Animating the Golden Rule an Introduction

“Animating the Golden Rule… An Introduction”

QUOTES & REVIEWS

BRANT ABRAHAMSON: US Educational Publisher and Golden Rule Curriculum writer

“…Helping High school students conduct themselves in non-prejudiced ways has been a consistent theme throughout my 30-plus years of public high school teaching. As the years went by, my colleague Fred Smith and I increasingly focused on the Golden Rule as a way to achieve this goal. “ Animating the Golden Rule… an introduction” is a welcome instructional tool towards this end. When students view this film they, like the students in the movie, will be inspired to act out the Golden Rule values in skits, song dance and artwork. It is through immersion activities such as these that ethical commitments are made.”

NOTE: Abrahamson and Fred Smith have authored an extensive Golden Rule curriculum for schools. This curriculum can be downloaded at www.scarboromissions.ca at no charge.

DR. PAUL EPPINGER: Executive Director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement

“…what an incredible movie ! through their skits, music and art- these young people have dramatically displayed the dynamic truth of the Golden Rule. This is a picture of youth for people all around the world to view and for youth groups to copy. I have been committed to the Golden Rule for decades- the Golden Rule truth and a new understanding of it can change the world …”

NOTE: Dr. Paul Eppinger is an important Golden Rule activist in the USA. He has collaborated with colleagues to spearhead a state wide Golden Rule program, including working with legislators to make Arizona “The Golden Rule state”, establishing Golden Rule state license plates with “Live the Golden Rule” captioned on them.

BETTINA GRAY: Chairperson of NAIN ( the North American Interfaith Network) Former visiting scholar “Religions & Global Security “ Women’s leadership Inst. Oakland

“… Animating the golden rule shows upbeat and imaginative ways to deepen students understanding of the global ethic of reciprocity- do unto others as you would have them do to you…”For those responsible for the religious and ethical education of teens and young adults, Animating the Golden Rule is a great teaching aid- the film provides lots of ideas and inspiration for the many ways to impart this most essential teaching found in our many cultures and religions. The DVD presentation allows for flexibility- it could be used within a single faith group or in a multi-faith, multi cultural setting …” JOHN QUINN: Teacher of Religious Education ( teachers in training) Brock University Faculty of Education & “Additional Qualifications” Ont. English Catholic Teachers Association.

“… The Golden Rule poster, classroom activities, website resources and retreat days that are available from Scarboro Missions are student- engaging, teacher friendly aids to teaching and living the Golden Rule.

The latest item, A DVD titled “Animating the Golden Rule…” is a valuable tool for teachers, particularly new teachers- to introduce them to the multudinous resources available from Scarboro Missions. The DVD shows students, through self-directed explorations in rap, music and drama skits- exploring ways of embodying the core values of the Golden Rule .

I use the DVD in my seminar for students preparing to teach religious education/ religious studies in the secondary system. The movie also has great potential- as professional and faith development in NTIP ( New Teacher Induction Program) offered by individual school boards.

DR. HARRY J. GENSLER: Prof. of Philosophy - John Carroll University, Ohio Golden Rule Scholar

…” Our crazy world is so divided. We desperately need to help the next generation to appreciate common values among different religions and cultures. This movie on the Golden Rule is a wonderful step in the right direction! May it be a powerful instrument in spreading the message about earth’s most universal moral norm…”

KAY LINDAHL: Interfaith Activist, former Chairperson of the North American Interfaith Network; Founder of the Listening Center in CA which promotes listening as a spiritual practice. Author :The Sacred Art of Listening & Practicing the Sacred Art of Listening.

“…This film is excellent- not only in content but also in terms of production. It is easy to watch, due to the great interplay between graphics, live action and still photos. I was struck by the ease with which the Golden Rule can be introduced into a classroom, as well as by the enthusiastic participation of the students. On top of all of this, there is the steady input of the Golden Rule expressions from numerous faith traditions. This stunning DVD left me wanting to participate in a Golden Rule class or workshop as featured in the film. This is a valuable tool for encouraging and enabling teachers to teach the Golden Rule in class…”

INTERFAITH UNITY NEWS By Terry Weller, Editor and Interfaith Minister/ July 2009

”… The Golden Rule movie is about a generational embrace… the film shows many (youths) presentations. The creativity employed is ingenious! Collectively (the youth) demonstrate in microcosm, the potential effect of this global ethic on the entire human family…”

THE CATHOLIC REGISTER By Myles Gough/ March 2009

”… Do unto others as you would have them do unto you…” is a simple and logical instruction that transcends many of the worlds religions… and one that is now being used in Toronto area classrooms (as an educational video) to form a common bond between diverse groups of students…” SPIRITAN MAGAZINE Summer 2009

“… Petrova and her crew show us two basic truths about the Golden Rule: its power lies in the doing, not in the knowing and its expression springs from our global collective consciousness.”

INSIDE TORONTO MAGAZINE By George Kagame / Feb. 2009

“…The Golden Rule Movie examines values of the global community…”

HABEEB ALLI Islamic Scholar, Author, Interfaith Advocate and Poet

…” Tina Petrova has progressed from a Rumi advocate of Love- into a Global Ambassador of the Golden Rule; her movie is a “ must see!” at the very essence of Islam and World Religions is to live the way you want others to…”

KURT LEWIN World Religion Teacher- Toronto Public School Board

“…I have been teaching world religions in the public system for a number of years. The Golden Rule movie is extremely useful for teaching, because it creates a positive learning environment and features a variety of learning styles including skits, artwork, music and the spoken word. As a strong proponent of equity in education, I believe that this movie promotes diversity, multi- culturism, anti racism, interfaith dialogue and differentiated instruction…”

PEACE-CORE Helen Goldstein / Director

“…Filmmaker Tina Petrova has once again created an important and timely film! Animating the Golden Rule is a well researched, visually interesting and beautifully crafted documentary that demonstrates how today’s youth can benefit from this ancient doctrine. It is appropriate for any age and any religion…”

JOEY SCHOOLEY Talk Show Host / Horizons- Rogers TV

”…This film is necessary! ...”

FILM BLANC Noemi Weis / Director …” No language barriers, no frontiers, one rule that unites us all! The Golden Rule film is a testament to that …