Kellerman holds MAs in Education and Psychology. She served as an Ethical Culture Leader (humanist clergy) in the New York City area for over twenty yearsthe last twelve years as Senior Leader of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Lois has served on the Board of the Harvard based Association for Moral Education, Co-Chaired the Columbia University Moral Education Seminar and served on the Steering Committee of the Princeton based (REA sponsored) project Faith Development in the Adult Life Cycle. Lois has developed extensive curriculum and workbooks, including her widely used Coming of Age "Discovery Journal" Lois is best known for her fourteen-year action research project which culminated in the American Ethical Union publication of "Eight Commitments of Ethical Culture". Later, this material served as a basis for "Marriage from the Heart; Eight Commitments of a Spiritually Fulfilling Life Together."(Viking-Penguin publishers, 2002/3). Lois and her husband, Hal, currently live in the Bay area of San Francisco Bay. Susan Rose, Leader Ethical Society Without Walls Related Link |
Jan 24 2012 11:56 am AEU Lay Leadership Summer School 2012 --
The AEU is very excited to announce that we are now accepting application for the eighth AEU Lay Leadership Summer to be held July 14 - 21, 2012 on The Mountain in Highlands, N.C. We have assembled a dedicated, skilled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty composed of professional and lay leaders from around the country. The brochure and application/registration forms can be found in the AEU Library located on the right side of the AEU homepage. They can also are available at your local Ethical Culture Society. The deadline for applying to the Lay Leadership Summer School is March 1, 2012 so we ask that if you are interested not to delay because space is limited. Click here for the registration form. The link for the brochure is below. Related Link |
 Dec 15 2011 11:05 amESWOW Winter Solstice Celebration Conference Call - Dec. 22, 2011 --
The Winter Solstice is on Dec.22 this year and we will be having our ESWoW Winter Solstice Celebration on Dec. 18. The call will be at a different time than our usual community calls - 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern. The number to join the call is 866-740-1260, access code 5766842#, In preparation for the winter solstice celebration we will share, I invite you to consider if there is poetry or some other reading you would like to share with the group.. One advantage of doing this in our own homes is that we can each do some things, or not do some things that feel appropriate to us. Some possibilities that come to mind - lighting a candle, or not, spreading some pine branches in your living space, or some other greenery, decorating in a way that feels appropriate to you. It occurs to me that we could take pictures of our own set up and then share them online. If you create a setting and send me a picture before the 18th, I'll post them on our website if you give me permission, and then we have some visual connection with each other. My recollection from last year is that group singing didn't work particularly well - it was the one time when we really experienced the problem of delays and we were not able to sing in sync with each other. Yet, we could try it again, the simpler the better - Deck the Halls, which is a Yule song, might work. I'll also plan to have some background music and opening and closing words to share. If you plan on participating, it would be helpful to me to know that in advance. And I welcome your ideas on how we celebrate the solstice together. I invite you to take a look at some of the comments made about our Solstice Celebration last year, along with some resources, and a place to discuss what it is like for humanists to go through the winter holiday season. You can find that forum at this link on our website. You do need to be logged in to comment, but that is a simple process. I'm looking forward to welcoming the winter with you, Susan |
| Dec 01 2011 03:16 pm Ethical Action Report - December 2011 --
In this issue the following topics are addressed: * Reform Capitalism by Supporting the Benefit Corporation Model * Support U.S. Funding of UNESCO * Maintain U.S. Opposition to Torture * Consider Alternative Giving this Holiday Season Related Link |
Sep 21 2011 02:11 pm ECSW - Workshop with Natalie Finstad on Leadership in Community Organizing - Sept. 24th --
The Ethical Culture Society of Westchester will be hosting Natalie Finstad, a teaching fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and founder of "Be the Change - Kenya" - an organization that offers organizational development and young adult leadership development to help local groups and individuals combat poverty and support social justice. Natalie will be offering an all day workshop on Saturday, September 24th titled "Passion to Action: The Art of Public Narrative" (Public Narrative is an approach to leadership in community organizing. We are inviting Ethical Society members to come to the workshop which will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 4:30. Committee chairpersons, board members, and anyone looking to increase their activity in the community. The cost is $50 per person and will include lunch. |
Sep 16 2011 01:05 pm 2011 YES Conference - SAVE THE DATE - --
We are very excited to announce that the YES conference is going to be held at the Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY over the weekend of November 10-13, 2011. With the pre-conference being held at the New York Society for Ethical Culture in NYC. Come share stories and perspectives - and make new memories with other Ethical teens from around the country as we explore the topic of Instinctive Human Rights: What Are We Entitled To? We hope to see you there. If you have any questions please contact Trish Cowan at trishotze@sbcglobal.net Related Link |
Sep 06 2011 11:37 am ESWOW Community Call - Sept. 11, 2011 --
September 11, 2011 - Sharing and Reflection Ten Years Later The events of September 11, 2001, remain in the memories of those of us who experienced it. This special ESWoW Community Call is an opportunity to share our memories and experiences. What impact did this tragedy have on you? What impact has the terrorist assault had on our country and the world? And most importantly, how do we move forward, how do we continue to work for the values we see as so important, believing in the inherent worth of all human beings, and our ability to work together to make the world a better place for all? Please join us for this special Community Call - Sunday, September 11, 2011. The call will take place at 4:30 pm Pacific Time, 5:30 pm Mountain Time, 6:30 pm Central Time, and 7:30 pm Eastern Time. The number for the call is 866-740-1260, access code 5766842#. Know someone who might want to participate? Please invite them. As always, we're concerned for the safety of our call participants, and ask that you not call and drive. Hugh Taft-Morales has shared some thoughts about this tragedy, where he was, what the impact was for his family. Please read his thoughts, and the comments of members. And please add your own thoughts and experiences. In 2001, several Ethical Culture Leaders wrote about the terrorist attacks, and what an Ethical Culture response might be. Many of those pieces still feel very appropriate to me. Take a look and see what you think. Program Welcome - Overview of Call Opening Words Sharing - Where were you on September 11, 2001? Reading Sharing - What impact has the tragedy of September 11, 2001 had on you, on your loved ones, and the world? Reading What do we do now? How do we bring our Ethical Culture values to the world? Closing Words Please join us. Related Link |
 Sep 02 2011 02:58 pmA Celebration of Rose Walker's Life - Sept. 17, 2011 --
Please join Rose's family and friends on Saturday, September 17, at 5:00pm in Ceremonial Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th Street, New York, NY to celebrate, share memories and honor the life of this extraordinary Ethical Culturist. Rose dedicated herself to the cause of peace and forged lasting relationships with people from around the world through her work at the United Nations. She will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her. |
 Sep 01 2011 11:59 amEthical Action Report - September 2011 --
In this Issue the topics discussed are: * Respond to the African Famine Crisis Now and Create Long-term Solutions * Support HJ Resolution 47 to Extend Time for Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment * Advocate for an Ethical Path to Deficit Reduction * Write to Your State Legislators to Oppose Voter Photo ID Laws and Early Voting Cutbacks Related Link |
| Aug 30 2011 04:17 pm 2011 Dialogue Summer Issue --
Find out what has been taking place during the summer through the on-line version of Dialogue. Related Link |
Aug 30 2011 04:07 pm Passion to Action: The Art of Public Narrative - Workshop - Sept. 24, 2011 --
ECSW will be hosting Natalie Finstad, a teaching fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and founder of "Be the Change - Kenya" - an organization that offers organizational development and young adult leadership development to help local groups and individuals combat poverty and support social justice. Natalie will be offering an all day workshop on Saturday, September 24th titled "Passion to Action: The Art of Public Narrative" (Public Narrative is an approach to leadership in community organizing. We are inviting Ethical Society members to come to the workshop which will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 4:30. Committee chairpersons, board members, and anyone looking to increase their activity in the community. Where: Ethical Culture Society of Westchester 7 Saxon Wood Road, White Plains, NY Cost: $50 (lunch included) For Reservations contact: ecsw@optonline.net or call 914-948-1120 For more information on this workshop please click on the following link. Related Link |
Aug 30 2011 03:23 pm 2011 AEU RE Conference and Family Weekend - Nov. 4 - 6, 2011 --
As Ethical Humanists we believe that we should act so as to elicit the best in others, and thereby ourselves. As religious educators and parents, we must be able to communicate with children in a way that acknowledges their feelings, engages them, treats them with dignity and respect. In doing so, we allow children to express themselves as well, and we are able to learn from them and with them. This weekend we will explore our roles as teachers and parents and discuss how we can be effective. Our weekend includes opportunity for reflection, inspiration, and play. Please join us for a fun filled weekend at the beautiful Stony Point Conference Center in Stony Point, NY. For a complete schedule of planned activities and how to register you and your family please click on the provided link below. Related Link |
Jul 13 2011 09:54 am Dr. Kirk Schneider at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture - July 31st --
Awaken Yourself to Awe on Sunday July 31 at Brooklyn Ethical! Workshop and Public Lecture by Humanist Psychologist Dr Kirk J. Schneider, author of Awakening to Awe: Personal Stories of Profound Transformation On Sunday, July 31, the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture proudly hosts a full day of events by humanist psychologist Kirk J. Schneider focused on the power of awe as a means for transforming how we relate to our everyday lives. His presentations will draw on his book Awakening to Awe: Personal Stories of Profound Transformation, which introduced readers to an alternative and underground spiritual movement of those who developed the capacity to experience the wonder, or awe, of life by fully living it. Nurturing the Sense of Awe in our Day-to-Day World: At an 11am talk for the general public, Dr. Schneider will discuss how tapping into a sense of awe and possibility can renew a sense of adventure in our daily activities, ranging from child rearing, work and moral and ethical decisionmaking..Dr. Schneider will explore the relevance of such existential-spiritual thinkers as Ernest Becker, Paul Tillich and Martin Buber for contemporary spiritual questions. Rediscovering Awe: A Meditation on the Humility, Wonder, and Adventure, of Living: A special afternoon workshop at 1:15pm is geared specifically to clergy, counselors and therapists to help them be more fully present to and thus deepen their bond with a diverse range of clients by drawing on the insights of humanist psychology. RSVPs and a fee of $15 are required. Dr. Schneider, a prominent contributor to Tikkun magazine and Psychology Today, is recognized for his outstanding and independent pursuit of new frontiers in humanistic psychology and existential psychotherapy. He is a practicing psychotherapist and has published over 100 articles and chapters and has authored or edited eight books. More information about Dr. Schneider is available at his website www.kirkjschneider.com The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture is a 100-year-old humanist congregation located at 53 Prospect Park West at 2nd St. To RSVP or pay for afternoon workshop, please visit http://kirkj073111.eventbrite.com/ or call 718-768-2972. For questions, email bsecevents@gmail.com. For directions, visit www.bsec.org. Related Link |
 Jul 06 2011 10:46 pmAEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend --
The 2011 AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend will take place again at the lovely Stony Point Conference Center in Stony Point, NY. The conference is a wonderful time for the children and for the adults alike - so please "Save the Date." It's a great place to share and learn from each other on topics of the religious education of our children. This years theme is: "Ethically Talking So Kids Will Listen and Listening So Kids Will Talk" - which is taken from the National Bestseller book titled the same written by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. There will be workshops and conversations based on the ideas outlined in this book along with much, much more. (click on link below for full view of the poster) Related Link |
 Jun 29 2011 11:22 amFelix Adler Lifetime Achievement Award - Dr. Howard B. Radest --
Dr. Howard B. Radest was presented with the American Ethical Union's Felix Adler Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Assembly held in Columbus, OH on June 18, 2011. Dr. Howard B. Radest has been actively involved in the Ethical Culture Movement for over seven decades, during which time he has served as a Leader, educator, and author. The purpose of the Felix Adler Award is to recognize members who have stimulated the growth of the Ethical Culture Movement during many years of active participation in their Society, an AEU Affiliated Organization, and/or an AEU Committee or Board. Related Link |
| Jun 27 2011 12:36 am Rose L. Walker Long-time Member of Ethical Culture Dies at Age 101. --
We celebrate the life of Rose L Walker who died in the company of her family on Friday, June 17th, 2011, at 101 years of age . Rose served on the National Ethical Service Executive Board until she died. She was a recipient of the Eleanor Schnurr Award, a national service honor given by The UN Foundation. She received in 2010 the Felix Adler Lifetime Achievement Award from The American Ethical Union. Those who loved her celebrate her radiance and devotion to the ethical culture message of comprehensive interrelatedness practiced within the ethical culture movement. Through NES she ably represented us at the United Nations. The family of Rose L. Walker is planning to have a Celebration of her life service during the later part of the September, 2011. The exact date, time and place will be posted on the AEU site once the plans set. If you wish to send a card or note to Rose's family, please mail it to: c/o Judith Kramer, 3518 Silver Pine Ct., Sarasota, FL 34231. Any contributions to the Rose Walker Fund please make payable to the National Ethical Service, c/o of AEU, 2 W 64th Street, NY, NY 10023 (with Rose Walker Fund on the memo line). Also, please visit the Ethical Society without Walls to read a more personal viewpoint on Rose. Related Link |
 Jun 13 2011 09:56 amEthical Culture Leader John Hoad Dies --
John William Lionel Hoad, PhD, JAMES ISLAND - John Hoad, 83, died May 27, 2011, of pneumonia after showing great determination through a heroic battle with several illnesses. Dr. Hoad was attended by his family and the medical team at Medical University of South Carolina. His death is one milestone in a storied life, and comes a year after publication of his book, "Translating Jesus for Today." He loved pastoral counseling, he poured his writing talents into his sermons, and he campaigned vigorously for racial and gender equality. His deep beliefs led him to host Martin Luther King, Jr, in Jamaica and to be a counselor, critic and friend of Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley. Born in the island of Barbados, schooled at Harrison College, Rev. Hoad began his career as a Methodist minister, educated at Cambridge University in England. He preached in Guyana and then from 1962-1972 in Jamaica, at Providence Methodist Church. In 1968, he was named the first permanent president of the United Theological College of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. His great love was counseling people in need, and he moved to the United States in 1972, to earn a PhD in pastoral counseling from Princeton University. The website of the Ethical Society of St. Louis tells us: His interest in freethinking led him to the Ethical Culture movement, and he was appointed Leader in St. Louis in 1980 while Hornback was on a sabbatical, and he served in co-leadership with Hornback until the latter retired in 1984. Hoad brought exceptional leadership skills to his service of the Ethical Culture movement. He was especially known for his addresses, seminars, and pastoral counseling. Through--and beyond--his addresses and writing, he sought to bolster the Society's organizational strength. Drawing on years of study and experience in social psychology, he avidly nurtured leadership, communication, and cooperation within the Society's political and economic structures. Following his tenure as leader, he continued to be a powerful presence in the movement and in the St. Louis Society. John had a significant role in the National Leaders Council, leading to several documents of importance to the Ethical Movement. He drafted the Concept Map for Ethical Culture, Towards Philosophical Consensus, A Statement Of The National Leaders Council Of The American Ethical Union published in 1991. Many Leaders have fond memories of John. For six years, he preached at Alton Unitarian Church in Illinois, and Emerson Unitarian Church in St. Louis, and counseled at Provident Counseling. After retiring to Charleston, he supported his wife Karen Hoad in sustaining Life Transformations, a resource for helping people through difficulties. He is survived by his wife, Karen, and children Michael, Paul and Barbara, as well as Karen's children Evan and Holly. His own family extends throughout the world, from his ancestral home in Barbados to Canada, Australia, Denmark, Switzerland and the United States. He donated his body to MUSC for student learning. His family has created a memorial site where you can learn more about Dr. Hoad's life, see pictures of him that made me smile, and share your thoughts about John. Submitted by Susan Rose, based on the obituary written by Michael Hoad and the Ethical Society of St. Louis website. |
 May 05 2011 05:29 pmLen Weis Memorial Service - May 15 On ESWoW Community Call --
Len Weis Memorial Service - May 15 As most of you know, Len Weis, active ESWoW member, died two days ago on May 4. The contact information for the Memorial Service Community Call is 866-740-1260, access code 5766842. The call will be at 2pm Central Time (Len's time zone) which translates to 12m Pacific, 1pm Mountain and 3pm Eastern Time. ESWoW will devote its May 15 Community Call to a memorial service for Len Weis. I've just spoken to Len's daughter Becky who appreciates this opportunity to remember and honor her father. Becky expects that several members of Len's family will be able to join us for this call. When I spoke to Becky, I let her know that May 15 is Founders Day in Ethical Culture, and we both had the thought that that date is very appropriate to honor Len, a descendant of Ethical Culture founders. Ethical Culture memorial services are often described as being a celebration of a person's life, and there is much to celebrate in Len's life. Everyone's sharing will be welcome. Even though we won't be able to see each others' tears, or offer hugs, we will be able to share our memories of someone who has been one of our most steady participants in our Community Calls, and has had such passion for ESWoW. And we can offer our caring to each other. I've written a piece about Len, and posted it on www.eswow.org. It also includes some of Len's own words. I'll also paste it in below, but please do feel free to read it on the website and post your comments there so we can share them. This coming Sunday, May 8, there will be a memorial service for Len Weis at the First Congregational Church in Appleton, WI. Len was a founder and active member of that Unitarian Universalist congregation. The obituary for Len mentions how important it was for Len to reconnect to his Ethical Culture roots and I was so moved to read that. Here is the full obituary. http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110505/APC010301/105050586/1007/Weis-Leonard In speaking with Becky, she told me that the family is most interested in collecting people's remembrances of Len. These may be sent to Len and Donna's son, Stephen Weis, at stephenlw at aol.com. The family welcomes cards. Please contact Susan Rose - susan.rose at eswow.org for the address. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers that you contribute to the Len Weis Memorial Fund or organization of your choice, but of course, there is no obligation. If you do wish to contribute to the memorial fund, please make the check out to Donna Weis with a memo for donation and send to the above address. The family requests that if you send a contribution in memory of Len to another organization, to please let them know. I hope you can join us for this important occasion to remember Leonard Weis. Yours in Ethical Community, Susan Rose, Leader Ethical Society Without Walls www.eswow.org Len Weis Memorial Len Weis was a child of the Ethical Movement, with two grandfathers as founding members of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. As a young adult he moved away from Ethical Culture, but only literally, away from New York to a land where there were no Ethical Societies. How fortunate we have been that Len Weis and Ethical Culture found each other again, and found ways to be supportive of each other through the Ethical Society Without Walls. I was privileged to be able to speak with him, and hear just how much it meant to him to have an Ethical Culture connection again. And how fortunate they were in Appleton, WI, to have Len and Donna Weis as part of their community as they raised their two children, Stephen and Becky. Len and I appreciated another connection we had - I had worked at the Weis Ecology Center in its very early days, had met his mother, May, and his daughter Becky. The ecology center, nestled in the woods of northern NJ, is a gem. The Weis family has certainly been an important part of environmental education and preservation, and their good work continues. How wonderful it was to have Len attend the 100th anniversary of the building of the NY Society for Ethical Culture, a building in which he spent many hours of his youth. When I spoke with Len and Donna's daughter, Becky,she told me how happy he was to have participated in the anniversary program, being recognized as a direct descendant of founders of Ethical Culture. I think though that Len spent many more hours in the building next door, attending the Ethical Culture Workman's School. It was there that Felix Adler patted young Len, in third grade perhaps, on the head. I was thrilled to hear that story whenever Len told it - giving us just one degree of separation from the founder of Ethical Culture. Len has been a strong presence in the Ethical Society Without Walls, lending his experience, expertise, warmth and humor to our Community Calls and our work together. But I think it best to let Len's words, written last year as a promotional piece for ESWoW, speak for him. ESWoW has ancient and new members. I am an ancient member both because of my age and because I am the grandson of two founding members who started the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC) in 1876. My Mother was the Trustee who led the AEU into the United Nations in 1948 as a Non-Governmental Organization. Like my family, I grew up within the fold of the Ethical Culture movement which values non-theistic ethical principles and practicing integrity in our daily affairs to the best of our ability. My grade school had been established in 1878 by Ethical Culture as the Workingmans Kindergarten in New York City to keep young children off the streets. Each year another grade was added as the kids grew and teachers were trained. It became the best K-12 school in the city ... developed for people who couldnt afford to go to school! Dr. Adler, founder of Ethical Culture, eventually allowed Ethical Society Members to send their kids there if they paid enough tuition to feed, clothe and train the poorer kids so that nobody knew who was rich or poor. In the 1920s I remember Dr. Adler patting my head in the corridors. By second grade I was sitting at Dr. Elliotts feet (he was the Associate Leader of NYSEC), and looking up at his face in our Ethics classes. Thats right: Ethics were an integral part of the curriculum. I have carried all the inspiration and ethical development with me as I moved about the country and through my life. Regardless of where I found social and committed groups, in the Midwest where I now live, I always presented concepts from the Ethical Culture Society. Even in the most conservative parts of the country and during the bullying conformity of the 50s, Ethical Culture Leaders have successfully made the bridge to Integrity, Fellowship, and of course, Ethical Living. In Ethical Culture we say "Deed Above Creed" and I have seen that is most effective when Ethics is applied to all concerns of humans. Related Link |
 May 03 2011 11:15 amThe AEU Assembly - Register Now!!! --
Make sure you Register for this years Assembly and take advantage of the discounted room rate guaranteed by the Columbus Airport Marriott on reservation made by May 15th. The AEU's Assembly registration website is available and it will give you a complete overview of the programming, lodging & activities at the Assembly in Columbus, OH. In order to continue our efforts in lessening our carbon footprint and due to the success of last years online registration, the AEU is offering Online Registration again this year. To view the Assembly website and/or Register, please click on the link below or by visiting the AEU website at (www.aeu.org) There will also be Assembly brochures available at your societies as well as on the AEU website for those who prefer to register by mail - but we are trying to move away from using paper products and have registrations made in "real-time" therefore we ask that you register online. If you have any questions regarding this years Assembly, please call the AEU at 212-873-6500 or email L. Miller at: lmiller.aeu@gmail.com or Donna Pang at: dpang.aeu@gmail.com. We are looking forward to seeing you in Columbus!! Best regards, The Assembly Committee Related Link |
| May 03 2011 11:00 am Ethical Action Report - May 2011 --
Our May 2011 Issue of the Ethical Action Report addresses the following topics: * Write Congress to Support Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) * End Federal Funding of Religious Schools * Keep Light Bulb Efficiency Standards in Place! * Defend the Rights of Muslim Americans Related Link |
Apr 11 2011 04:41 pm International Humanist and Ethical Union World Congress 2011 August 12 - 14, Oslo, Norway --
IHEU holds International Congresses every three years in different parts of the world. You probably know that the AEU was instrumental in the founding of the IHEU in Amsterdam in 1952, and that we are the reason that it is the IHEU, not the IHU. The last time a Congress was held in Norway was about 25 years ago, when I was first getting active in the AEU. One of my first AEU board meeting recollections was a stirring endorsement of the IHEU and the then-upcoming Oslo Congress, and included the comment, "If you go to Norway and don't visit the fjords, you're just stupid"! We have come a long way since then, and you would no longer hear a comment like that at an AEU board or hopefully any other Ethical Culture meeting. Notwithstanding, I strongly encourage you to consider attending the Congress if you can, and do some sightseeing as well, including the fjords, other parts of Norway and possibly other Scandinavian countries. See the end of this article for a link to a post-Congress cruise, and other possible tourist activities. IHEU Congresses aim for: Bringing together members of IHEUs Member Organizations and individual supporters to discuss matters of concern, to learn and to draw inspiration from each other. Focusing global humanist attention on selected issues, so that an IHEU position on the issue can be formulated. Showcasing the role and aims of IHEU, promoting knowledge and understanding of IHEU among other NGOs in the region. Creating increased visibility for IHEU and Humanism in the media thereby achieving a generally raised profile for Humanism and humanist concerns in the region. Helping build a network of international contacts among Congress participants. Creating opportunities for IHEU-kindred organizations to participate in our activities and meetings, on a reciprocal basis. The congress website -- http://hef.ramvik.no/?div_id=1&pag_id=1 Themes of this year's Congress -- http://hef.ramvik.no/?div_id=45&pag_id=45 "The global struggle for peace" What does "peace" mean in todays environment of international conflicts, and how peaceful is the world today? Do we have the means to understand and resolve the kinds of conflict we are facing in the 21st century? How can Humanists and Humanism contribute? Speakers will include political leaders working on these issues as well as leading Humanists. "The role of super-national organizations" How can super-national organizations promote peace and conflict prevention? What are organizations like the United Nations, OSCE, EU, and ACHPR doing in this area? Can Humanists influence their work? Speakers will include leading representatives of UN and regional organizations and IHEU representatives in those organizations. "Man a peaceful animal?" Are human beings by nature aggressive and warlike? If so, what can be done to curtail these instincts? Or do humans have biological imperatives towards peace and caring for others? Can Humanist thinking help in preventing conflict? Speakers will include leading scientists as well as well-known Humanist speakers. "The role of life stance in conflict" What is the role of ones life stance in determining ones views on the use of force in conflict? Should Humanists be anti-militarists or support the use of force to protect human life and liberty? Are religious life stances parts of the problem or part of the solution? Speakers will include leading Humanists with different cultural backgrounds. "Methods of Humanism and Peace" The International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization (IHEYO) will organize a parallel session for one day of the congress, with focus on practical activities, workshops, interactive games and other work in small groups. "Humanist ceremonies" Should Humanists rise above the need for rituals and ceremonies, or are such life-phase rituals an important expression of what it means to be human? Do ceremonies contribute to improve understanding between different cultural traditions? And why are the Humanist ceremonies in Norway so popular? For more details on the Congress program -- http://hef.ramvik.no/?div_id=54&pag_id=54 Related travel/tourist information: Post-Congress tour: http://hef.ramvik.no/?div_id=35&pag_id=35 Join other Humanist leaders for a unique cruise, called by some the "Worlds Most Beautiful Sea Voyage", with Hurtigruten along the Norwegian coast. The tour takes place from Tuesday 16 August to Monday 22 August, and includes a journey by train from Oslo to Bergen, six days on the cruise ship "Kong Harald" from Bergen all the way up to Kirkenes, and air flight from Kirkenes to Oslo Airport. We will see a varied coastline and several fjords, including the Geirangerfjord, visit seven cities, cross the Arctic Circle and visit the North Cape Plateau. Sightseeing tours in or around Oslo: http://hef.ramvik.no/?div_id=47&pag_id=47 There will be four different sightseeing tours, in the afternoon on Thursday and Sunday. The tours will last 2 2 hours each. Some of the tours include bus travel and entrance to various museums, this is included in the price of the tour. English speaking guides take part in all the tours. Additionally, information on Oslos attractions will be available at the information desk during the congress, for those who wish to visit the tourist attractions on their own. The main tourist attractions of Norway are the fjord-indented coastline and its mountains, the unspoiled nature of the inner parts of the country, and the cities and smaller towns. And since the Congress is being held in August, northern Norway is the Land of the Midnight Sun. The main tourist cities in Norway are Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Troms. And finally, if you want to arrange a custom tour that gives you many tourist highlights but can be individually tailored to suit your interests, needs, and amount of time you will have, I strongly encourage you to try what Carol and I did when we were in Norway some years ago, the Norway in a Nutshell tour: http://www.norwaynutshell.com/en/explore-the-fjords/geiranger-norway-in-a-nutshell/?utm_source=visitnorway&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=US_207x112&utm_campaign=Geiranger Hope to see many of you in Oslo this August! Let's show the international humanist community that Ethical Culture is alive and well. If you have any further questions or want some more information, feel free to contact me at habanero144@yahoo.com. Ron Solomon Related Link |
| Apr 04 2011 04:21 pm Ethical Action Report - April 2011 --
In this Issue: * In the Wake of the Japanese Nuclear Crisis, Demand Sensible Energy Policy Now! * Defend National Public Radio and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting * Seeking a Responsible Federal Budget * Support Equal Rights Amendment for Women Related Link |
 Mar 24 2011 05:00 pmCome one, come all! --
The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture is celebrating their 104th birthday this year and would like to invite you to celebrate with them on April 10, 2011. The festivities will be held at the Society (53 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY) from 1pm to 4pm and will include lunch, games and lots of fun! Please RSVP for your entire party so that we know how much food (and birthday cake) to have by following this link: Related Link |
| Mar 15 2011 11:07 am FES Conference Registration Now Open - May 27-30m 2011 --
FES Conference - This year's Future of Ethical Societies (FES) conference will take place in Brooklyn, NY, during Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30). FES will be staying at the New York Loft Hostel & Hotel - just a short commute from the Brooklyn Society FES's annual conference is a way for FES members to reconnect with old friends, welcome new members into the group, and explore a new community and Ethical Society. As part of FES's commitment to giving back to the communities it visits, the members of FES will be assisting in several Brooklyn community gardens during this year's conference. In addition to community service, FES members also explore the area they are visiting, and New York City has no shortage of sightseeing opportunities. The weekend will round out with Sunday Platform at the Brooklyn Society which will be presented by FES. If you are interested in more information regarding this year's conference, want to know ways you can become involved in FES or the conference, or know a 17-28 year old adult that might be interested in participating in FES's conference, please contact Jessica Blumberg at jblumbi@gmail.com. Related Link |
| Mar 04 2011 03:44 pm AEU 96th Assembly Registration Now OPEN!!! --
June 16th - 19th, 2011 We are pleased to announce that the AEU's Assembly website is now available. The website gives a complete overview of the programming, lodging & activities at the Assembly in Columbus, OH. In order to continue our efforts in lessening our carbon footprint and due to the success of last years online registration, the AEU is offering Online Registration again this year. To view the Assembly website and/or Register, please click on the link below or by visiting the AEU website at (www.aeu.org) There will also be Assembly brochures available at your societies as well as on the AEU website for those who prefer to register by mail - but we are trying to move away from using paper products and have registrations made in "real-time" therefore we ask that you register online. If you have any questions regarding this years Assembly, please call the AEU at 212-873-6500 or email L. Miller at: lmiller.aeu@gmail.com or Donna Pang at: dpang.aeu@gmail.com. We are looking forward to seeing you in Columbus!! Best regards, The Assembly Committee Related Link |
 Mar 04 2011 02:35 pmSEEKING CANDIDATES FOR AEU BOARD POSITIONS --
The Board Development Committee of the American Ethical Union is seeking candidates to run for election to positions on the Board of Trustees at the next AEU Assembly. The Board is composed of nine elected members who each serve for a three year term. Three positions are up for election each year. A member may serve up to two consecutive terms. The Board Development Committee will assemble a slate of candidates that may include more than the slots that are open, in which case the delegates attending the Assembly will choose among them. Also, an individual may run for election to the Board independently of the official slate by submitting a petition containing the signatures of ten members of an Ethical society. A petition would have to be submitted prior to April 18, 2011. Information and forms are available to anyone interested in seeking to participate on the AEU Board by calling the AEU Office at (212) 873-6500 or writing to Lmiller.aeu@gmail.com. AND DONT FORGET - - there are committees which need your help, too. Bring your expertise, interest, energy and passion to the whole Ethical Movement by joining an AEU committee! Call or write to the AEU office and inquire today! |
 Mar 04 2011 02:26 pmANNOUNCEMENT of NEW YES CONFERENCE COORDINATOR --
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Trish Cowan, Ethical Society of St Louis, as the new YES Conference Coordinator. The Youth of Ethical Societies is one of the most important components for the future of Ethical Culture. Trish brings her many years of experience as the Chair, AEU Religious Education Committee, AEU Religious Education Curriculum Developer and as a Sunday School Director in her Society. Her remarkable rapport with students comes in part from the respect she holds for them and their potential for youth leadership. Trishs sensitivity nurtures an environment of encouragement, respect, and individuality in our youth. We are most fortunate that Trish has joined us with her progressive vision of Ethical Culture and her outstanding skills to implement a safe, participative and meaningful annual youth conference for the students of our Societies. |
| Mar 04 2011 02:25 pm Ethical Action Report - March 2011 --
IN THIS ISSUE: Support the Equal Employment for all Act Defend Family Planning and Planned Parenthood Defend the 2010 Affordable Health Care Act Protect Budget Priorities Serving Vulnerable Populations Related Link |
 Fev 12 2011 10:54 pmPeter Yarrow Concert - at the New York Society for Ethical Culture --
Special Concert Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) Friday, February 25, 2011 Auditorium 7:30pm Tickets sold on Eventbrite: Concert - $30; Concert and post-concert reception at the Society with Peter Yarrow - $125. Traditional Folk Music with Bethany and Rufus. This will be a concert that bring back memories, creat new ones and just an all together good time. Related Link |
 Jan 26 2011 03:58 pmThe Passing of Herb Blinder - Memorial Service Scheduled --
The Northern Virginia Ethical Society and the Washington Ethical Society sadly announce the passing of Herb Blinder on January 21, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, January 28th at the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Messages of condolence can be sent to 5420 Connecticut Ave., NW, Apt. 315, Washington, DC 20015. Herb Blinder was a distinguished member of both Northern Virginia and Washington Ethical Societies since the early 1960s. His most notable work was as the Ethical Culture Movements unpaid representative on Capitol Hill for approximately 15 years. As Head of the Washington Ethical Action Office, Herb wrote and distributed monthly ethical action reports (the green sheets) which helped inform and coordinate the work of society ethical action committees on national issues. In addition, Herb served for many years as WESs lead Officiant, helping to develop WESs officiant program. Between the 1960s and early 1970s, Herb served on WESs Board , was the Chair of WESs Platform Committee, Chair of the Ethical Action Committee and for one year was the Director of Programs. He was also a WES representative on the AEU Board, and being a trained mediator, served for many years as the Chair of the AEU Mediation Committee. Herb was a dedicated member of the Ethical Culture Movement for nearly 48 years, and in 2009 he was awarded the first Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award for his many years of service. Herb touched many lives during his long life, and he will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him. We send our heartfelt wishes to Herbs family during this difficult time. |
Jan 25 2011 02:29 pm "Beautiful Hills of Brooklyn." --
"Beautiful Hills of Brooklyn." The Washington Ethical Society hosted a screening of this lovely 38-minute award-winning film, the true story of an elderly woman with a rich inner life. Of special interest: the woman was a member of the Brooklyn Ethical Society, and the script comes from her diary. We discussed the film through the lens of an Ethical Culture community and how we meet the needs of our elders and all our members. Depending on your location, the filmmakers (who have longtime connections to Ethical Culture) may be available to speak, as screenwriter Ellen Cassedy did at WES. For more information, see the film's website at www.beautifulhillsofbrooklyn.com, or write to outreach@beautifulhillsofbrooklyn.com. Related Link |
Jan 25 2011 01:40 pm FES Conference - Save the Date!!! --
This year's Future of Ethical Societies (FES) conference will take place in Brooklyn, NY, during Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30). FES will be staying at the New York Loft Hostel & Hotel - just a short commute from the Brooklyn Society. FES's annual conference is a way for FES members to reconnect with old friends, welcome new members into the group, and explore a new community and Ethical Society. As part of FES's commitment to giving back to the communities it visits, the members of FES will be assisting in several Brooklyn community gardens during this year's conference. In addition to community service, FES members also explore the area they are visiting, and New York City has no shortage of sightseeing opportunities. The weekend will round out with Sunday Platform at the Brooklyn Society which will be presented by FES. If you are interested in more information regarding this year's conference, want to know ways you can become involved in FES or the conference, or know a 17-28 year old adult that might be interested in participating in FES's conference, please contact Jessica Blumberg at jblumbi@gmail.com. |
Jan 24 2011 05:23 pm AEU YES Conference Coordinator Position Open --
The AEU is accepting applications for a YES Conference Coordinator. Job Description for AEU YES Conference Coordinator Background The youth of Ethical Culture Societies are one of the most important components for the future of Ethical Culture. The YES conference presents an opportunity for the youth of Societies from across the country to exercise leadership, interact, have fun, develop friendships, and continue their growth as ethical agents in the world. The youth of our Societies are a precious resource requiring the highest level of commitment from the Societies and the AEU. The AEU is therefore funding a position for a YES Conference Coordinator to plan and organize the annual YES conferences. Job Requirements The YES Conference Coordinator will carry out this mission and support by: Assisting Society YES programs with organizing, advertising, and implementing an effective, safe, participative, and meaningful annual youth conference, Involving Society YES advisors and coordinators in the planning and implementation of the conference, Providing opportunities at the YES conference for Society YES advisors and coordinators to network. In particular, the AEU YES Conference Coordinator is expected to: Identify suitable facilities, transportation needs and logistical concerns for the annual YES Conference based on criteria provided by the AEU, Stay within the AEU budget for net expenses for the Coordinator position and for the YES conferences ($0.00 net expenses = expenses less revenue). Qualities of the YES Conference Coordinator The Coordinator should have a broad range of skills due to the unpredictable nature of individual situations, group dynamics and the variety of youth personalities. The YES Conference Coordinator should: Embrace a vision of Ethical Culture, Able to empower youth leadership, shown by previous youth advisor experience, Show that you are sensitive, nurturing, accessible, courageous, a good listener, Be responsible, and honest, Be flexible, and tolerant of noise and mess, Lead with participatory style, set personal limits, and above all, Like and respect teens. The YES Conference Coordinator will work in conjunction with the AEU office on all logistical aspects of the conference. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a resume and a brief outline of your past experience in conference planning and working with youths to lmiller.aeu@gmail.com. Interviews will be scheduled either in person or via telephone based on qualifications. |
Jan 10 2011 05:15 pm AEU Strategic Planning Meeting - Listening Session Jan. 16, 2011 at NYSEC --
Strategic Planning Meeting - Listening Session Jan. 16, 2011 -- Members of the Ethical Societies in the NY Metro area are invited to participate in an AEU Strategic Planning - input session on Sunday, January 16th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. This meeting will be conducted by AEU Board members Randy Best, Laura Steel. Other members of the AEU Board will be attending. The AEU is seeking input from all of its member Societies. This meeting is the second of several outreach activities. Current AEU programs will be presented with opportunities for program feedback and suggestions for priorities, new programs, and directions for the AEU. Take advantage of this chance to help the AEU evolve to better meet the needs of its member Societies. |
 Jan 10 2011 11:43 amNo Impact Man - Colin Beavan - Personal Appearance - January 16, 2011 --
Ethical Culture Society of Westchester 7 Saxon Wood Rd., (off Mamaroneck Ave) White Plains, NY 10605 Time: 10:15 AM Colin is the founder and Executive Director of the No Impact Project, an international environmental non-profit dedicated to empowering citizens to make choices which better their lives and lower their environmental impact. He is the author of No Impact Man (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), the story of the year that Colin, his young daughter and his Prada-wearing wife attempted to make zero impact on the environment while living right in the heart of Manhattan. They found that no-impact living is worthwhile and richer, fuller, and more satisfying in the bargain. No Impact Man is also a Sundance-selected documentary, released in September, 2009. Including: Environmental Fair & Electronic Waste Recycling Collection Colin's speaking appearance is part of the Society annual Day of Deeds, which will also feature an Environmental Fair starting after his presentation. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is the fair's theme. You and your family will learn ways to reduce your impact on the earth. Adults and children welcome. All E-waste collected will go to Office Recycling Solutions which practices a zero-landfill policy. They do not ship electronic waste to third world countries for de-manufacturing. www.officerecyclingsolutions.com For more information on these events, please call (914) 684-2614 and ask for Liz, or visit our Society's website www.ethicalsocietywestchester.org. Also visit: Environmental Fair Free of charge 12:00 - 2:00 P.M., ECSW, 7 Saxon Wood Rd. Learn about how to recycle batteries, #5 plastics,shoes and more. The Society will be collecting the following items on that day: - small batteries of all types (no car batteries) - #5 plastic containers - old sneakers for recycling Soles 4 Souls, gently used shoes for redistribution to those without, including Haiti. Electronic Waste Recycling Collection $10.00 charge per carload. 12:00 - 4:00 P.M., ECSW, 7 Saxon Wood Rd. Drop-Off in parking lot accepted items:CPUs/computers, servers, keyboards,spare computer parts, monitors, laptops, network equipment, mice, laser printers, routers, radios,scanners, fax machines, cables and wires, aluminum,copper, cell phones, inks/laser cartridges and telephones. Also visit www.noimpactproject.org for information on the movie, the blog and the book: No Impact Man The Adventures Of A Guilty Liberal Who Attempts To Save The Planet And The Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way Of Life In The Process. Related Link |
Jan 10 2011 11:36 am THE POWER AND JOY OF COMMUNITY SINGING; AN AEU SONGBOOK --
Compiling an AEU Songbook -- Did you know that the American Ethical Union has not published a songbook since 1955? Dont you think its about time to create a new one? Several Leaders of the Ethical Culture Movement and many members of our congregations have been working with Joan Klips in compiling a songbook entitled "The Power and Joy of Community Singing; An AEU Songbook" The songbook will combine both traditional and contemporary songs. Composers that have granted permission for a selected work of theirs to be part of the songbook include Pete Seeger, Bev Grant, Holly Near and Bill Staines thus far with others to be added. If you love to sing, or just want to listen to others singing together in our congregations, please consider making a donation to help in the efforts necessary to make publication of this songbook happen. While all contributions are greatly appreciated, those who donate $100 or more will have their names listed in the songbook as contributors. Please send a check payable to the AEU at AEU, 2 West 64th Street, Suite 406, New York, New York 10023 and write AEU Songbook in the memo line of your check to ensure that your contribution goes to the songbook fund. |
 Jan 07 2011 11:02 amEthical Humanist Society of Philadelphia Opens Leader Search --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia is seeking a Leader, for a 20-hour per week position. The full job description may be found at phillyethics.org. Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Lyle A. Murley, 2416 Panama St., Philadelphia, PA, 19103; or by e-mail to lyle.murley@verizon.net. Related Link |
 Jan 06 2011 01:13 pmDialogue Winter Issue 2010-2011 --
The new online version of Dialogue is now just a click away. You will find that this improved version allows you to not only read articles, watch videos, and make online contributions but it is also very user-friendly in its design. To view Dialogue please click on the following link: Related Link |
Dec 22 2010 11:35 am Strategic Planning Meeting - Listening Session Jan. 16, 2011 --
Members of the Ethical Societies in the NY Metro area are invited to participate in an AEU Strategic Planning - input session on Sunday, January 16th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. This meeting will be conducted by AEU Board members Randy Best, Laura Steel. Other members of the AEU Board will be attending. The AEU is seeking input from all of its member Societies. This meeting is the second of several outreach activities. Current AEU programs will be presented with opportunities for program feedback and suggestions for priorities, new programs, and directions for the AEU. Take advantage of this chance to help the AEU evolve to better meet the needs of its member Societies. |
Dec 07 2010 00:56 am Leader Position Opening --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia is now accepting nominations and applications for the position of Leader. We are looking for someone who sees the history, current vitality, and potential of our significance in Philadelphia as an opportunity to lead and grow with us. Many of you know us and know we are people who respond to both the religious and educational goals of Ethical Humanism, are committed to the activism inherent in our movement, and are ready to build on our legacy. Now with our current Leaders retirement set for June 2011, we are preparing to work with a new Leader whose priorities and challenges may ask us to think in new ways. First, any one of you who resonates to our opportunities, needs, and opening, please apply. Beyond applications, though, we will also appreciate nominations of any individual you think would be interested and would be a good Leader for us. Please refer to our website for a Job Description and for details regarding applications: Related Link |
| Dec 01 2010 05:02 pm Ethical Action Report - December 2010 --
In this issue: Employment Discrimination: Faith Based Energy: National Goals Ethics Inside Congress Fair Assistance for Senior Americans Related Link |
Nov 18 2010 07:58 pm Leader Position Opening!! --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia is currently searching for a Leader who could assume leadership in September 2011. Please address inquires or nominations to lyle.murley@verizon.net or to Dr. Lyle A. Murley, 2416 Panama Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Related Link |
Nov 18 2010 07:56 pm New York Society for Ethical Culture's Centennial Video --
New York Society for Ethical Culture's Centennial Video -- This is the story of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's Landmark building over the last hundred years, its place in the history of New York City and the nation, and the many historic events that have taken place within its walls over the last century. The film was made in honor of NYSEC's Building Centennial Rededication on October 23, 2010, one hundred years to the day after it was first dedicated. Narrated by Tony-Award winner, James Naughton. Related Link |
Nov 18 2010 07:44 pm The Humanist Community: Alive and well in the D.C. area says Leader Amanda Poppei to the Washington Post --
The humanist community: Alive and well in the D.C. If you are a humanist, part of an interfaith couple, or just looking for a community: You are welcome here says Amanda Poppei to the Washington Post... Click on link for complete article. Related Link |
Nov 11 2010 12:21 am Afghanistan War Resolution --
Afghanistan War Resolution Chapel Hill, North Carolina, November 10, 2010 After several months examining the consequences of continued US military presence in Afghanistan, on October 25, 2010 members of the Ethical Humanist Society of the Triangle (EHST) passed the following resolution: The war with Afghanistan is entering its 10th year. The National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union's statement of 12/2/09 calls for a "Just and Enduring Peace in Afghanistan". The path to peace and an end of war and terrorism in Afghanistan requires full support of the right of Afghan people to a humane quality of life. The Afghans must also have the right to form a government of their choosing. Money spent on this war could be better spent in other ways, such as improving education in Afghanistan. Education is more effective than military power in neutralizing foreign extremism. For the cost of one soldier for one year in Afghanistan, we could establish 20 schools there. For the cost of one cruise missile we could start 11 schools. For the cost of 246 soldiers for one year we could we could pay for a higher education plan for all of Afghanistan. Afghan cultural ties with Pakistan have caused the conflict to cross into Pakistan. Instability in Pakistan is aggravated by U.S. and its allies bombing Pakistan territory resulting in civilian casualties and increased hostility toward us. The fact that Pakistan has nuclear weapons brings the threat of nuclear war closer to reality. We believe it is necessary to find a negotiated solution to the war. We therefore call upon all parties involved in the fighting in Afghanistan including the Taliban and Pakistan to enter into a cease fire, to end all offensive actions, to enlist the help of The United Nations in taking the lead in talks designed for a lasting peace, and to plan for the reconstruction of Afghanistan through a collaborative process with the Afghan people and all other interested and affected regional parties, and we call upon all parties in the conflict to fully fund the initiative. Be it resolved that the Ethical Humanist Society of the Triangle calls on President Obama to initiate the above actions. ...end of resolution Contacts Randy Best, EHST Leader randallbest@fastmail.fm Chris Kaman, EHST Secretary chkaman@gmail.com |
Nov 01 2010 01:48 pm Leader Position Opening!! --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia is currently searching for a Leader who could assume leadership in September 2011. Please address inquires or nominations to lyle.murley@verizon.net or to Dr. Lyle A. Murley, 2416 Panama Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Related Link |
 Oct 30 2010 11:55 pmNew York Society for Ethical Culture's Centennial Video --
This is the story of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's Landmark building over the last hundred years, its place in the history of New York City and the nation, and the many historic events that have taken place within its walls over the last century. The film was made in honor of NYSEC's Building Centennial Rededication on October 23, 2010, one hundred years to the day after it was first dedicated. Narrated by Tony-Award winner, James Naughton. |
| Oct 28 2010 06:14 pm Ethical Action Report - November 2010 --
In this issue: Corporate Campaign Financing: Demand the End of this Assault on Democracy Health Care: Fight Republican and Tea Party Attempts to Repeal the New Law Infrastructure Building: Tell President Obama and Congress to Repair and Modernize Road, Rail and Air Transport Systems Flawed Medicare Program: Urge Congress to Pass H.R. 3790 to Eliminate the Bidding Program for Home Medical Equipment Related Link |
 Oct 28 2010 05:55 pmMayoral Proclamation - New York Society for Ethical Culture Day --
Office of the Mayor of the City of New York Proclamation Whereas: Since Felix Adler established the New York Society for Ethical Culture in 1876, the organization has done tremendous work to promote social justice and improve the lives of underserved New Yorkers. From setting up the District Nursing Service and calling for the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, to founding the nation's first free kindergarten and, later, a school for children of the working poor, NYSEC has a long history of advancing human rights and advocating for those most in need. Whereas: But the Society for Ethical Culture is known for more than just its outstanding initiatives, it's also celebrated for its beautiful and historic Meeting House, which is an architectural Landmark. Designed by Robert D. Kohn, the building is known as a rare example of the Austrian form of Art Nouveau architecture. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Ethical Culture Meeting House, and our city is proud to celebrate this remarkable building and the important organization it houses. Whereas: In commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Society, Albert Einstein said: "Without 'Ethical Culture' there is no salvation for humanity." Today, the Society is as vital as ever, as it continues to serve the community through an array of programs. Whether it is offering homeless women a place to sleep, organizing scholarships and recreational programs for young people in need, or providing the community with a hub for concerts, film screenings, book discussions, art workshops and more, NYSEC remains an integral part of New York's social and cultural fabric. I'm delighted to congratulate everyone involved with the Society on their tremendous accomplishments and to join them in commemorating this milestone occasion! Now therefore, I, Michael R. Bloomberg, in honor of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's tremendous accomplishments and in recognition of the Centennial Anniversary of the Ethical Culture Meeting House, do hereby proclaim Saturday, October 23, 2010 in the City of New York as: "New York Society for Ethical Culture Day" |
Oct 22 2010 11:13 am YES Conference 2010 - Registration is Still Open!! --
This years 2010 YES Conference registration is now open - so make sure you and your children start planning for a wonderful weekend in Illinois. The pre-conference will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago on Thursday night, Nov. 11th and Friday afternoon we will head to the YMCA Camp Algonquin in Algonquin, Illinois for the actual conference until Sunday, Nov. 14th. The officers and reps are currently choosing discussion topics and activities related to our chosen topic of body image/beauty. The major discussion issues will be related to how people are negatively affected by the media, believing they have to look a certain way to be attractive and that people have biases about what beauty is and what a person needs to look like to be acceptable or beautiful. As ethical people, we want all people to feel good about who they are, including feeling secure with their bodies. The YES conference is a place to meet really cool people. We play a lot of games to get to know each other and just have an overall really good time. All the reps and officers are looking forward to making this the best conference yet! For more information on the YES Conference, please contact your Societies YES Advisor or Susan Buzek the AEU's Nat'l Advisor for Teens and Young Adults at sbuzek@gmail.com or Law'nence "L" Miller, AEU's Director of Administration at lmiller@aeu.org or 212-873-6500. The Conference Brochure and Registration Materials and detailed information can be obtained on the following link. Related Link |
Oct 22 2010 11:11 am The 2010 AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend - Nov. 5 - 7, 2010 --
The 2010 AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend -- The annual conference of the AEU Religious Education Program will take place at the Stony Point Conference Center, Stony Point, NY. The theme of the conference is "How We Help." The opening statement of the brochure reads (you can download the brochure from the link below): "Act so as to bring out the best in others and thereby ourselves." -- Implicit in this statement is a call to service. As Ethical Humanists we choose to help others. How do we do this in a way that is empowering and productive for those in need? This weekend offers a chance for children, parents, Sunday School teachers, religious education directors, and others to share what matters most to us, and how we choose to help. Fabulous Ethical Action projects are going on across the country. Whether we are responding to a natural disaster, providing ongoing support to a community, raising money for causes that we believe in, or beautifying the neighborhood, we all use our time and energy to help others because we think it is the right thing to do. This weekend we will take time to listen and learn from each other, and inspire each other. Welcome! Related Link |
 Oct 22 2010 11:03 amNew York Society for Ethical Culture's Building Centennial - Oct. 23, 2010 --
This year 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's beautiful landmarked building where it has been its home for the past 100 years. They will celebrate with a Rededication Ceremony on their anniversary - October 23, 2010 with keynote address by David Brancaccio and many other distinguished guests. NYSEC is extending an invitation to all to be apart of this wonderful celebration. For more information on this event, please contact the New York Society at 212.874-5210 Related Link |
Oct 15 2010 12:21 am 2nd Annual Identity Day - Oct. 24th --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island invites members of other Ethical Societies to join us for our Second Annual Ethical Identity Day, which will take place on Sunday, October 24. Our inter-generational program will involve the topic of bullying. Betty Gross, Director of CAP (Child Abuse Prevention) outreach program, will lead this timely and essential platform talk. This program is geared to upper elementary through high school students, their parents, grandparents and friends. The younger children will have a separate discussion. Ms. Gross has been going into various Long Island high schools and elementary schools in order to talk to students and teachers about handling these situations, including school yard and cyber bullying. These workshops will include time for questions and discussion. After the Platform we'll have a pizza lunch and plan a fun activity to allow the kids from different Societies to get to know each other. Please call the Ethical Humanist Society Office to RSVP for this event; 516-741-7304. You may also call Sharon Stanley, former DRE at 516-333-1968. |
 Oct 07 2010 05:45 pmRight Wing Populism and the Progressive Response --
Right Wing Populism and the Progressive Response 10/12/2010 - 7:00pm $5 members (contact membership office for discount code) $10 non-members Register for Right Wing Populism and the Progressive Response in New York, NY on Eventbrite As we head toward the November midterm election, the Tea Party movement seems to have become the most prominent voice in opposition to the current administration and the media-grabbing antics of Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and others, threaten to derail civil discourse. What can progressives do to counteract this aggressive march towards the politics of fear? Join us as the NYSEC Advocacy Forum presents Right Wing Populism and the Progressive Response with Jim Hightower, radio commentator, author and Americas #1 Populist; Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University; Juan Gonzalez, Co-Host of Democracy Now! and moderator Ari Melber of The Nation. Co-Sponsored by NYSEC and The Nation Institue/Nation Books. For more information call 212.874.5210x144. To purchase tickets, visit, populismforum.eventbrite.com. Related Link |
Oct 07 2010 05:41 pm Leader Installation of Mary C. Herman at the Washington Ethical Society --
The American Ethical Union congratulates Mary Herman on her formal installation as Leader of Congregational Life which will take place at the Washington Ethical Society located at 7750 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. on October 10, 2010 at 4pm. |
Oct 07 2010 10:35 am ESWOW Community Call with Joe Chuman --
Joe Chuman, Leader of the NY Society for Ethical Culture and the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County will be joining the ESWoW Community Call on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 to discuss an Ethical Culture perspective on torture. The number to join the call is 866-740-1260 access code 5766842#. The call will begin at 12m PT, 1pm MT, 2pm CT, and 3pm ET. Please invite anyone you know who is interested in this important topic to join the conversation which last last about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Below, please find a statement developed primarily by Dr. Chuman, giving a comprehensive understanding of the issue of torture through an Ethical Culture lens and a resolution of the American Ethical Union about torture. American Ethical Union Statement Reaffirming Its Opposition to Torture* NATIONAL LEADERS COUNCIL PAPER IN SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN ETHICAL UNION RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO TORTURE ADOPTED APRIL 2008 Related Link |
Oct 07 2010 09:49 am The 2010 AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend - Nov. 5 - 7, 2010 --
The 2010 AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend -- The annual conference of the AEU Religious Education Program will take place at the Stony Point Conference Center, Stony Point, NY. The theme of the conference is "How We Help." The opening statement of the brochure reads (you can download the brochure from the link below): "Act so as to bring out the best in others and thereby ourselves." -- Implicit in this statement is a call to service. As Ethical Humanists we choose to help others. How do we do this in a way that is empowering and productive for those in need? This weekend offers a chance for children, parents, Sunday School teachers, religious education directors, and others to share what matters most to us, and how we choose to help. Fabulous Ethical Action projects are going on across the country. Whether we are responding to a natural disaster, providing ongoing support to a community, raising money for causes that we believe in, or beautifying the neighborhood, we all use our time and energy to help others because we think it is the right thing to do. This weekend we will take time to listen and learn from each other, and inspire each other. Welcome! Related Link |
| Oct 04 2010 10:38 am Ethical Action Report - October 2010 --
In this Issue: -- LGBT Equality: Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": Support by Majority of Americans -- Child-Nutrition and Tax Cuts: Members of Both Parties Are Blocking Measures -- Unequal Influence of Congressional Representatives: Demand Legislation to Stop Corporate Lobbyists -- Human Rights: Ask President Obama to Bring HR Home and Issue an Executive Order on Human Rights Related Link |
Sep 20 2010 12:13 am AEU Sponsors Screening of "The Good Soldier" in NYC. --
The Emmy-nominated documentary THE GOOD SOLDIER will be screening at the Quad Cinema from September 24th-September 30th. The following screenings are being sponsored by the American Ethical Union and $5 from every ticket to these screenings will be donated to us: Friday, September 24, 6:00pm Monday, September 27, 6:00pm Tuesday, September 28, 6:00pm For the screenings on 9/28 and 9/29, filmmakers Lexy Lovell and Michael Uys and veterans Will Williams and Perry Parks (who appear in the film), will introduce the screenings. THE GOOD SOLDIER is a documentary about the transformation of five soldiers from different generations of American wars as they sign up, go into battle, and eventually change their minds about what it means to be a good soldier. From the opening footage spanning decades of combat action, it is apparent no audience will be spared the pain experienced by the subjects of Lexy Lovell and Michael Uyss documentary: this disturbing, deeply affecting look at war through the eyes of American veterans provides extraordinary perspective for civilian viewers. Five men who fought variously in World War II, Vietnam, and the Middle East talk about combat in a down-to earth, matter-of-fact way that gives horrifying new meaning to the term brutal realities. These are not masters of atrocity they are good men who went to war to serve their country. There, they were taught to kill it was their job; only later, sometimes much later, did it come back to haunt them, filling them with anger and regret. Which is not to say the veterans speak with one voice; from the tightly uniformed, professional soldier to the Marine who does penance by carrying a sign in public confessing to acts of murder in Iraq, their outlooks and coping methods vary. But each man brings his own authentic insight to the story, helping to create a tableau that is as hard to turn away from as it is to watch. Surprisingly free of self-pity and blame, they soldier on in the path of awareness just as the film itself eschews melodrama as a matter of respect for the searing honesty of its subjects. http://www.thegoodsoldier.com/ Related Link |
Sep 15 2010 07:25 pm Brooklyn and the Metro Area Ethical Culture Societies Invite You to Join Them on Governor's Island for a Picnic - All are Welcome - Sept. 26th --
Come one, come all to a picnic at Governor's Island on September 26, starting as close to 1:30 pm as possible. This picnic is being organized in tandem with people from other local societies - Brooklyn, New York, Long Island, Westchester, Essex, and more. We're bringing together families of all sorts - with or without partners, with or without children (or grandchildren), from all of our societies - for an afternoon of fun, food and games. We'll meet at the PICNIC POINT on Governor's Island (at the far end of the park with a great view of the Statue of Liberty and a fabulous playground for the kids. Take note that the island is fabulous for biking - you can either bring your own bike on the ferry or rent a bike on the island. Bring some food to pass and share - your grandma's favorite recipe, a pasta dish, fruit salad, veggie tray, watermelon, cheese and crackers, dessert, something - and please let me know what you're bringing so that we don't end up with twenty bags of baby carrots and pounds of hummus! Be sure to BRING WATER and other non-alcoholic drinks for yourself and families, as there are NO drinking fountains on the island (water bottles cost about $2 each). Although there are tables on the Island, you may also want to bring picnic blankets and chairs. Not sure how to get there? Have no fear: it's easy, and there are FREE ferries from both Brooklyn and Manhattan. You can find a link to the ferry schedule here. The Brooklyn ferry is located at the end of Atlantic Avenue (and yes, the B63 bus stops there). Directions can to the Brooklyn ferry terminus can be found on this link. The Manhattan ferry is located in the green ferry terminal next to the Staten Island ferry terminal. GAMES - If you'd like to help plan some kids games, please write to me! I've got some great ideas and look forward to yours! We hope you can make it! If you need additional information, please contact the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture at 718-768-2972 or visit their website at www.bsec.org |
Sep 15 2010 06:01 pm YES Conference 2010 - Registration is Now Open!! --
This years 2010 YES Conference registration is now open - so make sure you and your children start planning for a wonderful weekend in Illinois. The pre-conference will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago on Thursday night, Nov. 11th and Friday afternoon we will head to the YMCA Camp Algonquin in Algonquin, Illinois for the actual conference until Sunday, Nov. 14th. The officers and reps are currently choosing discussion topics and activities related to our chosen topic of body image/beauty. The major discussion issues will be related to how people are negatively affected by the media, believing they have to look a certain way to be attractive and that people have biases about what beauty is and what a person needs to look like to be acceptable or beautiful. As ethical people, we want all people to feel good about who they are, including feeling secure with their bodies. The YES conference is a place to meet really cool people. We play a lot of games to get to know each other and just have an overall really good time. All the reps and officers are looking forward to making this the best conference yet! For more information on the YES Conference, please contact your Societies YES Advisor or Susan Buzek the AEU's Nat'l Advisor for Teens and Young Adults at sbuzek@gmail.com or Law'nence "L" Miller, AEU's Director of Administration at lmiller@aeu.org or 212-873-6500. The Conference Brochure and Registration Materials and detailed information can be obtained on the following link. Related Link |
Sep 15 2010 05:24 pm AEU Growth & Development Workshop - Oct. 2, 2010 "Incorporating New Members" with Alice Mann, Alban Institute Senior Consultant --
Where: The Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 314-991-0955 When: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Time: 9:00 am 4:00 pm Led by the Alban Institute's Senior Consultant and author, Alice Mann shares her expertise in helping congregations develop ways to incorporate new members. Attracting and retaining new members doesnt happen by accident or through the latest gimmick. It happens because people within a Society have a passionate commitment to: Offer to others something that has been of great value in their own life; and Practice forms of hospitality and follow-though that enables an outsider to become an insider. Better understand key steps in the process of member incorporation Embrace a new look at what membership means to our Societies Learn how to invite, greet, orient, incorporate and bring meaningful avenues of involvement to new and existing members Gain insight from other Ethical Members about what works most effectively for their Ethical Societies in terms of member recruitment and retention Identify strategies and resources which have proven effective for incorporating new members while growing and developing our existing Societal Membership base. Alices programs are lively and interactive. As Alban Institutes Senior Consultant, she comes with a wealth of knowledge from working within a broad cross section of the religious denominations in diverse settings across the United States. We encourage Societies to send a team of at least 5 people. Morning refreshments and a light lunch will be served. The AEU has budgeted workshops like this one to recover most costs from those participating, rather than from Society apportionments. We request that each individual or Society contribute $50 per participant. To register, call the AEU office at 212-873-6500 or click on the link below to bring you directly to the registration materials. Related Link |
Sep 15 2010 05:14 pm Second Annual Ethical Identity Day - Oct. 24th --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island is holding their second annual Ethical Identity Day on October 24, 2010. Their inter-generational program will involve the topic of bullying. Betty Gross, Director of CAP (Child Abuse Prevention) outreach program, will lead this timely and essential platform talk. The program is geared to upper elementary through high school students, their parents, grandparents and friends. Her associate, Susan Silverman will lead a separate discussion for younger children and their parents. Ms. Gross and Ms. Silverman have visited several Long Island high schools and elementary schools in order to talk to students and teachers about handling situations, including school yard and cyber bullying. These workshops will include time for questions and discussions. After the Platform a pizza lunch and fun activities are planned to allow the kids to get to know each other. For more information please call the Ethical Humanist Society Office to RSVP for this event; 516-741-7304 or visit their website at www.ehsli.org |
Aug 30 2010 09:48 am The 2010 AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend --
The annual conference of the AEU Religious Education Program will take place at the Stony Point Conference Center, Stony Point, NY. The theme of the conference is "How We Help." The opening statement of the brochure reads (you can download the brochure from the link below): "Act so as to bring out the best in others and thereby ourselves." -- Implicit in this statement is a call to service. As Ethical Humanists we choose to help others. How do we do this in a way that is empowering and productive for those in need? This weekend offers a chance for children, parents, Sunday School teachers, religious education directors, and others to share what matters most to us, and how we choose to help. Fabulous Ethical Action projects are going on across the country. Whether we are responding to a natural disaster, providing ongoing support to a community, raising money for causes that we believe in, or beautifying the neighborhood, we all use our time and energy to help others because we think it is the right thing to do. This weekend we will take time to listen and learn from each other, and inspire each other. Welcome! Related Link |
| Aug 27 2010 04:40 pm Ethical Action Report -- September 2010 --
In this issue: LGBT Equality -- Boycott Target and Best Buy for Anti-Gay Political Contributions Human Right -- Ask President Obama to Ratify CEDAW LGBT Equality -- Demand the Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell Disaster Relief -- Ask President Obama for More Aide for Pakistan Human Rights -- End Breast Ironing in Cameroon Related Link |
Aug 23 2010 01:24 pm AEU's Growth and Development Workshop
"INCORPORATING NEW MEMBERS" --
Where: The Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 314-991-0955 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting314-991-0955end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting314-991-0955end_of_the_skype_highlighting When: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Time: 9:00 am 4:00 pm Led by the Alban Institute's Senior Consultant and author, Alice Mann shares her expertise in helping congregations develop ways to incorporate new members. Attracting and retaining new members doesnt happen by accident or through the latest gimmick. It happens because people within a Society have a passionate commitment to: Offer to others something that has been of great value in their own life; and Practice forms of hospitality and follow-though that enables an outsider to become an insider. Better understand key steps in the process of member incorporation Embrace a new look at what membership means to our Societies Learn how to invite, greet, orient, incorporate and bring meaningful avenues of involvement to new and existing members Gain insight from other Ethical Members about what works most effectively for their Ethical Societies in terms of member recruitment and retention Identify strategies and resources which have proven effective for incorporating new members while growing and developing our existing Societal Membership base. Alices programs are lively and interactive. As Alban Institutes Senior Consultant, she comes with a wealth of knowledge from working within a broad cross section of the religious denominations in diverse settings across the United States. We encourage Societies to send a team of at least 5 people. Morning refreshments and a light lunch will be served. The AEU has budgeted workshops like this one to recover most costs from those participating, rather than from Society apportionments. We request that each individual or Society contribute $50 per participant. To register, call the AEU office at 212-873-6500 or click on the link below to bring you directly to the registration materials. Related Link |
Aug 23 2010 01:08 pm Ethics on the Air --
Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, August 27th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM and (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming.) The topic of discussion will be on the United States "justifications" for war and our involvement in both Iraq and Afghanistan with our special guest Dr. Steven Cohen, Tufts University Lecturer. Join co-hosts Andra Miller and Dr. Terry Perlin as they talk with Dr. Cohen. Dr. Steven Cohen has edited and written text to accompany the public television documentaries, Vietnam: A Television History and Eyes on the Prize, and has written articles about such controversial issues as the war in Vietnam, the dropping of the atomic bomb, and the Holocaust. Ethics on the Air is on the fourth Friday of most months from 11am - 11:55am. For past programs go to: nysec.org/new-york/wbai-ethics-on-the-air |
| Aug 13 2010 11:07 pm Summer Dialogue Published --
The latest issue of Dialogue, the newsletter of the American Ethical Union, Has been published and is available in the Library in this site as well as from the link below. The AEU has decided to take a step towards lessening its carbon footprint on the environment and beginning with this issue, Dialogue will be published primarily online. You may choose to continue receiving a print copy by mail, but we hope that you will support our initiative and choose to enjoy Dialogue in its full colored electronic format. Related Link |
 Aug 13 2010 01:50 pmThe New York Society Centennial Journal --
Purchasing an ad in the New York Society for Ethical Culture's Centennial Journal is a great way to show your support for the all the good work that has come out and through the doors of NYSEC's historical building. You may also want to honor a loved one or friend by purchasing an ad in the Commemorative Journal which will be distributed at the Building Rededication on October 23. For further information on showing your support please click on the following link or contact Sheleigah Grube at: Tel: 212-874-5210/Email: sgrube@nysec.org Related Link |
Aug 13 2010 01:38 pm ESWoW Community Call - August 15, 2010 --
Please join us on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 12m PT, 1 pm MT, 2 pm CT, and 3pm ET. August 13th is Felix Adler's birthday. In our call on August 15 we will focus on his life and his legacy - what brings us to be the Ethical Society Without Walls today. Please join us to connect with others in ESWoW. The number for the call is 866-740-1260 and the access code is 5766842#. Community calls are a great way to connect with others interested in living more ethical lives and explore Ethical Culture. You can also find our latest newsletter on the Ethical Society Without Walls home page (www.eswow.org. |
| Aug 06 2010 04:34 pm New York Society for Ethical Culture\'s Building Centennial - Save the Date --
This year 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's beautiful landmarked building where it has been its home for the past 100 years. They will celebrate with a Rededication Ceremony on their anniversary - October 23, 2010 with keynote address by David Brancaccio and many other distinguished guests. NYSEC is extending an invitation to all to be apart of this wonderful celebration. For more information on this event, please contact the New York Society at 212.874-5210. Related Link |
Jul 30 2010 10:56 am ESWoW Community Call - August 1, 2010 --
Please join us on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 12m PT, 1 pm MT, 2 pm CT, and 3pm ET. The number for the call is 866-740-1260 and the access code is 5766842#. Community calls are a great way to connect with others interested in living more ethical lives and explore Ethical Culture. We'll be talking about plans for our community calls and other ESWoW activities for the coming year starting in September. Please join us to share your ideas, and let us know what you are interested in. To join the ESWoW Community Calls go to www.eswow.org. The calls take place on the first and third Sundays most months at noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time. |
Jul 16 2010 05:21 pm Ethics on the Air --
Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, July 23rd at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM and (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming.) The topic of discussion will be on The Considerations and Controversy of Preventive Surgery with our special guest Sharon Stanley of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island. Join co-hosts Andra Miller begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting and Dr. Terry Perlin as they talk with Sharon Stanley, a courageous school teacher who, facing a 60 - 90 percent odds of getting breast cancer, had to make a terrible decision. She'll talk about how she faced that decision; what it was like to have radical preventive surgery; and the trials and tribulations before, during and after the operation and subsequent procedures. Ethics on the Air is on the fourth Friday of most months from 11am - 11:55am. For past programs go to: nysec.org/new-york/wbai-ethics-on-the-air |
Jul 08 2010 05:50 pm Justice for Juveniles 2: Where Do We Go from Here? --
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm New York Society for Ethical Culture Admission is Free - Donations are Welcome Register Online - justice4juveniles2.eventbrite.com Join us for Part 2 of Justice for Juveniles: A Call to Ethical Action. Help us set goals to change the treatment of at-risk children. We need community-based action to end the wanton abuse of our youth. Come, meet, sign our manifesto and join a we-mean-business coalition of community and clergy who pledge to fight for the reforms we demand. MAKING JUVENILE JUSTICE REAL PANEL - 1:00 PM Jeffrey A. Butts (Moderator) Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation Center, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Sigfrido Benetiz National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York State Michelle James Beacon Program, Graham-Windham Social Services Dr. Divine Pryor Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions, Medgar Evers College Rev. Vernon Williams Bethany Development Outreach Yusef Salaam Member of the Central Park Five NETWORKING BREAK COFFEE, TEA, AND COOKIES - 2:00 PM KEEPING KIDS SAFE SMALL DISCUSSION GROUPS - 2:30 PM Employment Alternatives Martin Caba, DOME Project; Michelle James, Graham-Windham Social Services Police in the (Neighbor)Hood Abe Markman and Afiya Dawson, Lower East Side Call for Justice; Felix A. Urrutia, Jr., Police Athletic League Artistic Alternatives Victoria Sammartino, Voices Unbroken; Young Urban Christian Artists (YUCA); Dhari Noel, Ethical Culture Fieldston School Community and Faith-Based Intervention Nanay Gonzalez and Rachel Carrion, Miriam Network Methodology; Fr. Lawrence Lucas; Melvin B. Alston, Harlem Men Stand Up GETTING IT DONE WRAP-UP - 4:00 PM Remarks from Vincent N. Schiraldi Commissioner, New York City Department of Probation Brief Planning Session Community Action Tactics and Plans Now is the time for you to join us in this civic commitment to our leaders of tomorrow. Don't miss this opportunity to take your stand and make a difference! Register Online justice4juveniles2.eventbrite.com For more information Contact Sheleigah Grube via email or phone at 212.874.5210x118. |
Jul 08 2010 05:33 pm Connections Throughout the AEU --
At its bi-monthly meetings, the AEU Board will be reviving a lapsed practice of a go-round in which each board member gives status updates on two or three Societies. The status updates anticipated will be a kind of miniature (not necessarily more than two or three sentences) annual Society report, and can include whatever the Society believes is important - membership increases or decreases, programming & events, financial management & issues, coalitions, joys & concerns. The purposes and expected outcomes of this practice are perhaps best expressed in the AEU's mission statement: The American Ethical Union, a religious organization, is a federation of Ethical Societies, which promotes the growth of the Ethical Culture Movement by supporting existing Ethical Societies and fostering new ones. Within the next few weeks, AEU Board members will be in touch with Societies to forge these liaisons. Lets all work together to build on-going connections between the Societies and the national Board to inform ourselves, on a regular basis, of the health and needs of our Societies and to assist the Board in its responsiveness to, and in its ability to serve, our Societies. |
Jul 08 2010 05:20 pm The AEU's Vision and Strategic Planning Committee --
In a stellar example of great minds thinking alike, the Assemblys recommendation that the AEU convene a Vision and Strategic Planning Committee dovetails perfectly with the AEU Boards decision, made in March of this year, to formally reconstitute the Planning Committee and to seed it with Jennifer Scates, Randy Best, and Tony Hileman as interim co-chairs. We look forward to building that Committee and beginning its work this summer. We know that we can rely on the Presidents Council - and on each of you - to join in the work of eliciting, discussing, and acting on the ideas and priorities of the members of the Ethical Culture Movement. |
Jul 07 2010 09:23 pm New Chicago Officers Elected --
At it's 2010 annual meeting on June 6th, the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago elected five new board members. Later, Steve Julstrom was elected President. |
Jul 02 2010 12:55 am ESWoW Community Call - A talk about Ethical Culture and Interdependence on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 12pm Pacific Time, 1pm Mt.Time, 2pm Central Time and 3pm Eastern Time. --
Please join us to celebrate the United States of America's birthday together. Before the call, please consider reading Susan's latest blog, "Interdependence." You can also find ESWoW's latest newsletter on the Ethical Society Without Walls homepage - www.eswow.org To join the ESWoW Community Calls go to www.eswow.org. The calls take place on the first and third Sundays most months at noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time. |
| Jul 02 2010 09:20 am Ethical Action Report July 2010 --
In this issue: Gender Equality: Support the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12, S.182) -- Ethnic Profiling: Stop Arizonas Draconian Immigration Law (SB 1070) -- Human Rights: Speak Out Against Targeted Killing Beyond Zones of Armed Conflict -- Climate Change: Protest the American Power Act (S.1733) -- Faith-Based Initiative: Keep Discrimination Out of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Act (H.R.5466) Related Link |
Jun 24 2010 07:47 pm The American Ethical Unions 95th Annual Assembly --
The American Ethical Unions 95th Annual Assembly Once again our annual Assembly came to an end with a real sense of community among our membership. The three day affair was held at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA and was filled with new and exciting sessions, discussions and workshops covering topics on Personal Ethical Evolution, "Who Do We Say We", Welcoming Visitors into Our Societies to discussions on the Political Asylum Project initiated by the Bergen Society, Ethical Considerations in the Afghanistan Conflict and the Parliament of the Worlds Religions: The Role of Ethical Culture and many more. Exciting changes and additions took place over the course of three days also, the AEU Board added two new members - Richard Koral of Westchester and Tom Weishaar of New York and said goodbye to two very dedicated individuals who's terms ended, former AEU President, Mary Jo Wittry and former AEU Treasurer, Ron Solomon; new Officers of the Board were selected with Jennifer Scates of Austin as President, Richard Koral - Vice President, Tom Weishaar - Treasurer and Jan Broughton of The Triangle as Secretary. On the Leader front, Amanda Poppei, Mary Herman and Hugh Taft-Morales were presented to the Assembly at Platform as our newest Ethical Culture Leaders. The Assembly also passed two Resolutions this year on (1) Reaffirming support for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer people and (2)Climate Change. These Resolutions can be viewed in the aeu.org library. Another first time occurrence was the AEU Board presenting The Felix Adler Lifetime Achievement Award to Rose L. Walker for her lifetime of work in Ethical Culture. Rose was unable to attend the Assembly because she was celebrating her 100th birthday in Florida with family and friends. Ethical Culture has a long history when it comes to Ethical Action. It is a part of who we are and this year we took great Pride in producing an Ethical Action Educational and Community Building Project that not only supported our NLC initiative for 2010 but was like no other. It took the form of a series of events that linked AEU Assembly attendees with the LGBTQ community of Northeastern PA. We started with a workshop on Inner Worth and Outer Pride: Networking for LGBTQ Rights and Inclusion, after which the Fundraiser events began. At a local arts space we viewed a photo exhibit of 400 same-sex couples entitled: Facing Inequality and reception sponsored by The National Award Winning PA Diversity Network Photo Project. Then on to a Panel Discussion and Q&A by a selection of clergy members and activists discussing Moving Marriage Equality Forward. Finally to top off the night of "building community" it was off to a local hot spot for a show, food, music, dancing, conversation and fun! The evening was enjoyed by all and a significant amount of funds were raised benefiting the NEPA Rainbow Fund, a charitable foundation that supports LGBTQ programs and activities throughout the Northeastern Pennsylvania Region. In short our Assembly this year was well attended and a real success. The atmosphere was buzzing with re-energized Ethical/Humanists eager to get back to their Societies and share their what they learned and experienced. Our Assemblies give us a chance to build new friendships, rekindle old ones, to learn, teach and share with like-minded individuals from across the country. It is an important part of keeping Ethical Culture visible to ourselves and to others. We are looking forward to reconnecting with all of you at the 96th Annual Assembly - being held June 17-20, 2011 in Columbus, OH. See you there! |
Jun 24 2010 06:34 pm The Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award --
The Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award At the 95th Annual Assembly the AEU Board President, Mary Jo Wittry presented the Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award to Dr. Maria Fridman of the New York Society for Ethical Culture for her many years of service to the Social Service Board, The Womans Caucus, the NYSEC Board of Directors, numerous board committees and for her tireless service as Coordinator of the NYSEC Homeless Shelter for nearly 28 years. Mary Jo Wittry also presented this prestigious award posthumously to Phyllis Ehrenfeld for her years of dedication and service to the National Service Conference, the AEU, and the IHEU to the United Nations. She published countless articles in the AEU Dialogue informing our members of the progress being made by the NSC in bringing human rights issues before the UN. A long time member of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, Phyllis was a constant figure at the AEU Assemblies actively participating and helping where the need was greatest. Sylvain Ehrenfeld was honored to accept this award on behalf of his lovely wife. |
 Jun 24 2010 05:08 pmAEU's 2010 Elliott Black Award --
At the 95th Assembly of the American Ethical Union, Thomas Warfield was recognized as AEUs 2010 Elliott Black Recipient. Thomas Warfield, the founder/artistic director of PeaceArt International, is a national and global outreach, not-for-profit organization that works with both mainstream and marginalized community groups around the world. PAI addresses the needs of children, the elderly, people with mental and physical disabilities, the homeless, AIDS/HIV and other terminally ill patients and incarcerated individuals by utilizing the arts and the creative process to develop public awareness for the purpose of building world peace. PAI uses the performing arts to dismantle barriers, such as racial, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation and economic differences imposed on us by society that prevent our acknowledgement and enjoyment of our inherent human connection to all people. Mr. Warfield has put himself in harms way on several occasions within our borders (i.e. working with prisoners in maximum security prisons) and by speaking about and secretly working with HIV/AIDS patients in countries such as Thailand and China, where attention is not sanctioned by the government and can have serious consequences on the perpetrator. He has received a lot of criticism and also rejection by financial supporters because his projects are not localized within his community, but are on a global level where the need is greatest. Mr. Warfield is a Professor in the Department of Cultural & Creative Studies at the National Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He is a frequent guest speaker at conferences throughout the USA, Asia and Europe on issues of peace and justice, social activism, creativity and spiritual awareness. Mr. Warfield is the recipient of the Jennifer Patterson Koon Peacemaking Award, along with countless others. His Global Poem in Praise of Peace has garnered global recognition in letters from Leonard Bernstein, Mother Teresa and Jimmy Carter, among other humanitarian and world leaders. For Thomas, the work is about creating a vulnerable and welcoming environment, where people of all ages and backgrounds can freely explore their imaginations and creativity and use that energy to build a better human understanding of self and each other. He attributes his passion and good fortune in life to the SPIRIT of love. You can listen to the entire ceremony from the link below. Recording of introduction of Thomas Warfield by Andra Miller, NYSEC President and Thomas Warfields acceptance speech. Related Link |
Jun 23 2010 00:21 am Assembly Passes Resolution Reaffirming support for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer people --
Ethical Culture / Ethical Humanism reaffirms its support for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer people. See full text from the link below. Related Link |
 Jun 21 2010 11:12 pmMary Herman, New Leader --
Mary Herman was introduced as a New Leader during Leader Certification ceremonies at the 95th National Assembly of the American Ethical Union held at the University of Scranton, Scranton PA. Mary Herman, a native of Southern California, joined the Washington Ethical Society in 1980 and has been an active program leader in virtually every aspect of WES ever since. She holds two bachelors degrees, one in Psychology and the other in Fine Arts. She has a masters degree in Human Development from the University of Maryland, and is a graduate of the Humanist Institute. Prior to coming to WES she was active in democratic political campaigns and worked as a legislative assistant to a United States Senator for 18 years. In 1996 she joined the program staff of the Society and after years as the Community Leader of the Society she was accepted into the AEUs leadership training program. While the scope of Marys leadership at WES continues to be broad, her primary emphasis is in community building through her oversight in membership, small groups, adult education, Deepening Circles, celebrations, and pastoral care. She delivers several platforms each year and officiates at life passage ceremonies. The ceremonies and festivals she creates are famous. She authors and teaches classes, serves as an advisor to the Sunday School and Coming of Age program which she helped develop. Mary and her husband of 25 years, Gene, are the proud parents of Arianna and Emily. I wont name the dog and cat. I have only mentioned part of Marys accomplishments at WES. I suspect she is overworked. With her creativity, talent and commitment she has been the backbone of much of WESs focus and success in the last few years. She seems able to do it all. Mary is passionate about the potential of Ethical Culture believing that people everywhere are thirsting for a religion that puts its faith in human aspirations and possibilities. (text prepared by Leader Richard Kiniry to introduce the New Leaders to the Assembly) |
 Jun 21 2010 11:06 pmAmanda Poppei, New Leader --
Amanda Poppei was introduced as a New Leader during Leader Certification ceremonies at the 95th National Assembly of the American Ethical Union held at the University of Scranton, Scranton PA. Amanda Poppei earned a BA in Religious Studies from Yale University. She also has a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Amanda started young imagining a life in religious leadership and is a Unitarian Universalist minister, with a strong background in interfaith work. She did her intern work at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, and served as a chaplain at the Washington Hospital Center, where she completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education. The Washington Society went on a long, extensive search looking for a new leader after over thirty years with the previous Leader. And Amanda Poppei was drawn to WES's sense of warmth and caring, and to the Ethical Culture emphasis on living and acting with integrity. She was chosen as the Societys Senior Leader in 2008. We had to send her to reeducation camp for a year to inculcate her into the Ethical Culture philosophy and tradition - in other words, Amanda participated in Ethical Culture/Ethical Humanism history and philosphy part of our training program beside a survey of the other modules. Amanda brings a passion for social justice and a commitment to building a multigenerational community to her work at WES. She views a religious community as a place where we travel through life together, helping each other to be the people we wish to be. Amanda and her husband Peter have an adorable daughter, Marcella. And I can add that Amanda Poppei has immense energy, seemingly has boundless good spirits, and is very bright. She has proved to be an energetic addition to the circle of Leaders and the Washington Society is feeling very good about their choice for Senior Leader. (text prepared by Leader Richard Kiniry to introduce the New Leaders to the Assembly) |
 Jun 21 2010 10:59 pmHugh Taft-Morales, New Leader --
Hugh Taft-Morales was introduced as a New Leader during Leader Certification ceremonies at the 95th National Assembly of the American Ethical Union held at the University of Scranton, Scranton PA. Taft-Morales is originally a born and raised Connecticut boy. He graduated from Yale University and earned a Masters in Philosophy from University of Kent at Canterbury, England. He taught philosophy and history for twenty-five years in Washington, D. C. He discovered and grabbed hold of Ethical Culture around 1994 at the Washington Society, eventually serving on their Board and as their president. He is a graduate of the Humanist Institute and of the Leadership Training Program of the American Ethical Union. Hugh has served as an Intern Leader in Northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the Ethical Society Without Walls. He was very busy the last few years and he has plenty of friends here in this room. Next year Hugh will continue working as a leader with the Baltimore Society and ESWoW. He is also currently director of the Washington Societys Coming-of-Age Program, and serves as Secretary of the AEU National Leaders Council. On the more personal side he is married to Maureen, a Latin American analyst for the Congressional Research Service and they have three (he says wonderful) children - Sean (23), Maya (17), and Justin (14). As anyone who knows Hugh will verify he is a dedicated, focused, organized, even-tempered, bright professional. And he has a good sense of humor, is a good listener and even sings and plays the guitar. I can attest to the fact that the Philadelphia Society loves him and I image other Societies can also say that. We have high hopes for him and for us with Hugh as a Leader. (text prepared by Leader Richard Kiniry to introduce the New Leaders to the Assembly) |
Jun 15 2010 01:19 pm Global Crisis and Entrepreneurial Incentives, Thursday, June 24 10:30 am 12 pm Conference Room C, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York --
Wim Naude, Senior Research Fellow at the UNU-WIDER, Helsinki, Finland observes that in recent years, a rising number of natural and human-made disasters have been impacting on global development. He will be exploring the extent to which the misallocation of entrepreneurial talent, due to inappropriate structures on global and national levels may have exacerbated and even directly contributed to these disasters. He will consider entrepreneurial incentives in the contexts of earthquakes and droughts, conflicts of natural resources, the climate change challenge and the context of the recent global financial crisis. Related Link |
Jun 14 2010 12:42 am TITANIC, the Musical in Concert, A Benefit for the New York Society for Ethical Culture, Monday, June 21, 7:30 pm --
TITANIC with many of the original cast members and other Broadway notables. Concert Tickets are now being sold for $15 - $20 which include a pre-concert (6:30 pm) discussion on the ethical and historical issues in TITANIC with Maury Yeston, the original composer and lyricist and others. Post Concert Dessert Reception with Cast $50 - $75. For tickets call www.ovationtix.com Related Link |
Jun 10 2010 11:16 am Controlling International Organizations: A Dead-End Street, hosted by the United Nations University Office at the UN, Wednesday, June 16th from 1:15 - 2:30 pm, Conference Room D, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York --
Professor Jan Klabbers, Director of the Academy of Finland Center for Excellence in Global Governance Research addresses how international organizations have long been deemed to contribute to the salvation of mankind; thus controlling their acts was not an issue. This has changed in recent decades: international lawyers have struggled to find legal organizations, ranging from formulating rules on the responsibility of international organizations to a Global Administrative Law approach. The purpose of this lecture is to provide an overview of these various techniques, discuss their weaknesses, and propose an (embryonic) approach. Jean-Marc Coicaud, Director of the United Nations University Office at the UN, New York moderators this discussion. Related Link |
Jun 09 2010 12:54 am Donate Now Button now on the AEU Website. --
The AEU also has a new Donate Now button on its website which supports all of the programs of the American Ethical Union. Avail yourself of this unique opportunity to support the Ethical Culture Movement. Related Link |
Jun 08 2010 10:53 am AEU Merchandise now available on line at www.aeu.org --
Under the new Merchandise Button on the AEU website, Ethical Culture publications and merchandise can be ordered on line. These materials are great for new member classes and on going study groups within Ethical Societies. Our Ethical Culture merchandise is a great way to publicize the Movement. Related Link |
Jun 07 2010 11:01 am How Enemies Become Friends: The Sources of Stable Peace, Thursday, June 10, 1:15 pm 2:30 pm, Conference Room E, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York --
Charles Kupchan, Professor of International Affairs in the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University is also Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He will reflect on his new book to explore pathways through which nations escape geopolitical competition and turn enmity into amity. He will contend that engagement with rivals, far from being appeasement, is critical to rapprochement between adversaries; under the right circumstances, concessions are courageous investments in the mutual trust needed to build international society. Moreover, the nature of regimes and economic interdependence mater much less than commonly presumed. Countries should deal with other states based on their foreign policy behavior; diplomacy, not trade is the currency of peace. Related Link |
Jun 04 2010 09:51 am Compiling an AEU Songbook --
Did you know that the American Ethical Union has not published a songbook since 1955? Dont you think its about time to create a new one? Joan Klips is working on compiling such a Songbook. Several leaders of the Ethical Culture Movement and many members of our congregations have expressed an interest in having a songbook that combines both traditional and contemporary songs. Indeed, in 2005, Leaders Anne Klaeysen and Bart Worden made a list of songs to be included in the Ethical Culture Songbook Project. Since 2005 much progress has been made. Tentatively titled "The Power and Joy of Community Singing", the book will contain songs by such noted contemporary songwriters as Bev Grant, Holly Near and Bill Staines, among others. If you love to sing, or just want to listen to others singing together in our congregations, please consider making a donation to help in the efforts necessary to make publication of this songbook happen. While all contributions are greatly appreciated, those who donate $100 or more will have their names listed in the songbook as contributors. Please send a check payable to the AEU at AEU, 2 West 64th Street, Suite 406, New York, New York 10023 and write AEU Songbook in the memo line of your check to ensure that your contribution goes to the songbook fund. |
Jun 03 2010 09:32 am ESWoW Community Call Sunday, June 6, beginning at 12 Noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2 pm Central, 3 pm Eastern an Ethical Culture Perspective on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People and Issues --
Ethical Culture has been supportive of rights and respect for all people, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning. Let's explore why that is so and what we can do to increase understanding and eliminate discrimination based on sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender expression or affect ional preference. The National Leaders Council recently created a statement to reaffirm our historic support of treating all people with respect and dignity and that no people should have basic human rights denied to them because of sexual identity or orientation. Leader Martha Gallahue will join us to discuss this new statement and will focus on two points in particular: Ethical Culture History regarding queer issues Ethical Culture's philosophical premise of grounding relationships in mutuality which removes "otherness" How do queer people and issues affect your life? Is your life enriched by having people of varying sexual identities in it? Do you do social justice work on these issues? Please join us for this conversation on Sunday, June 6, 2010 and invite anyone you think might be interested in exploring the intersection of Ethical Culture and GLBQT people and issues. To join the ESWoW Community Calls go to www.eswow.org. The calls take place on the first and third Sundays most months at noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time. Related Link |
Jun 02 2010 09:53 am Calling on Directors of Religious Education to review new religious education lesson plans. --
Directors of Religious Education we need you! AEU has recently created 10 new lesson plans and we need your feedback. Please volunteer to field test the lesson plans in your Sunday Schools. Contact Aimee Neumann, AEUs National Director of Religious Education at aneumann.aeu@gmail.com to receive the 10 FREE LESSON Plans. Thank you for reviewing our new religious education lesson plans. |
May 25 2010 10:09 am United Nations University: The Evolving Role of Agriculture in Poverty Reduction: An Empirical Perspective, Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 1:15pm -2:30 pm, Conference Room 7, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York --
Luc Christiaensen, Senior Research Fellow at the United Nations World Institute for Development Economics Research will address how the tenuous state of the worlds food security continues to dominate headlines. He reviews novel empirical evidence about the role of agriculture in development drawing on the experience from countries across the world. He argues that agriculture is at least five times more effective in reducing poverty when it comes to the poorest of the poor and up to 3.2 times better at reducing $1-day headcount poverty (including the sub-Sahara Africa. For the better-off poor (reflected in the $2-day headcount), non-agriculture has the edge. Investment now in agriculture appears not only necessary for securing the global food supply in the future, in many low income countries, it is also an effective way to reduce poverty and foster broader based economic growth. Related Link |
May 17 2010 10:58 am European Humanist Federation to Meet in Stockholm, May 28-29, 2010 --
The 2010 General Assembly and Annual Conference of the European Humanist Federation (EHF) will be held in Stockholm, Sweden at the end of May. Events will start with an open meeting in the morning of Friday, May 28, followed by the General Assembly in the afternoon. On Saturday, May, 29th, EHF is holding a one day conference on Women in Religion. Confirmed speakers include Eduardo Grutzky, from ALMA Europa (Stockholm) made Swedish Humanist Association on Oppression of women in religious contexts, Maria Hagberg, Sociologist (Sweden), on Religions and Womens Rights, Unni Wikan, Professor of Social Anthropology (Oslo University), on the topic of About Honor, Sara Mohammad, educational leader, GAPF project against honor related violence (Sweden), Gilly Coene, European Humanist Professionals and Visiting Professor in the Philosophy Department of the Free University Brussels. On Feminism, Humanism and Multiculturalism, and Monika Karbowska (Poland). Related Link |
May 14 2010 10:50 am "Founder's Day: Past, Present and Future" New York Society for Ethical Culture Auditorium, Sunday, May 16, 11:15 AM --
Dr. Anne Klaeysen will evoke the past by sharing with participants a copy of Felix Adler's Founding Address from May 15, 1876. She will bring the ideas expressed that day into the present by addressing contemporary ethical problems that confront us. Related Link |
May 13 2010 11:34 am Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Address Finalist Bid Cities for 2014 Parliament of World Religions May 16 20 --
Representatives from five international cities will gather in Chicago to learn more about hosting the 2014 Parliament of World Religions. The meeting will take place at the Palmer House Hilton, site of the centennial 1993 Parliament and steps from the site of the inaugural Parliament of 1893 which launched the worldwide interreligious movement. Archbishop Desmond Tutu will personally address city representatives via live-stream video from the Cape Town Interfaith Initiatives 10th Anniversary Celebration held in honor of the decade anniversary 1999 Parliament of Religions. The Cape Town Interfaith Initiative will also celebrate the launch of the Charter for Compassion in South Africa with a pre-recorded address by Karen Armstrong, acknowledging the decade anniversary and to officially launch the Charter in Cape Town, South Africa. Related Link |
May 12 2010 11:46 am 2010 FES Conference - May 21- 24 - Chicago --
Young adults, 18-28, meet us in Chicago for FES Conference at the Hostelling International-Chicago (hichicago.org). Close to Lake Michigan; walking distance to Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. The FES Platform will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. For more information contact Susan Buzek at sbuzek(at)aol(dot)com or lmiller@aeu.org. |
May 10 2010 01:49 pm Human Rights Regimes in the Americas Book Launch, Monday, May 17th, 1:15pm 2:30 pm, Conference Room 7, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, NY --
Human Rights Regimes in the Americas, co-edited by Monica Serrano, Executive Director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and Ekkehard Strauss, Human Rights Officer at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and published by the United Nations Press in 2010, examines the complex role of human rights norms and standards in the regions progression, illustrating the evolution and impact of international conventions, laws and institutions. The chapters combine historical detail with a focus on present day challenges for the regional and domestic human rights regimes, highlighting particular obstacles, successful approaches and strategies. Taking the reader through cases in North, Central and South America, the volume provides a rich account of the evolving regional environment for rights protection and of politics, which will be of particular interest to scholars of politics, human rights and law, policymakers and practitioners at all levels. UN researchers share new ideas and highlight new policy avenues in the areas of security, environment and development. Related Link |
May 07 2010 01:35 pm Ethical Society Without Walls Community Call Sunday, May 16, 12 Noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central, and 3pm Eastern Time --
Hugh Taft-Morales will discuss the reasons Felix Adler began the Ethical Movement, particularly Adlers perspective on the historical and philosophical context of the late nineteenth century. Many are familiar with Adlers belief that traditional religion is dying, and his fear that with religions demise valuable ethical principles would disappear. Fewer understand that Adler was particularly wary of the growing dominance of materialism in many forms, such as capitalism, socialism and Darwinism. Appreciating this, as well as Adlers yearning for transcendence, helps explain the philosophical idealism animating the historical roots of Ethical Culture. For more information, go to www.eswow.org ESWoW Community Calls are held on the first and third Sundays of each month. They are a way to connect members across the country to talk about issue of importance from an Ethical Culture perspective. Our focus for the month of June will be on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride concerns.ESWoW Community Calls are held on the first and third Sundays of each month. Our focus for the month of June will be on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride concerns. Related Link |
May 05 2010 10:42 am Consumption and the Rights of Mother Earth, Tuesday, May 11, 6:15 7:45 pm --
The UN Commission on Sustainable Development hosts a forum on perspectives needed for change from the fields of economics, jurisprudence, psychology, science and theology. Panelists include H.E. Pablo Solon, Ambassador of Bolivia to the United Nations, David H. Krantz, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Center for Research on Environmental Decisions, Columbia University, Eduardo Scarrel, O.Carm. Ph.D. Professor of Science and Atmospheric Studies, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Patricia Siemen, OP, ESQ. Executive Director, Center for Earth Jurisprudence, Collaborative Center of Barry and St. Thomas Universities, Miami Gardens, FL. This briefing will be held in Conference Room D, Temporary North Law Building of the United Nations. |
May 03 2010 04:52 pm Sustainable Security for the 2lst Century, Monday, May 10, 1:15 2:45 pm --
Cosponsored by the Global Security Institute and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs at the UN Headquarters, North Lawn Building, Conference Room 2. Speakers include UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall; Professor Jeffrey Sachs of the Earth Institute of Columbia University and Special Advisor the Secretary-General; Assistant Secretary General Thomas Stelzer; and other surprise guests. For more information contact Rhianna Kreger, GSI Senior Officer at 646-289-5170. Related Link |
| Apr 30 2010 08:49 pm Ethical Action Report May 2010 --
Separation of Church and State: Support a Day of Reason -- Womens Rights: End the Global Gag Rule (H.R. 4879, S.311) -- LGBT Equality: Support the Student Non-Discrimination Act of 2010 (H.R. 4530) -- Separation of Church and State: Texas Textbook Reform -- Environment: Keep Sarah Palin off of the Discovery Channel Related Link |
Apr 28 2010 05:15 pm American Ethical Union's 95th Assembly --
The Early Bird Registration Pricing ends May 1, 2010 - So don't forget to register!!! We are pleased to announce that the AEU's Assembly is attracting a lot of attention this year due to our exciting programming. The website gives a complete overview of the programming, lodging & activities for this years Assembly in Scranton, PA. In order to continue our efforts in lessening our carbon footprint and due to the success of last years online registration, the AEU is offering Online Registration again this year. To view the Assembly website and/or Register, please click HERE (www.regonline.com/aeuassembly) or visit the AEU website at (http://aeu.org). There will also be Assembly brochures available at your societies as well as on the AEU website for those who prefer to register by mail - but we are trying to move away from using paper products and have registrations made in "real-time" therefore we ask that you register online. If you have any questions regarding this years Assembly, please call the AEU at 212-873-6500 or email L. Miller at: lmiller@aeu.org or Donna Pang at: dpang@aeu.org We are looking forward to seeing you in Scranton!! |
Apr 28 2010 10:24 am Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture gives 2010 Peace Site Award to Daoud Nassar, May 2nd at 11:00 AM. --
Palestinian farmer and peace activist Daoud Nassar will receive the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Cultures 2010 Peace Site Award during a Special Sunday morning platform in the Societys meeting room on Prospect Park West in Brooklyn, New York. With the help of family and community starting in 2001, Mr. Nassar transformed his farm outside of Bethlehem into a dynamic peace and local education center seeking peaceful solutions to the violence in Palestine and Israel. His American visit is made possible in part by the efforts of the Friends of Tent of Nations North America (FOTONNA). Related Link |
Apr 27 2010 10:25 am "Ethics in the 21st Century" Conference - Saturday, May 1st, 12:30 - 5:00pm --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago sponsors the "Ethics in the 21st Century" Conference to point out the need for ethical conduct in government, business and general behavior for society to offer the good life for all. Featured speakers include Jim Kenney, Executive Director of Common Ground on "The Age of Moral Growth or Moral Decay;" Louis Lombardi, professor of philosophy and director of Lake Forest College Ethics Center, on "Ethics in Our Lives;" Janice Nadler, law professor at Northwestern University, on "The Integrity of the Legal System and Ethical Social Behavior;" and Chicago Tribune columnist Dawn Turner Trice, on "Exploring Race on the Internet: My Search for Intelligent Life Beyond Echo Chambers." Registration is $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for students. Checks should be mailed to the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago at 7574 North Lincoln Avenue, Skokie, Illinois, 60077. Related Link |
Apr 26 2010 01:23 pm United Nations University Office at the UN - "Bankers and the Next Financial Crisis" with Simon Johnson - Wednesday, April 28th , 3:00 - 4:30 pm --
Simon Johnson, former Chief Economist at the IMF and co-author of "13 Bankers: The Wall Street Takeover and Next Financial Meltdown" charts the meteoric rise of the banking sector over the past three decades. He argues that power and prestige became increasingly concentrated in the hands of the few and locates the cause of the financial crisis in excessive risk taking. Johnson advocates a restructuring of the banking sector and introduction of new regulations before the next financial meltdown. This event will be held in the General Assembly Hall of UN Headquarters in New York. To register and for more information, go to www.ony.unu.edu Related Link |
Apr 22 2010 12:41 am Observing Earth Day - April 22 --
Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon today stressed the need to respect and care for the Earth, noting that safeguarding the environment will impact efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and ensure the health and well-being of humans. Environmental sustainability the wise management of the earths bounty is one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that world leaders have pledged to try to achieve by 2015, along with other ambitious targets to halve poverty, hunger and disease. Climate change and the depleted ozone layer are among the starkest examples, said Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He observed that biological diversity is in rapid decline, freshwater and marine resources are increasingly polluted, and soils and fisheries are growing barren. The UNs General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution last year proclaiming April 22 International Mother Earth Day, expressing its conviction that, to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and with the Earth. At its 2007 AEU Assembly, the Ethical Movement adopted an Ethical Action Resolution supporting the Millennium Development Goals, evidencing our commitment to the care of the Environment. Related Link |
Apr 21 2010 11:01 am Conversation with Japanese survivors of the atomic bomb - Monday, May 3rd at 7:30 pm --
The Ethical Society of Northern Westchester will sponsor a conversation with Japanese survivors of the atomic bomb. This event will include a brief video, words from the quests and an opportunity for questions and conversation. The event will be held at the Maryknoll Center at 55 Ryder Road, Ossining, New York in the Asia Room. |
Apr 15 2010 10:37 am Ethical Society Without Walls - Community Call - April 18th --
ESWoW will host its next Community Call on April 18th at 11am, noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time. Kate Lovelady, Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis will be joining us to speak about living ecologically. For more information regarding ESWoW\'s Community Calls please go to www.eswow.org. Also, feel free to invite others who might be interested in our discussions. |
 Apr 14 2010 04:30 pmJustice For Juveniles - A Call to Ethical Action --
Saturday, April 24th, from 8:30am - 4:00pm --
The New York Society for Ethical Culture presents Justice For Juveniles - A Call to Ethical Action and invites you to attend this conference that aims to create a coalition of concerned organizations, citizens and media to demand and help facilitate immediate restructuring and reform of the New York State juvenile justice system. Please follow the related link below to register and find out more details on this conference. Related Link |
Apr 13 2010 09:54 am IHEU General Assembly 2010 --
The IHEU General Assembly 2010 will be held at the offices of Centre d'Action Laique (CAL), Campus de la Plaine - CP 236, Avenue Arnaud Fraiteur, Acces 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium on Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7, 2010. It is also hoped to hold some working group seminars on topics of interest at the same venue on Thursday, August 5, 2010. |
Apr 13 2010 09:49 am The American Ethical Union's 95th Annual Assembly - Registration is Open!! --
The 95th AEU Assembly will be held at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania from June 1720, 2010. Our Assembly is an important point in our lives as Ethical Culturists. It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in what it really means to belong to Ethical Culture. During Assembly, we gather with like minded people and we experience the Movement in a larger context. By participating in our annual Assembly we show each other, newcomers, and the greater community that we are a people with strong ideals, willing to declare our ethical principles for the betterment of mankind. The Assembly is also where we are able to renew and make new acquaintances with members of societies from across the country. It is an exciting opportunity to learn from our peers, not only through the many workshops but by strengthening communication between members of all societies. To register online go to http://www.regonline.com/aeuassembly or you can download the paper brochure/registration by clicking on the link below. We hope to see you there. Related Link |
Apr 12 2010 01:22 pm UN Human Rights Council adopted Annual Resolution on "Combating Defamation of Religion" --
In the closest vote yet on "Combating Defamation of Religion," the UN Human Rights Council adopted the annual resolution by 23 votes to 20 with eight abstentions. This compares with the 2009 vote of 23 in favor, 11 against, with 13 abstaining. The vote came at the end of a heavy campaign by the IHEU and several other NGOs against the concept of defamation of religion. Speaking at the UN, IHEU representative Roy Brown called upon the UN Human Rights Council to "reject the resolution 'combating defamation of religion'as both unjustifiable and unnecessary." The AEU is a founding member of the IHEU. Related Link |
| Apr 04 2010 00:02 am Ethical Action Report April 2010 --
LGBT Equality: Repeal Dont Ask, Dont Tell (H.R. 1283, S. 3065) -- Civil Liberties: Tell Google Not to Share Info with the NSA -- Maternal Health: Urge the Department of Health and Human Services to Make Safe Pregnancy a Priority -- Sensible Drug Policy: Urge Wal-Mart to Change its Policy on Medical Marijuana Related Link |
Apr 01 2010 10:03 am 2010 FES Conference --
Young adults, 18-28, meet us in Chicago for FES Conference Seven. May 21-24, 2010, at the Hostelling International-Chicago (hichicago.org). Close to Lake Michigan; walking distance to Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Platform will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. For more information contact Susan Buzek at sbuzek(at)aol(dot)com. |
Mar 26 2010 02:14 pm 2010 AEU Lay Leadership Summer SchooL --
The AEU is very excited to announce that we are now accepting application for the eighth AEU Lay Leadership Summer to be held July 24 - 31, 2010 on The Mountain in Highlands, N.C. We have assembled a dedicated, skilled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty composed of professional and lay leaders from around the country. The brochure and application/registration forms can be found on the AEU website at http://aeu.org (BROCHURE and REGISTRATION FORM) or if you wish to apply on-line please following the link provided below. The deadline for applying to the Lay Leadership Summer School is April 2, 2010 so we ask that if you are interested not to delay because space is limited. Related Link |
Mar 18 2010 03:56 pm Truth Commission on Conscience in War - AEU Co-Sponsors Hearing with 55 religious and ethical organizations --
The American Ethical Union and the New York Society for Ethical Culture are joining with a broad based interfaith coalition to co-sponsor the "Truth Commission on Conscience in War" on Sunday, March 21st at Riverside Church located at 490 Riverside Drive in New York City from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. This event launches a major nationwide conversation to educate religious communities and leaders about current conscientious objection military regulations, religious traditions of a "just war," and the rights of service members to object to a particular war. The Truth Commission in War will hear from veterans, military chaplains, religious leaders and legal experts about the issues of moral and religious conscience facing our nation's service members. Related Link |
Mar 17 2010 04:54 pm American Ethical Union signs on to Amicus Brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Christian Legal Soceity v. Martinez --
On Monday, March 15th, the American Ethical Union joined with other nontheistic organizations in submitting an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. It argued that religious student organizations do not have the constitutional right to violate public college's non-discrimination policies. The case concerns a student chapter of the Christian Legal Society (CLS) at the University of Hastings College of Law. CLS sued the school after being denied official recognition and funding because the student group excluded non-Christian, gay and lesbian students, in violation of the school's non-discrimination policy. That policy requires that student groups can receive funding and official recognition only if they are open to all students. This case is likely to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. |
Mar 15 2010 09:40 am American Ethical Union's 95th Assembly - Registration Is Now Open!! --
The 95th AEU Assembly will be held at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania from June 1720, 2010. Our Assembly is an important point in our lives as Ethical Culturists. It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in what it really means to belong to Ethical Culture. During Assembly, we gather with like minded people and we experience the Movement in a larger context. By participating in our annual Assembly we show each other, newcomers, and the greater community that we are a people with strong ideals, willing to declare our ethical principles for the betterment of mankind. The Assembly is also where we are able to renew and make new acquaintances with members of societies from across the country. It is an exciting opportunity to learn from our peers, not only through the many workshops but by strengthening communication between members of all societies. To register online go to http://www.regonline.com/aeuassembly or you can download the paper brochure/registration by clicking on the link below. We hope to see you there. Related Link |
| Mar 06 2010 04:11 pm Ethical Action Report March 2010 --
LGBT Equality: Tell the President and Congress to Repeal DOMA -- Sustainable Agriculture: Support a Healthy Global Food System -- Womens Rights: Urge the United Nations to Create a Womens Agency -- Separation of Church and State: Stop Federally Funded School Vouchers Related Link |
Mar 01 2010 03:59 pm American Ethical Union Representatives met with Senior Administration Officials during SCA White House Briefing --
The American Ethical Union, as a member organization of the Secular Coalition for America, participated in a briefing with White House officials to discuss childhood medical neglect and abuse, fixing faith based initiatives and military proselytizing and coercion. Representatives from the American Ethical Union joined with other SCA member organizations to have a dialogue with Senior Administration Officials, including the Director of The White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Commissioner of Administration on Children, Youth and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel in the U.S. Defense Department. We were pleased to have a place at the table, with a chance to hear from Administration representatives and for them to hear from us about issues that affect all Americans. This historic meeting marked the first time in history that a presidential administration has met for a policy briefing with the American nontheistic community. The Administration was open to future dialogue with us on public policy issues. |
| Jan 29 2010 03:47 pm Ethical Action Report - February 2010 --
In this Issue: * Provide Emergency Relief and Disaster Recovery to Haiti: Donate to the National Service Conference to provide assistance and critical care to Haiti. * Protect Choice: Keep an abortion ban out of the Health Care Reform Bill * Protect Civil Liberties: Close Guantanamo Bay Prison * Protect Women: Spread the word about Adding it up * Keep the Promise: Ask your lawmaker to support the Tribal Law and Order Act (S.797, H.R. 1924) Related Link |
Jan 23 2010 12:31 am AEU Lay Leadership Summer School 2010 --
The AEU is very excited to announce that we are now accepting application for the eighth AEU Lay Leadership Summer to be held July 24 - 31, 2010 on The Mountain in Highlands, N.C. We have assembled a dedicated, skilled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty composed of professional and lay leaders from around the country. The brochure and application/registration forms can be found on the AEU website at http://aeu.org (BROCHURE and REGISTRATION FORM) or if you wish to apply on-line please following the link provided below. The deadline for applying to the Lay Leadership Summer School is April 2, 2010 so we ask that if you are interested not to delay because space is limited. Related Link |
Jan 19 2010 10:10 am Haiti Needs Our Help --
The National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union created the Rose L. Walker Fund. One of its purposes is to respond to global crises as has just occurred in Haiti. The National Service Conference has agreed to send the first amount it gathers to Doctors Without Borders. In light of the urgency of this situation, we ask for your contributions as soon as possible. 100% of what you donate is tax deductible. You can donate using the Donate Now button on the upper left hand side of this screen (the aeu homepage) and click on the Rose L. Walker Fund tab or by sending a check made out to the National Service Conference, c/o The American Ethical Union, 2 West 64th Street, Suite 406, NY, NY 10023. For additional information and links, please visit www.nationalserviceaeu.org |
| Dec 14 2009 10:50 am Ethical Action Report - December 2009 --
Tis the Season: Give Thanks by Giving Back -- Protect Choice: Help Defeat the Stupak-Pitts Amendment! -- Protect Civil Liberties: Ask Attorney General Eric Holder to Try All Terror Suspects in Federal Civilian Courts -- Separation of Church and State: Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2662) Related Link |
Dec 04 2009 03:21 pm Parliament of World Religions - Melbourne, Australia --
"Every five years, the Parliament of World Religions welcomes thousands of people to see the world through different eyes. People of different faiths come together to learn, grow and celebrate their diversity. They realize that despite their religious differences, they share a similar calling to build a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. Friendships are made. Wisdom is shared. Lessons are learned. New relationships emerge." The American Ethical Union will be represented at the upcoming Parliament of World Religions by Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, member of the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union and the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union at the United Nations. Please encourage our Societies to view more information about this world wide religious conference on http://www.parliamentofreligions.org. Look for a report on the Parliament of World Religions when Anne Klaeysen returns from Australia in an upcoming issue of Dialogue and on the aeu website at www.aeu.org. |
Dec 02 2009 04:52 pm A Call for a Just and Lasting Peace in Afghanistan - from the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union --
FROM THE NATIONAL LEADERS COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAN ETHICAL UNION DECEMBER 8, 2009 The National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union opposes President Obamas plan to dramatically increase the number of troops involved in the conflict in Afghanistan as unreasonable and unjustified. Increased military operations will result in increased deaths of both civilians and armed forces. Further, means of force will not solve the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. It is the wrong means aimed at the wrong enemy. The true enemy in Afghanistan, as in so many places, is ignorance coupled with economic deprivation, which often leads to desperation, fanaticism, and terrorism. When employed by the likes of Al-Qaida, this constitutes a real threat to open, democratic nations throughout the world. We recognize the legitimate right of nations so threatened to respond directly to the perpetrators of terrorism. However, the only way to break the cycle and defeat terrorism is through a respectful relationship with the Afghan people, one aimed at providing the basic requirements for human flourishingwater, food, shelter, education, and a reason to choose life over death. The needs, wishes, and well-being of the Afghan people must be at the center of rebuilding Afghanistan. A negotiated solution is necessary, one that includes all groups involved in the conflict. A lasting peace in the region can only come from the participation of all parties that legitimately represent the interests of their constituents, including Pakistan where Al-Qaida has taken refuge. We therefore call upon the Afghanistan and Pakistan Heads of State to enlist the help of the United Nations in taking the lead in the reconstruction of Afghanistan through a collaborative process with the Afghan people and all other interested and affected regional parties, and we call upon the United States and its NATO allies to fully fund the initiative. |
Nov 16 2009 04:25 pm December 5, 2009 AEU Growth and Development Workshop - Incorporating New Members - with Alice Mann
(10:30am - 5:30pm) New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 West 64th Street) --
Alban Institute Senior Consultant and author, Alice Mann shares her expertise in helping congregations develop ways to incorporate new members in this workshop. Attracting and retaining new members doesn't happen by accident. It happens because people within a Society have a passionate commitment to offer others something that has been of great value in their own life, and because they practice forms of hospitality and follow-through that enables an "outsider" to become an "insider". Mann's programs are lively and interactive, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge from within a board cross section of religious denominations in diverse settings across the United States. We request that each individual or Society contribute $50.00 per participant which will include lunch. |
Nov 12 2009 10:59 pm 2009 United Nations Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns --
The 2009 Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns honors the 2009 International Year of Reconciliation, the 2009 International Year of Human Rights Learning, and the Decade of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World (2001-2010)in a week-long programs of events created to explore the very essence of the United Nation's commitment to the peaceful resolution of international issues of focused meditations, workshops, panel discussions, group interchanges, music and dance performances. The CSVGC-NY Universal Ethics Working Group presents a panel on Thursday, October 29th on "Opening Our Hearts to Empathy Through Story." This panel will be moderated by Martha Gallahue, of the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union at the United Nations and Genie Kagawa, of the Universal Peace Federation. For more detailed information, click on the link below. |
Oct 26 2009 04:50 pm Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend --
Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend -- Parenting Beyond Belief with Dale McGowan is the topic for this year's AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend being held over the weekend of November 6-8, 2009 at the Stony Point Conference Center located in Stony Point, NY. Click on the link below to view the entire brochure and register. We hope to see you there! Related Link |
Oct 20 2009 03:57 pm Halloween Haunting on 64th Street -
A NYSEC Candlelight Building Tour --
Friday, October 30th 7-10pm and Sat., October 31st 6-11pm In honor of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's Building's 100th Anniversary, they will host a Halloween candlelight tour of the building. A wonderful event for families to attend together, everyone will find something of interest on this special tour. History by candlelight, theatrical reenactments with live actors, the ghosts of Ethical Culture and New York past, spooky ambiance and Halloween treats for all. A different twist on Halloween, enjoy the ghostly atmosphere without all the guts and gore! The tour will be approximately 45 minutes long and travel throughout the building. Because guests will need to travel down several flights of stairs, attendance is not recommended for those with limited mobility. Price:$13.00 - Adults $5.00 - Children For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Sheleigah Grube by email or phone at 212-874-5210 x118. To volunteer for the event, contact Curt Collier by email or phone at 914-648-0009 or Sheleigah Grube at 212-874-5210 x118. |
Oct 20 2009 03:13 pm SUSTAINABLE LIVING EVENT - October 25, 2009 --
A special event on Sustainable Living is being hosted by the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester with additional participation by the New York Society for Ethical Culture and the Riverdale Yorkers Society for Ethical Culture on Sunday, October 25, 2009. The event will be hosted by Curt Collier, New York Society Ethical Culture Leader and Deputy Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley and will include a tour of the Science Barge, presentations on getting involved with your community to promote sustainable living, and information about ecologically helpful projects that can adopt to engage members and others in their communities. Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm Location: The Science Barge is docked on the Hudson River near 99 Dock Street, Yonkers (behind the Metro North Rail Station) For Directions call: 914-375-2151 RSVP to Sara Sheperd 914-948-1120 or ecsw@optonline.net |
Oct 09 2009 10:08 am National Equality March - Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 --
The Washington Ethical Society is inviting participation in the National Equality March for LGBT rights. This March is endorsed by major LGBT rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign. Detailed information is listed on the website of the Washington Ethical Society at www.ethicalsociety.org. Please share this news and encourage others to rally for the event. |
Oct 02 2009 03:08 pm Children's Day - Ethical Humanist Soceity of Long Island, Sunday, October 11 --
The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island is hosting an all-day event on Oct. 11 for the children of the Ethical Culture Movement. Arthur Dobrin, Leader Emeritus will lead a special Platform on Ethical Identity for adults and the older Sunday school children. The Platform will address topics such as how kids can deal with their "ethical religion" when their friends are Jewish, Muslin, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and so on. How can their parents help them with this. Bob Berson, Leader, Ethical Society of Northern Westchester will lead a discussion group (not a formal talk) with teens on the same topic, while younger Sunday school children will have a planned lesson or activity. This will be a chance for our kids to see that there are others growing up with the same beliefs and the same philosophy, and that they are not alone. After the Platform, there will be a pizza lunch followed by fun activities for the kids. It is our hope that the children from all of the Societies in the NY Metropolitan area will be present. |
| Oct 02 2009 11:56 am Ethical Action Report - October 2009 --
* Civil Liberties: Support the JUSTICE Act (S. 1686) * E Pluribus Unum: Restore "Out of Many, One" as our National Motto * End Workplace Discrimination: Support the Employment Non Discrimination Act (H.R. 2981 and S. 1584) * Support the Youth PROMISE Act Today! (H.R. 1064 and S. 435) * Participate in the International Day of Climate Action Related Link |
Oct 01 2009 11:52 pm AEU Officiants --
Upon the recommendation of the AEU Leadership Committee, the AEU Board of Directors approved a first term Officiant Application for Paula Rochelle of the Ethical Culture Society of Silicon Valley. The AEU Board also voted to renew licenses for 11 Officiants. Those included the following individuals: Pat Bruder-Debrovner, New York; Phyllis Anne Duncan,Northern Virginia; Arnold Fishman, Philadelphia; Temma Fishman, Philadelphia; Arlene Honeywell, St. Louis; James Honeywell, St. Louis; Andra Miller, New York; James Mooney, St. Louis; Patricia Paley, Brooklyn; Katrina Scott, Boston; Monica Weiss, New York. |
 Oct 01 2009 11:33 pmAmanda Poppei, New Ethical Culture Leader --
Upon completion of her training with the AEU Leadership Committee, the AEU Leadership Committee recommended Amanda Poppei for certification as a new Ethical Culture Leader to the AEU Board of Directors. On September 20, 2009, the AEU Board voted unanimously in favor of Amanda Poppei's certification as a new Ethical Culture Leader. Amanda serves as the Senior Leader of the Washington Ethical Society. |
Oct 01 2009 11:31 pm AEU Adds Its Name to Open Letter from Religious Leaders --
The AEU Board of Directors passed by consensus, with one vote standing aside, to add the American Ethical Union's name onto the National Coalition for Reproductive Choice's Open Letter from Religious Leaders to Congress Urging Access to Abortion in Health Care Reform. |
Oct 01 2009 11:30 pm National Leaders Council Issues Statement on Health Care Reform --
Endorsed the National Leaders Council Health Care Reform Statement of 2009. This NLC Statement supports efforts to reform the health care system within the United States to provide affordable, effective and dependable health care for all. The full text of this NLC Statement on Health Care Reform 2009 can be found on the AEU website. |
Sep 01 2009 03:48 pm Religious Education Fall Conference & Family Weekend --
Parenting Beyond Belief with Dale McGowan is the topic for this year's AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend being held over the weekend of November 6-8, 2009 at the Stony Point Conference Center located in Stony Point, NY. Click on the link below to view the entire brochure and register. We hope to see you there! Related Link |
Aug 26 2009 11:31 am The National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union
Health Care Reform Statement of 2009 --
The National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union supports current efforts to reform the health care system within the United States in order to provide affordable, effective and dependable health care for all. We reaffirm our historic position that Health care is a right to which every man, woman and child is entitled.* Although the present proposed bills in Congress do not address all the issues of concern to us, we support President Obamas effort at creating a just and fair health care system. We expect that any national reform legislation would contain: Availability of health care to all persons, regardless of age, ability to pay, or pre-existing conditions. Universal insurance coverage that would include preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services and mental care, for as long as necessary. Assurance of freedom of choice for patients and doctors, and equality of price for all. Nothing in such health care legislation should preclude the private practice of medicine or the private funding of medical care or research. *AEU 1973 statement on health care http://aeu.org/library/byresolution.php |
Aug 26 2009 11:22 am Announcing Trish Cowan as our new AEU Religious Education Curriculum Developer --
After an extensive search and interviewing process with a number of talented candidates from across the Ethical Culture Movement, it is with great pleasure that I announce Trish Cowan is our new American Ethical Union Religious Education Curriculum Developer. Trish is currently the St. Louis Director of Religious Education and she serves on the national Religious Education Committee. We were fortunate to have many terrific candidates, all of whom had years of Ethical Culture and Ethical Humanist experience and a variety of talents pertinent to curriculum writing. A team read resumes, conducted phone interviews, and deliberated. It was a difficult decision making process. We wish we had more jobs to offer! We will look for ways to engage more people and expand curriculum writing opportunities in the future. Thank you, again, to our very talented candidates from across the Ethical Movement. As the project continues, we look for your help. We know that great curriculum comes from a combination of creative, experienced writing, input from a wide range of sources, and extensive field testing. Trish will be asking for your best lessons on a variety of topics. She will read through everything and fill in any gaps, so we can provide the best of the best from the AEU. Materials will be available shortly online, and we request your feedback as you try the lessons in your own societies or homes. Join me in welcoming Trish to her new position. Aimee Neumann National Director of Religious Education |
Aug 26 2009 11:18 am Salazar v. Buono Amicus Brief --
On July 31, 2009, the American Ethical Union, participated as a friend of the court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on the case of Salazar v. Buono in support of respondent Frank Buono. The case will determine whether a Christian cross may remain atop Sunrise Rock in the Mojave National Preserve in California. In this Amicus Brief, the American Ethical Union became a friend of the court with the American Humanist Association, Atheist Alliance International, the Military Alliance of Atheists and Freethinkers, the Secular Student Alliance and the Society for Secular Judaism. Robert Ritter, Legal Counsel for the Appignani Humanist Legal Center, saw this case "as a clear violation of the establishment clause. Under Court precedent, government may not prefer one religion over another, or religion over nonreligion. Here, government has done both." |
Aug 26 2009 11:16 am A Tribute to Phyllis Ehrenfeld --
The American Ethical Union, the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union at the United Nations and the Ehrenfeld family share in the loss of Phyllis Ehrenfeld, who recently passed after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Up until her passing, Phyllis served as the President of the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union. She and her husband Sylvain represented Ethical Culture at the United Nations and wrote over 90 articles on the UN for Dialogue, the national newsletter of the American Ethical Union. Phyllis was a long-time member of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County and served as President of the UNA/USA Bergen County. She will long be remembered for her dedicated focus on global issues and values which unite those within our Ethical Culture Communities locally, nationally and globally. Phyllis was an accomplished writer, novelist, playwright and a lover of poetry. She often conducted play reading groups and literary workshops at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County. Her husband, Dr. Sylvain Ehrenfeld, continues his work as the AEU Representative to the United Nations and as a strong voice of Ethical Culture on behalf of the National Service Conference of the AEU at the United Nations. A memorial service will be scheduled for September 13th at 3:00pm at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County located at 687 Larch Avenue, Bergen, New Yew Jersey 07666-2301. |
Jul 16 2009 11:20 pm Austin Announces New Home --
The Ethical Society of Austin is truly delighted to announce that it is moving into 24/7 space. Since its inception, ESA has operated in Sunday-only spaces, but beginning July 19, 2009, ESA will have a 24/7 home at 5555 N Lamar, Blvd., Suite L137, Austin, Texas 78751. The space is centrally located, and has a Sunday School room and an office as well as a meeting room. We are working to furnish the space (furniture, furnishings and fixtures) and the time (board and committee meetings, Sunday School parent meetings, newcomer meetings, and ethical action and social meetings), and intend to have a grand open house in late August. Our thanks to all of the Societies who have helped us with advice, suggestions, and examples. Related Link |
Jul 16 2009 02:48 pm Ethics on the Air --
The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, July 24th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming. The topic of discussion will be on Self-Regard and Ethical Living with our special guest Bart Worden, Leader of the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester. Our self-perception affects the way we behave. What influence does the culture we grow up in have on how we see ourselves? Is it important that we have illusions about who we are? Is an inflated self-image harmful? How can good people quiet the mental voice that continually tells them they're not good enough? Join us in a wide-ranging exploration of the subject and learn the two keys for success in leading a confident and ethical life. |
| Jul 12 2009 11:14 pm Dialogue Summer 2009 Published --
Comprehensive reporting on the events of the AEU National Assembly 2009 that took place in St. Louis, MO, in June 2009, form the core content of this edition of Dialogue. Related Link |
 Jul 06 2009 02:19 pmBrooklyn Society for Ethical Culture awards Peace Site Award --
Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture awarded its annual Peace Site Award to Women for Afghani Women (WAW) on Sunday, June 21st. The award was accepted by Manizha Naderi, Executive Director. Women for Afghan Women is a Queens-based organization committed to ensuring the human rights of Afghan women. Most of its staff is in Afghanistan, where they support the development of vocational training and education for women and girls, counseling and safe spaces for women threatened with violence, "advocate for the full inclusion of women in all aspects of Afghan life" and "keep alive and vibrant the discourse of human rights for women in an Islamic context." Related Link |
| Jul 03 2009 01:03 am Ethical Action Report July 2009 --
Ask your representative to co-sponsor the State Secrets Protection Act of 2009 (H.R. 984) -- Urge Congress to Create Health Care Reform Independent of Religious Preferences -- Support PBS Ban of Purely Religious Programming -- Urge Obama Administration to consider the appointment of Open Minded NIH Director Related Link |
Jun 30 2009 11:26 am AEU Ethical Action Resolution - Climate Change 2009 --
The National Leaders Council and the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union passed a new Climate Change 2009 Resolution at the 94th Assembly of the AEU. WHEREAS: Climate Change is a catastrophe driven by human choices that have resulted in unsustainable and inequitable use of carbon-releasing energy sources, and WHEREAS: The United Nations has determined to seek a new Framework of Action with regard to Climate Change at the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change in December of 2009 ,and WHEREAS: A global shift in policy must be led by those nations with the highest per capita use of carbon-releasing energy sources, chief among them the United States, THEREFORE: We urge all governments, especially the United States, To reprioritize state interests and implement Climate Change policies that acknowledge our collective interdependence and responsibility, and To recognize and address the underlying influence of consumerism, waste and increasing population on Climate Change. FURTHERMORE: In order to increase institutional conscientiousness and promote an ethical maturity around Climate Change that acknowledges its impact on human life and the natural world of which we are a part, we call upon the Leaders and members of The American Ethical Union: To take initiatives designed to change behavior among all sectorsgovernmental, business, individual, and especially within our Societiesto reduce our carbon footprint, and To support the National Service Conferences efforts to integrate a moral dimension into the United Nations Climate Change agenda through active participation in the NGO Working Group. Note: For continuing updates, visit www.nationalserviceaeu.org Related Link |
 Jun 20 2009 00:11 amAnnouncing the Tag Cloud --
We are launching a Tag Cloud, a new tool of the AEU Library website. The tag cloud is reachable from the "by tag" option of the main menu of the Library site. Tag clouds, a feature of many websites used to qualify and facilitate access to content, entails a series of clickable keywords that point to articles that are part of a collection of documents. These key words are displayed in different sizes to indicate the popularity of a specific topic in the assets of a library -- the bigger the tag, the more articles it points to. Clicking on a tag displays a list of articles it relates to. Each article listing is accompanied by a list of other tags that point to it as well, which in turn, can be clicked to uncover more articles with, perhaps, related content. As of today, only a few items have been (partially) tagged, as examples of what it is meant to be and, as a teaser, to invite participation in the project of tagging the current and future content of the AEU Library. We expect to authorize members of the Movement as "taggers." Taggers will have two methods of creating, editing and deleting tags. One, is by direct login into a protected area of the site where they will be able to tag several articles within the same logged in session. The second method, allows for "ad hoc" tagging of an individual article using a process of validation through email. In both cases, taggers will have to register to perform this task in order to minimize attempts by hackers or spammers to gain entry into the website. Besides the standard benefits of tag clouds, for example, that of quickly assessing the importance of certain topics in a collection of documents, committees of the AEU will be able to submit documents that would immediately be tagged with the name of the committee. For example, the tag "membership" could be used as a gateway to a collection of documents about the activities of the committee or about the topic of membership in the AEU or societies. Please contact the webmaster if you are interested in being a tagger. Related Link |
.jpg) Jun 15 2009 02:40 amAEU's 2009 Elliott Black Award --
At the 94th Assembly of the American Ethical Union, Chaplain James J. Yee was recognized as AEUs 2009 Elliott Black Recipient. James Yee advised commanders of Guantanamo Bay on detainee religious practices. He objected to the cruel and degrading abuses to which prisons were subjected. Chaplain Yee was subsequently detained and subjected to inhuman military practices including sensory deprivation and solitary confinement. He was cleared of all criminal charges and awarded the second Army commendation medal for "exceptionally meritorious service." AEU recognized Chaplain James Yee for his significant ethical contribution to society at personal risk and hardship. We celebrated his support of religious freedom and access to fundamental human and civil rights for all human beings. Related Link |
Jun 15 2009 02:31 am New Leaders, Chaplains --
The AEU Leadership Committee, the AEU Board, and the AEU Assembly endorsed certification of a new Ethical Culture Leader, Martha Gallahue. She has undertaken a unique outreach at the United Nations on behalf of the AEUs National Service Conference with a host of nongovernmental organizations to advance the voice of ethical culture globally. Three Ethical Culture Chaplains for Healthcare were also commissioned at this year's AEU Assembly. The AEU is also exploring new Leadership Certification Programs for Ethical Culture Leaders on college and university campuses and for Military Chaplains. |
Jun 15 2009 02:27 am From the AEU Board to the IHEU Board --
For the first time in 25 years, a member of the American Ethical Union has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the International Humanist Ethical Union (IHEU). Ron Solomon has just returned from the June, 2009 IHEU World Congress in London. Ron Solomon, AEU Board Member and Mel Lipmann, past President of the AHA, are the only 2 Americans to serve on the Executive Committee of the IHEU. Related Link |
Jun 04 2009 01:45 pm Ethics on the Air --
The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, June 26th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be New York State Sentencing Reform with special guest Commissioner Denise OConnell, New York State Deputy for Public Safety, who is responsible for policies and operations of the states homeland security, emergency preparedness and criminal justice agencies. Among several state divisions, shes also in charge of the Division of Criminal Justice Services and shell be wearing this hat for our discussion of New York State drug law sentencing reform in response to the publication of a two year study of New York States sentencing statutes by a bi-partisan commission. Our interview team brings special insight, as Dr. Harrison-Ross is now the Commissioner and Chair of the Medical Review Board of the New York State Commission of Corrections. The program will be hosted by Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross and Andra Miller. |
| May 29 2009 11:05 pm Ethical Action Report June 2009 --
Government Reform: Tell Federal Agencies to Let Scientists Speak Out -- Separation of Church and State: Urge Your Representative to Oppose the "America's Spiritual Heritage" Resolution -- Human Rights: Ask Obama to Reject the Military Commissions System -- Climate Change: Ask the Environmental Protection Agency to Halt Permission for New Blended Gasoline until More Studies are Completed Related Link |
| Apr 30 2009 06:34 pm Ethical Action Report May 2009 --
Save the Environment: Be Part of the 2% Solution -- Walk to Stop Violence against Women and Girls -- Call on Investors to Stand Up for Human Rights in Darfur -- Urge Impeachment of Torture Memo Author Judge Jay Bybee Related Link |
Apr 10 2009 12:12 am Ethics on the Air --
The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, April 24th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with special guest Diane Kirschner a student of NVC since 2004 and currently facilitates a study group at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. NVC also known as Compassionate Communication is both a consciousness and a tool to build relationships free from judgment, coercion, guilt, shame, blame and diagnosis by getting in touch with our feelings and needs thus being able to communicate more honestly and listen empathically to what others are feeling and needing. The program will be hosted by Andra Miller. |
| Apr 03 2009 00:27 am Ethical Action Report April 2009 --
Civil Liberties: Support the State Secrets Protection Act of 2009 (H.R. 984) -- Reproductive Freedom: End Funding for Abstinence-Only Education -- Human Rights: Support Clemency for Troy Davis -- Human Rights: Ensure that Detention Centers Meet Humane Standards Related Link |
| Apr 03 2009 00:24 am Spring 2009 Dialogue Published --
In this issue: AEU Assembly -- Senior Connections -- New Dialogue Editor -- Anna Garlin Spencer Award -- Leadership Training -- Darwin and Lincoln -- New York Area Darwin Day Celebrations -- Silicon Valley Ethical Society Incorporation -- National Service Conference -- Encampment for Citizenship -- Same-Sex Marriage Resolution -- Bergen Fundraising Walkway Project -- Ethical Culture New Mission Statement -- Executive Directors Report -- New Leaders Statement -- Religious Education -- Youth in Ethical Societies -- Camp Linden -- Rainbow Warriors Summer Day Camp -- Abra-KID-Abra Summer Day Camp -- Future of Ethical Societies -- Ethical Society Without Walls -- Letters, Excerpts and Blogs -- Paul Raynault Memorial -- United Nations Report -- Secular Coalition of America Related Link |
Mar 20 2009 12:27 am Ethics on the Air --
The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, March 27th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be Health Care in Our Prisons with guest Jack Beck. They will discuss the ethical issues in prison health care in NY State correctional facilities. The program will be hosted by Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross and Andra Miller. |
 Mar 11 2009 12:18 am94th Annual Assembly!! June 11-14, 2009 --
The American Ethical Union's 94th Assembly, hosted by Ethical Society Mid Rivers will be held this year in St. Louis, MO. We are excited to introduce our new Assembly website which will give you an overview of what is offered this year and in keeping with reducing our carbon footprint we are offering online registration! In order to use this function, please click on the "Assembly 2009 Registration" box in the upper right-hand corner of this screen or go to www.regonline.com/aeu. For those still requiring a paper version of our Assembly brochure and registration, they can be found by click on the link below or at your local society. We are offering a very exciting program this year and look forward to seeing you in St. Louis! Related Link |
| Mar 02 2009 06:35 pm Ethical Action Report March 2009 --
Church and State: Stop Religious Discrimination in Obama's Faith-Based Program! -- Reproductive Freedom: Support a Rescission of Anti-Woman HHS Regulations -- Civil Rights: Support the DC House Voting Rights Act (H.R. 157) -- Human Rights: Support a Moratorium on Federal Executions Related Link |
| Fev 03 2009 12:37 am Ethical Action Report February 2009 --
Separation of Church and State: Ask President Obama to Say "No" to the Boy Scouts! -- Taxation without Representation: Support the DC Voting Rights Act (HR 157)-- GLBT Equality: Support Equal Benefits for Same-Sex Partners in the State Department -- Sensible Drug Policy: Urge President Obama to Halt Medical Marijuana Raids Related Link |
Jan 20 2009 02:44 pm Lobbying Techniques Workshop --
The Ethical Culture Society of Westchester will be offering a special workshop on Lobbying Techniques guided by seasoned lobbyist Lori Lippman Brown on January 25, 2009 at 1:30pm. This event will be held at the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester located at 7 Saxon Woods Rd., White Plains, NY 10605. For additional information and/or direction please call (914) 948-1120. There will be a suggested donation for this workshop of $10.00. We look forward to seeing you there. |
Jan 20 2009 02:31 pm Ethics On The Air --
Please tune in on Friday, January 23, 2009 at 11:00 am for NYSEC's Ethics on the Air on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming) this month's topic will be on "Environmental Politics and Policy" hosted by Andra Miller and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross with special guest Curt Collier, NY Society Ethical Culture Leader. The talk will focus on how environmental policy has evolved over the years and been shaped by political forces instead of scientific. Observations on Obama's choice of Steven Chu as secretary of Energy, Lisa Jackson as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Nancy Sutley as chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, and former EPA Administrator Carol Browner as the White House Coordinator of Energy and Climate. The way these choices suggest policies as Obama administration might be pursuing. How those policies compare to the Ethical Culture vision for the environment. |
Dec 11 2008 07:26 am AEU MISSION STATEMENT --
The American Ethical Union, a religious organization, is a federation of Ethical Societies, which promotes the growth of the Ethical Culture movement by supporting existing Ethical Societies and fostering new ones. We recognize the unique worth of each individual, we act to elicit the best in others and in ourselves; our faith is in the human capacity to create a better world. The American Ethical Union is a religious, educational, cultural and social justice organization. Adopted by the Board of Directors American Ethical Union November 2008 |
| Dec 05 2008 11:17 pm Ethical Action Report December 2008 --
Separation of Church and State: Ask President-Elect Obama to Stop Religious Discrimination! -- Stand up for Choice: Tell the Senate Richard Honaker is Too Extreme for the Federal Bench! -- LGBT Equality: Tell Congress to Repeal Dont Ask0, Dont Tell (H.R. 1246) -- Human Rights: Support Increased Aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo -- Womens Rights: Support the International Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 5927) Related Link |
 Dec 05 2008 04:24 pmDARWIN DAY CELEBRATION --
Darwin Day Family Festival -- NY Metro Area Ethical Culture Societies. The Saturday, 2/7 event at 2 W. 64th St., New York City is from 2 to 5 p.m. and will have games and entertainment for kids, speakers and fun for adults. All with end singing together Happy Birthday Charlie! For more information on this event please follow the link. Related Link |
| Dec 03 2008 11:45 pm Ethical Action Report November 2008 --
Voter Rights and Voter Registration: Contact the Department of Justice to Protect our Right to Vote -- GLBT Equality: Support Marriage Equity for All -- Human Rights: Improve Prison Conditions at Guantanamo -- Equal Justice: Stop Sentencing Discrimination (S. 1711 and H.R. 4545) -- Healthy Environment: Support the Clean Water Restoration Act (H.R. 2421/S. 1870) Related Link |
Nov 21 2008 04:57 pm Ethics On The Air --
The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, November 28th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be "The Ethics of Eating" with guest Anne Klaeysen, NYSEC Leader. Learn how to apply ethical principles to your diet. We will explore helpful resources to bring awareness to your eating habits and to develop a conscious practice that is healthful, ethical and enjoyable. The program will be hosted by Andra Miller and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross. |
Nov 04 2008 09:49 am AEU Religious Education Conference and Family Weekend!!! -- "Teaching Humanism In Ethical Culture" --
Humanizm is at the core of Ethical Culture. How do we teach our children to affirm the dignity and worth of all people? Do we, ourselves, seek truth and morality through human investigation? We will discuss these questions and others as we gather with religious educators and families from around the country for a regenerative weekend in Stony Point, NY. Featured guest speakers Amanda Metskas, of Camp Quest, will share activities from the Wiki curriculum project for Freethinkers, Atheists, Brights and others with a natural view of the world. Come share your views and learn something new. This RE conference will be held at Stony Point Center, Stony Point, New York from November 7-9, 2008. Related Link |
| Oct 03 2008 11:13 pm Ethical Action Report October 2008 --
Civil Liberties: Rein in Department of Homeland Security Travel Abuses -- Human Rights: Support Human Rights Throughout the World -- The Ethical Culture Movement Stands in Opposition to Violence -- Make Ethical and Educated Choices: A Resource for Informed Voters Related Link |
Sep 12 2008 05:11 pm "A Conversation On Ethical Religion" --
September 27, 2008 at NYSEC Social Hall at 1pm. Special Event: Featuring an Address by Michael Benedikt, author of "God Is the Good We Do - Theology of Theopraxy" and panelists: Joseph Chuman, Ethical Culture Leader, Curt Collier, Ethical Culture Leader and Rabbi Peter Schweitzer, City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism. About the Book: "God Is the Good We Do" invites believers and agnostics to return to their spiritual heritages with changed understanding of how religions are and are not carrying out God's will. At the same time, it invites atheists to see the universe, a force whose existence depends on them as much as anyone else. "God Is the Good We Do" appeals to both mind and heart, offering a fresh way to think about God in this scientific and media-saturated age. About the Author: Michael Benedikt is the author of "For An Architecture of Reality", "Deconstructing the Kimbell", Cyberspace: First Steps", "Shelter: The 2000 Wallenberg Lecture", and "God, Creativity and Evolution: The Argument From Design(ers)". He is 2004 ASCA Distinguished Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, where he holds the Hal Box Chair in Urbanism and directs the Center for American Architecture and Design. |
Sep 07 2008 12:35 am The YES Annual Conference --
YES (Youth in Ethical Societies) holds an annual conference in the fall. This year's event begins with a Pre-conference on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC). The YES Annual Conference will be followed on Friday, Oct 31 to Sunday, November 2, at the Frost Valley YMCA Camp in Claryville, New York. Teens from across the country, from all Ethical Societies, attend with their Youth Advisors. This year's topic is "Gender, Identity and Acceptance". The link to Frost Valley is http://www.frostvalley.org/conference/index.php. We hope to see you there! For more information, contact Susan Buzek at sbuzek(at)aol(dot)com. To register contact L. Miller at lmiller(at)aeu(dot)org. Related Link |
| Sep 05 2008 11:56 am Ethical Action Report September 2008 --
Human Rights: Reaffirming Opposition to Torture -- Support the Millennium Development Goals: Urge your Senators to Pass S. 2166 -- Reproductive Freedom: Speak out Against Anti-Woman HHS Draft Regulations -- Election 2008: Protect the legal rights of all people Related Link |
Aug 29 2008 12:47 am AEU Religious Education Conference and Family Weekend!!! --
"Teaching Humanism In Ethical Culture" Humanizm is at the core of Ethical Culture. How do we teach our children to affirm the dignity and worth of all people? Do we, ourselves, seek truth and morality through human investigation? We will discuss these questions and others as we gather with religious educators and families from around the country for a regenerative weekend in Stony Point, NY. Featured guest speakers Amanda Metskas, of Camp Quest, will share activities from the Wiki curriculum project for Freethinkers, Atheists, Brights and others with a natural view of the world. Come share your views and learn something new. This RE conference will be held at Stony Point Center, Stony Point, New York from November 7-9, 2008. Related Link |
Jul 15 2008 11:21 pm Great Expections --
Great Expectations, a rich society growth and development handbook is again available in our website with permission from the AEU Office which will provide access via username and password. Related Link |
| Jun 25 2008 09:21 pm Dialogue Newsletter Summer 2008 --
China, Tibet, and the Olympics -- Notes From the 93rd Assembly -- Seven Years ... Already? -- Executive Director's Report -- Elliott-Black Award -- The Secular Coalition -- AEU Resolution: Opposing Torture -- We Don't Do That -- Letter to the Editor -- If God is Dead, Who Gets His House? -- Political Activity and the Ethical Society -- At the United Nations -- AEU's Website -- An Adler Book You Might Actually Enjoy! -- Black and White Thinking -- Dedication of Kotkin Memorial Terrace -- 2008 Lay Leadership Summer School Related Link |
| Jun 25 2008 08:41 pm Ethical Action Report July 2008 --
Human Rights: Stand up for the Rule of Law -- Gender Equity: Support Equal Pay for Men and Women (H.R. 1338) -- Stop Hunger: Support Emergency Food Programs (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations FY 08-09) -- Reproductive Rights: Support Title X Family Planning (FY 09 Health Budget) Related Link |
Jun 19 2008 12:00 am Ethics on the Air --
The next installment of Ethics on the Air will be broadcast on Thursday, July 3rd at 11 A.M. on WBAI, 99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The show will raise a big issue: What does ethics have to do with being green? Our guest will be Michael Kreigh, the new lead architect at the Pratt Institute and a former President of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. Mr. Kreigh will discuss the ethical dimension of different environmental issues, e.g., Can New Yorkers be more green? What went wrong with Americas consumer culture? What is happening in the new green-building movement? Andra Miller will host. Anyone wishing to know more about Ethics on the Air should contact Marc Bernstein, Dr. Harrison-Ross, or Andra Miller. Related Link |
| May 30 2008 03:00 pm Ethical Action Report June 2008 --
Humanitarian Aid: Ensure Equal Aid Access in Tibet! -- Stand up for Peace: Support the Military Conscientious Objector Act -- Equal Justice: Stop Sentencing Discrimination -- Womens Rights: Support the GROWTH Act -- Sensible Drug Policy: Support the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act Related Link |
 May 06 2008 09:06 pmNational Service Conference Has New Website --
The National Service Conference, an affiliate of the American Ethical Union that works with other non-governmental organizations at the UN on ethical peace-building and other programs, has just opened a new website. From this site, the NSC is linked from the Social Action page as well as from the Affiliates page. The associated link below takes you to their new website. Related Link |
| May 02 2008 02:25 pm Ethical Action Report May 2008 --
Ethical Action Resolution of the AEU: Statement Reaffirming Its Opposition to Torture -- Gender Equality: Support the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- Equal Justice: Just Say NO to Extreme Judicial Appointments! -- Human Rights: Protect Children in Darfur -- Justice for All: Support the Prison Abuse Remedies Act |
Apr 30 2008 00:05 am Ethical Culture and Torture --
The National Leaders Council's extensive and comprehensive paper -- Ethical Culture and Torture -- is the basis for the recent resolution on "Reaffirming Its Opposition to Torture" unanimously approved by the 93rd AEU National Assembly in Austin, TX. This paper (related link below), the full text of the resolution, and previous resolutions on torture can be found in the Library at this site. Related Link |
 Apr 25 2008 11:58 pm2008 Elliott-Black Award --
The 2008 Elliott-Black Award was presented in a special ceremony on April 19th, 2008 during the 93rd AEU National Assembly (Austin, TX) to "New Jerseyans for Alternatives to Death Penalty (NJADP)." The yearly award is given by the American Ethical Union as a recognition and tribute to an individual in the larger community who has made a significant ethical contribution to society at personal risk and hardship. NJADP, a grassroots organization with 12,000 members and 200 supporting organizations spearheaded the efforts which culminated in December 17, 2007 when New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signed the historic death penalty abolition bill into law, the first such law in the country. Celeste Fitzgerald, Director, received the Award on behalf of NJADP. Ms. Fitzgerald herself has received many awards and honors for an extraordinary career in social activism. More information on the Elliott-Black Award can be viewed from the link below. Related Link |
Apr 23 2008 00:54 am AEU Reaffirms Its Opposition to Torture --
The 93rd Assembly of the American Ethical Union held in Austin, Texas, unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming its opposition to torture. The full text of this resolution can be viewed from the link below. Since 1948, the AEU has issued more than 200 resolutions including one in 1976 "On the Use of Torture." These resolutions are cataloged in the Library of this site as a special category of documents. Related Link |
Apr 17 2008 04:10 pm 93rd Assembly in the News in Austin --
A question and answer session between Eileen Flynn, the religion reporter for local daily the Austin-American Statesman and Tim Hayles, President of the Ethical Society of Austin was published this morning on the reporter's blog. The questions are typical of those asked by newcomers to Ethical Culture. The Assembly is prominently mentioned in the beginning of the article as an opportunity for the locals to learn more. Read the full text of the interview by clicking on the URL. Related Link |
Apr 08 2008 11:24 am Ethics on the Air --
The next installment of "Ethics on the Air" will be broadcast on Friday, April 25th at 11 A.M. on WBAI, 99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/for streaming). Our topic will be "Ethical Dilemma at the End of Life." Our guest is Dr. Richard Bernstein, Assistant Clinical Professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Berstein served on American Hospice Foundation's managed care advisory panel and has written serveral papers and a book chapter on palliative and end-of-life care. He will help us understand the difficult decisions those who are near death must face and how doctors and caregivers can be most helpful to them. Marc Bernstein will host and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross co-host. Anyone wishing to know more about "Ethics oin the Air" should contact Marc Berstein , Dr. Harrison-Ross or Andra Miller |
| Apr 04 2008 12:50 am Ethical Action Report April 2008 Published --
End Torture: Call for an Independent Bipartisan Commission on Harsh Interrogation Techniques -- Free Speech: Stop an FCC Ban on Profanity -- Hurricane Katrina: Investigate Abuses Two Years After -- Stand up for Choice: Don't Approve Honaker's Nomination! Related Link |
Mar 18 2008 01:26 pm Ethics on the Air --
The next installment of "Ethics on the Air" will be broadcast on Friday, March 28th at 11 A.M. on WBAI, 99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming. Our guest will be Dr. Robert Fuller, an author who argues that rankism, the excessive use of social status, is the chief remaining obstacle to achieving liberty and justice for all. Dr Fuller proposes a "dignitarian" society in which rankism is no longer tolerated. Tune in to find how rankism is rife in our social and civic institutions and how the politics of dignity can put the "we" back in "We the people." The show will be hosted by Andra Miller and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross. Anyone wishing to know more about Ethics on the Air should contact Marc Bernstein, Dr. Harrison-Ross, or Andra Miller. |
Mar 06 2008 12:36 am Dialogue Spring 2008 --
In this issue: A Spring Reverie (Not) -- Societies Seek Leaders -- AEU Affiliation Team Formed -- 2008 Assembly, Austin, Texas -- FES Conference, St. Louis -- Reflections on Science -- Bergen Member Wins Award -- Letter to the Editor -- Why Drivers Ed is Not Enough -- Living Ethical Humanism -- Ethical Cultures Roots -- From The United Nations -- Secular Coalition for America -- Sheldon C. Ackley (1919 - 2008) -- In Ethical Culture 87 Years, Remembering Irma Shapiro Related Link |
| Fev 28 2008 10:22 pm Ethical Action Report March 2008 Published --
Human Rights: Call on the Kenyan Government to Protect its Citizens -- Separation of Church and State: Oppose the Workplace Religious -- Freedom Act Healthy Planet: End Oil Aid Now -- Freedom of Information: Save the Internet Related Link |
Fev 28 2008 10:10 pm News from the Societies --
The American Ethical Union website now carries news feeds (RSS feeds) from its member societies. Access to this special page of news and events can be found on the main menu through the option "FROM THE SOCIETIES." As more societies post RSS feeds in their sites, they will be posted on this special page. Related Link |
Fev 27 2008 08:58 pm Pledge Drive for Ethics on the Air --
On Friday February 29 from 11am to 1pm, Marc Bernstein, Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross and Andra Miller will be hosting a pledge drive special of Ethics on the Air on WBAI 99.5 FM. During this two-hour edition of NYSECs monthly program, listeners will hear portions of past programs and some previously unaired content. This includes Joe Chuman on Ethical Culture's Role Today, a talk with Anne Klaeysen on Forgiveness and a special featuring Marc on Ethical Culture and African Americans. Please tune in to WBAI for this special program and while youre listening, call in and make a pledge at 212-209-2950. Your generosity is a vote to keep Ethics on the Air on WBAI. And your dollars help keep free speech alive as WBAI continues airing quality, thought-provoking programs you wont find anywhere else. So tune in between 11am and 1pm this Friday, February 29. You can even listen online at http://stream.wbai.org/. For more information, contact Marc Bernstein at mbernstein@nysec.org or 212-874-5210x112. Related Link |
| Fev 03 2008 10:19 am Ethical Action Report February 2008 --
Support Peace: Oppose Military Action Against Iran; Demand Justice: Call for a Special Prosecutor in the CIA Tape Cover-up; Human Rights: Demand Sayed Parwiz Kambakhshs Release; Stop Pay Discrimination: Support the Fair Pay Restoration Act. Related Link |
Jan 15 2008 00:07 am Lay Leadership Summer School 2008 --
The brochure and the application forms for the Lay Leadership Summer School 2008 have been published. Click here for the application forms and click on the link below for the brochure. Related Link |
Jan 07 2008 11:36 pm 2008 AEU Assembly - Brochure Published --
The Assembly Brochure 2008 has been published in the Library. The Brochure contains a comprehensive list of scheduled meetings, workshops, and social events to take place in Austin, Texas, April 17-20. The brochure, which can be downloaded from the link below, is being mailed to all members of the Ethical Culture Movement. Both the published and mailed version contain registration forms for those who intend to participate in this important event. Related Link |
Dec 05 2007 09:34 am In the Current Issue of Dialogue --
The Winter 2007-2008 Edition of Dialogue, the newsletter of the American Ethical Union, has just been published. Cover stories contain articles by Joseph Chuman, PhD, Boe Meyerson, and Richard Kiniry, all Ethical Culture Leaders. To read these and other articles and learn about current and future events, you may view or download the full edition of the Newsletter by visiting the AEU website Library and navigating to the "Dialogue" link on the main menu. If you are interested in receiving email announcements of the publication of future issues of the Newsletter, please email the AEU office at lmiller(at)aeu.org. Related Link |
Dec 04 2007 10:14 am 2008 AEU Assembly - Ethical Society of Austin --
April 17-20, 2008 - Join members from across the country in Austin, Texas to socialize, learn, teach and celebrate our history and our ethical values. Some of the workshops that will be offered are: "Biocentric Ethics" with Curt Collier... An Ethical Humanist Religious Approach to Living with Richard Kiniry... Religious Education... Growing & Sustaining Society Membership & Society Financial Management; Ethics in Pop Culture: The Ethics of Harry Potter... Communication Skills in Ethical Society Life with Jone Johnson Lewis... Out of the Box: Brainstorming to Reinvigorate Ethical Culture with Hugh Taft-Morales. Plans also include: Keynote speaker, opening reception, the NSC luncheon, the Elliott Black Award Banquet, Sunday Platform, A Liberation Festival - A Humanist Seder and entertainment on and off grounds. Watch for the brochure in January and count on having an experience you will long remember. |
Dec 04 2007 09:52 am The 2008 AEU Lay Leadership Summer School --
August 9-16, 2008 -The AEU Lay Leadership Summer School is one of the Ethical Movement's most successful programs, and 2008 will mark its twelfth year. Together we can develop and improve the skills needed to increase our Movement's size and make it more widely known. Brochures with more information will be sent to societies in January. |
| Dec 01 2007 11:06 pm Ethical Action Report December 2007 --
The December 2007 edition of the Ethical Action Report has been published. The Report is a joint publication of the American Ethical Union and the American Humanist Association. Topics covered in the current issue include: Reproductive Health: Support Affordable Access to Contraception, Freedom of Ideas: Support The Golden Compass, Civil Liberties: Support Reforms to the REAL ID Bill, and Free Speech: Stop FCC Censorship. Related Link |
Nov 10 2007 07:06 pm AEU Religious Education Conference and Family Weekend!!! --
We are having a great weekend in Stony Point, NY, Defining Our Ethical Identity. Families, parents, teachers, and directors of religious education have come together to revisit Adler, share lessons, and support our Sunday Schools. We had a terrific nature hike this afternoon and we are about to start our talent show. The intergenerational kid-led platform tomorrow promises to be a big hit. Consider coming next year, and talk to your RE families about their experience this year! |
Nov 10 2007 04:50 pm Presidents Council Meets at Stony Point NY --
Presidents of several Ethical Societies met today at The Stony Point Conference Center, NY, to discuss various issues related to the well being of the Movement. Members of the Board of Directors and a representative of FES, Future of Ethical Societies, also joined the meeting. Topics discussed included financial management and board's fiduciary responsibility, pledging and fundraising, sharing advertising resources and evaluations of different advertising's effectiveness. The Council spent some time revisiting and evaluating its original tasking, and essentially re-committing to that original task: to provide opportunities for member societies to convey their needs and interests to the AEU, to share experiences and resources, to increase cooperation and collaboration, and to provide a forum for not just the airing of the points of view of the AEU's member Societies, but also for actions proceeding from those points of view. |
| Nov 04 2007 00:04 am Ethical Action Report November 2007 --
The November 2007 edition of the Ethical Action Report has been published. The Report is a joint publication of the American Ethical Union and the American Humanist Association. Topics covered in the current issue include: Civil Liberties: Urge your senator to repeal the Protect America Act -- Free Burma: Demand that Myanmar release political detainees -- Religious Freedom: Ask China not to allow proselytizing at the 2008 Olympic Games -- Reproductive Health: Oppose anti-birth control extremists in the Office of Population Affairs Related Link |
 Sep 25 2007 09:04 pmEco Ethics Is Hot --
Eco Ethics is the "hot" topic this year. High school-aged teens and their youth advisors are invited to discuss and explore the topic at the 2007 YES conference, Nov 2-4 at the YMCA of the Ozarks conference center, in Potosi MO. Pre-conference activities, including city tours and getting- to- know -you games, will be held Nov 1-2 at the Ethical Society of St Louis. Participants will then ride a chartered bus out to the conference. As always, activities will include skits, games, free time, ceremonies, and lots of discussion. All teens who are interested, accompanied by a sponsor, and who agree to abide by the YES ethics code are invited to join us. |
Sep 25 2007 08:58 pm Autumn Dialogue Published --
The latest issue of Dialogue, the Newsletter of the American Ethical Union has been published and can be viewed by clicking on the link below. Related Link |
 Sep 13 2007 11:55 pmAEU Fall Religious Education Brochure --
The brochure containing the program, calendar, and registration form for the AEU Religion Education Conference, Fall 2007, is available from the link below or by going to the Library of this site. Related Link |
Aug 31 2007 12:17 am September 2007 Ethical Action Report Published --
The Ethical Action Report for the month of September 2007 has been published. The EAR is a project of the Ethical Action Committee of the American Ethical Union. The link below will open this latest issue of the Report. This and all previous issues of the Report can be found at Library of the AEU website. Related Link |
Aug 23 2007 11:03 pm Website Conversion Continues --
As previously announced, the website of the AEU is now operating from a new Internet location. We are now in the process of updating our email list, the most important of which have already been activated. Members of these lists are getting new welcome messages as they become active. We will post an announcement when this process is completed. |
Aug 03 2007 12:17 am Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend - "Defining Our Ethical Identity" --
Everyone is invited to spend a weekend with religious educators and families defining our ethical identity together. Activities include a hike, a talent show and the preview of the new Sunday School at Home Curriculum. This RE conference will be held at Stony Point Center, Stony Point, New York from November 9-11, 2007. |
Aug 02 2007 11:41 pm Creating Congregations of Generous People -- A Growth and Development Workshop --
As part of the Growth and Development Workshops Series for Society members, the American Ethical Union announces a workshop on Creating Congregations of Generous People The workshop will be held September 29, 2007 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the New York Society for Ethical Culture and will be led by Alban Institutes best selling author Michael Durall. Registration form can be downloaded from the link below. Related Link |
Aug 02 2007 08:29 pm "Community-Building Communication" - A Growth and Development Workshop --
As part of the Growth and Development Workshops Series for Society members, the American Ethical Union announces a workshop on Community-Building Communication and how it can be used in Ethical Societies. The workshop will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2007 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Baltimore Ethical Society. The registration form can be downloaded from the link below. Related Link |
Jun 24 2007 03:44 pm Summer School Brochures and Other Registration Forms Updated --
Updated brochure and registration forms for the upcoming Summer School for Ethics (aka Summer School II) have been posted and can be found at the Library or through the following links: |
Jun 21 2007 00:48 am The Committee to Protect Journalists -- 2007 Elliott-Black Award Recipient --
The American Ethical Union awarded the 2007 Elliott-Black Award to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists was founded in 1981 to promote press freedom around the world and to defend the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. Through its defense of journalists, CPJ upholds the right of all people to have access to independent sources of information, an essential part of a free society. Using stringent reporting standards, CPJ's staff of journalists and human rights activists conducts intensive investigations into hundreds of press freedom violations each year. CPJ effectively calls attention to these abuses by publicly denouncing attacks against the press and by acting on behalf of imprisoned and threatened journalists. Related Link |
Jun 20 2007 10:40 pm National Service Conference Luncheon --
Phyllis Ehrenfeld, newly elected President opened the traditional NSC luncheon at the AEU Assembly with a tribute to Rose Walker, President Emerita. At 97 years Rose is the oldest still active ngo representative at the UN. The National Service Conference, a venerable organization that preceded the UN, is the voice and presence of the American Ethical Union at the UN, promoting an ethical and humanist context for UN issues. The featured speaker, Ian Williams, one of the most authoritative and outspoken journalists writing about the UN, gave an upanddown perspective of the UN. He did not consider the replacement of the overbearing ambassador John Bolton by an astute and charming personality as a positive factor, given the nature of US foreign policy.  On the plus side, the new Secretary General has supported human rights by advocating "the right to protect" which prevents states from using sovereignty as a legal cover to abuse their populations. He has also voiced approval for the International Criminal Court. Williams pointed out that the US is the most powerful country in the UN, and does, at times, support good causes. Unfortunately, the US is again falling behind in its payment of its dues to the UN and is now in arrears for about a million dollars. He suggested contacting our legal representatives to ask the federal government to meet its responsibilities. (Phyllis Ehrenfeld, President, National Service Conference)  |
 Jun 15 2007 01:48 amDavid Kaczynski, Powerful Keynote Address --
The first day of the 2007 AEU National Assembly closed with an outstanding keynote speech delivered by David Kaczynski. Mr. Kaczynski shared his - and his family's - intensely personal and moving story of their discovery (and revelation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation) of the possibility that his brother, Ted Kaczynski, was the Unabomber. While many have heard Mr. Kaczynski speak as a death penalty abolitionist, we feel privileged to have heard him relate the story of how he and his family dealt with the profound ethical dilemma of balancing the responsibility to one's immediate family and the responsibility to one's community - one's larger family. We are grateful for Mr. Kaczynski's willingness not only to share his story, but to talk with us about his experience with, and activism regarding, the criminal justice system. |
Jun 15 2007 00:53 am The Ethical Culture Society of Rockland County --
The AEU has a new member. By unanimous decision, the Board of Directors of the American Ethical Union, meeting during the 2007 National Assembly, admitted The Ethical Culture Society of Rockland County as a "circle," the first step before becoming a full fledge society. Rockland County is located in New York State, it borders New Jersey and is about one hour drive from Manhattan. |
Jun 14 2007 01:47 pm AEU's 2007 Assembly has begun! --
Writing to you from the Hillwood Commons at C.W.Post Campus....the 2007 Assembly has begun! Beginning earlier this week with the National Leaders' Council meetings and this morning with the Board of Directors' meeting, and continuing this afternoon with the official registration, Presidents' Council and Leadership Commitee meetings, and the opening reception and the keynote address by David Kaczynski - this Assembly is off to a great start! We are very grateful to our host Society, the Ethical Humaist Society of Long Island, for all of their help and support, and want to extend a special "get well" to Muriel Neufeld, who is recuperating from the after-effects of a car accident and who we are missing. We are looking forward to this evening's events, and will do our best to post daily throughout this Assembly to keep you all up to date. |
May 15 2007 11:23 pm Don't Forget the Summer School for Ethics (Summer School II) --
You can still register for the Summer School for Ethics (Summer School II)to be held at The Mountain (Highlands, NC) from Sunday, August 12th to Saturday, August 18th, 2007. Click the related link below for the School brochure. Registration forms can be found in the Library. Related Link |
Apr 22 2007 10:15 am Dialogue Spring Edition Published --
The Spring Edition of the newsletter of the American Ethical Union, Dialogue, has been published and is available in the Library or from the related link below. Related Link |
 Apr 14 2007 03:36 pmAssembly 2007 Brochure/Registration Published (Updated May 2, 2007) --
The 2007 National Assembly Brochure (which includes a registration form) has been published and will be sent in the next few days to all members of all Ethical Societies and fellowships. The Movement-wide distribution includes the members of the Ethical Society Without Walls. The brochure can be found in the related link below as well as in The Library. (Updated May 2, 2007) Related Link |
 Apr 10 2007 10:58 pmAEU Co-sponsors PBS Series --
Special funding has been received for the American Ethical Union's co-sponsorship of a PBS Series of three one-hour broadcasts entitled "Jonathan Miller's A Brief History of Disbelief." The AEU will join the American Humanist Association (AHA), the Institute for Humanist Studies, and the HKH Foundation as co-sponsors. The Center for Inquiry will be the primary sponsor. Related Link |
 Mar 15 2007 00:43 amAEU Assembly 2007 --
The AEU National Assembly, 2007, will be held in Long Island from June 14 to June 17 -- Save the dates ... the AEU Office will be sending more information to the Societies and posting program and registration forms on this web site. |
 Mar 15 2007 00:40 am2007 Summer School for Ethics (Summer School II) --
The 2007 Summer School for Ethics will be held August 11-18, 2007. Registration and Brochures (see link below for the brochure) are available. here. Related Link |
Dec 18 2006 00:28 am Winter Edition of Dialogue Published --
The Winter issue of the Dialogue has been published. The link below will take you to this latest issue. For other issues, consult the Library. Related Link |
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