SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST REALIST•IDEALIST•ASIAN•EUROPEAN•AFRICAN•AMERICAN•NATIVE•IMMIGRANT•YOUNG•OLD•TALL•SHORT•LARGE•SMALL•BLACK WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TANSGENDER•GAYSTRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU•BUDDAHIST•HUMANISTTuesday DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU are to Oct. 29 BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST 9am - 4pm REALIST•IDEALIST•ASIAN•EUROPEAN•AFRICAN•AMERICAN•NATIVE•IMMIGRANT•YOUNG•OLD•TALL•SHORT•LARGE•SMALL•BLACK WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TANSGENDER•GAYSTRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU•BUDDAHIST•HUMANISTEthical NYC members $35 DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST Guests $50 nderstand: LUNCH INCLUDED BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JANUAETHICAL OUTLOOKOctober 2019 DU BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST RSVP REQUIRED: HOW TO LISTEN TO OTHERS WHOSE OPIONIONS DIFFER FROM YOURS [email protected] 2 WEST 64TH STREET • NEW YORK,212.874.5210 x 1113NY 10023 • 212.874.5210 • WWW.ETHICAL .NYC SUNDAY PLATFORM

Oct. 6 at 11am are to Dr. Susan Spieler, Just because you can hear does not mean that you are lis- , tening. Listening requires intention, attention, courage, and JUDYfounder of Sense-AbleROSEMARIN Strategies, has been coaching and counseling exec- Clinical Psychologist/Psychoanalyst curiosity. Listening is first and foremost to understand, not utives for over 36 years to help them to necessarily agree with another. In today’s culture, there is improve their communication and leadership skills. She is co-author of Be- family fracturing, Facebook un-friending, and an increased nderstand: coming An Exceptional Executive Coach, sense of “I am right, and you are wrong.” and has been a CareerPlus contributing LIVING IN THE In this highly interactive one-day workshop, you will learn how columnist at the New York Post. Judy has HOW TO LISTEN TO OTHERS WHOSE OPIONIONS DIFFER aFROM Masters in Counseling YOURS from CW Post to change limiting viewpoints, practice new skills so that and a Masters in Social Work from Adel- you can improve your understanding with others, and build phi University, and she currently teach- es classes in Listening and Happiness ANTHROPOCENE: greater understanding and community instead of perpetu- at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute ating silences and fractured relationships in your life. Note: (OLLI) at Ringling College, Sarasota, This is NOT a course in politics, for different opinions can be FL. Judy is a member of the Humanist Society. LOOKING AT OUR GLOBAL CLIMATE EMERGENCY found anywhere.

Ethics in Action THROUGH A PSYCHOLOGICAL LENS

WWW.ETHICAL.NYC th In the last decade, it has become increasingly 2 West 64 Street, NYC 10023 clear that we are experiencing a Global Climate Emergency. The existential threat that comes with acknowledging this is overwhelming. It causes many people to shut down and Continued on pg. 6

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 9am–4pm ALSO HAPPENING AT ETHICAL Members $35, Guests $50 (Lunch included) Information and tickets: https://festival.newyorker.com/tickets/ RSVP: Maggie Determann, 212.874.5210 x1113 FRIDAY, Oct. 11 7pm PATTI SMITH talks with DAVID REMNICK Just because you can hear does not mean that you 10pm FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE talks with JOHN are listening. Listening requires, intention, attention, SEABROOK and perform live courage, and curiosity. Listening is first and foremost SATURDAY, Oct. 12 10am INA GARTEN HELEN ROSNER to understand, not to necessarily agree with another. talks with MAYOR PETE BUTTIGEIG DAVID REMNICK In today’s culture, there is family fracturing, Face- 1pm talks with TERRI GROSS DAVID REMNICK book un-friending, and an increased sense of “I am 4pm talks with NANCY PELOSI JANE MAYER right and you are wrong.” 7pm talks with SARAH SILVERMAN ANDREW MARANTZ In this highly interactive one-day workshop, you 10pm talks with will learn how to change limiting viewpoints, prac- tice new skills so that you can improve your under- CONCERTS standing with others, and build greater understand- THURSDAY, Oct. 10 @ 7:30pm BEHIND THE LENS — MICK ROCK & HENRY DILTZ ing and community instead of perpetuating silences FRIDAY, Oct. 18 @ 8pm JUSTIN HAYWARD and fractured relationships. Note: This is NOT a SATURDAY, Oct. 19 @ 8pm AN EVENING WITH TOH KAY course in politics, for different opinions can be found SATURDAY, Oct. 26 @ 3pm THE LAURIE BERKNER BAND’S MONSTER BOOGIE on any subject. HALLOWEEN CONCERT LIVE! JUDY ROSEMARIN, founder of Sense-Able Strategies, has been coaching and counseling executives for over 36 years to help them improve their INSIDE communication and leadership skills. She is co-author of Becoming An Ethical Adventures - Walk & Bike...... 3 Look Who’s Talking About Ethical...... 8 Medicare Savings Training...... Sunday Programs...... Exceptional Executive Coach, and has been a CareerPlus contributing Young Ethical Explorers...... New: Climate Circles columnist at the New York Post. Judy has a Masters in Counseling from Ethical Enrichment...... 4,5 Sharing Thoughts...... 9 New: Storytelling Workshop Amy Shwarz CW Post and a Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. She is a About Asylum and Immigration...... 5 AEU: Humanists International...... 10 member of the Long Island Humanist Society. Sunday Platforms...... 6,7 Thank You For Your Pledge...... 11 LEADER’S DESK DR. RICHARD KORAL

GUNS, RIGHTS, AND REASON

One recent evening, while driving in my car, I was is roughly the same. But cars have other uses. They stopped at a red light and I mused about how law abid- transport you to work and school and they have radios. ing I am. There was absolutely no traffic. No cars came Guns, on the other hand, are just designed to put holes along the road where I was stopped, waiting respectfully in people. for the light to turn. Clearly, the traffic regulation does Some 350 years ago, Thomas Hobbes published not respect me enough to exercise good judgment. The his book Leviathan which explained his contract theory red light rule is absolute and allows me no discretion. of law. In his telling, people once lived in a violent I am required to stop and wait, even if there is no one world of “all against all.” It was an awful existence coming. I’ve been driving for decades and I can see when where everyone lived in constant fear of predation by the coast is clear and it’s safe to go, thank you. More- enemies and life was brutish and short. So, to obtain over, I have to sit and idle my engine, burning gasoline safety and security, people granted a sovereign absolute that I purchased with my own money without compen- power in exchange for order. Thus, people compro- sation, all for the public good. That is what is called an mised freedom of action in exchange for the security “unfunded mandate.” So, my rights are clearly curtailed, in knowing that they would not be victims all the I am taxed and infantilized by this regulation. But, at the time. We know that Hobbes’s world was a philosoph- same time, I know that I ical exercise and that the might not make it across “The challenge…is to get the majority of gun owners situation he depicted was town alive unless I follow — the normal, rational, mentally healthy and civically an abstract construct. But the red light rule and can responsible gun owners — to finally agree [to] give up many people in the gun rely on others, generally, some of their rights to own certain kinds of firearms so debate treat it as a reality to do so, too. others who are not so responsible will not have them.” and say the choices that Functioning in a we face are just that stark. civilized society requires balancing rights. My 45-second They share stories of shoot-outs and explain the need to inconvenience versus the orderly passage of traffic. Some be armed and ready for mayhem at every moment. trade-offs are easier to negotiate than others. But I have The challenge in reaching a broader consensus in been puzzled by the difficulty many people have in bal- the gun debate is to get the majority of gun owners, the ancing rights against safety in the matter of gun control. normal, rational, mentally healthy and civically respon- Many elected officials seem to speak a different language sible gun owners, to finally agree that they should give than I do when they explain that gun access needs to be up some of their rights to own certain kinds of firearms open and unfettered. They and their constituents explain so that others who are not so responsible will not have it as a matter of freedom versus oppression. I can’t seem them. Just as I stop at red lights when I don’t really to see it that way. need to, but I do so because the broader traffic order August was a particularly cruel month. There were needs me to. They must see that society will benefit 53 deaths from “mass shootings” and nearly three times when they forego the crazy dangerous guns so that as many people were injured. These include the events others who shouldn’t, won’t have them, either. in Texas and Dayton, Ohio, the ones in the news. But Until regular gun owners see the wisdom of this there were as many as 16 mass shooting events in August modest sacrifice and until they wrest the debate away as reported by those who keep track. Nevertheless, this from the loud Leviathans who see mythical predators is really a distraction. In fact, twice as many people as everywhere, we will not progress. Instead we will that have been killed, on average, each and every day by descend further and deeper into a society of lock- guns. There were almost 40,000 deaths from guns last downs, x-rays, security cameras, ubiquitous guards and year and some three times as many were injured. Co- active shooter drills - - closer to the world that Hobbes incidentally, the numbers of casualties from auto traffic dreamed of.

2 ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 YOUNG ETHICAL

EXPLORERS ETHICAL (YEE) ADVENTURES SUNDAYS 11am FALL BIKE RIDE TO GOVERNORS ISLAND Theme: MAKING ALL HOLIDAYS ETHICAL! Saturday, Oct.12 Oct. 4–6 — Families are invited to join the Come ride with us to AUDREY Ethical Weekend Getaway: Governors Island. KINDRED Ethical NYC’s Board sponsors this overnight retreat We’ll meet at 9:30 a.m. Program at a very low family rate — please RSVP a.s.a.p. and at Clinton Cove (Hudson indicate transportation needs/ offerings. Director River Park & W. 55th Street), and Oct. 13 — The Ethics of Discovery Inviting all NYC How do we honor what we learn about history? Let’s cycle South along the Hudson River bikeway open-minded and start with talking aboout the ethics of “discovery” that to take the (free) ferry to Governors Island, humanist families. surround Christopher Columbus. (RSVP is mandatory since where we will spend a couple of hours cy- Participation is this is a long weekend) cling and visiting historic places. The cycling free for EthicalNYC Oct. 20 — Expressing Ethics for a Green Divali, distance is approximately 15 miles on a flat members. Newcomers India’s celebration of light. Young Writers led by guest terrain. You must wear a bicycle helmet to are most welcome. teacher Deepali Srivastava of participate. Bring water, a bicycle lock, and A donation is Writefully Ours. requested of visitors. money for the garden entrance fee ($5). You Oct. 27 — Green Costume Creations Participate freely on can bring your own lunch or purchase one Bring lots of recycled materials and let your a trial basis for a few at the garden cafe. You don't need to sign up; imagination go wild! visits as you consider just show up at the appointed hour. Alter- Nov. 3 — Sneak Preview: Daylight Savings Time the potential natively, you can meet the group at the ferry Look forward to a Happy Bones Festival in honor of commitment of (it’s just East of the Staten Island Ferry build- Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican tradition of honoring becoming an Ethical ancestors. Bring a photo of an ancestor and a lovely ing). Depending on how fast we can cycle, we Member-Family. treat for the altar. will take either the 10:20 or, more likely, the 10:45am ferry. Rain cancels. Please RSVP: [email protected] Visit https://youngethicalexplorers.blogspot.com/ for regular updates. EASY WALKING EXPLORERS TRIBORO BRIDGE TO RANDALLS/ THE ETHICAL NYC SOCIAL SERVICE BOARD PRESENTS WARDS ISLAND AND ASTORIA MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM Wednesday, October 2 DEPUTIZATION TRAINING PROGRAM Friday, Oct. 25, 10am – 1pm This important program will enable professionals who work with low-in- come individuals to assist their clients in applying for and receiving the benefits of the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) through the Medicare Rights Center. (The MSP offsets Medicare-related costs, including paying the Medicare Part B premium). The program will cover the following We meet at Ethical at 9:30, take the M66 bus, topics: then the #6 train to 125th Street, and walk • A brief overview of Medicare (Parts A, B & D) one block to the drawbridge. Sights on Ran- • Comprehensive Overview of Medicare Savings Programs dalls/Wards (once two islands) include the • Overview of other Medicare-related low-income programs stadium, fire academy, hospital for the crimi- • Technical Assistance Resource for Professionals nally insane, and the 103rd Street footbridge. The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works We continue across the suspension bridge to ensure access to affordable healthcare for older adults and people with disabilities through (a little exposure to height here, not a big counseling and advocacy, educational programs, and public policy initiatives. deal) to Astoria for lunch at what may be the RSVP REQUIRED: Qualified professionals interested in attending this best-known diner in NYC. There are several training, contact Giovanni Florez at [email protected]. routes home from there. (Rain date: October 7.)

ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 3 ETHICAL ENRICHMENT ONGOING PROGRAMS AT THE SOCIETY

All programs are open to the public. Newcomers are always welcome. Admission fees are suggested donations (except where noted).

EXPLORING ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN... CAMARADERIE & GOOD M This program will not be held this month. It will return T CONVERSATION ON ISSUES O in November. U PHILOSOPHICAL AND NEWSWORTHY Dr. Joseph Chuman, Leader The Membership Development Committee Invites You To Our N E We aim to illuminate the philosophical concepts and NEWCOMER RECEPTION values that underlie the contemporary issues on which D Find out who we are and what we do — our philosophy, S we focus in our discussions. Please register to receive social ethics, programs, and membership. Refreshments reading assignments. See box at bottom of this page. A served. RSVP is a must. Please contact Maggie D MONTHLY, 3RD TUESDAY Determann. See box at bottom of this page. Oct. 15, 7-8:30pm, Free Y MONTHLY, 3RD MONDAY A Oct. 21, 7-8:30pm, Free STORYTELLING WORKSHOP S Y ! NEW Dr. Richard Koral, Leader SPEAKING OF SCIENCE... S Communication begins with a story, and everybody Jesús Torres Vázquez and Joe Fashing, Coordinators has a story to tell, a truth to share. In this four-part TOPIC AND SPEAKER TBA workshop, participants will each develop a story for Please Check The Events Calendar at www.Ethical.nyc. oral presentation, five-to-seven minutes in length, con- veying a personal experience — a story that communi- Refreshments served. cates, engages, and entertains. The method will be in MONTHLY, 4TH MONDAY the manner of The Moth, the national storytelling col- Oct. 28, 6:30-8pm lective, a method in which Richard Koral was trained. Members Free, Guests $5 Attendees will have an opportunity to perform.

Oct. 22, 6-7:30 pm (Nov. 5 & 19, Dec 3) STOA NOVA (previously known as Stoic School of Life) Members Free, Guests $5 ARÊTE: ON THE NATURE OF HUMAN EXCELLENCE Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, Moderator, with Beth Everett WISDOM AND WORLD AFFAIRS Ken Gans facilitates The point of Stoic training is to become more virtuous. But what does “virtue” mean? Definitely not what Chris- These philosophical discussions cover a wide variety of tians refer to by that term. We’ll discuss, not just the ca- subjects — the fate of humanity, world affairs, human- nonical four virtues of practical wisdom, courage, justice, ism, and many others. ST RD and temperance, but more broadly what it means to strive MONTHLY, 1 AND 3 TUESDAYS to be an excellent (i.e., virtuous) human being. Oct. 1 and 15, 6-8 pm, Free Suggested reading: https://www.patreon.com/posts/arete- on-nature-27612323 RACE, SYSTEMS, AND SOCIETY MONTHLY, SELECTED MONDAYS Dr. Richard Koral, Leader Oct. 28, 6:30-8 pm Members Free, Guests $5 Even among those who are mindful of the subtle racial, ethnic, and class distinctions that persist in soci- ety, we are all participants in a larger societal structure that perpetuates injustices. We continue to explore the features of systemic racism and classism in America VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR HOMELESS WOMEN’S SHELTER to better understand the ways in which society can rec- Help us make a difference in these women’s lives! Six nights a week we provide reate itself to permit all people to flourish and thrive. warm, safe beds to 5-7 homeless women. If you have one night a month to share ND for these women, please contact Janice Buzby, Shelter Volunteer Coordinator, at MONTHLY, 2 TUESDAY [email protected]. Oct. 8, 6:30-8pm Members Free, Guests $5

FOR ADVANCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION, CONTACT MAGGIE DETERMANN, MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR: [email protected] 212-874-5210 X1113

4 ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW – AND SHOULD – ABOUT ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7pm Immigration lawyer MICHAEL BARKOW, who works pro bono with asylum seekers, will discuss whose really eligible for asylum, the asylum process, and the many public misconceptions that abound. He’ll also talk about how the Trump administration has altered the playing field, and what a caring government could lawfully do for refugees who do not qualify including some real life stories that should personalize the subject.

GREAT LITERATURE DISCUSSIONS LUNCHTIME ROUNDTABLE W The Golden Notebook, by Doris Lessing T (Formerly Leader Lunch Discussions) Gunther Tielemans, Moderator Theme: FOREIGN AFFAIRS E H Francesca Turciano and Bob Bumcrot, Moderators In this tour de force of multiple narratives, The Golden D Notebook presents the crisis of novelist Anna Wulf U Read the articles in advance if you can. Access them suffering from writer’s block. She seeks to probe her on line (links are on the website Events Calendar), N disorderly life by keeping four notebooks: one cover- R pick them up when you attend the next weekly dis- ing her early years in British colonial Africa, one about cussion, or ask Maggie Determann for them. Come E her years as a communist, one with the fictional story S join the discussion. of her alter ego, and one with her diary. Excerpts of 10/3 – “Jasmine Fingers” by Lubna Safi, Guernica, S each mingle with excerpts from an ostensibly fictional D 8/22/19 (https://www.guernicamag.com/jasmine-fingers/) work, which features a character named Anna Wulf 10/10 – “Viktor Orban’s War on Intellect” by Franklin D and are then integrated into a single golden notebook. A Foer, The Atlantic, June 2019 (https://www.theatlantic. Read the novel in advance and be prepared to com/magazine/archive/2019/06/george-soros-viktor-orban- A discuss the aspects of interest to you by referring to Y ceu/588070/) and reading specific related text to the group. Visit Y https://www.meetup.com/Great-Literature-Discus- S 10/17 – “Olga Tokarczuk’s Novels Against Nation- sions to learn more about us.) Monthly, 1st Wednes- alism” by Ruth Franklin, The New Yorker, 7/29/19 S days. (November: The File on H, by Ismael Kadare) (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/08/05/ol- MONTHLY, 1ST WEDNESDAY ga-tokarczuks-novels-against-nationalism) Oct. 2, 7-9pm 10/24 – “Spain’s Most Celebrated Writer Believes the Members Free, Guests $5 Fascist Past Is Still Present” by Giles Harvey, Magazine, 8/1/19 (https://www.nytimes. DEATH CAFÉ AT ETHICAL com/2019/08/01/magazine/javier-marias-spanish-litera- Rev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, Moderator ture.html) Gather in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death, 10/31 – “Iran: The Case Against War” by Steven drink tea, and eat delicious cake. Simon and Jonathan Stevenson, The New York Review MONTHLY, 4TH WEDNESDAY of Books, 8/15/19 (https://www.nybooks.com/arti- Oct. 23, 2:30-4:30 cles/2019/08/15/iran-case-against-war/) Members Free, Guest $5 EVERY THURSDAY 12-1:30pm, Free

ETHICAL & ME All the more reason to attend any of CALLING ALL MEMBERS: SHARE YOUR STORIES! our Ethical Enrichment programs, When did you join Ethical NYC? How did you find out about NOT A special events, or Sunday Platform the Society? What motivated you to become a member, and meetings. They’re all open to the public, what keeps you with us? MEMBER? and you’re always welcome. Fellow members, especially newer ones, and those who are And, to learn more about Ethical NYC just learning a bit about Ethical NYC want to know. So many of our members have shared their stories. Won’t you please and the details of membership, contact share yours? Contact Elinore Kaplan, Ethical Outlook editor, Maggie Determann. (See bottom of p.4) at: [email protected].

ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 5 OCT. 6 LIVING IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: SUNDAY LOOKING AT OUR GLOBAL CLIMATE EMERGENCY THROUGH A PSYCHOLOGICAL LENS Continued from pg. 1 Monica Weiss presides MORNING withdraw. While this is understandable, it is not a healthy response. Dr. Spieler will discuss psychological approaches that can be used to work with the difficult feelings PLATFORM that arise in the face of this emergency. By engaging with the issue within a diverse, supportive community, we can find healthy ways to live in our changing world. MEETINGS DR. SUSAN SPIELER has been providing psychotherapy to adults and adolescents in as well as training mental health professionals for 38 years at several graduate and postgraduate programs in NYC and NJ. During the last ten years, her 11am – 12:30pm work has increasingly focused on how our Global Climate Emergency is impacting people and how we can support one another. Dr. Spieler is a member of the NYC Resilience and Emotional Support Team (REST), through which she provided mental health Ceremonial Hall services to traumatized evacuees after Superstorm Sandy (2014). She has been part of the climate activist community in NYC has presented papers about the Global Climate Emergency at international psychoanalytic conferences. Spieler is on the board Join us for lunch after of ClimatePsychology. US and is currently exploring how to support Extinction Rebellion. the meeting.* This week’s shared charity is We Act for Environmental Justice, which empowers and organizes *Continental breakfast at 10am on 9/1; lunch resumes 9/8 low-income people of color to build healthy communities for all. 12:45pm, Cafeteria $10 per person FREE to first-time visitors OCT. 13 ETHICS OVER A LIFETIME

Dr. Joe Chuman, Ethical NYC Leader Henryka Komanska Presides There’s an adage that a person’s life should not be judged by the worst thing he or she has ever done. Yet dynamics in our society seem to make people more vulnerable to such assessment. We seem to live in a “gotcha” moment, when a person is readily excoriated for saying the “wrong” thing. It causes me to wonder whose interests are being served by such glib judgment. Society? The person so judged? The putative victim of their slights? Or maybe the person rendering the judgment himself? I am skeptical of the ability of those rushing to judgment allowing them to buy their own righteousness too cheaply. I think that, as Ethical Culturists, we need to strive for something more substantive and dignified. If ethical assessment there be, I think we need to take in the entire frame of a person’s life. Has the person striven to live out ethical values with integrity over the long haul? Has the individual lived a life with honesty, respect and support for others? Has that person’s deeds been consistent with his or her words and aspirations? In short, I make the argument that ethics in the most enduring sense is vested in what we call character, and will expand on that idea in our talk today. This week’s shared charity is the Ethical Humanists of Atlanta, who meet for discussion, exploration and sharing on topics of ethics, living a life of meaning, and creating a world that is just, equitable, and sustainable. They endeavor, as do all Ethical Societies, to develop more meaningful and fulfilling friendships and a richer community by bringing out the best in others and thereby bringing out the best in oneself.

OCT. 20 AVENUES FOR JUSTICE Angel Rodriguez, Executive Director Steve Serling presides Angel Rodriguez will talk with us about Avenues For Justice (AFJ), a community-based organization in NYC that provides alternatives to incarceration and crime prevention programs to over 400 youthful offenders and at-risk youth ages 13-24 each year. Over the last 40 years, AFJ has had remarkable success in supporting thousands of young people who are getting the second chance they deserve, and whose potential would be wasted without alternative sentencing. ANGEL RODRIGUEZ has served as Avenue for Justice’s Executive Director for more than three decades, working with youth in the community in which he grew up, went to school, and still lives today. Part youth worker, part organizational leader, Angel has direct and daily involvement with clients. He received an hon- orary law degree from the CUNY Law School at Queens College, and was selected as one of three outstanding community activists in to receive the Robin Hood Foundation’s Hero Award. This week’s shared charity is Avenues for Justice.

6 ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 OCT. 27 ARE HUMANS BAD FOR THE EARTH? ETHICAL HUMANIST STEWARDSHIP Kate Lovelady, Leader, Ethical Society of St. Louis Larry Hurst presides Many religions have a concept of environmental stewardship that says humans have been given responsibility for the environment and other animals by a creator. Ethical Humanism embraces the theory of unguided evolution. Yet many Ethical Humanists are strong environmentalists. What is the basis for the Ethical Humanist environmental ethic? How do we decide ecological ethical questions? Some argue that humans have been so harmful to the environment that the earth would be better off without us; is this really true? KATE LOVELADY is a born-and-bred New Yorker, growing up on the UWS and attending Stuyvesant High School (in the “old” building!). Ironically, she discovered Ethical Culture after moving to North Carolina with her partner, Billy Dechand, where they joined their first Ethical Society in 1998. As part of her Leadership Training, she was Leader Intern at NYSEC in 2004-5. Kate is currently chair of the AEU Leadership Training Committee. This week’s shared charity is the Uganda Humanist Schools Trust, which helps schools in Uganda, working to offer a liberal, humanist education to needy children. Founded by Ugandan Humanists and run as charities, the schools are inclusive and do not discriminate on grounds of religion, social or ethnic background.

SHARING THOUGHTS WITHOUT INTRODUCTION By Amy Schwarz I have often found civilization. Afterwards, we shook Nigeria was eager to discuss mid- the Museum hands, and I left the museum. East and African politics when he of Modern Art Not all museum guards suffer as saw me studying a wall map. We, too, (MOMA) to be did that guard at MOMA. Nelson, shook hands upon parting, and he, crowded. People a guard in the children’s section of too, said he hoped to see me again. sometimes push, the New York Historical Society, The guard in a museum is a sometimes even is very happy. He watched as I was human being with thoughts and place a camera in front of your face actually looking and reading the feelings, worth acknowledging, as you attempt to gaze at a painting contents of a display case. We started and sometimes sharing. The same two feet away. what turned into a long conversation applies to a waiter or waitress, When I was roughly pushed aside that touched on such subjects as cashier in a supermarket, traffic by a man keen on his photo shoot, him watching children — when controller, bookstore clerk, postal my voicing indignation elicited the parents are not!, on various worker, bank teller, and the dozens no response. Angry, I went and jobs and locations, and on politics of others whose paths we cross told the gallery guard — that is, and climate concerns. It was very daily. A simple “Hello” or “Have a I squeezed through the crowds to enjoyable. As I was leaving, Nelson good day, especially when you get get to the guard, who was himself said, “I hope you come again.” home,” and a genuine “Thank you” pressed against a wall. Together, we At the Metropolitan Museum, sometimes leads to a smile, or even discussed our woes about this uncivil a museum guard originally from more of an exchange.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! So many of our members are living lives of ethical action, usually including volunteer work. You’re invited to share information and news about the volunteer work you’re doing. We’re about to start a new feature, “Ethics in Action,” in Outlook, and would love to hear about what you, our members, are doing. Contact Elinore Kaplan, Outlook editor, at [email protected], and we’ll talk about it.

ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 7 ETHICAL STAFF SUNDAY PROGRAMS OCT. 27 MONTHLY 4nd SUNDAY 212-874-5210 THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE PRESENTS MONTHLY 2nd SUNDAY Dr. Joseph Chuman, OCT. 13 CLIMATE CHANGE CIRCLES Leader, [email protected] COLLOQUY: “POLITICS AND THE SPIRAL OF ! Lili Arkin Facilitates NEW Dr. Richard Koral, SILENCE” Those of us deeply concerned Leader, ext. 1115 Bob Berger, Program Coordinator about climate change can feel isolated Robert Liebeskind, Larry Hurst moderates this month and overwhelmed by the enormity of Executive Director, ext. 1116 A longstanding discussion group in which the challenge the issue poses. Here we Edward Beck, will build supportive community, offer Communications Manager, participants express their opinions on ext. 1144 many subjects mutual support, bear 9:30–10:45am Margaret Determann, witness to the harm Assistant to the Leaders for ETHICAL DEATH CAFÉ the climate crisis is Membership Development, Rev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, Moderator causing, and trade ext. 1113 A relaxed and safe setting for discussions thoughts and ideas for Yalitza Garcia-Krawczyk, about death ways to individually Office Manager, ext. 1117 1:30–3:30pm and collectively Leonardo Gibson, ETHICS IN THE NEWS Facilities Manager, ext. 1107 increase our impact in dealing with it. Joe Fashing and Abe Markman,Co-facilitators Lily Arkin is a longtime volunteer with David Gracia, Music Director Debates, dialogues, and good old -fashioned the Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI), give-and-take on current issues in this, one Audrey Kindred and has helped to develop the program. Coordinator, Family Programs of the most crucial times in history 1:30–3:30pm [email protected] 1:30–3pm Yolanta Kosmaczewska, Bookkeeper, ext. 1104 OCT. 20 MONTHLY 3rd SUNDAY Jon Liechty, POETRY-READING CIRCLE Associate Music Director LOOK Cheryl Gross, Facilitator Marie Orraca, WHO’S Rentals Manager, ext. 1106 Bring poems to read, and enjoy the readings of enthusiastic participants. TALKING ABOUT... 9:30–11am OUTLOOK STAFF ETHICAL Societies Elinore Kaplan, THE ETHICAL ACTION COMMITTEE PRESENTS Managing Editor DOCUMENTARY FILM AND DISCUSSION New York, NY [email protected] A DAY’S WORK Thrive Global, Online: “Raising Marion Burns, Director David DeSario will lead a discussion your children in 2019 is not Proofreader following the screening. as much about protecting your children as it is about preparing them for life’s challenges and Yalitza Garcia-Krawczyk, A major trend in labor practice in Production Manager supporting their good impulses. Parents must America is the tremendous growth of model the ethical behavior they want to prevail in temporary labor and out-sourced work: BOARD OF TRUSTEES the world.” a staffing company will be retained by – Anne Klaeysen, Leader, Liz Singer, President a factory or hotel to provide temporary New York Society for Ethical Culture Law’nence Miller, Vice President workers on an “as-needed” basis to White Plains, NY Dick Van Deusen, Treasurer do the jobs once filled by full-time The Hill, Online: “Capital pun- Bill Baker, Secretary employees. These workers are strangers ishment is an example of morally Bob Berger to the workplace, often poorly trained, wrong collective behavior. Putting Joe Fashing without benefits, and with little prospect someone to death forces society to make someone Elinore Kaplan a premeditated killer of another human being and Hazel May for advancement. The company takes little notice of their identities, and no makes the rest of society accessories to wrongful Steve Serling acts.” responsibility for their welfare. “A Day’s Member of the American Ethical Union – Bart Worden, Leader, Work” explores the precarious nether Ethical Culture Society of Westchester www.aeu.org world of temporary employment. Executive Director, American Ethical Union 1:30–3:30pm

8 ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 SNAPS STOICALLY SPEAKING… Massimo Pigliucci and Jennifer Sears were happily married at Ethical in June. Many here know Massimo as the popular leader of the Philosophy Café and Stoic School of Life (now Stoa Nova), and share in good wishes for the newlyweds. LENDING SUPPORT...imagine being a non-citizen, not fluent in this language, totally unfamiliar with our justice system, alone, and having to appear in Immigration Court, probably terrified. Last month at Ethical, Ambien Mitchell from the New Sanctuary Coalition led a workshop of more than 100 attendees in how to accompany those individuals so that they don’t face that ordeal alone. OUR BUILDING BANNERS HUMAN RIGHTS…The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25, Section 1) states: “Everyone POETRY BUILDS COMMUNITY… has the right to a standard of living adequate for the Ethical Culture Leader-in-Training health and well-being of himself and of his family, Christian Hayden engaged Sunday including food, clothing, housing and medical care Platform attendees with poetry. Here and necessary social services, and the right to security he poses with our longtime Poetry in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, Circle facilitator Cheryl Gross , and Ethical NY widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in member/Leader-in-Training, Sarah Tielemans. circumstances beyond his control.” We wholly support healthcare as a right accorded to everyone, not a privilege for few. ONE PLANET, ONE CHANCE… We supported FAMILY FOREVER…Our dear Favio the Global Climate Strike when millions walked out Apollon, who came to the U.S. and of workplaces, schools, and homes to join young discovered NYSEC as a teen after the environmental activists on the streets and demand an earthquake in Haiti nine years ago, visits end to the age of fossil fuels. home and family, finally.

TRIPPING THE TOWN FANTASTIC… Our Ethical Adventurers are at it again. In July, they walked down Broadway from the north at St. Nicholas Avenue and 181st Street to 145th Street, pausing for a photo at the Little Red Lighthouse under the GW Bridge. And, on a balmy September day, they explored Roosevelt Island.

ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 9 OUR ETHICAL FAMILY MAGGIE DETERMANN Assistant to the Leaders/ Membership Development ETHICAL NYC is a proud founding member of the American Ethical Union, CONDOLENCES a federation of Ethical Societies that creates, nurtures, and inspires ethical humanist communities in education and action to foster a world that is dem- Sadly, two well-respected and beloved members of our com- ocratic, compassionate, just, and sustainable. All members of Ethical Culture munity, Selma Friedman and John Kreuttner, died at the Societies across the country are also members of this national federation. end of August. Selma, a member since 1985, was a sharp-eyed editor of Ethical Outlook and contributed greatly to its present incar- nation as the impressive and informative publication that EMILY NEWMAN we enjoy today. Her memorial, to be led by Leader Richard AEU Communications Coordinator th Koral, will be held here on October 20 with more details to DEFENDING THE RIGHT TO VOTE follow as they unfold. In August, the AEU passed an important “Defending John, a member since 1987, served on the NYSEC board the Right to Vote” resolution, addressing the many as treasurer for a number of years and always enjoyed attend- obstacles to voting, including voter suppression tactics, ing our Ethics in Film series. His memorial was held in the restrictive registration processes, criminal disenfranchise- beginning of September and was private, with only his family ment, limited access to polls, gerrymandering, financial in attendance, as per his wishes. His widow, Phyllis, asks that influences, and foreign intrusion. her privacy be respected at this time. It encourages people to educate themselves, to pro- tect the right to vote, and to vote their values, reminding us that “When the voices of the People are silenced, our HAPPY Democracy perishes.” We urge all “to take personal and BIRTHDAY collective action to reclaim our Democracy by affirming TO MEMBERS... our shared commitment to the Democratic Process as essential to a humane social order which respects the JACK OISHER……...... … 10/1 worth of all persons and therefore requires a fair and just SUSAN HOROWITZ ……...... 10/3 process, which elicits and allows a greater expression of LUCILLE KLEIMAN……...... 10/9 human capacities.” ELAINE GURNEY…...... 10/12 Last month, here at Ethical NYC, we co-sponsored JEANETTE PAIGE …...... …..10/16 an evening with the League of Women Voters as their DAVE MASSEY……...... 10/19 guests — representatives from the Board of Election — MURIEL BERGER…...... 10/21 discussed the implementation of early voting and other CHERYL GROSS…...... 10/24 new election programs. Expect more about this here in LISBETH ENG…...... 10/27 coming months. RENEE GOODSTEIN…...... 10/31 Read the full Resolution at: https://aeu.org/resource/2019- defending-the-right-to-vote

WHAT’S AN “ETHICAL HUMAN?” Read the book to find out! Get to know some of the Ethical Humanists who make up our local communities across the country. Ethical Humans shares stories from members of our Ethical Societies and celebrates the many ways we, together, strive to make the world a more ethical place for all. A sample copy is out on our book table at Sunday Platforms and available to check out in our Member’s Office. You may purchase your own copy at https://aeu.org/resources/books.

10 ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 7pm Friday Nights at Ceremonial Hall ETHICAL Doors open at 6:30

(1st Fridays): ETHICS IN FILM This program will not take place this month. It will resume in November. This weekend, members join us at the Annual Autumn Getaway!

(2nd Fridays) Oct. 11: ETHICS & THE THEATER presents THE RIGHT WORDS by Eddie Antar Patricia Bruder Debrovner, Producer Everyone has daydreams. But Robert’s are driven by guilt at failing, fatally, to find the “right words” at a crucial moment. As these dreams bleed into his real life, Robert himself stands on the brink. Luckily, Eddie Antar finds the right words to leaven the gloom with humor — and the hope of redemption. Join us as members of the Society and theater professionals read selected plays before a live audience. Come at 6:30pm for a reception with snacks and refreshments. Betsy Ungar leads the post-reading discussion of the ethical issues raised by the play. ENCORE performances monthly: join us Saturday, Oct. 12, 4pm. Members $5, Guests $10

(3rd Fridays) Oct. 18: JAZZ CAFÉ presents JOHN DI MARTINO with the John Wilmeth Jazz Trio Scotty Embree and Liz Singer, Program Coordinators John di Martino is jazz pianist, arranger, producer, and sought-after musical director. Kelvin Williams of Time Out says he’s “one of the jazz scene’s finest, a pianist who is just as comfortable with bop as he is with Afro-Cuban rhythms and salsa” Di Martino has performed and recorded with David “Fat Head” Newman, Taj Mahal, Pat Martino, and Houston Person, and has accompanied and been the musical director for Jon Hendricks, Keely Smith, Billy Eckstine, and Janis Siegel. John is a ubiquitous presence in many NYC jazz clubs, including Birdland, The Blue Note, Zinc Bar, The Kitano, Smoke, Mezzrow, and Iridium. His discography includes many Grammy-nominated CD’s, including, Love with Issac Delgado, Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B, and Live and In Clave with Bobby Sanabria. Sign up if you’d like to perform at the Open Mic hour that follows. The Jazz Café is curated by Music Director JOHN WILMETH and Emcee STEPH WALKER. The John Wilmeth Jazz Trio includes drummer DAVE MEADE and bassist RATZO HARRIS. Members and Open Mic Performers $10, Guests $15

(4th Fridays) Oct. 25: HAPPY HOUR FOR HUMANITY Steven Serling, Program Coordinator Here’s a space and time carved out for young professionals to engage in our humanist community and support, motivate, and challenge each other to be our best ethical selves. Break out of your daily routines and join us in making a toast to humanity together! Members Free, Guests $5 (Elliott Library, room 507)

Admission includes refreshments. Make ETHICAL your Friday night hangout.

YOUR SOCIETY THANKS YOU We are so pleased to thank the following members for their 2019 pledges:

FRANCESCA TURCIANO & BOB BUMCROT RUTH COHEN JAMES GARA CAROL PORTLOCK

Earlier this summer we published and thanked all of our members who have made their pledges to date. We implore those of you who haven’t yet pledged to do so. It is your dollars that enable us to have the programs and community activities that we do. We’re depending on you!

ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019 11 ETHICAL We are Ethical Culture NYC, a humanist community dedicated to ethics, social justice, and education since 1876.

We celebrate life’s joys, support each other through life’s crises, and work to make the world a better place.

Join us for hundreds of community and cultural programs where people meet to explore and embrace ethical living.

Learn more about us at our website, www.ETHICAL.nyc — or, better still, visit with us. You’re always welcome.

NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDUNEW YORK SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST REALIST•IDEALIST•ASIAN•EUROPEAN•AFRICAN•AMERICAN•NATIVE•IMMIGRANT•YOUNG•OLD•TALL•SHORT•LARGE•SMALL•BLACK REALIST•IDEALIST•ASIAN•EUROPEAN•AFRICAN•AMERICAN•NATIVE•IMMIGRANT•YOUNG•OLD•TALL•SHORT•LARGE•SMALL•BLACK WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TANSGENDER•GAYSTRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU•BUDDAHIST•HUMANISTWHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TANSGENDER•GAYSTRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU•BUDDAHIST•HUMANIST DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTDEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDUBLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTBUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST REALIST•IDEALIST•ASIAN•EUROPEAN•AFRICAN•AMERICAN•NATIVE•IMMIGRANT•YOUNG•OLD•TALL•SHORT•LARGE•SMALL•BLACKREALIST•IDEALIST•ASIAN•EUROPEAN•AFRICAN•AMERICAN•NATIVE•IMMIGRANT•YOUNG•OLD•TALL•SHORT•LARGE•SMALL•BLACK WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TANSGENDER•GAYSTRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU•BUDDAHIST•HUMANISTWHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TANSGENDER•GAYSTRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU•BUDDAHIST•HUMANIST DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTDEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDUETHICAL OUTLOOK BLACK•WHITE•BROWN•MAN•WOMAN•TRANSGENDER•GAY•STRAIGHT•LESBIAN•BI•CHRISTIAN•JEW•MUSLIM•HINDU ETHICALBUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST OUTLOOK BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST 22 WEST W 64 ST 64TH • NEW STREET YORK, NY• NEW 10023 YORK, • 212.874.5210 NY 10023 • • OFFICE 212.874.5210@ NYSEC.ORG • •WWW.ETHICAL WWW.NYSEC.ORG .NYC

12 ETHICAL OUTLOOK October 2019