DIALOGUE SUMMER 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Letter from the Executive 2 Director, Bart Worden Save These Dates For details visit www.aeu.org Letter from AEU President, 3 Richard Koral J OIN A E U FOR P EOPLE ’ S C LIMATE Board Meetings Notes from your AEU Board 4 M ARCH IN N Y C S EPTEMBER 2 1 Individual members of Ethical Education Update 5 Emily Newman, AEU Communications Coordinator member Societies are always welcome to attend meetings. AEU Songbook Needs You 5 Saturday, Sep. 13, 9am NYC FES Conference Review 6 Climate change threatens humanity with droughts, Saturday, Jan. 10, 9am NYC fires, severe storms, floods, and many agricultural 6 Saturday, Mar. 14, 9am NYC Calling EC My Religion challenges, affecting us all. It is an issue we must face Saturday, May 9, 9am NYC I have been to the Mountaintop 7 now because it is not only a future problem, but also a Thu-Sun, June 25-28 AEU Happy 100th Birthday to 7 current danger. In September, presidents and prime Assembly Sophie Meyers! ministers from around the world will gather in New York City for a landmark UN summit on climate People’s Climate March NES on the Move 8 change. To demand global action now, the American Sunday, Sept. 21 NYC From the UN: Mental Health 9 Ethical Union, as well as some of its Societies, are co- sponsoring the People’s Climate March (http:// Join the AEU for the largest Let Humanism Ring 10 climate march in history! Visit peoplesclimate.org/march/) on Sunday, September 21. peoplesclimate.org for details. EAR Evolution 11 This “dignified, family-friendly, high-energy and historic march” will unite tens of thousands of people A Place at the Podium 11 Ethical Education in the largest climate march ever. Weekend 2014 Inside the AEU Office 12 Nov. 7-9 Stony Point, NY AEU Assembly Highlights 13-15 Plans for the March are developing fast and spreading Develop your Society’s throughout the country. Ethical Societies will assist Ethical Education program. Wall of Remembrance 16 with transportation and Societies in the New York City International Day of Peace 16 area will provide some home stay opportunities (more YES Conference 2014 details and contacts will be available by email and on Nov. 14-16 NYC the AEU website soon). Marchers are encouraged to Support AEU Teens will meet up this fall to create visual aids with recycled materials, bring discuss “Medical Ethics.” Let’s connect more Ethical sustainable water bottles, and invite friends. We Humanists and develop recommend AEU members wear their Society t-shirts Future of Ethical caring communities. Donate and something blue (or all blue) to coordinate with our at www.aeu.org by clicking Societies (FES) banner. Accessories/decorations encouraged. “Make a Donation”; sending Conference 2015 a check to the American May 22-25 Washington, DC Ethical Union, 2 West 64th The New York Society for Ethical Culture will host a Connect with young adults Street, Suite 406, New York, panel on “A Global Climate Treaty: Why the U.S. across the Ethical Movement NY, 10023; or, calling the Must Lead” on Saturday, September 20 and help for a great weekend. office at 212-873-6500 with a gather AEU marchers on the morning of the 21st. Sign credit card. All financial up to join the march on their website and talk with American Ethical Union contributions to the AEU are your Society about becoming a co-sponsor too. Assembly 2015 tax-deductible. June 25-28 Stamford, CT Thank you for your support! We look forward to marching with you for a healthier Celebrate the 100th AEU world. Join us in New York City this September. Assembly in June 2015! Page 2 Summer 2014

L ETTER FROM THE E XECUTIVE yearned to hear more positive and productive messages D IRECTOR , B ART W ORDEN from the humanist universe. Size matters. So they say, individuals in which we There is good news on this anyway. And I have to admit worked to depict Ethical front. The past several that size matters to me—and Culture as having as much months I have had many it probably does to you, too. meaning for our lives as any opportunities to connect with Looking at the size of the religious engagement would develop new practices and humanists from all over the American Ethical Union, for offer those who join connections. That is where I United States and have greatly example, does raise concern. traditional religious have been focusing much of enjoyed the experience. A While we have never been a organizations. my attention of late. kinder, gentler, more positive large organization compared set of attitudes seems to be to most religious In a time when most people On the practices end, the growing in many circles. denominations we have also joined a church, temple or Board of the American Groups have been striving to experienced a decline in synagogue, articulating how Ethical Union has been engage in volunteer work, overall numbers in recent Ethical Culture is distinct but exploring a broader range of organizing into congregation- years. Percentagewise we have still within the bounds of opportunities for participation like communities, and done better in holding our traditional liberal religion may of individuals and families. expressing the desire to get numbers up than the have been a good strategy. Currently, only Ethical along well with a broader mainstream denominations That strategy is less likely to Societies are members of the spectrum of humanist groups have, but as a small be effective when people are Union. Individuals are then than has recently been the organization we feel the pinch questioning the need to join part of the Union through the case. I’ve been finding that of shrinkage perhaps a bit anything at all—such as now Society they have joined. there is a great deal of more acutely than our much when “None” is a clear and Developing more and more receptivity to the ideals and larger neighbors. increasingly popular option. varied avenues for even to the practices that our (The use of the term “None” participation will, I believe, Ethical Societies have engaged Our main challenge, however, in the recent Pew survey help more people join with us in for many years. is qualitative rather than refers to organizational and support us—even if they quantitative. We are a affiliation, not personal ultimately don’t join a brick So what’s next? There are a congregational movement beliefs.) and mortar Society. Some of number of efforts already facing a culture that has been these avenues may be new underway for the Union: our trending away from The times have changed and Ethical Education Committee we need to change our ways kinds of special events, institutional loyalty, and we educational offerings or has been developing several are a movement organized on to adjust to a different world exciting initiatives and is from the one we’ve known. partnerships with other a religious denominational organizations. planning the fall conference model in a time of growing That doesn’t mean, to my as I write this, our newly re- secularism. We need to mind, a change in who we are It’s also important to extend invigorated Membership consider these trends and or a veering away from our our reach to a wider audience, Committee is also holding a develop new practices that mission. Without our mission and especially to people who conference in the fall, and our will better meet the needs and we have no real reason to describe themselves as latest Lay Leadership Summer wants of people today. exist and what we stand for— atheists, humanists, and School graduates are just now realizing the worth and dignity freethinkers and consider returning to their respective For quite some time many of of all people by striving to themselves secularly oriented. Societies, eager to move our efforts have been geared elicit the best of others and of Our Movement has had forward with new ideas and toward demonstrating how ourselves—is both important rather edgy and complicated projects. I’ll be meeting with ethical humanism can meet and appealing. People want to relations with other non- people from the Humanist the spiritual and religious connect with organizations theistic groups, and Institute, working on a joint needs of people without that aim to bring about particularly with groups self- program with the Unitarian resorting to deity or afterlife. positive change—and that is described as “atheist” or Universalist Humanist An example of this is a line what we are about. “secular humanist.” I can Association and the Society I’ve seen in a number of count myself as someone who for Humanistic Judaism, and Ethical Society ads, “If you’re But our audience has different expectations about has been disappointed and gearing up for meetings with not practicing your religion, frustrated by religion and the leadership of a number of perhaps you’re practicing membership and participation than we are used to and to Bible bashing by some groups other humanist organizations. ours.” Many of us have had and individuals, and have Care to join me? conversations with skeptical reach them we will need to Dialogue Summer 2014 Page 3

L ETTER FROM A E U P RESIDENT , R ICHARD K ORAL We Need to Strengthen our Tolerance for Tolerance

Much is being written in couldn’t win the substance of The important issue may not outrage about the Supreme this argument. No scientific be to decide which side is Court decision in the Hobby factoid is going to settle the right, especially if that Lobby case and much of it is question of when a person’s approach will not enable us to justified. However, I am life begins in such a way that live together in peaceful afraid that much of it is also will be universally accepted. community. Instead, we not well focused and serves Facts are not the point. developed a useful technique only to reinforce and inflame for living together in diverse medical professionals. Large the battle lines that separate This point was once again communities and that is to employers are required to the pro- vs. anti-Choice highlighted in a current article allow people to live their own include general medical proponents. The differences in Advances Pol. Psych. by lives by their own lights. insurance as part of pay. But it between these sides are Dan Kahan of the Yale Law Friction emerges, in contrast, is beyond the scope of the entrenched and seemingly School. The article reports the when one side imposes its Act and of ethical business irreconcilable and the voices findings of a survey, which own philosophical choices on management for an employer that argue the merits of one examined the differences of others who are unwilling. We to channel or limit the range side or the other only add to a views on another divisive settled the point long ago that of medical care available to general cacophony. issue: whether climate change restricting another’s life employees. The employer is caused by human activity. choice simply because it cannot say that you can have Stepping back from the merits The survey found that the offends one’s own personal vitamin therapy but not blood of the arguments, one can see differences in opinion are the worldview goes too far. transfusions; that he’ll pay for that two sides are each firmly same for people who are kidney coverage, but not for convinced and committed. As cognizant of the facts as they The Green family who own the liver. Decisions so in any controversy to be are for those who are Hobby Lobby may be guided intimate and personal as one’s mediated, there are two ignorant. In other words, facts by their personal ethical reproductive health care are possible approaches: (a) will not resolve an issue over imperatives in the way they clearly not within the determine a single preeminent which people have strong run their business. They are legitimate concern of an truth, or (b) accommodate feelings. Arguing the facts said to pay higher-than- employer. A personal choice each side’s perspective, i.e., until you are blue in the face prevailing wages and donate may be valid for oneself, but compromise. In our country misses the point. Some people 10% of their profits to dictating to a non-consenting of diverse views and multiple just feel that way, and there is charity, all good acts inspired other is a trespass. religious traditions, we have a no talking them out of it. by their religious views. They long and successful history of may even forego birth control We need to reestablish the practical accommodation and The case against factual and abortions in their own social contract based upon arguments might be even the active word is “tolerance.” family planning, I don’t know. mutual respect and tolerance. bleaker than that. As the The real problem with the If they did, they would be It is one thing to offer one’s Boston Globe reported Hobby Lobby decision was its validly expressing their recommendation on how to 7/10/11, researchers at the violation of the active worldview through their own live a good life. But it is University of Michigan found ingredient in the social personal choices. important for everyone to that when misinformed contract that underlies acknowledge and accept that tolerance. It improperly people, particularly political But they improperly impose there remains an area here of partisans, were exposed to moved the dividing line their personal philosophy on non-consensus and each of us corrected facts in news between personal liberties on others when they compel is free to make our own life stories, they rarely changed the one hand and allowable their 13,000 employees to run decision in that sphere. The their minds. In fact, they intrusion and interference on their own lives the boss’s way. Supreme Court violated that often became even more the other. It is in the realm of This is what Hobby Lobby social contract by improperly strongly set in their beliefs. tolerance that a social truce and others intend when they moving the fence of can be found that will enable Facts, they found, were not seek an exemption from the legitimacy between personal curing misinformation. Facts our country to achieve peace dictates of the Affordable liberty and intrusion by on this subject. could actually make reliance Care Act by which employees, strident, interfering strangers. on misinformation even like other people, may freely Experience should teach us stronger. People do not like to make their own health care that one side or the other be proven wrong. choices in consultation with Page 4 Summer 2014

N OTES F ROM Y OUR A E U B OARD Karen Elliott, AEU Board Member Assembly was “What would talked about how to share the make you cry if someone did information and experiences not know it about Ethical from Assembly with those The AEU Board met before members of the National Culture?” She also reminded who cannot attend. There was and after our Annual Assembly Leaders Council. Bart’s plans the Board that the Leaders also some discussion of in Skokie, IL in May. We now for the coming year include primarily serve the Movement, coming Assemblies; mark your have three new members: continuing to increase not individual Societies. As an calendar for the 100th newly elected member Linda communications within the example of this, NLC members Assembly to be held June 25- Napoli of the Ethical Humanist Movement while focusing have been responsible for 28, 2015 in Stamford, CT. Society of Long Island; and two more on being a voice for the developing the ethical-action- Some extra special activities new representatives from FES Movement. He has also rich content of our most recent are planned to mark this (Future of Ethical Societies), developed, with the help of Assemblies. historic occasion so join us in Lauren Strong and Xavier Leader-in-Training Paulo Connecticut in June 2015! Mack, both members of the Ribeiro, a workshop on The Board discussed ways to Ethical Humanist Society of membership, which can be promote increased There was additional Philadelphia. Carol Bartell and I customized for Societies. There communication between those discussion in our second were re-elected. Although is a very reasonable cost of us acting on the national meeting relating to Laura Stark Steele of the involved in bringing this to level and those working more communications via the Washington Ethical Society no your Society. If you are on the society level, and in Presidents’ Council and longer serves on the Board, she interested in this workshop, particular ways to use the developing ways to better will remain active on the contact the AEU Office. Presidents’ Council as a means support Society Presidents as national level as chair of the to do this. We also discussed there is generally a lot of Planning and registration for Personnel Committee and co- how to proceed with turnover among them. Scott the 10th biannual Lay chair (with Jone Johnson strengthening the Movement’s Walton continues to be the Leadership Summer School Lewis) of Membership. skills in the area of fundraising. primary AEU liaison with the was progressing reasonably well The Board’s retreat this August Council in his role as AEU AEU Executive Director Bart as of early May. Leader and will be focused on further Vice President. One possibility Worden noted that based on LLSS co-founder Jone Johnson developing skills and that was suggested via the the financial and membership Lewis reminded the Board that knowledge in this area. Presidents’ Council was that reports received from Societies “what people come out with is Sustainability, strategy, and Societies designate alternate for the last three years, our the actual visceral experience of stewardship were words that members for the Council and national membership is building an Ethical kept coming up during the the Presidents’ e-mail list-serv showing a net decline of 1.7%, community.” which is a smaller decline than discussion. Executive Director to allow for increased that experienced by most In addition to planning the Bart Worden informed us that continuity. There is a Dropbox religious organizations. During national membership workshop early in the Movement, Ethical account for Council members that time, three Societies grew (separate from the travelling Societies had to donate 25% of with information about the and nine shrank—most by a one developed by Bart Worden their budgets to charity. AEU and NLC that is not small amount—and the and Paulo Ribeiro) for later in Imagine if our Society members appropriate for the AEI majority stayed about the same. the year, the Membership now donated primarily through website but could be helpful Committee is working on our Societies rather than for running our Societies (i.e. Bart has been working on developing a website full of individually. It would be much minutes and financial records). strengthening the AEU’s resources for Societies—some more obvious how influential Members of Ethical Societies, committees and reported that old (Great Expectations) and and generous those in our Circles, and Fellowships are the Ethical Education some new. In addition to co- Movement are! Expect to see always welcome to sit in on Committee is actively planning chairs Jone Johnson Lewis more about this effort to AEU Board meetings. Meeting this year’s conference. He and (Brooklyn, NLC) and Laura increase our awareness of the information is posted on the other AEU staff are working Steele (Washington), importance of stewardship and AEU website and they are on setting up technical tools to committee members are Hank our abilities related to it. held at the New York Society help the work of the AEU get Gassner (Washington, N. Post-Assembly, the Board for Ethical Culture unless done more effectively by Virginia, AEU Board), Amy started with a discussion of otherwise noted. If you are committees and other groups Fuller (Westchester), Sharon lessons learned based on our considering attending a who are mostly working Stanley (Long Island), and Liz experiences and meeting and have any together virtually rather in the Collier (Bergen). same location. communications with others questions, contact AEU Jone Johnson Lewis reported during the gathering. President Richard Koral at Bart also noted that the AEU that one topic of discussion at Communication and [email protected]. website is adding content the National Leaders Council stewardship appeared during regularly, primarily from meeting held prior to the this discussion as well, as we Dialogue Summer 2014 Page 5

E THICAL E DUCATION : variety of activities S EIZING THE C ULTURAL M OVEMENT and experiences. A Dale McGowan, AEU National Director of Ethical Education mentor will guide each interested child There’s little as invigorating as education stay for the through this optional gathering good people around a community, forming the leading program, which powerful idea whose time has come. edge of our future growth. includes multiple Ethical Education (EE) is just such an levels of recognition The Ethical Education committee idea, and people from across the and celebration. The culmination of and EE staff at Societies nationwide Ethical Movement are currently the program is an ethical service are working hard to make this a working together to bring the program project, selected and designed by the reality. We have created an online to its full potential. student in consultation with his or her work platform to discuss program mentor. In the end, each Ethical In changing the name of its Religious development and build databases of Diplomate will carry an AEU Education program to Ethical curricula and resources, including a credential forward to college Education, the AEU is meeting a guide for starting an Ethical Sunday applications and résumés, one that cultural moment head-on. Many of the School program from scratch, speaks to a deep level of ethical three million Americans who leave something for which many Societies engagement and competence. traditional religion each year feel the have expressed an urgent need. Our loss of an ethical framework for annual conference, November 7-9, Societies interested in more themselves and their children. Even if will be dedicated to further information, or in helping us pilot this they feel no desire to return to the developing these ideas with the help new program in 2015, are encouraged doctrinal ethics of their former faith, of EE staff from around the country. to contact Dale McGowan at the sense loss is often strong enough [email protected]. to compel them back into the fold. In addition to these initiatives, the committee is designing an offering These developments draw on the deep By creating a compelling, research- called the Ethical Diploma. In history and experience of the Ethical based ethical education program, the partnership with a university ethical Movement as well as knowledge and Ethical Movement can fulfill this need development program to be named best practices from the outside. The without the creedal constraints so soon, the AEU will develop a set of synergy is electric, the potential is many people are leaving behind. And ethical learning standards, each of great. We hope you’ll join in this families that come for the ethical which can be satisfied by a wide important conversation.

L AST C ALL TO H ELP M AKE THE A E U S ONGBOOK H APPEN Joan Klips, Literary Editor, & Roy Byrd, Music Editor

After almost eight years, the Ethical Culture Movement is about to produce a new songbook called “The Power and Joy of Community Singing.” Published by the American Ethical Union, the book will contain a selection of songs ranging from familiar tunes by Pete Seeger and Pat Humphries, to newer songs written by members of various Ethical Societies. We’ve also included songs arranged by Felix Adler and former Ethical Culture Leader John Hoad. The best news is that your name can be immortalized in the book on our list of contributors for a mere $25. Your contribution will help us pay for the book’s production costs. Do you love to sing or listen to others sing during Society platforms? If your answer is “yes!” please consider turning your passion into meaningful action with a contribution to make the book happen. The deadline for contributions is September 8, 2014. You can donate via our website (select AEU Songbook) or send a check made out to the American Ethical Union, with the words: AEU SONGBOOK FUND, written on the Memo line. Send checks to the AEU at 2 West 64 St. Suite 406, New York, NY 10023. Attn: L. Miller, Director of Administration. Thank you for your consideration and generosity. Page 6 Summer 2014

F E S C ONNECTS WITH C OMMUNITY IN P HILLY Julia Julstrom-Agoyo, Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago

The 11th annual Future of Ethical Center is doing to combat it. Societies (FES) Conference, organized by Afterward, we participated in a variety of Christian Hayden, was in Philadelphia this workshops held at the African American year. Fifteen young humanists met and United Fund (AAUF) Conference Center. began the weekend with a Community Through games, role-playing, and Dinner at the Church of the Advocate. discussions, and a Theater of the Welcome activities led by Hugh Taft- Oppressed-led workshop, we explored FES participants during service project Morales, Leader of the Ethical Humanist relationships, communication, community, Society of Philadelphia, got us thinking and power. We then headed to a nearby and how they landed their specific jobs. about where we lie on the agree/disagree park to plan our platform for the With many FES members graduating in scale on questions concerning the following morning (and also enjoyed the near future or recently graduated, Philadelphia Eagles up to “is climate playing Frisbee with some local kids). many of us are thinking about what kind change the biggest issue facing society?” of jobs and careers we would like. Ethical During our Sunday Platform at the Ethical Culture has been a huge part of most our Saturday morning we weeded and cleaned Humanist Society of Philadelphia, located lives and therefore influences what kind of up the lot next to Express Urself Urban in Rittenhouse Square, we described what work we would like to do in the world. Crisis Response Center and painted the we see as the pillars that constitute a Hearing from people just a little older brick walls on both sides so that the area future ethical society: gratefulness, joy, than ourselves gave us a better can serve as a safe space with movies community, action, and vision. understanding for how to incorporate projected onto the walls. We worked Ethical Culture into our professional lives. alongside the community and heard first- A career panel was held Sunday afternoon hand stories about the gun violence where we were able to hear from young As always, we left the conference Monday prevalent in many areas of Philadelphia people who have worked Ethical Culture morning re-energized to continue and and the admirable work that the Crisis or social justice into their careers. They expand the Ethical Culture Movement! talked about the stresses, the successes,

C ALLING E THICAL C ULTURE M Y R ELIGION other religions have for a human need for Dick Reichart, Dialogue Copy Editor goodness, we can assume that all humans have a natural, even selfish, attraction to I have been associated with Ethical the term "non-theistic." The Ethical Culture being their best. What Adler asserted was Culture for more than 60 years. It is Rule also includes the notion that humans the principle that we should always try to perfectly clear to me that I adhere to no are intrinsically important—in a way that is help another achieve that goal. other religion. conceptually similar to the importance the Creator God has for other religions' Rules. He says that he struggled with the failures In its original usage the word meant he usually encountered in such efforts, essentially this: "religion is the Rule that Thus, I have adopted the following and only late in life finally realized that the binds the religious." statement for myself: I am a religious outcome was indeed a desired result, but humanist, and my religion is Ethical Culture. in ourselves—being our own best. "The religious" of the middle ages meant The result of consistently making the those people who chose to live the Ethical Culture's religion is neither atheist, effort in drawing out some “best” lies not life prescribed in detail by that nor agnostic, or anti-theist. It is non-theist, so much in succeeding with other persons, particular “Rule”: a required set of which means that persons whose faith is but in making ourselves better. behaviors (prayer, silence, diet, etc.). described by any of those terms can espouse Generally, "the religious" was understood Ethical Culture and be welcomed into its I have often heard the criticism that the to refer specifically to the ordained communities. Just as importantly, or perhaps Rule presupposes that we know what the clergy and the choir in a church, or more so, people whose personal faith does other's “best” is, (although a clever the members of an order of "faithful" include deistic or theistic beliefs are equally rebuttal is “You wouldn't want to bring often living in a monastic setting. welcomed if they espouse the non-theist out the worst in the other, would you?”) (meaning pro-humanist) Rule. That Rule, for Ethical Culture, has embedded in it the notion that one's creed I believe, however that the actual meaning The Ethical Culture Rule also contains that (in the original sense of "a statement of of the Rule disregards what we think is in the attempt to draw out the best that is in faith" derived from the Latin verb "credo" best for the other person, and instead the other lies the route to becoming our own meaning "I believe") need not include any points out that each of us can be best. The latter was advocated as the statement about the nature or even the encouraged to, and can encourage others ultimate moral imperative of Felix Adler's existence of a Creator God. That gives us to, seek the expression of our own highest philosophy. With no more evidence than ideal at all times. Dialogue Summer 2014 Page 7

I H AVE B EEN TO THE M OUNTAINTOP Jill Aul, Ethical Society of Mid Rivers I have been to the mountaintop, …where love. Despite the wide range of the themes in Dr. King’s famous last differences in our backgrounds, we speech, such as unity, peace, and non- related on a deep level because of the violent communication, are alive and well. basic connection we all share: Ethical I am writing, of course, about “The Culture. Mountain Retreat Center,” near Highlands, North Carolina. That was the From the moment we arrived and stunning setting for the AEU’s Lay settled in at the beautiful Lodge, our Kate LaClair, Mary Herman, Bart Worden Leadership Summer School, held this past everyday lives were put on the back July. I was one of 15 lucky students burner and we began to focus on our immersed in a weeklong haven of Ethical purpose there. The amazing views of laughter and tears, and got to know each Culture that was like nothing I could have the Blue Ridge Mountains that spread other in a way that surprised us, after just ever imagined. out all around us helped to set the stage one week together. Now that we are back for relaxing and relating. Our days were home and in our Societies, we continue to We gathered, along with six amazing staff full and busy, starting with optional cultivate the friendships that were begun members, for a week of learning about morning yoga classes, guided meditation at The Mountain, thanks to social media our Movement’s history, compassionate in the charming chapel, group singing and email. communication, how to strengthen our with inspiring accompaniment by Hugh individual Ethical Societies, the inner Taft-Morales and Bart Worden who are If you are interested in developing your workings of group dynamics, and so much such talented guitarists, followed by role as a lay leader at your Ethical Society, more. The Summer School experience well-planned sessions presented by our I strongly urge you to support and/or was a perfect balance of information and competent instructors. Where else can attend the Lay Leadership Summer practice, topped off with so much deep one learn about Felix Adler and his School. Start planning now for the next connection to one another, that it’s hard compadres, while role-playing the one that will be coming up in the summer to put it into words. We lived together for characters themselves? of 2016. You will experience a week like an intense week of learning, laughter and no other that will transform you to the Lay Leadership Summer core. I am so grateful that I made the School afforded the decision to travel to the mountaintop. I opportunity to learn in large am forever changed! groups, small groups, one- on-one with a partner, and To support the 2016 Lay Leadership Summer individually. We had plenty School, visit www/aeu.org/make-a-donation/ of experiences to generate and designate the “Lay Leadership Summer ideas and create hands-on School Fund.” Or send a check to the American th products that we can use Ethical Union at 2 W. 64 Street, Suite 406, back home with our NY, NY 10023 and write “Lay Leadership respective congregations. Summer School” on the memo line. We shared information, ideas, meals, jokes, libations,

H APPY 1 0 0 TH B IRTHDAY TO S OPHIE M EYER !

Sophie Meyer, one of the founders of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, celebrated her 100th birthday on June 16. Sophie not only helped establish the Long Island Society, she also kept it running for many years as an office volunteer. She served as Representative to the American Ethical Union Board for Region II, which included the Long Island and Queens Societies, from 1984 to 1992 and was President of the Board from June 1985 to January 1988 (then Treasurer in 1988). Even after Sophie moved to Pennsylvania in April 1992, she often “drove to the Long Island Society in her red convertible for the Sunday Platforms,” says Muriel Neufeld, a friend and longtime Long Island Society member. Happy Birthday, Sophie! And thank you for being a devoted member of the AEU for so many years. Page 8 Summer 2014

NES ON THE M OVE Here are some excerpts from our Utopian International Peace Day with the theme Resolution for the General Assembly: “Right to Peace.” International Peace Day Martha Gallahue, National Ethical is a calendar event in several Ethical We are a people who attribute infinite worth to Societies now throughout the country. The National Ethical Service (NES), a non- all people. We recognize the right of all peoples governmental organization at the United to express vast diversity without discrimination NGO Coalition Forum 21 – NES voted Nations and affiliate of the American of any kind. We seek to promote a world that to join an emerging coalition of NGOs Ethical Union, has been working on many works for all in equality, opportunity and called Forum 21, which brings together projects and events this year: freedom, with education, wellness and major leaders among the worldwide NGO stewardship of the earth. committee—such as Felix Dodds, Jeffrey From the UN – Dr. Sylvain Ehrenfeld Huffines (speaker at the NES 75th (International Humanist and Ethical Union We uphold the right to access to education for all anniversary party organized by Lucile and National Ethical Service representative children especially girls. We urge that adults as Kleiman), Richard Jordan, and Rick at the UN) remains steadfast in his articles well develop literacy and information technology Clugsten of Earth Charter International— about UN briefings called "From the skills. We urge wider distribution of cell phones among others. Forum 21 seeks to UN" which are written in collaboration that are solar activated. Further, we urge equal integrate the interspirituality, sustainability, with Reba Goodman of the Ethical Culture access to all communication technologies to ecological, and new thought activists Society of Bergen County. These articles promote equality. We request the building of under one umbrella. We are grateful to are available in the Dialogue, some Society public schools wherever they are non-existent. NES Vice President Kurt Johnson for co- newsletters, and the NES website (http:// We request that the General Assembly of the founding this group and to NES President nationalserviceaeu.org/). United Nations implement the Universal Kay Dundorf who will serve on the Declaration of Human Rights in each member Board. Their first event in New York will Rose L. Walker Awardee of 2013: state of the United Nations. be the Spiritual Summit for Social Change Breaking Walls – Breaking Walls (http:// scheduled for September 13th. breakingwallsprogram.org) is bringing 12 Further, we demand that the United Nations teens, ages 13-16, to Cape Town, South pursue diligently the work of global nuclear Updates from Executive Committee – Africa on August 8! The initiative will assist disarmament, and we call upon member states to At the UN, Kurt Johnson was recently these young men and women to discover intervene in all areas where genocide is occurring. elected to the Executive Council of the their voices and use them while they build a We uphold the education of universal non-violent CONGO Committee Spirituality, Values community with the artists from Brooklyn, conflict resolution training from the earliest ages. and Global Concerns. He continues his Bethlehem, and Berlin through writing work on interfacing the interspirituality about issues of isolation, self-esteem, and ...We support sustainable wage structures along movement with the UN work and the legacy of apartheid. Over nine days of with meaningful jobs. specifically focuses on Eco-Spirituality. writing, performing, and sharing life We support sustainable agriculture and the end NES Treasurer Martha Gallahue experiences, our artists and ambassadors of factory farming…. continues with GMCOP to implement the will be a part of a forum where young HLF on the Culture of Peace, and voices are creatively represented and Rose L. Walker Awardee of 2014 – NES Executive Committee member Jackie nurtured on the path to leadership. awarded the North Bergen Society Pope serves on the sub-committee of the Breaking Walls also offered a three series Sanctuary Committee and the CONGO Human Rights Committee workshop with the Coming of Age group Peacelearning/Peacebuilding Intensive located in Geneva, Switzerland. Emily at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Scholarship Fund with $2,000 from the Newman has been elected to serve as Rose L. Walker Fund. As the Fund, now at Secretary, and Randy Best, former Chair Luncheon at AEU Assembly – NES $87,000, continues to grow, it will dispense of the National Leaders’ Council, will join Executive Committee members Kay money to those initiatives that demonstrate the Rose L. Walker Finance Committee. Dundorf, Martha Gallahue and Emily the commitments Ethical Culture has We are delighted that Lucy Schmitz will Newman hosted the NES luncheon at the brought into being throughout its history. join us again this summer for another 99th annual AEU Assembly in Chicago. internship and work with Emily to Participants were tasked with writing as a United Nations Peace Events – On develop our new website. group a stimulated General Assembly September 11th, as part of the NGO Resolution to demonstrate how the United coalition called Global Movement for the We welcome you to visit us online and on Nations conducts business. After drafting Culture of Peace, NES will join the Facebook. And remember that as a such resolutions, supporters must seek President of the General Assembly John member of the American Ethical Union, sponsorship from as many of the 193 Ashe to convene the third High Level you are also a member of the National Missions as possible before presenting it to Forum on the Culture of Peace. One Ethical Service. To inquiry about a UN the office of the President of the General hundred three countries co-sponsored the trip or Platform talk for your Society, Assembly to be placed on the calendar for latest resolution and the focus this year will email [email protected]. voting. When President Kay invited include education for global citizenship and response to the exercise, one participant the empowerment of women. On stated, “This is hard!” September 19th, we will celebrate Dialogue Summer 2014 Page 9

F ROM THE U NITED N ATIONS : M ENTAL H EALTH

Dr. Sylvain Ehrenfeld, IHEU and the National Ethical Service, and representative to the UN Dr. Reba Goodman, Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County

Mental health problems are more common personnel and community resources, are Together they visited the graves of their than cancer and heart disease combined. In delivered in highly specialized, expensive loved ones and held a formal mourning fact, the World Health Organization setting, and use language and concepts service. All the women including Amadi predicts that by 2030 more people will be which are foreign to ordinary people. gradually got better. The women all affected by depression than any other became active in the community. health problem. Mental disorders are truly The way language is used is important. For universal and are found in all regions, all example, in Lesotha there is no equivalent Another successful study included countries and all societies, among rich and for the English term ‘counseling’ in the nearly 3000 people with symptoms of poor, in both urban and rural areas. The local language. In a study in Uganda it was depression or anxiety in Goa, India. overall prevalence is the same among men realized that the term ‘depression’ was not and women. The prevalence of the severe culturally appropriate. Equivalent phrases Post-conflict Sierra Leone established mental disorders schizophrenia and bipolar like “hating oneself” or “pitying oneself” Child-soldier rehabilitation projects that disorder is also the same. But depression is are used. provide counseling and support for more common among women and children traumatized by war. For the substance abuse disorders are more The strategy that has been used for gender-based violence in the Congo common among men. preventing and curing disease all over the there were established Listening Houses world where health care professionals are in which women can talk through their In many communities mental illness is still few is task sharing. That means training and experiences in a safe environment. not considered a real medical condition and supporting people with lower levels of stigmatized or viewed as a weakness of education to do the work of doctors and Mentally ill persons need humane character. In the past, many were simply nurses. It is much better if the people are treatment and their dignity respected. A “warehoused” into large mental institutions local. Similarly, training local lay people to remarkable example of such humane where they were often abused. provide psychological interventions have treatment goes back over 700 years in had impressive results. Field studies have Geel, Belgium. During the middle Ages Poorer countries have more depression shown that lay people can deliver effective the church was the primary source for than richer countries and even poor people therapy for depression in even the poorest those with various forms of what today in rich countries have a higher incidence of setting. For example: we would call mental illness. depression compared to richer people in the same countries. In poorer countries In a story in an Uganda study described Many sought treatment by making their attention to mental health is minimal. by Helena Verdeli, an assistant professor way to Geel for intervention through the Treating depression in countries where and director of the Global Mental Health church of St. Dymphna, the patron saint there are many other problems is often lab at Columbia University’s Teachers of the mentally ill. As those seeking help considered a luxury. Depression is College in New York. Amadi was inside filled the church and the city there especially prevalent were people have her hut, sitting in the semidarkness when developed a lack of housing. So the experienced war and major deprivations a local woman named Christina came to church elders instructed townspeople to like serious illness, death or seeing your her door to invite her to do something offer their homes to the pilgrims. What children go hungry. Besides, how could it that would have been unheard of in her followed was a tradition of foster family be done? Drugs are expensive and most Ugandan village before: join a therapy care for the mentally ill which endures poor countries have few psychiatrists or group for depression. She was 59, and until today. There are still several hundred psychologists outside of private clinics. had lost five of her nine children, three in residence today sharing their lives with of them to AIDS. She was numb and their host families for years. About half of How do you close treatment gaps where passive, sad and irritable. She could not them have jobs in sheltered workshops. In there are hardly any professionals? Vikram care for her family, work in her garden, 1861, a hospital appeared in town, but it Patel, psychiatrist and Professor at the or do her mat weaving. She resisted was simply a place where boarders came London school of Hygiene who also works saying it won’t bring her children back. to be assessed before taking up their in India, maintains that some problems After some urging she agreed. The group lodgings in town. This combination of arise from the remoteness of psychiatry and consisted of eight women facilitated by medical supervision and family care has its allied professions in the communities Christina. They met weekly, first been copied in dozens of towns in they serve. Interventions are heavily spending their time describing their Belgium, France and Germany in their medicalized, do not engage sufficiently with problems and comforting each other. own version of the “Geel system.” Page 10 Summer 2014

L ET H UMANISM R ING : A MERICAN H UMANIST acceptance of feminism yet That said, this conference was A SSOCIATION 2 0 1 4 C ONFERENCE R EPORT widespread disdain for an undoubted success. James Croft, Leader-in-Training women.” Attendance was higher than I have seen at an AHA The following was printed as a rights. Others were more like Also honored were Steve conference in recent years, and Patheos blog post in June 2014. mini-workshops, such Rade, who received the everything was impeccably Mandisa Thomas‘ session on Humanist Business Award organized (I didn’t notice a The American Humanist “How the Secular for his long service to technical hitch or major Association met in Community can learn from Humanist causes; Eugenie problem all weekend). The Philadelphia this weekend for the Hospitality Industry,” Scott, who received the program and conference its 73rd Annual which encouraged Humanists Lifetime Achievement Award materials were well-designed Conference (“Let Humanism to make their groups and for her tireless work with the and well-produced, and the Ring!”), a celebration of the communities truly welcoming National Center for Science main conference area was filled Humanist worldview and an to visitors using simple but Education; and Natalie with tables representing the opportunity for the AHA (the oft-overlooked methods. Angier, whose Pulitzer Prize- broader Humanist movement. foremost organization for the winning writing on subjects Many sessions of the promotion of Humanism in The award recipients this year such as the female body (in conference were live-streamed the USA) to update its were particularly fun and Woman: An Intimate Geography) to be viewed online, a boon to members on the activities of feisty. Former congressman and Science (in The Canon) those who could not attend the year. Barney Frank is legendary for gained her the Humanist and the source of excellent his bluntness and willingness Media Award. material that can be used in The conference began, as in to speak his mind, and he did future AHA videos. previous years, with a not disappoint in his speech If there was one thing symposium presenting essays after accepting the Humanist missing it was a sense of I left the conference feeling exploring aspects of the of the Year award. Frank, movement-wide direction upbeat, with the sense that the Humanist philosophy, who recently confirmed his and planning. What Humanist movement in curated by humanist atheism on the Bill Maher movements need more than America is maturing in a philosopher John Shook. The show, spoke out against the anything is a sense of healthy way. We seem to be theme of the papers this year disillusionment in politics that direction—a sense moving beyond an emphasis was human development and leaves many to avoid of movement—and the AHA on the question of God and on flourishing, with papers engagement. “Democracy conference (as well as the religious criticism to a positive, exploring human welfare works better than people other annual freethought life-affirming vision of the from multiple perspectives, think,” he reminded the community conferences I’ve human prospect—a movement including a number that audience, “if they try to make attended, including the that, if long overdue, is investigated notions of it work.” American Ethical Union exceedingly welcome. The best “transcendence” from a Annual Assembly) would expression of this developing naturalistic perspective. The Greg Graffin was honored benefit hugely from a genuine attitude was the enthusiastic papers were provocative and with the Humanist Arts year-in-review keynote reception received by The well-delivered and marked, in Award for his work with presentation. A plenary Sunday Assembly, led by my mind, a step-up from the punk rock band Bad Religion. session in which the president founders Sanderson Jones and selections at previous He spoke eloquently on the or chief executive of the Pippa Evans. If you had told conferences. need to criticize religion in a AHA spoke about what the me, when I attended my first thoughtful and interesting movement had achieved in AHA conference back in 2010, The plenary sessions of the way, rather than succumbing the past year, and what it that I would in a few short conference maintained this to hateful rhetoric, expressing hopes to achieve in the years be watching attendees level of quality. Some like his hope that Bad Religion’s future—complete with a stand and clap and sing in a Faisal Al-Mutar‘s “Letters music had done just that. video using clips and photos Humanist revival service, I from a Young Mesopotamian from Humanist groups would have thought you wildly from Baghdad to Jessica Valenti, accepting the around the country, optimistic. Yet when I looked Washington, DC,” were Humanist Heroine Award for accompanied by inspiring and around the room during the exhortations to attendees to her work as a feminist upbeat music—would go a Sunday Assembly session that embrace Humanist values on (including huge way toward giving the opened the conference’s last a global scale, placing founding the Feministing blog), conference (and the day, I saw smiles, and dancing, American Humanism in the called out the misogyny of movement) a sense of and an enthusiastic love of life. context of a world in which contemporary society, noting cohesion and progress it many struggle to gain the paradox that “This is a currently lacks. Let Humanism Ring, indeed! recognition of their basic time of wide cultural Page 11 Summer 2014

C ONTINUED E VOLUTION OF THE E THICAL A CTION R EPORT Hugh Taft-Morales, Ethical Action Report Editor months that the Dialogue is not published. They will have 3-5 Over the past year more American Topics of these features short reports from Societies and Ethical Union members from around the will include current events, come out eight times annually, Movement have submitted stories to the passed resolutions, however, rather than nine times as Ethical Action Report, sharing commentary national campaigns, or in the past. Concerted effort will on national issues, philosophical musings, biographies of the winner be made to get graphics (logos of and news about initiatives at local of our Elliott-Black partner organizations, for Societies. Thank you, thank you, thank Award. They might spotlight example) or photos from the activities you! Because of your contributions the contemporary Ethical Culturists described in the EAR. EAR better reflects the perspectives of dedicated to activism and service or offer Ethical Culture and develops a greater insight into our proud history of social Thanks to all past and future sense of national identity. justice work in the lives of Felix Adler, contributors. Deadlines for 100-400 Jane Addams, John Lovejoy Elliott, and word-length pieces for the Ethical To continue spotlighting our ethical more. Such mini-biographies could offer Action Report are due January 25, action efforts and make sure that “deed all of us insight into how to dedicate February 25, April 25, May 25, July 25, before creed” is central to this message, ourselves to social justice while August 25, October 25, and November our quarterly national publication, maintaining a healthy concern for self, 25. Deadlines for 400-800 word-length Dialogue will offer an “Ethical Action family, and friends. “Ethical Action Features” for Dialogue Feature” section in each edition— are due December 25, March 25, June January, April, July, and October. These The Ethical Action Report—related to, but 25, and September 25. Please let me features will run between 400-800 words distinct from the “Ethical Action know of your intention to submit as and focus on issues of concern to the Features” of Dialogue—will continue to soon as possible and send submissions Movement in general. be produced and distributed during the or questions to [email protected].

A P LACE AT THE P ODIUM invocators.” I immediately stepped up to Sharon Stanley, Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island the challenge. In an effort to promote humanism and to give it a familiar In May of last year, I Christian, and Buddhist). With their identity, the AHA was asking for attended a rally with encouragement, I approached our union volunteers to join clergy at times when my union, the United president after the invocations. I said, invocations were being requested. In Federation of “Michael why was that included? This is other words, not only would the three Teachers, which is a federation of teachers, a city rally; a secular situation.” He Abrahamic religions be represented, a nurses, and other professionals working in looked uncomfortable and replied, humanist invocator would also be New York City’s five boroughs. Other city “Sharon that is not our struggle. It’s not present. unions joined us in an effort to bring why we’re here today.” attention to the need for a higher minimum As time goes on, seeing humanists more wage. My thirty-plus years as a New York The situation left me very uneasy and often in the public sector will add City teacher meant that I often attended disheartened. Being called down for one familiarity to our presence. In this way, these rallies in the city. There was reason (the rally) only to be forced to belief, unbelief, and disbelief will all be something very different about this one. participate for another. Most disturbing represented. No special training is needed was witnessing yet another example of and the Humanist Society (an adjunct of This rally began with an invocation. A the separation between church and state the AHA) provides examples of secular rabbi, a minister and an imam were all on being whittled away, little by little. invocations and other resources. They the stage. There, at the podium, each said a Thankfully I’m not the only one who will also maintain a database of people few words of thanks to God for his help in feels this way. I’m also glad to know from all over the country who could be this situation. I was appalled! I had never that humanists are responding to these available for this service. I am delighted seen a city rally start with prayer. It made situations in a proactive, positive way. to be included in this important capacity. me very uncomfortable. In early May of this year, in response to So the next time the UFT holds a rally, The colleagues, who had accompanied me the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Town of I’ll be there to support their secular goals. to the rally, were equally appalled, and each Greece V. Galloway, the American And if the organizers decide to open with had religious affiliations (including Jewish, Humanist Association (AHA) asked prayers, I’ll do my part to inject some people to volunteer as “ secular humanism into the mix. Page 12 Summer 2014

I NSIDE THE A MERICAN E THICAL U NION O FFICE Karen Elliott, Baltimore Ethical Society

In the mid-90’s, when I first got more Once I finished the voting cards, it was involved with the Ethical Culture Movement time to get back to the handouts which on a national level, I was amazed at the small would go into appropriately labeled large number of staff in the national office, and white envelopes. Throughout my day in the how much was accomplished in spite of that. office, Donna kindly and thoroughly The staff (paid and volunteer) has grown guided me as I helped out. I learned that some since then, and so has the amount of she’s been working for the AEU since work completed. This April, shortly before March of 2006, not long after she saw an Donna Pang, Law’nence Miller, Eva Yachnes our annual Assembly, I took a bus from ad for the New York Society in 2004 and Baltimore to New York to get a feel for came to hear a speaker talk about the And it’s not just the diversity he loves, but myself what it’s like to work for a day in our elections. When she attended, she was also the challenges including creating new national office, and to find out more about amazed to find a group of like-minded and better ways of doing things, especially some of the people who work there regularly. people. After joining NYSEC, she heard we more cost effective ways. Those who work (the AEU) needed volunteers, and she with L will attest that he can make a dollar The AEU office is located in the New York offered to do research and went to work in go further than George Washington (and the Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC) building the Archives with Dr. Marc Bernstein. Potomac River is over a mile wide near Mt. on West 64th Street by Central Park. If you When the AEU Office needed help in Vernon). One recent change he worked on have not yet visited this birthplace of Ethical 2006, Marc suggested her as a resource. with Donna and the NLC was the move to Culture, you should stop by to enjoy the have books published on demand rather beauty of its public spaces. Some of the not- Donna found she enjoys the national than putting out large sums of money for as-public areas are not as lovely nor as large— outlook she receives working in our AEU printing many copies at once and then the AEU office near Ceremonial Hall office on lots of different things, from having to store them in a building where contains neither the latter’s beautifully carved preparations for national events like storage space is tight. He also looks for dark wood nor the decorative stained glass Assembly to answering questions on the bargains as the Office helps to plan the windows, but plenty of work surfaces and archives for people from inside and outside various events and conferences held each storage space fit into its small size. What they of the Movement. “We are the office for year—the Assembly, YES and FES lack in form they make up in function. the entire Movement,” she said to me, “We conferences, NLC meetings, Lay Leadership are waiting for the Movement to tell us Summer School, Ethical Education Donna Pang, Administrative Assistant, got what to do.” And then we went off on a Weekend, and Board meetings. Under his me warmed up adding lists of the Assembly tangent or two, talking about what Ethical guidance, the AEU office is becoming more attendees to neatly collated stacks of other Culture can mean for even more people digital—putting more manuals and other handouts for the Assembly packets. I took than those in it now, and how the AEU is documentation into electronic format for care of that fairly quickly and was promoted both part of and support for this easier access, including over 200 of Felix to collating the voting cards and creating new Movement to which all of us belong. Adler’s Carnegie Hall Lectures. ones as needed. As I worked, Donna and Eva Yachnes, a regular office volunteer, were In the midst of all that inspiring and Just as Ethical Culture is all about focused on other things that needed to be entertaining conversation, I finished relationships, so is L—communicating with done for the Assembly and the everyday putting together the Assembly packets. I Presidents and others from the various running of a national and historic movement. then stepped into AEU Director of Societies, Leaders who need information or Administration Law’nence “L” Miller’s help in disseminating it, your AEU Board, Eva has been working at Assemblies since office and heard another conversion story. and also those supporters of the Movement 2007, and in our offices since 2006. Eva’s “L” had left his job at a law firm to start a who put their money where their values are professional background is very technical business with his husband, Shaun Carson, in a significant way, and are so appreciated rather than administrative, but when the but found he needed to do something on by us all. L also spends some of his free time membership of the New York Society with his own. He saw an ad for a job with the volunteering on the NYSEC Board and knowledge of computers and databases was AEU and discovered Ethical Culture. He several AEU Committees including Board asked to help the office, Eva volunteered. She was “blown away” by the acceptance of Development. I was tired by the time I usually spends a day each week in the office everyone in Ethical Culture, and felt “it was heard about everything that these people in but may work up to three days when needed. a perfect fit for me.” He loves his job just the AEU office do for all of us who are an While I worked, she was focused on her as much as he loves the Movement—the integral part of the AEU by virtue of our computer with only brief consultations with diversity of his duties from one hour to the membership in our local Societies or Donna now and then. Listening to them talk next, dealing with vendors, doing Leadership in our Movement. And I didn’t together, I could understand why she said to accounting, working on membership issues, get to talk with everyone who works there, me “I enjoy the people—I’m part of the answering all sorts of different questions; so I’ll have to make another New York trip family now.” what’s not to love for someone who enjoys to do some more work in the AEU Office— “pulling all the pieces together”? and remind myself again why I chose Ethical Culture as my religious home. Dialogue Summer 2014 Page 13

H IGHLIGHTS FROM 9 9 TH A E U A SSEMBLY M AY 1 - 4 , 2 0 1 4

The American Ethical Union was officiants and Future of Ethical warmly welcomed to Skokie, IL Societies members presented with a banner made by the children thoughts on accomplishing social of the Ethical Humanist Society of change. Dale McGowan, our Chicago and opening words from National Director of Ethical Chicago Society President Ed Education, explained his vision for McManus. AEU Members gathered our children’s program. And for our 99th Assembly to connect Alderman Joe Moore shared how he with each other, share ideas, develop gives residents the power to decide the Ethical Culture Movement, and how to spend his capital budget. revitalize democracy. Keynote Speaker Jack Altschuler Executive Director Bart Worden Randy Best (Chapel Hill), and Paulo explained how we can move forward illustrated how the AEU is made up of Ribeiro (Bergen) presented an away from “a system that keeps Society members, a Board, staff, amazing Platform called Revitalizing participants entrenched in paralysis.” affiliates, programs, and committees Democracy (see page 14). Attendees Visit him at http://jaxpolitix.com/ to united to create a more ethical culture. joined two different World Cafes: one learn more about amending Citizens He inspired participants to ask “How run by the AEU Board to inspire United and other actions to take Can I Help?” and introduced us to the action on developing our Movement, money out of politics. AEU Committees that need our skills and one run by the National Ethical Before the weekend ended, Linda and energy. Laura Steele and Jone Service to gain the experience of Napoli (Long Island) was voted onto Johnson Lewis, co-chairs of the preparing and passing an United the Board and Carol Bartell (St. Louis) Membership Committee, presented Nations resolution. We also were and Karen Elliott (Baltimore) gained the member resource website they are delighted to relax during a special another term. We also passed three edition of the Chicago Society’s Prairie resolutions, which are available in our State Companion featuring Rachel online Resources Library (older Baiman, Nashville-based fiddler and resources are being added soon): alumna of the Chicago Society, and - Achievable Minimum Wage other Chicago Society performers. - Opposing Building of Keystone XL Each day was filled with wonderful Pipeline workshops. Andra Miller (New York) - Investment Decisions Regarding and Joy McConnell (Asheville) Climate Change focused on Felix Adler’s philosophy, Thank you very much to all the while Randy Best helped us develop volunteers and staff who made our our own creed. Emily Newman and Assembly a huge success. A big thanks Maggie Ardiente (American Humanist to all the participants for joining us Association) educated us on social World Café participants discuss their ideas and sharing what you learned with media; Hugh Taft-Morales (Baltimore your Societies. Come celebrate our developing (www.aeutools.net). AEU & Philadelphia) and James Croft (St. 100th Assembly June 25-28, 2015 in Communications Coordinator Emily Louis) taught us how to attract the Stamford, CT! Newman, shared the updated website ‘nones’; and Anne Klaeysen (New (www.aeu.org) and how to connect York) and Paulo Ribeiro showed we with the AEU on Facebook and must empower the 99%. Michael Twitter. And Treasurer Tom Weishaar Greenman discussed how secular and proposed a balanced budget, which interfaith coalition united to support was passed, for the coming year. and pass a constitutional amendment to get corporate money out of politics. We honored dedicated volunteers Ron Baiman explored the links during the Anna Garlin Spencer between values and economics. Volunteer Awards Luncheon (see Leadership Committee members page 15). Kate Lovelady (St. Louis), reviewed boundary issues with Julia Julstrom-Agoyo, Laura Buzek, Emily Newman Page 14 Summer 2014

E XCERPTS FROM A SSEMBLY P LATFORM : R EVITALIZING D EMOCRACY

Kate Lovelady Randy Best Paulo Ribeiro Leader of Ethical Society of St. Louis Leader of Ethical Humanist Society of Leader-in-Training the Triangle ...We three who were “scheduled” to speak This year is the fiftieth anniversary of the this morning campaigned for donations to Today, I look out on a political climate that passage of the Civil Rights Act. This piece of our Speaker Action Committees, or SACs. favors the economically privileged, vilifies legislation and the Voting Rights Act the And as you can see, I, Korrupt Kate, raised and cuts important benefits for the Poor, and following year are rightly remembered as the the most money—by quite a bit—so I will be allows for unlimited financial contributions two greatest accomplishments of President speaking first this morning and for as long as to candidates from Corporations and Lyndon Johnson… I want… I’d like to start by thanking my Political Action Committees. anonymous donors for all my mystery money. Brazil at that time was a country with little or And on a totally unrelated note, I am legally I see a political system bought and paid for no civic society, a tiny middle class squashed changing my name to Kate Ethical-Humanist- by wealthy corporations and individuals – a between a hyper­rich elite and a vast Society-of-Philadelphia Lovelady… system willing to unashamedly further the permanent underclass where one of the only interests of those with the most. I see a possibilities for social mobility was through Now, I see in your eyes that the majority of perverse reverse Robin Hood effect, where the military. My family were sugar plantation you are confused because you actually our political system robs from the poor to owners. They actively colluded to keep wages donated to Randy or even Paulo’s campaigns, give to the rich. low, discouraged any education of the and so you thought that it would them up peasants that might lead to questioning the here expressing your deepest values, probably No place exemplifies this trend better than social order, and encouraged a religious inciting class warfare. But the Assembly my own state of North Carolina… spiritism that gave the peasants a sense of money we gave out at registration was just Conservative backlash, gerrymandered having assistance from divine helpers with like life—some of you were born into this districts and targeted spending by wealthy little to show for it. Is any of this sounding Assembly with five bucks, some of you with donors succeeded in changing the political familiar?… five hundred thousand, and everything in landscape. This conservative political surge between. So I ended up with the most money washed in on a wave of money. An Today in America, we have a Supreme Court and will be doing the talking, but I might be agglomeration of money and power—funded that tells us that because spending money really representing only a few of us—say, 1%. by corporations, corporate trade groups, the communicates political opinion, it is But don’t worry. We know what’s best for American Legislative Council, various Tea protected speech and we need not fear that you. We know what’s best for everyone. We Party groups and other Political Action certain wealthy individuals will be able to buy just know what’s best… Committees… After consolidating power, it a disproportionate amount of power… was time to roll out the legislation… Somehow. Allowing companies and people to Our topic today was supposed to be give limitless amounts of money to political Revitalizing Democracy. I don’t see why it My Ethical Humanist values cause me to act campaigns will not make politicians beholden needs revitalizing. Every year fewer people for change because: to those donors... Somehow….Eroding vote. That’s a good thing. I have heard - Democracy is not just a political system protections for voters will not lead local recently that young people are voting in but it is a personal commitment officials to restrict voting for those who will increasing numbers. We need to nip that in - Everyone deserves the resources to vote against them... somehow. the bud right away. The Ancient Greeks develop to their full potential invented democracy, and they understood - I am interrelated with all others and I Religious and community organizations have that it is only for the select few… share responsibility for creating the kind the unique ability to work with people to turn of world that I wish to live in. learning material into action in a way that The Supreme Court gets it. Speech is more I will continue with my struggle for universities or companies don't… Learning is free the more it costs. That is, I’m more free change—and I encourage all of you—in about change. Learning without change is just the louder my money can let me talk… ways great or small—to become engaged in entertainment. And we have the capacity to the process of transformative change. create change over a lifetime… Dialogue Summer 2014 Page 15

C ONGRATULATIONS TO A NNA G ARLIN S PENCER V OLUNTEER A WARDEES Emily Newman, AEU Communications Coordinator with excerpts from nomination entries

Money may make the world go round, as we discussed at the American Ethical Union’s 99th Assembly, but to keep our Ethical Societies running we also need passionate volunteers. Each year we honor members nominated by their Societies who have dedi- cated great energy, time, and often money to their local Societies and the AEU. The Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award is named after our first woman Ethical Culture Leader because her tireless social activism embodies the spirit intended by this award. At this year’s Assembly, we honored the following nominees:

Arnold Fishman (Philadelphia) – For almost 20 years, Arnold game with problem-solving techniques to encourage children Fishman has been the most respected member of the Ethical to brainstorm solutions to increasingly urgent environmental Humanist Society of Philadelphia, because of his excellent problems. Despite many obstacles, Alan played an judgment, his devotion to the Society and also the AEU, and indispensable role in the development of the Celebration his practical wisdom. For the Philadelphia Society, Arnold was Garden, which was originally his wife’s vision. a Trustee for 16 years (President for four years), member of the Strategic Planning Committee, an editor of the bylaws and Monica Weiss (New York) – Monica Weiss has been a Leader’s contract, and voting delegate at AEU Assemblies for member of Ethical Humanist Society of Queens (18 years), over 15 years. For the AEU, he was a Trustee for 9 years Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island (1 year), and the (President for four years), Chair of the Law Committee, and a New York Society for Ethical Culture (6 years). Monica and representative for the AEU at IHEU conferences and on the her husband Dan were married by Leader Algernon Black in Board of the Secular Coalition for America. 1981, as were her parents 30 years earlier. She has served as Secretary, Vice President, and President, and became an Ethical Culture Officiant. She has been key on the Co- Sponsored Program Committee, co-chair of the Sunday Platform Committee and Environmental Stewardship Committee, active on the Membership Development Committee, and worked with the Sunday school. Recently, Monica spearheaded the creation of a partnership with 350NYC to host environmental issues programs at the Society and become a delightful presider and newcomer host.

Milt Zerkin (Chicago) – Originally a member of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, Milt Zerkin has been a member of the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago since 1966. He has served on the Board of Trustees several times and been a member of the Society’s hospitality, landscaping, AEU President Richard Koral, Nick Sanders, Arnold Fishman and Sunday School Committees. For many years he was the leader of the Society’s Creative Writers Group and continues to write poetry that explores his love of science (he even Warren Miner (Brooklyn) – Warren Miner has been an active shared some of his poetry with luncheon attendees). member of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture for over 50 years. During that time, he developed curriculum for the Children’s Sunday Assembly, served as President, and led the Building and Grounds Committee. Warren spends countless hours minding the well-being of the Society: leading the 10am wellness circle, supervising building workers, making repairs to the building, training new caretakers, advising Sunday school directors, and participating on the Ethical Action Committee.

Alan Ranford (St. Louis) – Alan Ranford and his wife Margaret joined the Ethical Society of St. Louis in 1973 and have been influential in a wide variety of Society activities and initiatives. Alan served as Head Usher, ran the Ethicurians (arranging informal dinners in people’s homes), worked on the Membership Committee for a long time, contributed to the Building and Grounds Committee, was an active member of the Committee of Concern, and was on the Board for ten years. His course, “Spaceship Earth”, combines a role-playing Milt Zerkin and his wife with JoAnn Hoeppner Page 16 Summer 2014

Write for the Dialogue—We are accepting submissions for Fall 2014! American Ethical Union Send submissions to [email protected] by Thursday, September 25, 2014. 2 West 64th Street, 4fl New Please include a headshot and relative images with your submission when possible. York, NY 10023 If you are interested in writing but do not know what to write about, become a 212-873-6500 reporter for the Dialogue and get assigned a topic or event. [email protected]

Board of Directors Richard Koral, President W ALL OF R EMEMBRANCE Scott Walton, V. President Let us arise and take up the work they have left unfinished, and preserve the Tom Weishaar, Treasurer treasures they have won... – Felix Adler Jan Broughton, Secretary Compiled from Societies’ newsletters and websites Jone Johnson Lewis, NLC Pres Anne Klaeysen, NLC V. Pres Lisel Burns, NLC Alternate Gary Bumpus (St. Louis) – Gary Bumpus died of a stroke on June 7. He is survived by Carol Bartell his wife, Mary, and two daughters, Emily and Kaitlin. Hank Gassner Ken Karp Dick Carney (Chicago) – Longtime member Dick Carney died on May 5, after a long illness. He was 71 years old. Dick had been a Vice President of the Society, on the Board Linda Napoli of Trustees, and served on many committees, including Building, Sunday Program, and Xavier Mack, FES Rep Publicity. He was the driving force behind the acquisition and subsequent renovations of Lauren Strong, FES Rep Alt our building. Most notably, Dick conceived and supervised construction of Chicago’s Bart Worden, Board ex-officio spacious, domed auditorium, which has been named for him by the Board. Our condolences to his wife, Judy, and son, Aaron. Staff Bart Worden, Executive Dir. David Day (New York) – Beloved member David Day died on May 19, at his home in Law’nence Miller, Dir. of Admin. London. He was a theater director who learned about the Society through friends and, Donna Pang, Admin. Assistant after attending a Sunday Platform decided to join. David quickly made friends and, when Dale McGowan, Natl Dir. of EE he stayed in NYC, shared with them his love of theater, opera, and film. He was a Trish Cowan, YES Coordinator generous, elegant, and truly gentle man. John Drummond, his companion for 52 years, Emily Newman, Comm. Coord. wrote from London: “Everyone who has known David would know how remarkable and Susan Rose, Dean of Leadership generous he was to everyone who crossed his path. His interest was in theatre and opera, Training particularly Wagner. He had a great love for New York and America. When he arrived in America he would say, ‘I am home again.’ He fell in love in New York when he came to Thank you to Richard Reichart, work in the office of Francis, Day & Hunter and MGM…He loved the Ethical Culture our Dialogue Copy Editor! Society and appreciated enormously the warmth and affection he found among members of the Society. He will be greatly missed by all who had honor of knowing him.”

C ELEBRATE I NTERNATIONAL D AY OF P EACE S EPTEMBER 2 1 ! Martha Gallahue, National Ethical Service

The International Day of Peace (also known as World Peace Day) is dedicated to world peace, specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The Day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. In 2013 the Day was dedicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to peace education, the key preventive means to reduce war sustainably. To inaugurate the day, the United Nations Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters (in New York City). The bell is cast from coins donated by children throughout the world and was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads, "Long live absolute world peace." Learn more at http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/.