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AEU 2024 Assembly: Call for Workshop Submissions (Extended Deadline)
Activists and organizations are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the American Ethical Union’s 109th Assembly, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” July 26-28, 2024. Submissions must be received no later than April 15, 2024.
Workshop Themes
- Ethical Education
- Ethical Action
- Ethical Humanism
1. Ethical Education: Our founder, Dr. Felix Adler was impassioned about the role and impact of education in this country by building the Working Man’s School, later known as Fieldston School. This forward-thinking education institution set the stage for progressive education in New York City for European immigrant children to be productive members of American Society. In 1995, the New York Society for Ethical Culture agreed to allow the School to be its own legal entity with a self-governing board of trustees. Considering our commitment to education within the Ethical Culture movement using the American Ethical Union 2024 Assembly theme, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” how might our intellectual tradition guide us in self-governing social reformation, moral reimagination, and/ or radical abolition? How might we unlearn narratives that no longer serve our movement?
2. Ethical Action: One of the core statements of our tradition is “deed above creed.” It has been essential to our movement to be of service or to possess a love in action. Various legislative and global violence are currently challenging the wellness, well-being, and well-doing of people, especially those living on the margins. We are facing anti-trans bills, global genocide, economic displacement due to inflation, and so many other forces that Dr. Felix Adler described as spiritual ignorance. Our congregational communities are expected to be a force to be reckoned with. Within these sessions, presenters should aim to re-examine and interrogate the framework of justice and equity that support BIPOC practices. The presentation should offer scenarios and examples that impact effective community organizing.
3. Ethical Living / Humanism: What does our Humanism call us to do? Looking at the overall social-spiritual formation of Ethical Humanism, our movement has been deeply committed to justice on the local, national, and global forefront. Our movement can be best understood by Jada Pinkett-Smith’s description found in her memoir, entitled: “Worthy” – where she says: “Ethical Culture was a place of love and understanding.” This concise framing demonstrates how Ethical Humanism transcends from a congregational formation to a daily practice of living our values out loud. An ethical life emphasizes that our human existence is worthy of value and we must cross-examine our tools when culture change requires a set of tools for new culture care.
Workshop Selection
Due to timing and space, not all workshops submitted will be accepted into the Assembly program. The Assembly Committee will review all proposals based on professionalism, interactivity, and overall balance and diversity of Assembly offerings. All submissions are due by April 15th, 2024. Thank you.