Fall 2014 Humanist Invocation for People’s Climate March In This Issue Excerpt from Ethical Culture Leader Algernon Black’s book, Letter from Executive Director 2 “Unburnt Offerings.” Edited with gender-neutral pronouns and read St. Louis Society Goes Solar! 3 by Anne Klaeysen, Leader of New York Society for Ethical Culture, Letter from AEU Board President 4 on September 21, 2014 Eliciting the Best in Our Societies 5 This is the call to the living, Continuing to Engage Young Adults 5 To those who refuse to make peace with , Notes from Your AEU Board 6 With the and waste of the world. You Can’t Spell DEED Without EE! 7 This is the call to the human, not the perfect, Teens Explore in Science 7 To those who know their own , Assisting Our Ethical Societies 8 Who have no intention of becoming prisoners of their own limitations. The Impact of Summer School 9 This is a call to those who remember the dreams of their youth. Ethical Action Feature—Freedom of Thought & Expression: A Report from Who know what it means to share food and shelter, World Humanist Congress 2014 10 The care of children and those who are troubled, Observations on Global Humanist To reach beyond the barriers of the past Movement 11 Bringing people into communion.

Wall of Remembrance 12 This is a call to the never-ending spirit Member’s Perspective 12 Of common people, our essential decency and integrity, Leader’s Milestone 12 Our unending capacity to suffer and endure, To face death and destruction and to rise again Farewell to Gerald Larue 13 And build from the ruins of life. Jean Kotkin Memorial Fund 13 Ethical Culture’s View of Life 14 This is the greatest call of all New Plaque Honors ’s The call to a in people. Birthplace 15 To believe in freedom, we have to believe in people. Remembering Dr. Howard Radest 16

Additional Words from Anne Klaeysen

Get updates from AEU We people created this climate disaster. We are responsible for destroying our environment website in your email! for ourselves and every living creature. Today Now you can receive an email we make an ethical commitment to repair the informing you of new posts. Visit world for generations to come. Today, which our website and enter your email is also the International Day of Peace, we in the “Subscribe to Our Site” commit ourselves to loving and compassionate section (right sidebar of most relationships. Together we can and must take pages). We’ll keep you connected. care of each other and the world we share. 2 Fall 2014 Dialogue

One of the powerful messages of the Saturday event was the injustice of climate impact: the people who Letter from Executive Director will suffer the most from climate Bart Worden change are not the ones who contribute the most to the problem. Countries such as the are dumping the lion’s share of CO2 into the atmosphere, but the effects For decades our Ethical Societies The American Ethical Union was are realized most powerfully in parts have pressed for greater there in force. Although our groups of the world that contribute little to environmental awareness, reduced were in multiple places during the the problem and have few resources consumption, environmentally March, I have gathered the names of to bring to bear on the issue. sustainable living, and support almost 200 people from 11 Ethical Ambassador Marlene Moses of for efforts to reduce pollution. In Societies who attended. And our the Alliance of Small Island States recent years we have been especially contingent of marchers was strongly spoke to the environmental impact concerned over climate change and bolstered by a number of humanist of climate change that is having the urgent need to reduce CO2 and atheist groups who gathered disastrous effects on a number of emissions into the atmosphere. on West 64th Street to march along islands in the Pacific. While we haven’t been alone in with us, including people from the having these concerns, the road American Humanist Association, There is so much to do and we must to change has been a long and , Harvard be loud and persistent in our efforts often disappointing one. Despite Humanist Community, and Sunday if we are to ensure our leaders awake near unanimity of opinion in the Assembly to name a few. In addition, to the climate crisis that is upon us. scientific community that human members of the Ethical Society of St. Climate change deniers have already behavior is resulting in rapid Louis participated in large numbers at dismissed the People’s Climate climate change, and despite the a solidarity event in Missouri. March as a gathering of hypocrites by the majority of people who burned fossil fuels getting to in the United States that global And that is not all—the New York the March and left a trail of garbage warming is occurring, climate Society for Ethical Culture packed behind them. We got to get and stay change remains near the bottom it’s auditorium for three major March serious about this, and will do well to of people’s concerns about threats events: a summer breakfast, a follow the lead of the organizers at to the country, according to a Pew vital planning meeting in September, the New York Society to partner up Research poll in February 2014. and a fabulous panel on the Saturday with organizations such as 350.org before the March. The panel, co- and continue to press our concerns. But that will change. The People’s sponsored by 350NYC, was entitled Are you ready to organize? Climate March in “A Global Climate Treaty: Why on September 21st drew hundreds the U.S. Must Lead.” The energetic of thousands of marchers to crowd responded with enthusiasm See photos from the in an inspirational display to speeches by Bill McKibben (a of public concern. Though estimates founder of 350.org), the United People’s Climate March vary, the organizers reported 400,000 Nations Special Envoy for Climate on the next page. marchers. And that’s just in New Change, the President of Earth Submit your photos to York City. There were over 2,600 Policy Institute, United Nations [email protected] solidarity events in 162 countries Ambassador from the Alliance of marking the largest ever mobilization Small Island States, two New York to see them posted on for climate concerns. City Council members, and many AEU website. others. Hats off to NYSEC for truly inspired organizing! Fall 2014 Dialogue 3

St. Louis Society Goes Solar!

To create a more sustainable world, one of its Core Values, the Ethical Society of St. Louis covered most of its building’s roof with solar panels. Here’s an excerpt from the report in the Society’s newsletter:

“There are a total of 100 modules, each rated at 250 Watts. The system is expected to produce enough energy to power almost 3 homes or 20-25% of the Society’s total energy needs. The system is currently being leased from Microgrid Solar to whom we will be paying $2,000 per year for the next 5 years. Because of the rebate from Ameren, the system will be fully depreciated by that time and Microgrid will transfer the ownership to the Ethical Society.

During the period of the lease, we are guaranteed electrical utility savings of $3,235 per year during the first year of operation for a net savings of $1,235. The guaranteed savings increases each year with the presumption of increasing utility costs. Total savings over a period of 25 years are estimated to be in the vicinity of $145,000. As our electrical power is produced by coal, we will also be saving more than 50 pounds of carbon dioxide from being added to our atmosphere for each hour of operation.”

Reach out to the Ethical Society of St. Louis to learn how your Society can become more sustainable too. 4 Fall 2014 Dialogue people, and very friends. As Felix Adler’s simple phrase expressed it, “The place where people meet to seek the highest is holy ground.” Letter from AEU Board President So what does it take to cultivate Richard Koral democracy, promote world peace, and advance civilization? It is in constructing communities where people can fully realize themselves—yes, and I was caught off guard when asked why and unites them towards common also where they can do good works, find I attend my Ethical Society with such purposes? It is through friendship. intellectual stimulation, and enjoy some regularity. Why indeed? For good works I Friendship is the medium through potlucks too. could go to volunteer events, which I do which dreams are conveyed. It is the from time to time, but that doesn’t quite support of friends that gives one But why would David Brooks invest the suffice or take its place. For intellectual courage to pursue one’s passion. Ideas half billion dollars? Because a community stimulation I could take a course, go to alone do not induce people to commit always takes investment and support a museum, or read something. Well, I themselves—it is the reflection from to create and maintain a fertile and do that, too. And yet, that doesn’t quite trusted friends that engages the spirit. secure atmosphere. It takes welcoming get it, either. Potluck dinner is what I get You can’t be fully realized in solitude. It facilities to serve its participants. It takes every evening at home, so it can’t be for is in friendships that people come into knowledgeable people to make it function. that especially. I certainly meet people at their own. Friendship is both an end It takes organization. work and in the neighborhood. But what and a means. It gratifies and at the same is different about the Ethical Society? time it fortifies one to go further. The AEU acts as the central What is the draw? clearinghouse of skills and experience It is said that friendship is in decline. and it fosters the sharing of the nuts In his September 21 op-ed article, New According to one survey, in 1985 people and bolts that enable the Societies to York Times columnist David Brooks reported having three close friends on realize their role. As president of the posed an interesting notion that I think average. Twenty years later, the average AEU Board, I have been gratified to gets closer to pin-pointing that special fell to two close friends and the number see how the successes of one Society quality that makes me continue to return of people who say they have no close are made accessible to the others. to my Ethical Society. It has to do with confidants at all tripled over that time. Through the Annual Assemblies, the art and practice of friendship. So Brooks imagined that, if he had the the Lay Leadership Summer School, means, he would fund the development the National Leaders Conference Brooks imagined what if he suddenly of places where adults could congregate meetings, the AEU Membership and had a half billion dollars to use for in order to make friends. Growth Workshops, Ethical good works. What would he do? After Weekends, YES conferences, etc., etc., seeing that all the good diseases were Of course, here at the Ethical Societies the work of organizing is carried on. taken and world peace is still too distant we have created that very place that a hope, he concluded that the one issue, Brooks discusses. My closest friends It is with funding that these tasks can the one signal matter that underlies are both in and not in the Society. But be fulfilled. That is why I give money everything that is good and which most nevertheless, it is in my Society that I not only to my own Society, but to needs support in the world is friendship. am guaranteed to find someone who the AEU as well. The Societies are will understand what I am talking the community centers, but the AEU Friendship is what civilization is made about or someone who can help me is the center of Ethical Culture as a of—that interaction between friends who in a new plan I might devise. Or, I Movement. I hope you can join me by stand side by side and face the challenges can find myself drawn into someone being generous in your support of the of life together with mutual help and else’s idea that I never imagined on Movement through gifts to the AEU. encouragement. It is friendship that enables my own. It is in my Society that I can a human being to grow, to develop self- discover new perspectives and share Through our participation and our assurance and to express oneself. the excitement of lifetime learning in investment, Ethical Culture will serve its the company of people who appreciate goal of encouraging the advancement of How else can civilization form, the things I . It is here that people the good life and the life of the good by democracy function, or the arts flourish know my name. These are very good being a meeting place for good people. absent the glue that binds people Fall 2014 Dialogue 5 Eliciting the Best in Our Societies: The Heart of the Pledge Drive

Society Board Members, finance folks, pledge Save These Dates & fundraising officers, and new volunteers For details visit www.aeu.org were invited to a special AEU Membership and Growth workshop October 24-25 at the Ethical Board Meetings Culture Society of Westchester. They learned Individual members of how to run successful pledge drives that engage member Societies are always members and build community. welcome to attend meetings. Saturday, Jan. 10, 9am NYC We opened with a cocktail hour and dinner, hosted by the gracious Saturday, Mar. 14, 9am NYC Westchester Society. During the 2-day workshop, we helped develop Saturday, May 9, 9am NYC timelines, volunteer roles, communications, and useful strategies. This event Thu-Sun, June 25-28 was sponsored by the AEU Membership Committee and facilitated by Assembly congregational consultant Mark Ewert. Mark has worked with the Washington Ethical Society, the AEU Board, and UUA congregations. He is also the author of the book “The Generosity Path: Finding the Ethical Education Weekend Richness in Giving.” Learn more at www.aeu.org. Nov. 7-9 Stony Point, NY Develop your Society’s Ethical Education program. Continuing to Engage Young Adults Elizabeth Collier, Mossler Fellow Youth of Ethical Societies The second phase of my Mossler (YES) Conference 2014 Fellowship involves working directly with Nov. 14-16 NYC the Ethical Society and the Teens will meet up this fall to Society for Ethical Culture to discuss “.” make those communities more welcoming and receptive to newcomers, especially young adults. We will be experimenting Future of Ethical Societies with outreach strategies such as: using (FES) Conference 2015 more social media for publicity, co- May 22-25 Washington, DC sponsoring hands-on social events Connect with young adults with other humanist and like-minded across the action groups, forming relationships with nearby colleges and chapters of for a great weekend. the Secular Student Alliance, organizing and publicizing social events for younger adults, and doing more publicity to the public for Sunday platforms that would most likely appeal to young adults. American Ethical Union Assembly 2015 Within the Ethical Societies in Baltimore and Brooklyn, I will lead June 25-28 Stamford, CT workshops on welcoming visitors, explaining Ethical Culture to newcomers Celebrate the 100th AEU and new members, and encouraging intergenerational connections. I am Assembly in June 2015! looking forward to supporting both of these Ethical Societies to improve their exposure to young adults and to increase their numbers of young adult visitors and members. At the end of my project in Spring 2015, I will analyze the success of our efforts and their implications for the rest of our Ethical Societies. My results will then become available by Assembly 2015. I look forward to sharing what I learn with the Movement. 6 Fall 2014 Dialogue

Support the American Ethical Union With your generous support members are able to learn, share, grow, and make a difference in our Societies and the world. Donate online, send a check to the AEU at 2 West 64th St, Ste 406, New York, NY, 10023, or call 212-873-6500 with your credit card information. All financial contributions to the AEU are tax-deductible. Thank you for helping the AEU thrive!

Notes from Your AEU workshop to the Riverdale-Yonkers stored in a Presidents Dropbox Society. The workshop and possible account, as well as the email listserv Board follow-up consulting is intended and Presidents Council meetings Karen Elliott, AEU Board to help Societies experiencing a (both virtual and in person), but Member decrease in membership. The AEU sometimes information does not get has recently received multiple to the correct person or the AEU At the September Board meeting in inquiries about starting new doesn’t hear about election results New York City, National Leaders Societies, including in Louisville, KY in a timely manner. AEU Vice Council President Jone Johnson and Dayton, OH. President Scott Walton is the Board Lewis reported that the Leaders liaison to the Presidents, and the are working on an updated mission Bart also reported he continues entire Board will continue to work statement as well as workshops to keep in touch with many with Scott to try to find better ways for the 100th Assembly, which other like-minded groups. Recent to support the Society Presidents. will be held June 25-28, 2015 in interactions include talking with the Stamford, CT. AEU Director Humanist Institute about working The AEU Committees are of Administration Law’nence together on officiant training and doing more than the very visible Miller reported that the Assembly online learning, talks with the UU weekend gatherings. The Personnel Committee is already looking Humanist Association’s director, Committee is updating the AEU at locations for 2016, including and representatives of the Openly Personnel Manual and including somewhere we have never had an Secular campaign, for which the in it information for AEU Office Assembly before. AEU is a participating group volunteers as well as contract although we are not secular. employees. The Leadership Digitizing of key documents from Committee asked the Board to our archives continues. Over 200 The Board discussed revamping the approve its recommendation that platform addresses, mostly by way the AEU budget is developed two Leaders-in-Training, James Ethical Culture Movement founder to ensure that our Committees and Croft and Richard Koral, be named Felix Adler, are done and will be staff have the necessary resources. as Leader Interns, so that they could available soon on the AEU website, Upcoming events were also fully perform their duties as Leaders www.aeu.org. Members of the reviewed, including the Membership while interning in St. Louis and AEU Board, staff, and committees and Growth Workshop in October Bergen, respectively. Board president received training in the work- and the Ethical Education Weekend Richard Koral recused himself from collaboration tool Podio. This will in November. Scholarship money or the decision, which was agreed to allow for more flexibility and at the flexible rates are often available for by consensus. The Board itself has same time more structure than some AEU-sponsored events. formed several task forces and is other collaboration tools we’ve used working on developing stewardship in the past. We discussed at length how best to within the Movement and creating a gather information about the AEU more sustainable Union. Bart Worden, AEU Executive and its affiliates and disseminate it to Director, reported that he new Society Presidents. No matter The next AEU Board meeting will and Leader-in-Training Paulo how many services or information be held on Saturday, November 8, Ribeiro have presented their are available, it doesn’t matter if 2014 in Stony Point, New York, new organizational development people don’t know about them. at the same time as the Ethical A lot of resource information is Education Weekend. Fall 2014 Dialogue 7 You Can’t Spell DEED Without EE! Ethical Educators Gather for Retreat Dale McGowan, National Director of Ethical Education

Ethical educators and other stakeholders in the AEU Ethical Education program will gather for the EE Weekend at beautiful Stony Point, NY, November 7-9. This annual event is an important opportunity to renew friendships and re-engage the vital work of ethical education for all ages that is the lifeblood of our Societies.

This year we will focus on the transition from Religious Ed to Ethical Ed—what is different, what remains the same, and how to embrace best practices in ethical education, anchored in the best of human knowledge and informed by empathy and compassion. The weekend will include presentations on starting an EE program from scratch, adult ethical education, marketing your EE program, and the Ethical Diploma program planned for a September 2015 launch.

As always, there will also be time for morning yoga, an intergenerational scavenger hunt, and special programming for the kids. So register now for your place in an inspiring weekend building a better Ethical Education program in the beautiful Hudson Valley. See you there! For more details visit www.aeu.org/event/ethical-education-weekend.

Teens Explore Ethics in Science and Medicine this November Trish Cowan, YES Coordinator

We are busy planning the final details of the AEU’s Youth of Ethical Societies (YES) Conference, which will be held in New York this November 13-16. YES brings together teens, in 9th-12th grades, from Ethical Societies across the country. YES provides humanist youth with the opportunity to discuss our place in the world, issues that affect us, and how we can be a part of real solutions. Together we enjoy a full weekend of discussion, play, brainstorming, performance, ceremonies, campfires, and bonding.

This year’s theme is “Ethics in Science and Medicine” and we will have more opportunities for sharing our knowledge and opinions than ever before. Our officers and reps are preparing breakout groups on such topics as assisted suicide, ADHD, depression, universal healthcare, addiction, STDs, and animal/human testing. We would love to see you at the conference to share your thoughts on these and other important issues! Please don’t let travel expense hinder your involvement; reach out to L Miller with any questions about financial assistance for long- distance travel.

Kudos to 2014 YES Officers Edith, Io, Sabrina, Reid, and our Society reps for all of their hard work! And very special thanks to L Miller and Donna Pang who always do so much to assist with the planning and implementation—especially in years when we meet in NY. For more details visit www.aeu.org/event/yes- conference-in-nyc-nov-2014. 8 Fall 2014 Dialogue Fritz’s remembrance of that time agrees and interpersonal relations. This kind of Assisting Our Ethical with what the members said, and his investment of time and money may be Societies words serve as both an explanation and one of the best ways to create a healthier an example of the benefits professional immune system in the Society, equipping Karen Elliott, Baltimore Leadership can provide. “I think my leaders and members to become more Ethical Society presence really altered what people effective and able to diffuse higher experienced at our Sunday morning levels of conflict in the future.” Diane As individuals, we can turn to others in meetings and our educational activities. recalls that Considerations for Society our Ethical community for support when They now had a religious leader and Governance was distributed to the other we need it. We know it is in relationship became the kind of fellowship where Societies by the AEU, after receiving to others that we have the opportunity people experience their own equivalent of permission from the Alban Institute for to live our ethics. But what about when what traditional religious congregations the use of some of its materials—another an Ethical community itself is in need of derive from the voice and presence of instance of the AEU providing a way support? This is when the greater Ethical their , priest, rabbi, or imam. for Societies to share information of Community, as manifested in the American The Baltimore Ethical Society became a use to all instead of each reinventing the Ethical Union, can provide assistance. fellowship where people were challenged wheel—or, worse, reliving the difficulty. to examine their lives and relationships. I Twenty-five years ago the Baltimore brought a profoundly human dimension It is no surprise that professional Ethical Society was not struggling, but to what transpired in our meetings and Leadership made a difference in both it wasn’t growing either. Its members discussions. And this was not just an of these instances. The AEU trains agreed that they could use the help of occasional happening. It became an Leaders in a variety of skills needed to a professional Leader—but the Society ongoing, sustaining component of the help Societies and the people in them to, was too small to be able to afford even a Society’s life…It’s a role even the most in the words of Felix Adler, “challenge part-time Leader’s salary unless they hired capable lay leader is not likely to play.” and bring to light the hidden best in” someone perhaps 1/8 time—which would themselves. Judy Katz of Baltimore not be enough to make a significant Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture mentioned the additional benefits difference in programming. They were asked the AEU for assistance in 2006 Baltimore received from hosting Leaders- working hard just to provide platform when a conflict among members became in-Training Judy Toth, John Daken, and meetings September through May. too tangled for the Society to resolve it Hugh Taft-Morales, whose salaries were on its own. Diane Kirschner, who was partially covered by the AEU and whose Baltimore had been able to hire then President of Brooklyn’s Board, efforts all helped the Society in different Leadership once before with the help of asked AEU interim Executive Director ways, from providing programming to a subvention from the AEU, so their lay and Leader Jone Johnson Lewis for help. conflict resolution to being a face for leadership contacted the AEU and were Jone and Leader Boe Meyerson listened the Society for the greater community. granted another subvention. With that to people on both sides of the conflict Our Leadership training is individualized help from the AEU, which it was able before working together to provide so that each Leader-in-Training receives to make primarily due to the donations Brooklyn with suggestions about how the additional knowledge they need received from individuals, they hired Fritz the AEU could help the Society move without having to relearn lessons they Williams as a part-time Leader. When toward a resolution. It was suggested that already know well. And the costs of that asked about what a difference Fritz’s it might be best to hire outside resources, training have been covered by donations hiring made to the Society, long-time rather than use support from the AEU’s specifically for developing Leadership Baltimore member Stephen Meskin’s face Mediation Committee, and the AEU that were given to the AEU by individuals lit up. Fritz’s talks contained “a sense of offered to split the cost with the Society. with much forethought for the future of on an Ethical Culture level.” “It was a life saver,” said Diane. the Movement. Fritz’s Leadership, said Stephen, provided members with a deeper experience, and Consultants from the Alban Institute Although the AEU is supported in part by Fritz “was subtle but he gave us direction. were engaged and, working with the the apportionments paid by its member He was outstanding.” Judith Katz agreed Society, developed a plan that was later Societies, it is only with the help of about the benefits of hiring Fritz. “It gave reworked into the more generic document individuals like those who set aside special us a philosophical focus and consistency.” Considerations for Society Governance. funds for training Leaders that the Union Judith recalled that the subvention paid The members in Brooklyn used the can provide the kind of well thought-out for part of Fritz’s salary—she thought it document provided by the consultants programs like Leadership training. As I was half to begin with and then decreased to “get our house in order.” One of became active on the national level of the over time, with the assumption that the many very specific and workable Ethical Culture Movement, attending the professional leadership would help to suggestions from the report: “Part of the first Lay Leadership Summer School in bring more people into the Society and training that a Board can offer itself and 1996 and then all but one Assembly since keep them as members. its members is skill building in the area then, I realized more and more how much of conflict resolution, communication, Continued on next page Fall 2014 Dialogue 9 of a difference our contributions to the AEU make. I give generously to my home Society of Baltimore and don’t want to stop my support locally, so I find myself cutting back on other things (sorry, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, and Southwest Airlines).

This enables me to also give generously on a national level to the AEU and see the benefit those dollars make for the entire Movement—whether they are used to help subsidize the cost of the Ethical Education Weekend, or to pay for some of the training of one of the many gifted new Leaders that the Movement is so fortunate to have, or cover some of the cost of the Lay Leadership Summer School that started me on the path to national-level lay leadership. And with lay and professional Leaders working together in Ethical communities, we can help create that truly ethical culture of which the founder of our Movement dreamed.

The Impact of Summer based on the Journeys model. Many of the group rises to their feet. We people report that LLSS has been a all realize the impact that this has School: EHST’s Story transformative experience, both in on our Societies and the Movement. Jan Broughton, 2002 LLSS terms of personal growth and also The AEU Board is making plans for graduate in what they are able to contribute to a concerted effort to ensure funding the Society. for scholarships so more of our This year’s Lay Leadership Summer members can attend. I encourage School (LLSS) was the tenth session Recognizing this value, EHST has all Societies to include assistance in held at the Mountain in Highlands, always budgeted funds to assist its their budgets for the 2016 session. North Carolina. The 15 participants people in attending summer school You won’t regret it. have returned to their Societies with and tries to identify and encourage fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm those who would most benefit. In an The AEU recognizes the importance for the Ethical Culture Movement. especially unique situation, two of of LLSS to the Movement by New friends were made and new our members went on to Leadership making it part of its budget, skills learned with a commitment to Training after their summer even subsidizing the costs when use these skills back home for the immersion in Ethical Culture. Kate scholarships solicited from the betterment of the local Society. Lovelady now serves the St. Louis membership don’t make up the Society and Randy Best became our difference with what participants To illustrate the impact that part time Leader several years ago. can pay. This year the AEU covered attending LLSS can have on one almost half of the expenses Society, I offer the example of my Finally, my own involvement in the involved. The office staff plays a own group, the Ethical Humanist national Movement began around big role in promoting the LLSS Society of the Triangle (EHST). the time of my summer school session by handling applications and Over the years we have sent 13 experience. I began attending compiling the notebooks and other members to summer school and Growth and Development materials used during the week. 9 of them have served as board workshops to get ideas to apply to president—in fact we haven’t had our Society. As a local board officer, Because of the impact that Lay a president since 1996 who hasn’t I attended the Assemblies as a Leadership Summer School had on been to LLSS. Almost all have had delegate and a few years ago I was me, I’ve regularly given to the appeal multiple terms on the board, in invited to run for the AEU Board. for scholarships so that others might other offices, and on committees, I’ve been serving as AEU secretary have the opportunity for their own giving untold hours of service. since then. In an illustration of what experience. I also give to support goes around, comes around—I the AEU general activities that An important effect of the summer am now on the summer school come back to my Society through school experience has been to give staff myself—leading some of the training of Leaders, workshops, people the inspiration and confidence the Organizational Development the Assembly, and participation in to try something new. Graduates sessions along with other duties. the larger Humanist world. I want have introduced new meeting to contribute to the success and formats including the development I’m always impressed at the AEU growth of the Ethical Movement so of ceremonies that have enlivened Assembly when the participants are it is there well into the future so it is our platform Sundays. We have had asked to stand if they have gone to paramount in my giving. I invite you more small groups, including one summer school. From a third to half to do the same. 10 Fall 2014 Dialogue One of the speakers that I particularly right can long survive.” In the words of Ethical Action Feature enjoyed was Nick Cohen, a British journalist Danish lawyer and social commentator, and author who spoke on “- Jacob Mchangama, “In an environment Freedom of Thought & Inspired Censorship.” Cohen pointed with Religious, Ethnic, and cultural diversity, out that the most pernicious censorship social peace requires a commitment to Expression: A Report is self-censorship because it is unseen tolerance and social equality.” from World Humanist and unquestioned. Misguided respect for religious sensitivities may silence media The World Humanist Congress ended Congress 2014 criticism of what are perceived as religious by issuing The Oxford Declaration on Randy Best, Leader, ideas or practices. Freedom of Thought and Expression. Here Ethical Humanist Society of are two excerpts: Cohen outlined the difference between the Triangle deferential “Religious Respect” and We assert the principles of democracy, “Religious Tolerance.” Religious Respect is human rights, the rule of law, and “Freedom is the right to tell people what based entirely on a desire not to offend. It as providing the firmest they do not want to hear.” can stifle public critique and limit discourse. foundation for the development of open - George Orwell He provided the example that Pakistan societies where freedom of thought and which has a death penalty for Blasphemy expression will be protected and promoted. This past August 7-10 I found myself in and a death penalty for criticizing the death Oxford, England, attending the British penalty for Blasphemy. He advocates for We commit ourselves in all our work to Humanist Association’s 2014 World “Religious Tolerance” which promotes uphold and promote existing rights to Humanist Congress (WHC). It was held non-discrimination and non-preferential freedom of thought and expression within in conjunction with the annual General treatment for beliefs. Everyone is entitled to the international human rights framework Assembly of the member organizations speak out or argue. No one has to bite his and to resist national and international in the International Humanist and Ethical or her tongue. restrictions on the right of individuals to Union where the American Ethical Union think for themselves freely and to openly is one of the founding members. I was For Nick Cohen, placing criticism off-limits express their views without fear. pleased to represent the AEU in Oxford. because of “Religious Respect” intimidates and eliminates free expression. It is a respect While the United States has long been a Even in America’s polarized political that is not earned, a “Gangsta Respect” held shining example of a society dedicated environment, freedom of speech is a right that out of fear. If civil society is to nurture the to freedom of thought and speech, since I take for granted. My experience in Oxford wisdom that only comes about through the 9/11 these freedoms are under fire. I increased my insight into the challenges many free exchange of ideas, you cannot begin recommend that all Ethical Culturists in people in other countries face when speaking selective censorship. In Nick Cohen’s words, the United States learn more about the out about controversial or unpopular ideas. “Freedom means that you are going to hear on-going international efforts to defend the These insights are valuable to us in the United the arguments of your opponents.” open society. You can begin by reading the States if we are to continue defending our whole declaration on the IHEU website. tradition of free expression. This perspective was shared by one speaker Explore other areas of the IHEU website after another. British philosopher A.C. and learn more about the activities of our The WHC plenary sessions featured Grayling explained that “The problem is international connection. luminaries such as A.C. Grayling, Richard that open societies are tolerant of intolerant Dawkins, and Phillip Pullman. There was views, particularly if cloaked in religious even a mini experience ideas and values.” Author Phil Pullman, a led by co-founder Sanderson Jones. past winner of the IHEU Distinguished As enjoyable as these presentations Service to Award, warned us were, they were not what I found most that, “Governments distrust imagination inspiring at the World Humanist Congress. and think that they should be in charge The less famous speakers were more of it. Thank goodness that in some places illuminating—along with the more intimate they aren’t.” Matt Cherry, past Executive panel discussions that provided a forum Director of the Institute for Humanist for presenters to share their personal Studies, warned of the slippery slope experience concerning challenges to that awaits us should speech be outlawed: freedom of thought and expression. “When thought is a crime, no other human Fall 2014 Dialogue 11 Here are some observations from the IHEU Gulalai Ismail is an amazing young lady I Observations on 2014 World Humanist Congress. The next was honored to meet at the International Global Humanist WHC will be in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2017. Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization Movement (IHEYO) general assembly. She is a co- EUROPE founder of Aware Girls, an organization Xavier Mack, Future of promoting gender equality, women’s rights, The European Humanist Federation, and peace in Pakistan and is well known Ethical Societies based in Brussels, and founded 1991, for her work in girls’ education, advocating oversees over 50 Humanist and secularist for women’s rights, and democracy. She is I have not been involved with the Ethical organizations from about 20 countries an award-winning activist whose story is for very long. So including France, Austria, Denmark, an episode of courage and diligence. She correct me if I’m wrong when I say that my Germany, Belgium, Finland, Greece, has been working to defend human rights observation is we have a very introverted Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, for more than 10 years, despite receiving and locally driven Movement. Which is Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, threats from the Taliban and other extremist why I’m not surprised that most Ethical Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, groups in her area. Humanists in the US have no idea that there Switzerland, and the UK. are thriving movements across the globe. According to the IHEU’s Freedom of In the Netherlands, for example, there are Thought Report, “In some countries, it Not only are these movements thriving, they about 60,000 organized Humanists and is illegal to be an atheist....Many other are growing in network and ambition. In about a million people who identify as countries, while not outlawing different many countries around the world Humanists without being formal members , or no religion, forbid people and blasphemy are crimes; in some nations of organizations. The Humanist Historical from leaving the . And they are punishable by death. Out of those Center archives Humanist cultural heritage in these countries the punishment for social climates come stories of courage from 1850 to the present, although they apostasy—leaving the faith—is often shown by those with an unquenchable thirst specialize in 1940’s and above. And the death.” Fortunately, there are also humanist for truth. Around the world there seems University of Humanistic Studies, founded and secularist organizations in Singapore, to be a trend of growing resilience and in 1989, is centered in the Humanist school Australia, India, New Zealand, Nepal, the audacity to secularist organizations, with of thought and the only university offering Philippines, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. humanism spearheading the effort as the a degree in humanistic studies. most influential of the secular philosophies. NORTH AMERICA AFRICA The International Humanist and Ethical The American Ethical Union (AEU) is Union (IHEU), of which the American In Uganda, the Humanist Association for very talented and our Societies, though Ethical Union is a founding member, Leadership, Equity, and Accountability we may be small, are just as talented and has done a great job in maintaining and (HALEA) advocates for secularist devoted to their communities. As we build organizing this global network. IHEU philosophies in one of the most hostile our Movement it is important that we keep leadership is made up of devoted and environments. There are Humanist and an eye on the developments around the very capable individuals including Sonja Secular organizations in Kenya, Ghana, world. Not so much for documentation Eggerickx from Belgium, Andrew Copson Malawi, South Africa, and Nigeria. but more so for the hope it brings to see from the UK, also chief executive of the that this is a global movement advocating British Humanist Association, and Rein Nobel Laureate and staunch defender of for reason, compassion, and rational Zunderdorp from the Netherlands. freedom and humanism, Wole Soyinka, thinking in these difficult times. joined Pakistani women’s rights activist, From IHEU website: “Through IHEU, Gulalai Ismail, in being honored with I would like to voice my appreciation to humanists have a place at the table in the International Humanist Award at the Andrew Copson and the British affairs. We are able to speak WHC 2014. Presenting the award to Wole Association for sponsoring my trip to as humanists from a specifically humanist Soyinka, British Humanist Association Oxford. Thanks to them, the Future of perspective, representing our members trustee Patricia Rogers argued that “In the Ethical Societies (FES) and humanist youth and supporters at international bodies sharpest possible contrast to the terrorist from all over the country have a place at the like the United Nations in Geneva and Boko Haram’s dichotomous disavowal of table of international Humanist affairs. New York, the African Commission on ‘western education’ as alien to their world, Human and Peoples Rights, the Council Soyinka has long been the intellectual leader Also, my gratitude to the AEU for the of Europe, and others. This means we are of distinctively African voices within the scholarship to attend Lay Leadership able to influence international law and the universal Enlightenment tradition.” Summer School in the Smokey Mountains human rights framework, and this is a core and facilitating my travel to and from the area of our policy work. We produce an ASIA, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH Board retreat in Stamford, Connecticut. annual report on discrimination against atheists and the non-religious known as the AMERICA Freedom of Thought Report.” 12 Fall 2014 Dialogue Wall of Remembrance Compiled from Societies’ newsletters and websites

John Langsdorf (New York) – Longtime member John rapid-growing brain tumor. Becca began coming to Langsdorf was a “cradle” Ethical Culturist; his parents WES before she was born (her mother grew up in the and other relatives and friends were members of the Westchester Society), and was a graduate of our Sunday New York Society, and he greatly valued our Ethical School and Coming of Age program and a member community. John was a gentle, kind, and thoughtful of a delegation trip to El Salvador. In her brother man who exemplified Ethical Culture principles. After David’s words, “She will always be remembered for her serving in the US Army and working in and incredible empathy, her love of all things friendly and , John retired to his birthplace, Manhattan, fuzzy, and most of all her creativity and courage.” and rejoined the New York Society. He served in a number of volunteer capacities, most recently on the Robert Irl Recht (St. Louis) – Member Robert Irl Recht Pledge Committee, and on the board of Hudson Guild, died on July 9. Our condolences to his wife Barbara the settlement house founded by Leader John Lovejoy Krell Geller and family. Elliott. He is survived by his wife, Constance Berman; his daughters, Robin and Holly; and his brother Roger, Helena Wright (Baltimore) – Helena E. Sawyer Roberts and their families. Wright, a retired city elementary school teacher and principal (and education specialist) who was a longtime Leah Lieberman (New York) – Leah Lieberman, a very member of the Baltimore Ethical Society died August devoted and longtime member, died on June 29. She 18 at her Lochearn home of complications from heart possessed a wonderful, funny and open-minded spirit. disease. She was 93. Brought into the Society and As Heather Grady said: “Leah was everything we aspire by founding member Marian Banfield to be in Ethical Culture.” She had gotten married at the in the early 1950s, Helena was praised as “an educator Society and had sent her only son, Danny, to NYSEC’s extraordinaire,” a woman who “was always a teacher Sunday School. Leah was joyful, funny, warm, and by nature” as well as professionally. Because African- extraordinarily kind. Americans were not allowed to attend graduate school in Maryland during the era of segregation, she traveled Rebecca Pardo (Washington DC) - Rebecca Pardo, to New York City on weekends and during summer to daughter of Sue Jacobson and Jeff Pardo and sister study at New York University, where she earned her of David Pardo, died September 3 as a result of a master’s degree in 1945, while teaching in Baltimore.

Member’s Perspective Leader’s Milestone “Do we need a mythological heaven or a reward of ‘pie in the sky when you die,’ to get people to behave Congratulations to Arthur Dobrin, Leader Emeritus and live together in peace? Many wars have been of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, for caused by people trying to impose their irrational passing the 500,000 view mark for his religious beliefs on others. If the , ‘do Today blog! unto others as you would have others do unto you,’ were taught as part of everyone’s basic education, Arthur is a Professor Emeritus and Adjunct there would be no need for any other religion.” Professor at Hofstra University. His blog includes thoughts and opinions of how to live an ethical life. — Leonard D. Harris, Ethical Culture Society of Westchester Fall 2014 Dialogue 13 Farewell to Gerald Larue Gerald A. Larue, an ordained minister who became an agnostic, an archaeologist, a religious scholar, and a debunker of biblical claims, died September 17 in Newport Beach, CA at the age of 98. During an academic career (mostly in Canada and California) spanning five decades, he became a widely cited expert on topics including , visions of Mary, and death and dying. In 1980, he became founding president of the Hemlock Society, conceived by “Final Exit” author and right-to-die movement pioneer Derek Humphry to provide information to the terminally ill and legalize physician- assisted suicide. For some years, starting in the early nineteen eighties, Gerry served as the professional Ethical Culture Leader of the Los Angeles Ethical Society. He gave weekly talks to a group of loyal followers who often numbered over 100. Gerry, along with Paul Kurtz and Vern Bullough, were “the globe-hopping brain trust of .”

Jean Somerville Kotkin Memorial Fund “It is one thing to teach about democracy and support young people in need of financial support to citizenship. It is another thing to learn by living it,” said attend the EFC. Algernon Black, former Leader of the York Society for Ethical Culture and co-founder of the Encampment For me, at 15 years of age, the EFC experience for Citizenship (EFC). The EFC came from the expanded my world and transformed me in ways Ethical Culture Movement in 1946 and has always been that continue to influence me all these years later. strongly linked to the values, beliefs, and Leaders of the For example, I and my fellow high school students Movement for the past 68 years. This unique program in 1965 picked strawberries in California fields with provides youth from across the country–-from urban, migrant workers being organized by Cesar Chavez; suburban, and rural settings, and from a variety of spent a weekend at Synanon experiencing firsthand racial, ethnic, and tribal backgrounds–-the opportunity the challenges faced by drug addicts trying to kick to live and learn together. To support young people in their habit; and were exposed to the contrast of need who wish to attend the EFC, the American Ethical wealth and power with a field trip to Standard Oil Union Board established the Jean Somerville Kotkin of California… Memorial Fund in Spring 2014. Encampment alums leave their summer Jon Kerner (EFC ’65) and Beth Kotkin experience knowing it’s possible to live in (EFC ’69) initiated the fund in memory of a true democracy and they come to care their mother Jean Somerville Kotkin. Jean, deeply about issues and people they never who served as the first female Executive would have known otherwise. This is the Director of the American Ethical Union power of the Encampment: You know a in 1976, and one of the first female Senior better world is possible because you lived it, Leaders in the New York Society for and you go out into the world finding ways Ethical Culture, was an ardent supporter to take your Encampment experience and of the Encampment for Citizenship translate it into working for a more just and (EFC). In the 1960s and 1970s, Jean equitable world wherever you go.” organized regular charity art auctions and annual dinners in support of the EFC, in response to Donate to the Jean Somerville Kotkin Memorial Fund support requests from her dear friend Algernon Black. by selecting it on the AEU donation page or sending a Jon Kerner remarks, check made out to the American Ethical Union, with “EFC–JSK Memorial Fund” on the notation line, to “Beth and I felt that it would be fitting and consistent 2 West 64th Street, Suite 406, New York, NY 10023. with our mother’s values if we could work with the Learn more on the Encampment for Citizenship website AEU to build a memorial fund in Jean’s name to or call us at 831-515-6775. 14 Fall 2014 Dialogue big picture, we remain responsible for own, the consequences of such general Ethical Culture’s View charting our own lives, for living out behavior is that society would cease to of Life our values, for determining by our function. Overall society is predicated Joe Chuman, Leader choices the types of people we want on the assumption that people generally and strive to be. are being honest with one another, Ethical Culture Society of even if many often are not, or extreme Bergen County As we know well, Ethical Culture does circumstances compel us to lie, as I not require that one view it as religious assume we would do to save a life or Originally printed in Bergen or not. I have always interpreted offset some other great harm. So my Society newsletter “religiously” as a way of emphasizing first rule for ethical living involves that Ethical Culture is intended in the universalizing my behavior and then fullest sense to be a lived philosophy. imagining what the consequences would In my view, its purpose is not merely be. If they would weaken social trust to place before us values that are and erode the social bond, it is probably important, but rather to live them something I should not be doing. out; to inspire us to become living embodiments of the values we profess. Second: Ask yourself the question: “What would it be like to stand on the And what are those values in the broadest opposite end of my own behavior?” This sense? I commend two. The first is involves an act of projective imagination to not be a mere spectator to life and of which we are all capable. If the Ethical Culturists are the kind of people the world, but to live life actively, with answer is: “I wouldn’t like it,” maybe it is who are interested in the world: the engagement, strenuously, fully. In other something I ought not be doing. state of society; politics; global issues; words, Ethical Culture, as I interpret it, and the welfare of human beings, near inspires us toward a life of fulfillment, My third question is: “What kind of and far away. At the current moment, both our own, and to the extent that person do I want to be?” One of the when one cares to look at the larger we can, to enable others to live full and gifts of being a human being (as opposed picture, as we are compelled to do, fulfilling lives as well. This is the essence to other sentient life) is that we can ask it looks grim: murderous terrorist of Ethical Culture’s humanism. this question. Not only can we ask it, we groups taking over swaths of territory also have some ability (perhaps more for which the United States for years But in my view, an ethics of personal limited than we would like) to actually expended its blood and treasure piling fulfillment is not sufficient. We can mold ourselves into the type of person futility upon futility; simmering racism strive to fulfill our potentials, but we we would want to be. My favorite quote resulting in killing unarmed victims by can do so for good or evil. So I think from the philosopher is found militarized and brutal police; Vladimir we need to invoke ethics in its more in his Ethics, wherein he says: “The Putin enacting a redo of the Cold traditional sense, that is, through an are not natural to us, nor are they War; the Ebola virus spreading with understanding of what values are good contrary to nature. But we are by nature grotesque aggression worthy of a and bad, right and wrong, and then fitted to receive them, and we perfect horror movie; and our domestic politics, strive to live our lives accordingly. To be them through habit.” In other words, to stagnant and sclerotic, yielding no hope an Ethical Culturist, in other words, is in be an honest, compassionate, caring or of restoring optimism, if not sanity, to part is to seek after righteousness, that courageous person is something we can our political future. These don’t feel like is, to do the right thing. strive for. But like learning any skill, it good times for America. takes practice. How are we to achieve this? I propose Yet, despite the state of the world, our three rules, so to speak. As we move This, I believe, is Ethical Culture’s view personal lives are fated to go on. We out into the arena of ethical action, of life: To live life fully, for oneself and rise each morning, fulfill our domestic we need to ask ourselves: “What if others. But to live a life also dedicated chores, care for our children’s needs, everyone did this?” Take lying, for to doing the right thing. Regardless of worry about daily matters big and example. If every time I lied when the storms raging around us, we can small, and seek rest and relaxation. it was convenient, because I felt find refuge in the framing of a sturdy The personal dimension of life ensures like it or to avoid personal harm or life philosophy and striving to live in that Ethical Culture remains relevant embarrassment, and I universalized my accordance with our highest ideals, to us. What I mean is that despite the behavior so that everyone would adopt values and convictions. a rule for action as whimsical as my Fall 2014 Dialogue 15 New Plaque Honors years he required up- and-coming leaders in Felix Adler’s Birthplace his Ethical Movement to come to Germany On November 2, the city of Alzey in Germany will to earn advanced unveil a bronze plaque honoring the birthplace of diplomas. He also Felix Adler. The Adler family lived in Alzey until 1857 served as a professor when , Felix’s father, accepted the call at the University of to be the rabbi for Temple Emmanuel in New York Berlin holding the City (only after his mother Sara, nee Nickelsburg, died Theodore Roosevelt and was buried in the Jewish cemetery in Alzey). The Chair in 1908. unveiling ceremony will include a presentation on Felix and his life, a statement by the American Ethical Union As the Movement (provided below), and words from the Mayor of Alzey of Ethical Societies and other city officials. grew in America, individual Societies The project was initiated by the Altstadtverein of were established in Berlin, Vienna, and . An Alzey, an association mainly concerned with the International Ethical Movement was organized which restoration of old houses and in general with the had its first meeting in Eisenach in 1893. It eventually outward improvement of the town. The Alzey Museum established its headquarters in Zurich. It is said that possesses a portrait of Felix Adler in his later years, attended meetings as a young man. which a member of their historical society acquired at an auction in California. Many of Adler’s important contributions to American culture originated in Germany. He strongly promoted Statement from American Ethical Union: the free kindergarten for all children, especially the poor, and he established several kindergartens in As members of the Ethical Culture Movement in New York. He wrote tirelessly about the importance America, we are delighted and gratified that the City of of a broad education that blended classical studies Alzey has chosen to memorialize the founder of our with practical skills and he started his own schools Movement, and its native son, Felix Adler. Alzey can to demonstrate his theories. The Ethical Culture be proud of its son for he is respected by thousands of Fieldston School remains one of the most respected people who still pursue his life project more than eighty schools in New York. His ideas sound modern and years after his death. Adler created something of lasting even radical today. value and we honor his origins. Sadly, the Ethical Societies on the European continent Although Adler immigrated to America at the age did not survive World War II and we, in America, had of six, he did not abandon his German roots. He expected that he would be entirely forgotten in the returned to Germany for his advanced education land of his birth. So, we are pleased to see that he is studying in the great University at Heidelberg in remembered and still appreciated. the early 1870s. There, he became enchanted by the works of Kant and preoccupied by the uproar of the Felix Adler brought us a unique creation—a movement labor movement. It was in Germany that many of in which people are encouraged to appreciate the his important ideas of the “ethical imperative” and spiritual quality in the interdependence of all life, to about engagement in reform movements were first reject divisive and dogmatic , and to accept formed. He merged German and Anglican the centrality of ethics in all our relationships and in with American pragmatism to all our deeds. If ethics were the primary guidepost in develop a modern philosophy of life now called all we do, the world’s civilization would be more just, Ethical Culture or Ethical Humanism. He believed more equitable, and more sustainable for all peoples. It that only in the great universities of Germany could is hoped that the enduring memory of Felix Adler will one obtain a rich and thorough education, so for many enable this dream to be realized one day. 16 Fall 2014 Dialogue

American Ethical Union Write for the Dialogue We are accepting submissions for Winter 2015! 2 West 64th Street, 4fl New York, NY 10023 Send submissions to [email protected] 212-873-6500 by Thursday, December 25, 2014. [email protected] Please include a headshot and relative images with your submission. Board of Directors Richard Koral, President Remembering Dr. Howard Radest Scott Walton, V. President Tom Weishaar, Treasurer The American Ethical Union mourns the death of Jan Broughton, Secretary Dr. Howard B. Radest, longtime Ethical Culture Jone Johnson Lewis, NLC Pres Leader and receiver of the 2011 Felix Adler Anne Klaeysen, NLC V. Pres Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed on the Lisel Burns, NLC Alternate evening of Saturday, October 11. Howard was a Carol Bartell graduate of Columbia University whose doctoral Karen Elliott dissertation was about the educational philosophy Hank Gassner of the founder of Ethical Culture, Felix Adler. Ken Karp Linda Napoli Howard lived a life of Humanism and was Xavier Mack, FES Rep actively involved with the Ethical Culture Lauren Strong, FES Rep Alt Movement for over seven decades. Following Bart Worden, Board ex-officio graduation, he became the founding Leader of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County from 1956-1963. He was later the Executive Director of the American Ethical Union and one of the Presidents of the Staff International Humanist and Ethical Union. During his tenure as Executive Director Bart Worden, Executive Dir. his first book, “Toward Common Ground: The Story of the Ethical Societies in the Law’nence Miller, Dir. of Admin. United States,” was published. He continued to write several books and articles on Donna Pang, Admin. Assistant humanism, ethics, and Ethical Culture. Dale McGowan, Natl Dir. of EE Trish Cowan, YES Coordinator Howard served as Director of the Ethical Culture Schools, founded the Moral Emily Newman, Comm. Coord. Education Center at Columbia University, was a founder and Dean of the Susan Rose, Dean of Leadership Humanist Institute, a lecturer with Highlands Institute in North Carolina, a Training professor of medical ethics at South Carolina University, a senior fellow with the Institute for Humanist Studies, and Chairman of the Ethical Community Charter Thank you to Richard Reichart, School in Jersey City, New Jersey. our Dialogue Copy Editor!

Perhaps no other person has made a greater contribution to building and sustaining institutions within Ethical Culture and the Humanist world over the past half-century. All of us who cherish Ethical Culture are incalculably in his debt. Howard is survived by Rita, his wife, sons Rob and Michael, their wives, and numerous grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 West 64th Street & Central Park West) on Saturday, November 15th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Humanist Institute (write “The Rita Radest Scholarship Fund” in the memo field and mail to The Humanist Institute, PMB #220, 8014 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, MN 55437- 4712) or donate online at www.humanistinstitute.org.