Aug 30 2010 09:48 am

The 2010 AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend -- The annual conference of the AEU Religious Education Program will take place at the Stony Point Conference Center, Stony Point, NY.

The theme of the conference is "How We Help." The opening statement of the brochure reads (you can download the brochure from the link below):

"Act so as to bring out the best in others and thereby ourselves." -- Implicit in this statement is a call to service. As Ethical Humanists we choose to help others. How do we do this in a way that is empowering and productive for those in need? This weekend offers a chance for children, parents, Sunday School teachers, religious education directors, and others to share what matters most to us, and how we choose to help. Fabulous Ethical Action projects are going on across the country. Whether we are responding to a natural disaster, providing ongoing support to a community, raising money for causes that we believe in, or beautifying the neighborhood, we all use our time and energy to help others because we think it is the right thing to do. This weekend we will take time to listen and learn from each other, and inspire each other. Welcome!

Related Link

Aug 27 2010 04:40 pm

Ethical Action Report -- September 2010 -- In this issue:

LGBT Equality -- Boycott Target and Best Buy for Anti-Gay Political Contributions

Human Right -- Ask President Obama to Ratify CEDAW

LGBT Equality -- Demand the Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell

Disaster Relief -- Ask President Obama for More Aide for Pakistan

Human Rights -- End Breast Ironing in Cameroon

Related Link

Aug 23 2010 01:24 pm

AEU's Growth and Development Workshop "INCORPORATING NEW MEMBERS" -- Where: The Ethical Society of St. Louis
9001 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 314-991-0955
When: Saturday, October 2, 2010
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Led by the Alban Institute's Senior Consultant and author, Alice Mann shares her expertise in helping congregations develop ways to incorporate new members.

Attracting and retaining new members doesn’t happen by accident or through the latest gimmick. It happens because people within a Society have a passionate commitment to:

• Offer to others something that has been of great value in their own life; and
• Practice forms of hospitality and follow-though that enables an “outsider” to become an “insider.”
• Better understand key steps in the process of member incorporation
• Embrace a new look at what membership means to our Societies
• Learn how to invite, greet, orient, incorporate and bring meaningful avenues of involvement to new and existing members
• Gain insight from other Ethical Members about what works most effectively for their Ethical Societies in terms of member recruitment and retention
• Identify strategies and resources which have proven effective for incorporating new members while growing and developing our existing Societal Membership base.

Alice’s programs are lively and interactive. As Alban Institute’s Senior Consultant, she comes with a wealth of knowledge from working within a broad cross section of the religious denominations in diverse settings across the United States.

We encourage Societies to send a team of at least 5 people. Morning refreshments and a light lunch will be served.

The AEU has budgeted workshops like this one to recover most costs from those participating, rather than from Society apportionments. We request that each individual or Society contribute $50 per participant. To register, call the AEU office at 212-873-6500 or click on the link below to bring you directly to the registration materials.


Related Link

Aug 23 2010 01:08 pm

Ethics on the Air -- Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, August 27th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM and (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming.) The topic of discussion will be on the United States "justifications" for war and our involvement in both Iraq and Afghanistan with our special guest Dr. Steven Cohen, Tufts University Lecturer.

Join co-hosts Andra Miller and Dr. Terry Perlin as they talk with Dr. Cohen.

Dr. Steven Cohen has edited and written text to accompany the public television documentaries, Vietnam: A Television History and Eyes on the Prize, and has written articles about such controversial issues as the war in Vietnam, the dropping of the atomic bomb, and the Holocaust.

Ethics on the Air is on the fourth Friday of most months from 11am - 11:55am. For past programs go to: nysec.org/new-york/wbai-ethics-on-the-air

Aug 13 2010 11:07 pm

Summer Dialogue Published -- The latest issue of Dialogue, the newsletter of the American Ethical Union, Has been published and is available in the Library in this site as well as from the link below.

The AEU has decided to take a step towards lessening its carbon footprint on the environment and beginning with this issue, Dialogue will be published primarily online. You may choose to continue receiving a print copy by mail, but we hope that you will support our initiative and choose to enjoy Dialogue in its full colored electronic format.

Related Link

Aug 13 2010 01:50 pm

The New York Society Centennial Journal -- Purchasing an ad in the New York Society for Ethical Culture's Centennial Journal is a great way to show your support for the all the good work that has come out and through the doors of NYSEC's historical building. You may also want to honor a loved one or friend by purchasing an ad in the Commemorative Journal which will be distributed at the Building Rededication on October 23.

For further information on showing your support please click on the following link or contact Sheleigah Grube at: Tel: 212-874-5210/Email: sgrube@nysec.org

Related Link

Aug 13 2010 01:38 pm

ESWoW Community Call - August 15, 2010 -- Please join us on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 12m PT, 1 pm MT, 2 pm CT, and 3pm ET. August 13th is Felix Adler's birthday. In our call on August 15 we will focus on his life and his legacy - what brings us to be the Ethical Society Without Walls today.

Please join us to connect with others in ESWoW.

The number for the call is 866-740-1260 and the access code is 5766842#. Community calls are a great way to connect with others interested in living more ethical lives and explore Ethical Culture.

You can also find our latest newsletter on the Ethical Society Without Walls home page (www.eswow.org.

Aug 06 2010 04:34 pm

New York Society for Ethical Culture\'s Building Centennial - Save the Date -- This year 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's beautiful landmarked building where it has been its home for the past 100 years. They will celebrate with a Rededication Ceremony on their anniversary - October 23, 2010 – with keynote address by David Brancaccio and many other distinguished guests. NYSEC is extending an invitation to all to be apart of this wonderful celebration. For more information on this event, please contact the New York Society at 212.874-5210.


Related Link

Jul 30 2010 10:56 am

ESWoW Community Call - August 1, 2010 -- Please join us on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 12m PT, 1 pm MT, 2 pm CT, and 3pm ET. The number for the call is 866-740-1260 and the access code is 5766842#. Community calls are a great way to connect with others interested in living more ethical lives and explore Ethical Culture.

We'll be talking about plans for our community calls and other ESWoW activities for the coming year starting in September. Please join us to share your ideas, and let us know what you are interested in.

To join the ESWoW Community Calls go to www.eswow.org. The calls take place on the first and third Sundays most months at noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time.

Jul 16 2010 05:21 pm

Ethics on the Air -- Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, July 23rd at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM and (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming.) The topic of discussion will be on The Considerations and Controversy of Preventive Surgery with our special guest Sharon Stanley of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island.

Join co-hosts Andra Miller begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting and Dr. Terry Perlin as they talk with Sharon Stanley, a courageous school teacher who, facing a 60 - 90 percent odds of getting breast cancer, had to make a terrible decision. She'll talk about how she faced that decision; what it was like to have radical preventive surgery; and the trials and tribulations before, during and after the operation and subsequent procedures.

Ethics on the Air is on the fourth Friday of most months from 11am - 11:55am. For past programs go to: nysec.org/new-york/wbai-ethics-on-the-air

Jul 08 2010 05:50 pm

Justice for Juveniles 2: Where Do We Go from Here? -- Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm
New York Society for Ethical Culture
Admission is Free - Donations are Welcome
Register Online - justice4juveniles2.eventbrite.com

Join us for Part 2 of Justice for Juveniles: A Call to Ethical Action. Help us set goals to change the treatment of at-risk children. We need community-based action to end the wanton abuse of our youth. Come, meet, sign our manifesto and join a we-mean-business coalition of community and clergy who pledge to fight for the reforms we demand.

MAKING JUVENILE JUSTICE REAL PANEL - 1:00 PM
Jeffrey A. Butts (Moderator)
Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation Center, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Sigfrido Benetiz
National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York State
Michelle James
Beacon Program, Graham-Windham Social Services
Dr. Divine Pryor
Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions,
Medgar Evers College
Rev. Vernon Williams
Bethany Development Outreach
Yusef Salaam
Member of the Central Park Five

NETWORKING BREAK COFFEE, TEA, AND COOKIES - 2:00 PM
KEEPING KIDS SAFE SMALL DISCUSSION GROUPS - 2:30 PM

Employment Alternatives
Martin Caba, DOME Project; Michelle James, Graham-Windham Social Services

Police in the (Neighbor)Hood
Abe Markman and Afiya Dawson, Lower East Side Call for Justice; Felix A. Urrutia, Jr., Police Athletic League

Artistic Alternatives
Victoria Sammartino, Voices Unbroken; Young Urban Christian Artists (YUCA); Dhari Noel, Ethical Culture Fieldston School

Community and Faith-Based Intervention
Nanay Gonzalez and Rachel Carrion, Miriam Network Methodology; Fr. Lawrence Lucas;
Melvin B. Alston, Harlem Men Stand Up

GETTING IT DONE WRAP-UP - 4:00 PM
Remarks from Vincent N. Schiraldi Commissioner, New York City Department of Probation
Brief Planning Session Community Action Tactics and Plans

Now is the time for you to join us in this civic commitment to our leaders of tomorrow. Don't miss this opportunity to take your stand and make a difference!

Register Online justice4juveniles2.eventbrite.com

For more information Contact Sheleigah Grube via email or phone at 212.874.5210x118.

Jul 08 2010 05:33 pm

Connections Throughout the AEU -- At its bi-monthly meetings, the AEU Board will be reviving a lapsed practice of a go-round in which each board member gives status updates on two or three Societies. The status updates anticipated will be a kind of miniature (not necessarily more than two or three sentences) annual Society report, and can include whatever the Society believes is important - membership increases or decreases, programming & events, financial management & issues, coalitions, joys & concerns. The purposes and expected outcomes of this practice are perhaps best expressed in the AEU's mission statement: “The American Ethical Union, a religious organization, is a federation of Ethical Societies, which promotes the growth of the Ethical Culture Movement by supporting existing Ethical Societies and fostering new ones.” Within the next few weeks, AEU Board members will be in touch with Societies to forge these liaisons. Let’s all work together to build on-going connections between the Societies and the national Board to inform ourselves, on a regular basis, of the health and needs of our Societies and to assist the Board in its responsiveness to, and in its ability to serve, our Societies.

Jul 08 2010 05:20 pm

The AEU's Vision and Strategic Planning Committee -- In a stellar example of great minds thinking alike, the Assembly’s recommendation that the AEU convene a Vision and Strategic Planning Committee dovetails perfectly with the AEU Board’s decision, made in March of this year, to formally reconstitute the Planning Committee and to ‘seed’ it with Jennifer Scates, Randy Best, and Tony Hileman as interim co-chairs. We look forward to building that Committee and beginning its work this summer. We know that we can rely on the Presidents’ Council - and on each of you - to join in the work of eliciting, discussing, and acting on the ideas and priorities of the members of the Ethical Culture Movement.

Jul 07 2010 09:23 pm

New Chicago Officers Elected -- At it's 2010 annual meeting on June 6th, the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago elected five new board members. Later, Steve Julstrom was elected President.

Jul 02 2010 12:55 am

ESWoW Community Call - A talk about Ethical Culture and Interdependence on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 12pm Pacific Time, 1pm Mt.Time, 2pm Central Time and 3pm Eastern Time. -- Please join us to celebrate the United States of America's birthday together. Before the call, please consider reading Susan's latest blog, "Interdependence."

You can also find ESWoW's latest newsletter on the Ethical Society Without Walls homepage - www.eswow.org

To join the ESWoW Community Calls go to www.eswow.org. The calls take place on the first and third Sundays most months at noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time.

Jul 02 2010 09:20 am

Ethical Action Report July 2010 -- In this issue: Gender Equality: Support the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12, S.182) -- Ethnic Profiling: Stop Arizona’s Draconian Immigration Law (SB 1070) -- Human Rights: Speak Out Against Targeted Killing Beyond Zones of Armed Conflict -- Climate Change: Protest the American Power Act (S.1733) -- Faith-Based Initiative: Keep Discrimination Out of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Act (H.R.5466)

Related Link

Jun 24 2010 07:47 pm

The American Ethical Union’s 95th Annual Assembly -- The American Ethical Union’s 95th Annual Assembly

Once again our annual Assembly came to an end with a real sense of community among our membership. The three day affair was held at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA and was filled with new and exciting sessions, discussions and workshops covering topics on Personal Ethical Evolution, "Who Do We Say We", Welcoming Visitors into Our Societies to discussions on the Political Asylum Project initiated by the Bergen Society, Ethical Considerations in the Afghanistan Conflict and the Parliament of the World’s Religions: The Role of Ethical Culture and many more.

Exciting changes and additions took place over the course of three days also, the AEU Board added two new members - Richard Koral of Westchester and Tom Weishaar of New York and said goodbye to two very dedicated individuals who's terms ended, former AEU President, Mary Jo Wittry and former AEU Treasurer, Ron Solomon; new Officers of the Board were selected with Jennifer Scates of Austin as President, Richard Koral - Vice President, Tom Weishaar - Treasurer and Jan Broughton of The Triangle as Secretary.
On the Leader front, Amanda Poppei, Mary Herman and Hugh Taft-Morales were presented to the Assembly at Platform as our newest Ethical Culture Leaders.

The Assembly also passed two Resolutions this year on (1) Reaffirming support for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer people and (2)Climate Change. These Resolutions can be viewed in the aeu.org library. Another first time occurrence was the AEU Board presenting The Felix Adler Lifetime Achievement Award to Rose L. Walker for her lifetime of work in Ethical Culture. Rose was unable to attend the Assembly because she was celebrating her 100th birthday in Florida with family and friends.

Ethical Culture has a long history when it comes to Ethical Action. It is a part of who we are and this year we took great Pride in producing an Ethical Action Educational and Community Building Project that not only supported our NLC initiative for 2010 but was like no other. It took the form of a series of events that linked AEU Assembly attendees with the LGBTQ community of Northeastern PA. We started with a workshop on Inner Worth and Outer Pride: Networking for LGBTQ Rights and Inclusion, after which the Fundraiser events began. At a local arts space we viewed a photo exhibit of 400 same-sex couples entitled: Facing Inequality and reception sponsored by The National Award Winning PA Diversity Network Photo Project. Then on to a Panel Discussion and Q&A by a selection of clergy members and activists discussing Moving Marriage Equality Forward. Finally to top off the night of "building community" it was off to a local hot spot for a show, food, music, dancing, conversation and fun! The evening was enjoyed by all and a significant amount of funds were raised benefiting the NEPA Rainbow Fund, a charitable foundation that supports LGBTQ programs and activities throughout the Northeastern Pennsylvania Region.

In short our Assembly this year was well attended and a real success. The atmosphere was buzzing with re-energized Ethical/Humanists eager to get back to their Societies and share their what they learned and experienced.

Our Assemblies give us a chance to build new friendships, rekindle old ones, to learn, teach and share with like-minded individuals from across the country. It is an important part of keeping Ethical Culture visible to ourselves and to others.

We are looking forward to reconnecting with all of you at the 96th Annual Assembly - being held June 17-20, 2011 in Columbus, OH. See you there!

Jun 24 2010 06:34 pm

The Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award -- The Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award

At the 95th Annual Assembly the AEU Board President, Mary Jo Wittry presented the Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award to Dr. Maria Fridman of the New York Society for Ethical Culture for her many years of service to the Social Service Board, The Woman’s Caucus, the NYSEC Board of Directors, numerous board committees and for her tireless service as Coordinator of the NYSEC Homeless Shelter for nearly 28 years.

Mary Jo Wittry also presented this prestigious award posthumously to Phyllis Ehrenfeld for her years of dedication and service to the National Service Conference, the AEU, and the IHEU to the United Nations. She published countless articles in the AEU Dialogue informing our members of the progress being made by the NSC in bringing human rights issues before the UN. A long time member of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, Phyllis was a constant figure at the AEU Assemblies actively participating and helping where the need was greatest. Sylvain Ehrenfeld was honored to accept this award on behalf of his lovely wife.

Warning: getimagesize(http://aeu.org/library/photos/thomas-warfield.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Jun 24 2010 05:08 pm

AEU's 2010 Elliott Black Award -- At the 95th Assembly of the American Ethical Union, Thomas Warfield was recognized as AEU’s 2010 Elliott Black Recipient. Thomas Warfield, the founder/artistic director of PeaceArt International, is a national and global outreach, not-for-profit organization that works with both mainstream and marginalized community groups around the world. PAI addresses the needs of children, the elderly, people with mental and physical disabilities, the homeless, AIDS/HIV and other terminally ill patients and incarcerated individuals by utilizing the arts and the creative process to develop public awareness for the purpose of building world peace.

PAI uses the performing arts to dismantle barriers, such as racial, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation and economic differences imposed on us by society that prevent our acknowledgement and enjoyment of our inherent human connection to all people.

Mr. Warfield has put himself in harms way on several occasions within our borders (i.e. working with prisoners in maximum security prisons) and by speaking about and secretly working with HIV/AIDS patients in countries such as Thailand and China, where attention is not sanctioned by the government and can have serious consequences on the perpetrator. He has received a lot of criticism and also rejection by financial supporters because his projects are not localized within his community, but are on a global level where the need is greatest.

Mr. Warfield is a Professor in the Department of Cultural & Creative Studies at the National Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He is a frequent guest speaker at conferences throughout the USA, Asia and Europe on issues of peace and justice, social activism, creativity and spiritual awareness.

Mr. Warfield is the recipient of the Jennifer Patterson Koon Peacemaking Award, along with countless others. His Global Poem in Praise of Peace has garnered global recognition in letters from Leonard Bernstein, Mother Teresa and Jimmy Carter, among other humanitarian and world leaders.

For Thomas, the work is about creating a vulnerable and welcoming environment, where people of all ages and backgrounds can freely explore their imaginations and creativity and use that energy to build a better human understanding of self and each other. He attributes his passion and good fortune in life to the SPIRIT of love.

You can listen to the entire ceremony from the link below.

Recording of introduction of Thomas Warfield by Andra Miller, NYSEC President and Thomas Warfield’s acceptance speech.


Related Link

Jun 23 2010 00:21 am

Assembly Passes Resolution Reaffirming support for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer people -- Ethical Culture / Ethical Humanism reaffirms its support for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer people. See full text from the link below.

Related Link

Warning: getimagesize(http://aeu.org/library/photos/mary_herman.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Jun 21 2010 11:12 pm

Mary Herman, New Leader -- Mary Herman was introduced as a New Leader during Leader Certification ceremonies at the 95th National Assembly of the American Ethical Union held at the University of Scranton, Scranton PA.

Mary Herman, a native of Southern California, joined the Washington Ethical Society in 1980 and has been an active program leader in virtually every aspect of WES ever since. She holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in Psychology and the other in Fine Arts. She has a master’s degree in Human Development from the University of Maryland, and is a graduate of the Humanist Institute. Prior to coming to WES she was active in democratic political campaigns and worked as a legislative assistant to a United States Senator for 18 years. In 1996 she joined the program staff of the Society and after years as the Community Leader of the Society she was accepted into the AEU’s leadership training program.

While the scope of Mary’s leadership at WES continues to be broad, her primary emphasis is in community building through her oversight in membership, small groups, adult education, Deepening Circles, celebrations, and pastoral care. She delivers several platforms each year and officiates at life passage ceremonies. The ceremonies and festivals she creates are famous. She authors and teaches classes, serves as an advisor to the Sunday School and Coming of Age program which she helped develop.

Mary and her husband of 25 years, Gene, are the proud parents of Arianna and Emily. I won’t name the dog and cat.

I have only mentioned part of Mary’s accomplishments at WES. I suspect she is overworked. With her creativity, talent and commitment she has been the backbone of much of WES’s focus and success in the last few years. She seems able to do it all. Mary is passionate about the potential of Ethical Culture believing that people everywhere are thirsting for a religion that puts its faith in human aspirations and possibilities. (text prepared by Leader Richard Kiniry to introduce the New Leaders to the Assembly)

Warning: getimagesize(http://aeu.org/library/photos/amanda_poppei_2.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Jun 21 2010 11:06 pm

Amanda Poppei, New Leader -- Amanda Poppei was introduced as a New Leader during Leader Certification ceremonies at the 95th National Assembly of the American Ethical Union held at the University of Scranton, Scranton PA.

Amanda Poppei earned a BA in Religious Studies from Yale University. She also has a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Amanda started young imagining a life in religious leadership and is a Unitarian Universalist minister, with a strong background in interfaith work. She did her intern work at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, and served as a chaplain at the Washington Hospital Center, where she completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education.

The Washington Society went on a long, extensive search looking for a new leader after over thirty years with the previous Leader. And Amanda Poppei was drawn to WES's sense of warmth and caring, and to the Ethical Culture emphasis on living and acting with integrity. She was chosen as the Society’s Senior Leader in 2008. We had to send her to reeducation camp for a year to inculcate her into the Ethical Culture philosophy and tradition - in other words, Amanda participated in Ethical Culture/Ethical Humanism history and philosphy part of our training program beside a survey of the other modules. Amanda brings a passion for social justice and a commitment to building a multigenerational community to her work at WES. She views a religious community as a place where we travel through life together, helping each other to be the people we wish to be.
Amanda and her husband Peter have an adorable daughter, Marcella.

And I can add that Amanda Poppei has immense energy, seemingly has boundless good spirits, and is very bright. She has proved to be an energetic addition to the circle of Leaders and the Washington Society is feeling very good about their choice for Senior Leader. (text prepared by Leader Richard Kiniry to introduce the New Leaders to the Assembly)

Warning: getimagesize(http://aeu.org/library/photos/hugh_taft-morales.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Jun 21 2010 10:59 pm

Hugh Taft-Morales, New Leader -- Hugh Taft-Morales was introduced as a New Leader during Leader Certification ceremonies at the 95th National Assembly of the American Ethical Union held at the University of Scranton, Scranton PA.

Taft-Morales is originally a born and raised Connecticut boy. He graduated from Yale University and earned a Masters in Philosophy from University of Kent at Canterbury, England. He taught philosophy and history for twenty-five years in Washington, D. C.

He discovered and grabbed hold of Ethical Culture around 1994 at the Washington Society, eventually serving on their Board and as their president. He is a graduate of the Humanist Institute and of the Leadership Training Program of the American Ethical Union. Hugh has served as an Intern Leader in Northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the Ethical Society Without Walls. He was very busy the last few years and he has plenty of friends here in this room.

Next year Hugh will continue working as a leader with the Baltimore Society and ESWoW. He is also currently director of the Washington Society’s Coming-of-Age Program, and serves as Secretary of the AEU National Leaders Council.

On the more personal side he is married to Maureen, a Latin American analyst for the Congressional Research Service and they have three (he says wonderful) children - Sean (23), Maya (17), and Justin (14).

As anyone who knows Hugh will verify he is a dedicated, focused, organized, even-tempered, bright professional. And he has a good sense of humor, is a good listener and even sings and plays the guitar. I can attest to the fact that the Philadelphia Society loves him and I image other Societies can also say that. We have high hopes for him and for us with Hugh as a Leader. (text prepared by Leader Richard Kiniry to introduce the New Leaders to the Assembly)

Jun 15 2010 01:19 pm

Global Crisis and Entrepreneurial Incentives, Thursday, June 24 10:30 am – 12 pm Conference Room C, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York -- Wim Naude, Senior Research Fellow at the UNU-WIDER, Helsinki, Finland observes that in recent years, a rising number of natural and human-made disasters have been impacting on global development. He will be exploring the extent to which the misallocation of entrepreneurial talent, due to inappropriate structures on global and national levels may have exacerbated and even directly contributed to these disasters. He will consider entrepreneurial incentives in the contexts of earthquakes and droughts, conflicts of natural resources, the climate change challenge and the context of the recent global financial crisis.


Related Link

Jun 14 2010 12:42 am

TITANIC, the Musical in Concert, A Benefit for the New York Society for Ethical Culture, Monday, June 21, 7:30 pm -- TITANIC with many of the original cast members and other Broadway notables. Concert Tickets are now being sold for $15 - $20 which include a pre-concert (6:30 pm) discussion on the ethical and historical issues in TITANIC with Maury Yeston, the original composer and lyricist and others. Post Concert Dessert Reception with Cast $50 - $75. For tickets call www.ovationtix.com

Related Link

Jun 10 2010 11:16 am

“Controlling International Organizations: A Dead-End Street,” hosted by the United Nations University Office at the UN, Wednesday, June 16th from 1:15 - 2:30 pm, Conference Room D, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York -- Professor Jan Klabbers, Director of the Academy of Finland Center for Excellence in Global Governance Research addresses how international organizations have long been deemed to contribute to the ‘salvation of mankind;” thus controlling their acts was not an issue. This has changed in recent decades: international lawyers have struggled to find legal organizations, ranging from formulating rules on the responsibility of international organizations to a Global Administrative Law approach. The purpose of this lecture is to provide an overview of these various techniques, discuss their weaknesses, and propose an (embryonic) approach. Jean-Marc Coicaud, Director of the United Nations University Office at the UN, New York moderators this discussion.

Related Link

Jun 09 2010 12:54 am

Donate Now” Button now on the AEU Website. -- The AEU also has a new “Donate Now” button on its website which supports all of the programs of the American Ethical Union.

Avail yourself of this unique opportunity to support the Ethical Culture Movement.

Related Link

Jun 08 2010 10:53 am

AEU Merchandise now available on line at www.aeu.org -- Under the new “Merchandise” Button on the AEU website, Ethical Culture publications and merchandise can be ordered on line. These materials are great for new member classes and on going study groups within Ethical Societies. Our Ethical Culture merchandise is a great way to publicize the Movement.

Related Link

Jun 07 2010 11:01 am

“How Enemies Become Friends: The Sources of Stable Peace,” Thursday, June 10, 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm, Conference Room E, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York -- Charles Kupchan, Professor of International Affairs in the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University is also Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He will reflect on his new book to explore pathways through which nations escape geopolitical competition and turn enmity into amity.

He will contend that engagement with rivals, far from being appeasement, is critical to rapprochement between adversaries; under the right circumstances, concessions are courageous investments in the mutual trust needed to build international society. Moreover, the nature of regimes and economic interdependence mater much less than commonly presumed. Countries should deal with other states based on their foreign policy behavior; diplomacy, not trade is the currency of peace.


Related Link

Jun 04 2010 09:51 am

Compiling an AEU Songbook -- Did you know that the American Ethical Union has not published a songbook since 1955? Don’t you think it’s about time to create a new one? Joan Klips is working on compiling such a Songbook.

Several leaders of the Ethical Culture Movement and many members of our congregations have expressed an interest in having a songbook that combines both traditional and contemporary songs. Indeed, in 2005, Leaders Anne Klaeysen and Bart Worden made a list of songs to be included in the “Ethical Culture Songbook Project.” Since 2005 much progress has been made. Tentatively titled "The Power and Joy of Community Singing", the book will contain songs by such noted contemporary songwriters as Bev Grant, Holly Near and Bill Staines, among others.

If you love to sing, or just want to listen to others singing together in our congregations, please consider making a donation to help in the efforts necessary to make publication of this songbook happen. While all contributions are greatly appreciated, those who donate $100 or more will have their names listed in the songbook as contributors. Please send a check payable to the AEU at AEU, 2 West 64th Street, Suite 406, New York, New York 10023 and write “AEU Songbook” in the memo line of your check to ensure that your contribution goes to the songbook fund.

Jun 03 2010 09:32 am

ESWoW Community Call – Sunday, June 6, beginning at 12 Noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2 pm Central, 3 pm Eastern an Ethical Culture Perspective on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People and Issues -- Ethical Culture has been supportive of rights and respect for all people, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning. Let's explore why that is so and what we can do to increase understanding and eliminate discrimination based on sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender expression or affect ional preference.

The National Leaders Council recently created a statement to reaffirm our historic support of treating all people with respect and dignity and that no people should have basic human rights denied to them because of sexual identity or orientation.

Leader Martha Gallahue will join us to discuss this new statement and will focus on two points in particular:
• Ethical Culture History regarding queer issues
• Ethical Culture's philosophical premise of grounding relationships in mutuality which removes "otherness"
How do queer people and issues affect your life? Is your life enriched by having people of varying sexual identities in it? Do you do social justice work on these issues?

Please join us for this conversation on Sunday, June 6, 2010 and invite anyone you think might be interested in exploring the intersection of Ethical Culture and GLBQT people and issues.

To join the ESWoW Community Calls go to www.eswow.org. The calls take place on the first and third Sundays most months at noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time.





Related Link

Jun 02 2010 09:53 am

Calling on Directors of Religious Education to review new religious education lesson plans. -- Directors of Religious Education we need you!

AEU has recently created 10 new lesson plans and we need your feedback. Please volunteer to field test the lesson plans in your Sunday Schools. Contact Aimee Neumann, AEU’s National Director of Religious Education at aneumann.aeu@gmail.com to receive the 10 FREE LESSON Plans. Thank you for reviewing our new religious education lesson plans.

May 25 2010 10:09 am

United Nations University: The Evolving Role of Agriculture in Poverty Reduction: An Empirical Perspective, Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 1:15pm -2:30 pm, Conference Room 7, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York -- Luc Christiaensen, Senior Research Fellow at the United Nations World Institute for Development Economics Research will address how the tenuous state of the world’s food security continues to dominate headlines. He reviews novel empirical evidence about the role of agriculture in development drawing on the experience from countries across the world. He argues that agriculture is at least five times more effective in reducing poverty when it comes to the poorest of the poor and up to 3.2 times better at reducing $1-day headcount poverty (including the sub-Sahara Africa. For the better-off poor (reflected in the $2-day headcount), non-agriculture has the edge. Investment now in agriculture appears not only necessary for securing the global food supply in the future, in many low income countries, it is also an effective way to reduce poverty and foster broader based economic growth.

Related Link

May 17 2010 10:58 am

European Humanist Federation to Meet in Stockholm, May 28-29, 2010 -- The 2010 General Assembly and Annual Conference of the European Humanist Federation (EHF) will be held in Stockholm, Sweden at the end of May. Events will start with an open meeting in the morning of Friday, May 28, followed by the General Assembly in the afternoon.

On Saturday, May, 29th, EHF is holding a one day conference on Women in Religion. Confirmed speakers include Eduardo Grutzky, from ALMA Europa (Stockholm) made Swedish Humanist Association on “Oppression of women in religious contexts,” Maria Hagberg, Sociologist (Sweden), on “Religions and Women’s Rights,” Unni Wikan, Professor of Social Anthropology (Oslo University), on the topic of “About Honor,” Sara Mohammad, educational leader, GAPF project against honor related violence (Sweden), Gilly Coene, European Humanist Professionals and Visiting Professor in the Philosophy Department of the Free University Brussels. On “Feminism, Humanism and Multiculturalism,” and Monika Karbowska (Poland).


Related Link

May 14 2010 10:50 am

"Founder's Day: Past, Present and Future" New York Society for Ethical Culture Auditorium, Sunday, May 16, 11:15 AM -- Dr. Anne Klaeysen will evoke the past by sharing with participants a copy of Felix Adler's Founding Address from
May 15, 1876. She will bring the ideas expressed that day into the present by addressing contemporary ethical problems that confront us.

Related Link

May 13 2010 11:34 am

Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Address Finalist Bid Cities for 2014 Parliament of World Religions – May 16 – 20 -- Representatives from five international cities will gather in Chicago to learn more about hosting the 2014 Parliament of World Religions. The meeting will take place at the Palmer House Hilton, site of the centennial 1993 Parliament and steps from the site of the inaugural Parliament of 1893 which launched the worldwide interreligious movement.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu will personally address city representatives via live-stream video from the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative’s 10th Anniversary Celebration held in honor of the decade anniversary 1999 Parliament of Religions.

The Cape Town Interfaith Initiative will also celebrate the launch of the Charter for Compassion in South Africa with a pre-recorded address by Karen Armstrong, acknowledging the decade anniversary and to officially launch the Charter in Cape Town, South Africa.


Related Link

May 12 2010 11:46 am

2010 FES Conference - May 21- 24 - Chicago -- Young adults, 18-28, meet us in Chicago for FES Conference at the Hostelling International-Chicago (hichicago.org). Close to Lake Michigan; walking distance to Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. The FES Platform will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. For more information contact Susan Buzek at sbuzek(at)aol(dot)com or lmiller@aeu.org.

May 10 2010 01:49 pm

Human Rights Regimes in the Americas – Book Launch, Monday, May 17th, 1:15pm – 2:30 pm, Conference Room 7, Temporary North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, NY -- Human Rights Regimes in the Americas, co-edited by Monica Serrano, Executive Director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and Ekkehard Strauss, Human Rights Officer at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and published by the United Nations Press in 2010, examines the complex role of human rights norms and standards in the region’s progression, illustrating the evolution and impact of international conventions, laws and institutions. The chapters combine historical detail with a focus on present day challenges for the regional and domestic human rights regimes, highlighting particular obstacles, successful approaches and strategies. Taking the reader through cases in North, Central and South America, the volume provides a rich account of the evolving regional environment for rights protection and of politics, which will be of particular interest to scholars of politics, human rights and law, policymakers and practitioners at all levels. UN researchers share new ideas and highlight new policy avenues in the areas of security, environment and development.


Related Link

May 07 2010 01:35 pm

Ethical Society Without Walls – Community Call – Sunday, May 16, 12 Noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central, and 3pm Eastern Time -- Hugh Taft-Morales will discuss the reasons Felix Adler began the Ethical Movement, particularly Adler’s perspective on the historical and philosophical context of the late nineteenth century. Many are familiar with Adler’s belief that traditional religion is dying, and his fear that with religion’s demise valuable ethical principles would disappear. Fewer understand that Adler was particularly wary of the growing dominance of materialism in many forms, such as capitalism, socialism and Darwinism. Appreciating this, as well as Adler’s yearning for transcendence, helps explain the philosophical idealism animating the historical roots of Ethical Culture.
For more information, go to www.eswow.org

ESWoW Community Calls are held on the first and third Sundays of each month. They are a way to connect members across the country to talk about issue of importance from an Ethical Culture perspective. Our focus for the month of June will be on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride concerns.ESWoW Community Calls are held on the first and third Sundays of each month. Our focus for the month of June will be on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride concerns.

Related Link

May 05 2010 10:42 am

Consumption and the Rights of Mother Earth, Tuesday, May 11, 6:15 – 7:45 pm -- The UN Commission on Sustainable Development hosts a forum on perspectives needed for change from the fields of economics, jurisprudence, psychology, science and theology. Panelists include H.E. Pablo Solon, Ambassador of Bolivia to the United Nations, David H. Krantz, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Center for Research on Environmental Decisions, Columbia University, Eduardo Scarrel, O.Carm. Ph.D. Professor of Science and Atmospheric Studies, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Patricia Siemen, OP, ESQ. Executive Director, Center for Earth Jurisprudence, Collaborative Center of Barry and St. Thomas Universities, Miami Gardens, FL. This briefing will be held in Conference Room D, Temporary North Law Building of the United Nations.

May 03 2010 04:52 pm

Sustainable Security for the 2lst Century, Monday, May 10, 1:15 – 2:45 pm -- Cosponsored by the Global Security Institute and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs at the UN Headquarters, North Lawn Building, Conference Room 2.
Speakers include UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall; Professor Jeffrey Sachs of the Earth Institute of Columbia University and Special Advisor the Secretary-General; Assistant Secretary General Thomas Stelzer; and other surprise guests. For more information contact Rhianna Kreger, GSI Senior Officer at 646-289-5170.


Related Link

Apr 30 2010 08:49 pm

Ethical Action Report May 2010 -- Separation of Church and State: Support a Day of Reason -- Women’s Rights: End the Global Gag Rule (H.R. 4879, S.311) -- LGBT Equality: Support the Student Non-Discrimination Act of 2010 (H.R. 4530) -- Separation of Church and State: Texas Textbook Reform -- Environment: Keep Sarah Palin off of the Discovery Channel

Related Link

Apr 28 2010 05:15 pm

American Ethical Union's 95th Assembly -- The Early Bird Registration Pricing ends May 1, 2010 - So don't forget to register!!!

We are pleased to announce that the AEU's Assembly is attracting a lot of attention this year due to our exciting programming. The website gives a complete overview of the programming, lodging & activities for this years Assembly in Scranton, PA.

In order to continue our efforts in lessening our carbon footprint and due to the success of last years online registration, the AEU is offering Online Registration again this year.

To view the Assembly website and/or Register, please click HERE (www.regonline.com/aeuassembly) or visit the AEU website at (http://aeu.org).

There will also be Assembly brochures available at your societies as well as on the AEU website for those who prefer to register by mail - but we are trying to move away from using paper products and have registrations made in "real-time" therefore we ask that you register online.

If you have any questions regarding this years Assembly, please call the AEU at 212-873-6500 or email L. Miller at: lmiller@aeu.org or Donna Pang at: dpang@aeu.org

We are looking forward to seeing you in Scranton!!

Apr 28 2010 10:24 am

Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture gives 2010 Peace Site Award to Daoud Nassar, May 2nd at 11:00 AM. -- Palestinian farmer and peace activist Daoud Nassar will receive the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture’s 2010 Peace Site Award during a Special Sunday morning platform in the Society’s meeting room on Prospect Park West in Brooklyn, New York.

With the help of family and community starting in 2001, Mr. Nassar transformed his farm outside of Bethlehem into a dynamic peace and local education center seeking peaceful solutions to the violence in Palestine and Israel. His American visit is made possible in part by the efforts of the Friends of Tent of Nations North America (FOTONNA).



Related Link

Apr 27 2010 10:25 am

"Ethics in the 21st Century" Conference - Saturday, May 1st, 12:30 - 5:00pm -- The Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago sponsors the "Ethics in the 21st Century" Conference to point out the need for ethical conduct in government, business and general behavior for society to offer the good life for all. Featured speakers include Jim Kenney, Executive Director of Common Ground on "The Age of Moral Growth or Moral Decay;" Louis Lombardi, professor of philosophy and director of Lake Forest College Ethics Center, on "Ethics in Our Lives;" Janice Nadler, law professor at Northwestern University, on "The Integrity of the Legal System and Ethical Social Behavior;" and Chicago Tribune columnist Dawn Turner Trice, on "Exploring Race on the Internet: My Search for Intelligent Life Beyond Echo Chambers."

Registration is $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for students. Checks should be mailed to the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago at 7574 North Lincoln Avenue, Skokie, Illinois, 60077.

Related Link

Apr 26 2010 01:23 pm

United Nations University Office at the UN - "Bankers and the Next Financial Crisis" with Simon Johnson - Wednesday, April 28th , 3:00 - 4:30 pm -- Simon Johnson, former Chief Economist at the IMF and co-author of "13 Bankers: The Wall Street Takeover and Next Financial Meltdown" charts the meteoric rise of the banking sector over the past three decades. He argues that power and prestige became increasingly concentrated in the hands of the few and locates the cause of the financial crisis in excessive risk taking. Johnson advocates a restructuring of the banking sector and introduction of new regulations before the next financial meltdown. This event will be held in the General Assembly Hall of UN Headquarters in New York. To register and for more information, go to www.ony.unu.edu

Related Link

Apr 22 2010 12:41 am

Observing Earth Day - April 22 -- Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon today stressed the need to respect and care for the Earth, noting that safeguarding the environment will impact efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and ensure the health and well-being of humans.

Environmental sustainability – the wise management of the earth’s bounty – is one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that world leaders have pledged to try to achieve by 2015, along with other ambitious targets to halve poverty, hunger and disease.

Climate change and the depleted ozone layer are among the starkest examples, said Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He observed that biological diversity is in rapid decline, freshwater and marine resources are increasingly polluted, and soils and fisheries are growing barren.

The UN’s General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution last year proclaiming April 22 International Mother Earth Day, expressing its conviction that, to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, “it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and with the Earth.”

At its 2007 AEU Assembly, the Ethical Movement adopted an Ethical Action Resolution supporting the Millennium Development Goals, evidencing our commitment to the care of the Environment.


Related Link

Apr 21 2010 11:01 am

Conversation with Japanese survivors of the atomic bomb - Monday, May 3rd at 7:30 pm -- The Ethical Society of Northern Westchester will sponsor a conversation with Japanese survivors of the atomic bomb. This event will include a brief video, words from the quests and an opportunity for questions and conversation. The event will be held at the Maryknoll Center at 55 Ryder Road, Ossining, New York in the Asia Room.

Apr 15 2010 10:37 am

Ethical Society Without Walls - Community Call - April 18th -- ESWoW will host its next Community Call on April 18th at 11am, noon Pacific, 1pm Mountain, 2pm Central and 3pm Eastern Time. Kate Lovelady, Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis will be joining us to speak about living ecologically. For more information regarding ESWoW\'s Community Calls please go to www.eswow.org. Also, feel free to invite others who might be interested in our discussions.

Apr 14 2010 04:30 pm

Justice For Juveniles - A Call to Ethical Action -- Saturday, April 24th, from 8:30am - 4:00pm -- The New York Society for Ethical Culture presents Justice For Juveniles - A Call to Ethical Action and invites you to attend this conference that aims to create a coalition of concerned organizations, citizens and media to demand and help facilitate immediate restructuring and reform of the New York State juvenile justice system. Please follow the related link below to register and find out more details on this conference.

Related Link

Apr 13 2010 09:54 am

IHEU General Assembly 2010 -- The IHEU General Assembly 2010 will be held at the offices of Centre d'Action Laique (CAL), Campus de la Plaine - CP 236, Avenue Arnaud Fraiteur, Acces 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium on Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7, 2010. It is also hoped to hold some working group seminars on topics of interest at the same venue on Thursday, August 5, 2010.

Apr 13 2010 09:49 am

The American Ethical Union's 95th Annual Assembly - Registration is Open!! -- The 95th AEU Assembly will be held at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania from June 17–20, 2010.

Our Assembly is an important point in our lives as Ethical Culturists. It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in what it really means to belong to Ethical Culture. During Assembly, we gather with like minded people and we experience the Movement in a larger context.

By participating in our annual Assembly we show each other, newcomers, and the greater community that we are a people with strong ideals, willing to declare our ethical principles for the betterment of mankind.

The Assembly is also where we are able to renew and make new acquaintances with members of societies from across the country. It is an exciting opportunity to learn from our peers, not only through the many workshops but by strengthening communication between members of all societies.

To register online go to http://www.regonline.com/aeuassembly or you can download the paper brochure/registration by clicking on the link below.

We hope to see you there.


Related Link

Apr 12 2010 01:22 pm

UN Human Rights Council adopted Annual Resolution on "Combating Defamation of Religion" -- In the closest vote yet on "Combating Defamation of Religion," the UN Human Rights Council adopted the annual resolution by 23 votes to 20 with eight abstentions. This compares with the 2009 vote of 23 in favor, 11 against, with 13 abstaining. The vote came at the end of a heavy campaign by the IHEU and several other NGOs against the concept of defamation of religion. Speaking at the UN, IHEU representative Roy Brown called upon the UN Human Rights Council to "reject the resolution 'combating defamation of religion'as both unjustifiable and unnecessary." The AEU is a founding member of the IHEU.

Related Link

Apr 04 2010 00:02 am

Ethical Action Report April 2010 -- LGBT Equality: Repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (H.R. 1283, S. 3065) -- Civil Liberties: Tell Google Not to Share Info with the NSA -- Maternal Health: Urge the Department of Health and Human Services to Make Safe Pregnancy a Priority -- Sensible Drug Policy: Urge Wal-Mart to Change its Policy on Medical Marijuana

Related Link

Apr 01 2010 10:03 am

2010 FES Conference -- Young adults, 18-28, meet us in Chicago for FES Conference Seven. May 21-24, 2010, at the Hostelling International-Chicago (hichicago.org). Close to Lake Michigan; walking distance to Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Platform will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. For more information contact Susan Buzek at sbuzek(at)aol(dot)com.

Mar 26 2010 02:14 pm

2010 AEU Lay Leadership Summer SchooL -- The AEU is very excited to announce that we are now accepting application for the eighth AEU Lay Leadership Summer to be held July 24 - 31, 2010 on The Mountain in Highlands, N.C.

We have assembled a dedicated, skilled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty composed of professional and lay leaders from around the country.

The brochure and application/registration forms can be found on the AEU website at http://aeu.org (BROCHURE and REGISTRATION FORM) or if you wish to apply on-line please following the link provided below.

The deadline for applying to the Lay Leadership Summer School is April 2, 2010 so we ask that if you are interested not to delay because space is limited.

Related Link

Mar 18 2010 03:56 pm

Truth Commission on Conscience in War - AEU Co-Sponsors Hearing with 55 religious and ethical organizations -- The American Ethical Union and the New York Society for Ethical Culture are joining with a broad based interfaith coalition to co-sponsor the "Truth Commission on Conscience in War" on Sunday, March 21st at Riverside Church located at 490 Riverside Drive in New York City from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

This event launches a major nationwide conversation to educate religious communities and leaders about current conscientious objection military regulations, religious traditions of a "just war," and the rights of service members to object to a particular war.

The Truth Commission in War will hear from veterans, military chaplains, religious leaders and legal experts about the issues of moral and religious conscience facing our nation's service members.



Related Link

Mar 17 2010 04:54 pm

American Ethical Union signs on to Amicus Brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Christian Legal Soceity v. Martinez -- On Monday, March 15th, the American Ethical Union joined with other nontheistic organizations in submitting an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. It argued that religious student organizations do not have the constitutional right to violate public college's non-discrimination policies.

The case concerns a student chapter of the Christian Legal Society (CLS) at the University of Hastings College of Law. CLS sued the school after being denied official recognition and funding because the student group excluded non-Christian, gay and lesbian students, in violation of the school's non-discrimination policy. That policy requires that student groups can receive funding and official recognition only if they are open to all students.

This case is likely to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall.

Mar 15 2010 09:40 am

American Ethical Union's 95th Assembly - Registration Is Now Open!! -- The 95th AEU Assembly will be held at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania from June 17–20, 2010.

Our Assembly is an important point in our lives as Ethical Culturists. It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in what it really means to belong to Ethical Culture. During Assembly, we gather with like minded people and we experience the Movement in a larger context.

By participating in our annual Assembly we show each other, newcomers, and the greater community that we are a people with strong ideals, willing to declare our ethical principles for the betterment of mankind.

The Assembly is also where we are able to renew and make new acquaintances with members of societies from across the country. It is an exciting opportunity to learn from our peers, not only through the many workshops but by strengthening communication between members of all societies.

To register online go to http://www.regonline.com/aeuassembly or you can download the paper brochure/registration by clicking on the link below.

We hope to see you there.


Related Link

Mar 06 2010 04:11 pm

Ethical Action Report March 2010 -- LGBT Equality: Tell the President and Congress to Repeal DOMA -- Sustainable Agriculture: Support a Healthy Global Food System -- Women’s Rights: Urge the United Nations to Create a Women’s Agency -- Separation of Church and State: Stop Federally Funded School Vouchers

Related Link

Mar 01 2010 03:59 pm

American Ethical Union Representatives met with Senior Administration Officials during SCA White House Briefing -- The American Ethical Union, as a member organization of the Secular Coalition for America, participated in a briefing with White House officials to discuss childhood medical neglect and abuse, fixing faith based initiatives and military proselytizing and coercion.

Representatives from the American Ethical Union joined with other SCA member organizations to have a dialogue with Senior Administration Officials, including the Director of The White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Commissioner of Administration on Children, Youth and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel in the U.S. Defense Department.

We were pleased to have a place at the table, with a chance to hear from Administration representatives and for them to hear from us about issues that affect all Americans. This historic meeting marked the first time in history that a presidential administration has met for a policy briefing with the American nontheistic community. The Administration was open to future dialogue with us on public policy issues.

Jan 29 2010 03:47 pm

Ethical Action Report - February 2010 -- In this Issue:

* Provide Emergency Relief and Disaster Recovery to Haiti:
Donate to the National Service Conference to provide assistance and critical care to Haiti.

* Protect Choice: Keep an abortion ban out of the Health Care Reform Bill

* Protect Civil Liberties: Close Guantanamo Bay Prison

* Protect Women: Spread the word about Adding it up

* Keep the Promise: Ask your lawmaker to support the Tribal Law and Order Act (S.797, H.R. 1924)

Related Link

Jan 23 2010 12:31 am

AEU Lay Leadership Summer School 2010 -- The AEU is very excited to announce that we are now accepting application for the eighth AEU Lay Leadership Summer to be held July 24 - 31, 2010 on The Mountain in Highlands, N.C.

We have assembled a dedicated, skilled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty composed of professional and lay leaders from around the country.

The brochure and application/registration forms can be found on the AEU website at http://aeu.org (BROCHURE and REGISTRATION FORM) or if you wish to apply on-line please following the link provided below.

The deadline for applying to the Lay Leadership Summer School is April 2, 2010 so we ask that if you are interested not to delay because space is limited.

Related Link

Jan 19 2010 10:10 am

Haiti Needs Our Help -- The National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union created the Rose L. Walker Fund. One of its purposes is to respond to global crises as has just occurred in Haiti.

The National Service Conference has agreed to send the first amount it gathers to Doctors Without Borders.

In light of the urgency of this situation, we ask for your contributions as soon as possible. 100% of what you donate is tax deductible.

You can donate using the Donate Now button on the upper left hand side of this screen (the aeu homepage) and click on the Rose L. Walker Fund tab or by sending a check made out to the National Service Conference, c/o The American Ethical Union, 2 West 64th Street, Suite 406, NY, NY 10023.

For additional information and links, please visit www.nationalserviceaeu.org

Dec 14 2009 10:50 am

Ethical Action Report - December 2009 -- Tis the Season: Give Thanks by Giving Back -- Protect Choice: Help Defeat the Stupak-Pitts Amendment! -- Protect Civil Liberties: Ask Attorney General Eric Holder to Try All Terror Suspects in Federal Civilian Courts -- Separation of Church and State: Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2662)

Related Link

Dec 04 2009 03:21 pm

Parliament of World Religions - Melbourne, Australia -- "Every five years, the Parliament of World Religions welcomes thousands of people to see the world through different eyes. People of different faiths come together to learn, grow and celebrate their diversity. They realize that despite their religious differences, they share a similar calling to build a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. Friendships are made. Wisdom is shared. Lessons are learned. New relationships emerge."

The American Ethical Union will be represented at the upcoming Parliament of World Religions by Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, member of the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union and the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union at the United Nations.

Please encourage our Societies to view more information about this world wide religious conference on http://www.parliamentofreligions.org.

Look for a report on the Parliament of World Religions when Anne Klaeysen returns from Australia in an upcoming issue of Dialogue and on the aeu website at www.aeu.org.

Dec 02 2009 04:52 pm

A Call for a Just and Lasting Peace in Afghanistan - from the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union -- FROM THE NATIONAL LEADERS COUNCIL
OF THE AMERICAN ETHICAL UNION

DECEMBER 8, 2009

The National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union opposes President Obama’s plan to dramatically increase the number of troops involved in the conflict in Afghanistan as unreasonable and unjustified. Increased military operations will result in increased deaths of both civilians and armed forces. Further, means of force will not solve the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. It is the wrong means aimed at the wrong enemy.

The true enemy in Afghanistan, as in so many places, is ignorance coupled with economic deprivation, which often leads to desperation, fanaticism, and terrorism. When employed by the likes of Al-Qaida, this constitutes a real threat to open, democratic nations throughout the world. We recognize the legitimate right of nations so threatened to respond directly to the perpetrators of terrorism.

However, the only way to break the cycle and defeat terrorism is through a respectful relationship with the Afghan people, one aimed at providing the basic requirements for human flourishing—water, food, shelter, education, and a reason to choose life over death.

The needs, wishes, and well-being of the Afghan people must be at the center of rebuilding Afghanistan. A negotiated solution is necessary, one that includes all groups involved in the conflict. A lasting peace in the region can only come from the participation of all parties that legitimately represent the interests of their constituents, including Pakistan where Al-Qaida has taken refuge.

We therefore call upon the Afghanistan and Pakistan Heads of State to enlist the help of the United Nations in taking the lead in the reconstruction of Afghanistan through a collaborative process with the Afghan people and all other interested and affected regional parties, and we call upon the United States and its NATO allies to fully fund the initiative.

Nov 16 2009 04:25 pm

December 5, 2009 AEU Growth and Development Workshop - Incorporating New Members - with Alice Mann (10:30am - 5:30pm) New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 West 64th Street) -- Alban Institute Senior Consultant and author, Alice Mann shares her expertise in helping congregations develop ways to incorporate new members in this workshop. Attracting and retaining new members doesn't happen by accident. It happens because people within a Society have a passionate commitment to offer others something that has been of great value in their own life, and because they practice forms of hospitality and follow-through that enables an "outsider" to become an "insider".

Mann's programs are lively and interactive, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge from within a board cross section of religious denominations in diverse settings across the United States.
We request that each individual or Society contribute $50.00 per participant which will include lunch.

Nov 12 2009 10:59 pm

2009 United Nations Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns -- The 2009 Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns honors the 2009 International Year of Reconciliation, the 2009 International Year of Human Rights Learning, and the Decade of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World (2001-2010)in a week-long programs of events created to explore the very essence of the United Nation's commitment to the peaceful resolution of international issues of focused meditations, workshops, panel discussions, group interchanges, music and dance performances.

The CSVGC-NY Universal Ethics Working Group presents a panel on Thursday, October 29th on "Opening Our Hearts to Empathy Through Story." This panel will be moderated by Martha Gallahue, of the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union at the United Nations and Genie Kagawa, of the Universal Peace Federation. For more detailed information, click on the link below.

Oct 26 2009 04:50 pm

Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend -- Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend -- Parenting Beyond Belief with Dale McGowan is the topic for this year's AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend being held over the weekend of November 6-8, 2009 at the Stony Point Conference Center located in Stony Point, NY. Click on the link below to view the entire brochure and register. We hope to see you there!


Related Link

Oct 20 2009 03:57 pm

Halloween Haunting on 64th Street - A NYSEC Candlelight Building Tour -- Friday, October 30th 7-10pm
and Sat., October 31st 6-11pm

In honor of the New York Society for Ethical Culture's Building's 100th Anniversary, they will host a Halloween candlelight tour of the building. A wonderful event for families to attend together, everyone will find something of interest on this special tour. History by candlelight, theatrical reenactments with live actors, the ghosts of Ethical Culture and New York past, spooky ambiance and Halloween treats for all. A different twist on Halloween, enjoy the ghostly atmosphere without all the guts and gore!

The tour will be approximately 45 minutes long and travel throughout the building. Because guests will need to travel down several flights of stairs, attendance is not recommended for those with limited mobility.

Price:$13.00 - Adults
$5.00 - Children

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Sheleigah Grube by email or phone at 212-874-5210 x118.

To volunteer for the event, contact Curt Collier by email or phone at 914-648-0009 or Sheleigah Grube at 212-874-5210 x118.

Oct 20 2009 03:13 pm

SUSTAINABLE LIVING EVENT - October 25, 2009 -- A special event on Sustainable Living is being hosted by the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester with additional participation by the New York Society for Ethical Culture and the Riverdale Yorkers Society for Ethical Culture on Sunday, October 25, 2009.
The event will be hosted by Curt Collier, New York Society Ethical Culture Leader and Deputy Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley and will include a tour of the Science Barge, presentations on getting involved with your community to promote sustainable living, and information about ecologically helpful projects that can adopt to engage members and others in their communities.

Time:
3:00pm - 5:00pm

Location:
The Science Barge is docked on the Hudson River near 99 Dock Street, Yonkers (behind the Metro North Rail Station)

For Directions call: 914-375-2151
RSVP to Sara Sheperd 914-948-1120 or ecsw@optonline.net

Oct 09 2009 10:08 am

National Equality March - Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 -- The Washington Ethical Society is inviting participation in the National Equality March for LGBT rights. This March is endorsed by major LGBT rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign.
Detailed information is listed on the website of the Washington Ethical Society at www.ethicalsociety.org. Please share this news and encourage others to rally for the event.

Oct 02 2009 03:08 pm

Children's Day - Ethical Humanist Soceity of Long Island, Sunday, October 11 -- The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island is hosting an all-day event on Oct. 11 for the children of the Ethical Culture Movement. Arthur Dobrin, Leader Emeritus will lead a special Platform on Ethical Identity for adults and the older Sunday school children. The Platform will address topics such as how kids can deal with their "ethical religion" when their friends are Jewish, Muslin, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and so on. How can their parents help them with this.
Bob Berson, Leader, Ethical Society of Northern Westchester will lead a discussion group (not a formal talk) with teens on the same topic, while younger Sunday school children will have a planned lesson or activity. This will be a chance for our kids to see that there are others growing up with the same beliefs and the same philosophy, and that they are not alone.
After the Platform, there will be a pizza lunch followed by fun activities for the kids. It is our hope that the children from all of the Societies in the NY Metropolitan area will be present.

Oct 02 2009 11:56 am

Ethical Action Report - October 2009 -- * Civil Liberties: Support the JUSTICE Act (S. 1686)
* E Pluribus Unum: Restore "Out of Many, One" as our National Motto
* End Workplace Discrimination: Support the Employment Non Discrimination Act (H.R. 2981 and S. 1584)
* Support the Youth PROMISE Act Today! (H.R. 1064 and S. 435)
* Participate in the International Day of Climate Action

Related Link

Oct 01 2009 11:52 pm

AEU Officiants -- Upon the recommendation of the AEU Leadership Committee, the AEU Board of Directors approved a first term Officiant Application for Paula Rochelle of the Ethical Culture Society of Silicon Valley.

The AEU Board also voted to renew licenses for 11 Officiants. Those included the following individuals:
Pat Bruder-Debrovner, New York; Phyllis Anne Duncan,Northern Virginia; Arnold Fishman, Philadelphia; Temma Fishman, Philadelphia; Arlene Honeywell, St. Louis; James Honeywell, St. Louis; Andra Miller, New York; James Mooney, St. Louis; Patricia Paley, Brooklyn; Katrina Scott, Boston; Monica Weiss, New York.

Oct 01 2009 11:33 pm

Amanda Poppei, New Ethical Culture Leader -- Upon completion of her training with the AEU Leadership Committee, the AEU Leadership Committee recommended Amanda Poppei for certification as a new Ethical Culture Leader to the AEU Board of Directors. On September 20, 2009, the AEU Board voted unanimously in favor of Amanda Poppei's certification as a new Ethical Culture Leader. Amanda serves as the Senior Leader of the Washington Ethical Society.

Oct 01 2009 11:31 pm

AEU Adds Its Name to Open Letter from Religious Leaders -- The AEU Board of Directors passed by consensus, with one vote standing aside, to add the American Ethical Union's name onto the National Coalition for Reproductive Choice's Open Letter from Religious Leaders to Congress Urging Access to Abortion in Health Care Reform.

Oct 01 2009 11:30 pm

National Leaders Council Issues Statement on Health Care Reform -- Endorsed the National Leaders Council Health Care Reform Statement of 2009. This NLC Statement supports efforts to reform the health care system within the United States to provide affordable, effective and dependable health care for all. The full text of this NLC Statement on Health Care Reform 2009 can be found on the AEU website.

Sep 01 2009 03:48 pm

Religious Education Fall Conference & Family Weekend -- Parenting Beyond Belief with Dale McGowan is the topic for this year's AEU Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend being held over the weekend of November 6-8, 2009 at the Stony Point Conference Center located in Stony Point, NY. Click on the link below to view the entire brochure and register. We hope to see you there!

Related Link

Aug 26 2009 11:31 am

The National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union Health Care Reform Statement of 2009 -- The National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union supports current efforts to reform the health care system within the United States in order to provide affordable, effective and dependable health care for all. We reaffirm our historic position that “Health care is a right to which every man, woman and child is entitled.”* Although the present proposed bills in Congress do not address all the issues of concern to us, we support President Obama’s effort at creating a just and fair health care system. We expect that any national reform legislation would contain:
• Availability of health care to all persons, regardless of age, ability to pay, or pre-existing conditions.
• Universal insurance coverage that would include preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services and mental care, for as long as necessary.
• Assurance of freedom of choice for patients and doctors, and equality of price for all.

Nothing in such health care legislation should preclude the private practice of medicine or the private funding of medical care or research.

*AEU 1973 statement on health care http://aeu.org/library/byresolution.php

Aug 26 2009 11:22 am

Announcing Trish Cowan as our new AEU Religious Education Curriculum Developer -- After an extensive search and interviewing process with a number of talented candidates from across the Ethical Culture Movement, it is with great pleasure that I announce Trish Cowan is our new American Ethical Union Religious Education Curriculum Developer. Trish is currently the St. Louis Director of Religious Education and she serves on the national Religious Education Committee.

We were fortunate to have many terrific candidates, all of whom had years of Ethical Culture and Ethical Humanist experience and a variety of talents pertinent to curriculum writing. A team read resumes, conducted phone interviews, and deliberated. It was a difficult decision making process. We wish we had more jobs to offer! We will look for ways to engage more people and expand curriculum writing opportunities in the future. Thank you, again, to our very talented candidates from across the Ethical Movement.

As the project continues, we look for your help. We know that great curriculum comes from a combination of creative, experienced writing, input from a wide range of sources, and extensive field testing. Trish will be asking for your best lessons on a variety of topics. She will read through everything and fill in any gaps, so we can provide the best of the best from the AEU. Materials will be available shortly online, and we request your feedback as you try the lessons in your own societies or homes. Join me in welcoming Trish to her new position.

Aimee Neumann
National Director of Religious Education

Aug 26 2009 11:18 am

Salazar v. Buono Amicus Brief -- On July 31, 2009, the American Ethical Union, participated as a friend of the court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on the case of Salazar v. Buono in support of respondent Frank Buono. The case will determine whether a Christian cross may remain atop Sunrise Rock in the Mojave National Preserve in California.

In this Amicus Brief, the American Ethical Union became a friend of the court with the American Humanist Association, Atheist Alliance International, the Military Alliance of Atheists and Freethinkers, the Secular Student Alliance and the Society for Secular Judaism.

Robert Ritter, Legal Counsel for the Appignani Humanist Legal Center, saw this case "as a clear violation of the establishment clause. Under Court precedent, government may not prefer one religion over another, or religion over nonreligion. Here, government has done both."

Aug 26 2009 11:16 am

A Tribute to Phyllis Ehrenfeld -- The American Ethical Union, the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union at the United Nations and the Ehrenfeld family share in the loss of Phyllis Ehrenfeld, who recently passed after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Up until her passing, Phyllis served as the President of the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union. She and her husband Sylvain represented Ethical Culture at the United Nations and wrote over 90 articles on the UN for Dialogue, the national newsletter of the American Ethical Union.

Phyllis was a long-time member of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County and served as President of the UNA/USA Bergen County. She will long be remembered for her dedicated focus on global issues and values which unite those within our Ethical Culture Communities locally, nationally and globally.

Phyllis was an accomplished writer, novelist, playwright and a lover of poetry. She often conducted play reading groups and literary workshops at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County.

Her husband, Dr. Sylvain Ehrenfeld, continues his work as the AEU Representative to the United Nations and as a strong voice of Ethical Culture on behalf of the National Service Conference of the AEU at the United Nations.

A memorial service will be scheduled for September 13th at 3:00pm at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County located at 687 Larch Avenue, Bergen, New Yew Jersey 07666-2301.

Jul 16 2009 11:20 pm

Austin Announces New Home -- The Ethical Society of Austin is truly delighted to announce that it is moving into 24/7 space. Since its inception, ESA has operated in Sunday-only spaces, but beginning July 19, 2009, ESA will have a 24/7 home at 5555 N Lamar, Blvd., Suite L137, Austin, Texas 78751. The space is centrally located, and has a Sunday School room and an office as well as a meeting room. We are working to furnish the space (furniture, furnishings and fixtures) and the time (board and committee meetings, Sunday School parent meetings, newcomer meetings, and ethical action and social meetings), and intend to have a grand open house in late August. Our thanks to all of the Societies who have helped us with advice, suggestions, and examples.

Related Link

Jul 16 2009 02:48 pm

Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, July 24th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming. The topic of discussion will be on Self-Regard and Ethical Living with our special guest Bart Worden, Leader of the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester.

Our self-perception affects the way we behave. What influence does the culture we grow up in have on how we see ourselves? Is it important that we have illusions about who we are? Is an inflated self-image harmful? How can good people quiet the mental voice that continually tells them they're not good enough? Join us in a wide-ranging exploration of the subject and learn the two keys for success in leading a confident and ethical life.

Jul 12 2009 11:14 pm

Dialogue Summer 2009 Published -- Comprehensive reporting on the events of the AEU National Assembly 2009 that took place in St. Louis, MO, in June 2009, form the core content of this edition of Dialogue.

Related Link

Jul 06 2009 02:19 pm

Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture awards Peace Site Award -- Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture awarded its annual Peace Site Award to Women for Afghani Women (WAW) on Sunday, June 21st. The award was accepted by Manizha Naderi, Executive Director. Women for Afghan Women is a Queens-based organization committed to ensuring the human rights of Afghan women. Most of its staff is in Afghanistan, where they support the development of vocational training and education for women and girls, counseling and safe spaces for women threatened with violence, "advocate for the full inclusion of women in all aspects of Afghan life" and "keep alive and vibrant the discourse of human rights for women in an Islamic context."

Related Link

Jul 03 2009 01:03 am

Ethical Action Report July 2009 -- Ask your representative to co-sponsor the State Secrets Protection Act of 2009 (H.R. 984) -- Urge Congress to Create Health Care Reform Independent of Religious Preferences --
Support PBS Ban of Purely Religious Programming -- Urge Obama Administration to consider the appointment of Open Minded NIH Director

Related Link

Jun 30 2009 11:26 am

AEU Ethical Action Resolution - Climate Change 2009 -- The National Leaders Council and the National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union passed a new Climate Change 2009 Resolution at the 94th Assembly of the AEU.

WHEREAS: Climate Change is a catastrophe driven by human choices that have resulted in unsustainable and inequitable use of carbon-releasing energy sources, and

WHEREAS: The United Nations has determined to seek a new Framework of Action with regard to Climate Change at the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change in December of 2009 ,and

WHEREAS: A global shift in policy must be led by those nations with the highest per capita use of carbon-releasing energy sources, chief among them the United States,

THEREFORE: We urge all governments, especially the United States,
• To reprioritize state interests and implement Climate Change policies that acknowledge our collective interdependence and responsibility, and
• To recognize and address the underlying influence of consumerism, waste and increasing population on Climate Change.

FURTHERMORE: In order to increase institutional conscientiousness and promote an ethical maturity around Climate Change that acknowledges its impact on human life and the natural world of which we are a part, we call upon the Leaders and members of The American Ethical Union:
• To take initiatives designed to change behavior among all sectors—governmental, business, individual, and especially within our Societies—to reduce our carbon footprint, and
• To support the National Service Conference’s efforts to integrate a moral dimension into the United Nations’ Climate Change agenda through active participation in the NGO Working Group.

Note: For continuing updates, visit www.nationalserviceaeu.org


Related Link

Jun 20 2009 00:11 am

Announcing the Tag Cloud -- We are launching a Tag Cloud, a new tool of the AEU Library website. The tag cloud is reachable from the "by tag" option of the main menu of the Library site.

Tag clouds, a feature of many websites used to qualify and facilitate access to content, entails a series of clickable keywords that point to articles that are part of a collection of documents. These key words are displayed in different sizes to indicate the popularity of a specific topic in the assets of a library -- the bigger the tag, the more articles it points to. Clicking on a tag displays a list of articles it relates to. Each article listing is accompanied by a list of other tags that point to it as well, which in turn, can be clicked to uncover more articles with, perhaps, related content.

As of today, only a few items have been (partially) tagged, as examples of what it is meant to be and, as a teaser, to invite participation in the project of tagging the current and future content of the AEU Library.

We expect to authorize members of the Movement as "taggers." Taggers will have two methods of creating, editing and deleting tags. One, is by direct login into a protected area of the site where they will be able to tag several articles within the same logged in session. The second method, allows for "ad hoc" tagging of an individual article using a process of validation through email. In both cases, taggers will have to register to perform this task in order to minimize attempts by hackers or spammers to gain entry into the website.

Besides the standard benefits of tag clouds, for example, that of quickly assessing the importance of certain topics in a collection of documents, committees of the AEU will be able to submit documents that would immediately be tagged with the name of the committee. For example, the tag "membership" could be used as a gateway to a collection of documents about the activities of the committee or about the topic of membership in the AEU or societies.

Please contact the webmaster if you are interested in being a tagger.

Related Link

Jun 15 2009 02:40 am

AEU's 2009 Elliott Black Award -- At the 94th Assembly of the American Ethical Union, Chaplain James J. Yee was recognized as AEU’s 2009 Elliott Black Recipient. James Yee advised commanders of Guantanamo Bay on detainee religious practices. He objected to the cruel and degrading abuses to which prisons were subjected. Chaplain Yee was subsequently detained and subjected to inhuman military practices including sensory deprivation and solitary confinement. He was cleared of all criminal charges and awarded the second Army commendation medal for "exceptionally meritorious service." AEU recognized Chaplain James Yee for his significant ethical contribution to society at personal risk and hardship. We celebrated his support of religious freedom and access to fundamental human and civil rights for all human beings.

Related Link

Jun 15 2009 02:31 am

New Leaders, Chaplains -- The AEU Leadership Committee, the AEU Board, and the AEU Assembly endorsed certification of a new Ethical Culture Leader, Martha Gallahue. She has undertaken a unique outreach at the United Nations on behalf of the AEU’s National Service Conference with a host of nongovernmental organizations to advance the voice of ethical culture globally.

Three Ethical Culture Chaplains for Healthcare were also commissioned at this year's AEU Assembly. The AEU is also exploring new Leadership Certification Programs for Ethical Culture Leaders on college and university campuses and for Military Chaplains.

Jun 15 2009 02:27 am

From the AEU Board to the IHEU Board -- For the first time in 25 years, a member of the American Ethical Union has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the International Humanist Ethical Union (IHEU). Ron Solomon has just returned from the June, 2009 IHEU World Congress in London. Ron Solomon, AEU Board Member and Mel Lipmann, past President of the AHA, are the only 2 Americans to serve on the Executive Committee of the IHEU.

Related Link

Jun 04 2009 01:45 pm

Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, June 26th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be New York State Sentencing Reform with special guest Commissioner Denise O’Connell, New York State Deputy for Public Safety, who is responsible for policies and operations of the state’s homeland security, emergency preparedness and criminal justice agencies. Among several state divisions, she’s also in charge of the Division of Criminal Justice Services and she’ll be wearing this hat for our discussion of New York State drug law sentencing reform in response to the publication of a two year study of New York State’s sentencing statutes by a bi-partisan commission.
Our interview team brings special insight, as Dr. Harrison-Ross is now the Commissioner and Chair of the Medical Review Board of the New York State Commission of Corrections. The program will be hosted by Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross and Andra Miller.

May 29 2009 11:05 pm

Ethical Action Report June 2009 -- Government Reform: Tell Federal Agencies to Let Scientists Speak Out -- Separation of Church and State: Urge Your Representative to Oppose the "America's Spiritual Heritage" Resolution -- Human Rights: Ask Obama to Reject the Military Commissions System -- Climate Change: Ask the Environmental Protection Agency to Halt Permission for New Blended Gasoline until More Studies are Completed

Related Link

Apr 30 2009 06:34 pm

Ethical Action Report May 2009 -- Save the Environment: Be Part of the 2% Solution -- Walk to Stop Violence against Women and Girls -- Call on Investors to Stand Up for Human Rights in Darfur -- Urge Impeachment of Torture Memo Author Judge Jay Bybee

Related Link

Apr 10 2009 12:12 am

Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, April 24th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with special guest Diane Kirschner a student of NVC since 2004 and currently facilitates a study group at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. NVC also known as Compassionate Communication is both a consciousness and a tool to build relationships free from judgment, coercion, guilt, shame, blame and diagnosis by getting in touch with our feelings and needs thus being able to communicate more honestly and listen empathically to what others are feeling and needing. The program will be hosted by Andra Miller.

Apr 03 2009 00:27 am

Ethical Action Report April 2009 -- Civil Liberties: Support the State Secrets Protection Act of 2009 (H.R. 984) -- Reproductive Freedom: End Funding for Abstinence-Only Education -- Human Rights: Support Clemency for Troy Davis -- Human Rights: Ensure that Detention Centers Meet Humane Standards

Related Link

Apr 03 2009 00:24 am

Spring 2009 Dialogue Published -- In this issue: AEU Assembly -- Senior Connections -- New Dialogue Editor -- Anna Garlin Spencer Award -- Leadership Training -- Darwin and Lincoln -- New York Area Darwin Day Celebrations -- Silicon Valley Ethical Society Incorporation -- National Service Conference -- Encampment for Citizenship -- Same-Sex Marriage Resolution -- Bergen Fundraising Walkway Project -- Ethical Culture New Mission Statement -- Executive Director’s Report -- New Leaders Statement -- Religious Education -- Youth in Ethical Societies -- Camp Linden -- Rainbow Warriors Summer Day Camp -- Abra-KID-Abra Summer Day Camp -- Future of Ethical Societies -- Ethical Society Without Walls -- Letters, Excerpts and Blogs -- Paul Raynault Memorial -- United Nations Report -- Secular Coalition of America

Related Link

Mar 20 2009 12:27 am

Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, March 27th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be Health Care in Our Prisons with guest Jack Beck. They will discuss the ethical issues in prison health care in NY State correctional facilities. The program will be hosted by Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross and Andra Miller.

Mar 11 2009 12:18 am

94th Annual Assembly!! June 11-14, 2009 -- The American Ethical Union's 94th Assembly, hosted by Ethical Society Mid Rivers will be held this year in St. Louis, MO. We are excited to introduce our new Assembly website which will give you an overview of what is offered this year and in keeping with reducing our carbon footprint we are offering online registration!

In order to use this function, please click on the "Assembly 2009 Registration" box in the upper right-hand corner of this screen or go to www.regonline.com/aeu.

For those still requiring a paper version of our Assembly brochure and registration, they can be found by click on the link below or at your local society.

We are offering a very exciting program this year and look forward to seeing you in St. Louis!

Related Link

Mar 02 2009 06:35 pm

Ethical Action Report March 2009 -- Church and State: Stop Religious Discrimination in Obama's Faith-Based Program! -- Reproductive Freedom: Support a Rescission of Anti-Woman HHS Regulations -- Civil Rights: Support the DC House Voting Rights Act (H.R. 157) -- Human Rights: Support a Moratorium on Federal Executions

Related Link

Fev 03 2009 12:37 am

Ethical Action Report February 2009 -- Separation of Church and State: Ask President Obama to Say "No" to the Boy Scouts! -- Taxation without Representation: Support the DC Voting Rights Act (HR 157)-- GLBT Equality: Support Equal Benefits for Same-Sex Partners in the State Department -- Sensible Drug Policy: Urge President Obama to Halt Medical Marijuana Raids

Related Link

Jan 20 2009 02:44 pm

Lobbying Techniques Workshop -- The Ethical Culture Society of Westchester will be offering a special workshop on Lobbying Techniques guided by seasoned lobbyist Lori Lippman Brown on January 25, 2009 at 1:30pm. This event will be held at the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester located at 7 Saxon Woods Rd., White Plains, NY 10605. For additional information and/or direction please call (914) 948-1120. There will be a suggested donation for this workshop of $10.00. We look forward to seeing you there.

Jan 20 2009 02:31 pm

Ethics On The Air -- Please tune in on Friday, January 23, 2009 at 11:00 am for NYSEC's Ethics on the Air on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming) this month's topic will be on "Environmental Politics and Policy" hosted by Andra Miller and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross with special guest Curt Collier, NY Society Ethical Culture Leader. The talk will focus on how environmental policy has evolved over the years and been shaped by political forces instead of scientific. Observations on Obama's choice of Steven Chu as secretary of Energy, Lisa Jackson as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Nancy Sutley as chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, and former EPA Administrator Carol Browner as the White House Coordinator of Energy and Climate. The way these choices suggest policies as Obama administration might be pursuing. How those policies compare to the Ethical Culture vision for the environment.

Dec 11 2008 07:26 am

AEU MISSION STATEMENT -- The American Ethical Union, a religious organization, is a federation of Ethical Societies, which promotes the growth of the Ethical Culture movement by supporting existing Ethical Societies and fostering new ones. We recognize the unique worth of each individual, we act to elicit the best in others and in ourselves; our faith is in the human capacity to create a better world. The American Ethical Union is a religious, educational, cultural and social justice organization.

Adopted by the Board of Directors
American Ethical Union
November 2008

Dec 05 2008 11:17 pm

Ethical Action Report December 2008 -- Separation of Church and State: Ask President-Elect Obama to Stop Religious Discrimination! -- Stand up for Choice: Tell the Senate Richard Honaker is Too Extreme for the Federal Bench! -- LGBT Equality: Tell Congress to Repeal “Don’t Ask0, Don’t Tell” (H.R. 1246) -- Human Rights: Support Increased Aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo -- Women’s Rights: Support the International Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 5927)

Related Link

Dec 05 2008 04:24 pm

DARWIN DAY CELEBRATION -- Darwin Day Family Festival -- NY Metro Area Ethical Culture Societies. The Saturday, 2/7 event at 2 W. 64th St., New York City is from 2 to 5 p.m. and will have games and entertainment for kids, speakers and fun for adults. All with end singing together Happy Birthday Charlie! For more information on this event please follow the link.


Related Link

Dec 03 2008 11:45 pm

Ethical Action Report November 2008 -- Voter Rights and Voter Registration: Contact the Department of Justice to Protect our Right to Vote -- GLBT Equality: Support Marriage Equity for All -- Human Rights: Improve Prison Conditions at Guantanamo -- Equal Justice: Stop Sentencing Discrimination (S. 1711 and H.R. 4545) -- Healthy Environment: Support the Clean Water Restoration Act (H.R. 2421/S. 1870)

Related Link

Nov 21 2008 04:57 pm

Ethics On The Air -- The next installment of NYSEC's Ethics on the Air will broadcast Friday, November 28th at 11 A.M. on WBAI-99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The topic will be "The Ethics of Eating" with guest Anne Klaeysen, NYSEC Leader. Learn how to apply ethical principles to your diet. We will explore helpful resources to bring awareness to your eating habits and to develop a conscious practice that is healthful, ethical and enjoyable. The program will be hosted by Andra Miller and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross.

Nov 04 2008 09:49 am

AEU Religious Education Conference and Family Weekend!!! -- "Teaching Humanism In Ethical Culture" -- Humanizm is at the core of Ethical Culture. How do we teach our children to affirm the dignity and worth of all people? Do we, ourselves, seek truth and morality through human investigation? We will discuss these questions and others as we gather with religious educators and families from around the country for a regenerative weekend in Stony Point, NY. Featured guest speakers Amanda Metskas, of Camp Quest, will share activities from the Wiki curriculum project for Freethinkers, Atheists, Brights and others with a natural view of the world. Come share your views and learn something new.

This RE conference will be held at Stony Point Center, Stony Point, New York from November 7-9, 2008.

Related Link

Oct 03 2008 11:13 pm

Ethical Action Report October 2008 -- Civil Liberties: Rein in Department of Homeland Security Travel Abuses -- Human Rights: Support Human Rights Throughout the World -- The Ethical Culture Movement Stands in Opposition to Violence -- Make Ethical and Educated Choices: A Resource for Informed Voters

Related Link

Sep 12 2008 05:11 pm

"A Conversation On Ethical Religion" -- September 27, 2008 at NYSEC Social Hall at 1pm.
Special Event: Featuring an Address by Michael Benedikt, author of "God Is the Good We Do - Theology of Theopraxy" and panelists: Joseph Chuman, Ethical Culture Leader, Curt Collier, Ethical Culture Leader and Rabbi Peter Schweitzer, City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism.
About the Book: "God Is the Good We Do" invites believers and agnostics to return to their spiritual heritages with changed understanding of how religions are and are not carrying out God's will. At the same time, it invites atheists to see the universe, a force whose existence depends on them as much as anyone else. "God Is the Good We Do" appeals to both mind and heart, offering a fresh way to think about God in this scientific and media-saturated age.
About the Author: Michael Benedikt is the author of "For An Architecture of Reality", "Deconstructing the Kimbell", Cyberspace: First Steps", "Shelter: The 2000 Wallenberg Lecture", and "God, Creativity and Evolution: The Argument From Design(ers)". He is 2004 ASCA Distinguished Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, where he holds the Hal Box Chair in Urbanism and directs the Center for American Architecture and Design.

Sep 07 2008 12:35 am

The YES Annual Conference -- YES (Youth in Ethical Societies) holds an annual conference in the fall. This year's event begins with a Pre-conference on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC).

The YES Annual Conference will be followed on Friday, Oct 31 to Sunday, November 2, at the Frost Valley YMCA Camp in Claryville, New York.

Teens from across the country, from all Ethical Societies, attend with their Youth Advisors. This year's topic is "Gender, Identity and Acceptance". The link to Frost Valley is http://www.frostvalley.org/conference/index.php.

We hope to see you there! For more information, contact Susan Buzek at sbuzek(at)aol(dot)com. To register contact L. Miller at lmiller(at)aeu(dot)org.


Related Link

Sep 05 2008 11:56 am

Ethical Action Report September 2008 -- Human Rights: Reaffirming Opposition to Torture -- Support the Millennium Development Goals: Urge your Senators to Pass S. 2166 -- Reproductive Freedom: Speak out Against Anti-Woman HHS Draft Regulations -- Election 2008: Protect the legal rights of all people

Related Link

Aug 29 2008 12:47 am

AEU Religious Education Conference and Family Weekend!!! -- "Teaching Humanism In Ethical Culture"

Humanizm is at the core of Ethical Culture. How do we teach our children to affirm the dignity and worth of all people? Do we, ourselves, seek truth and morality through human investigation? We will discuss these questions and others as we gather with religious educators and families from around the country for a regenerative weekend in Stony Point, NY. Featured guest speakers Amanda Metskas, of Camp Quest, will share activities from the Wiki curriculum project for Freethinkers, Atheists, Brights and others with a natural view of the world. Come share your views and learn something new.

This RE conference will be held at Stony Point Center, Stony Point, New York from November 7-9, 2008.


Related Link

Jul 15 2008 11:21 pm

Great Expections -- Great Expectations, a rich society growth and development handbook is again available in our website with permission from the AEU Office which will provide access via username and password.

Related Link

Jun 25 2008 09:21 pm

Dialogue Newsletter Summer 2008 -- China, Tibet, and the Olympics -- Notes From the 93rd Assembly -- Seven Years ... Already? -- Executive Director's Report -- Elliott-Black Award -- The Secular Coalition -- AEU Resolution: Opposing Torture -- We Don't Do That -- Letter to the Editor -- If God is Dead, Who Gets His House? -- Political Activity and the Ethical Society -- At the United Nations -- AEU's Website -- An Adler Book You Might Actually Enjoy! -- Black and White Thinking -- Dedication of Kotkin Memorial Terrace -- 2008 Lay Leadership Summer School

Related Link

Jun 25 2008 08:41 pm

Ethical Action Report July 2008 -- Human Rights: Stand up for the Rule of Law -- Gender Equity: Support Equal Pay for Men and Women (H.R. 1338) -- Stop Hunger: Support Emergency Food Programs (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations FY 08-09) -- Reproductive Rights: Support Title X Family Planning (FY 09 Health Budget)

Related Link

Jun 19 2008 12:00 am

Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of Ethics on the Air will be broadcast on Thursday, July 3rd at 11 A.M. on WBAI, 99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming). The show will raise a big issue: What does ethics have to do with being green? Our guest will be Michael Kreigh, the new lead architect at the Pratt Institute and a former President of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. Mr. Kreigh will discuss the ethical dimension of different environmental issues, e.g., Can New Yorkers be more green? What went wrong with America’s consumer culture? What is happening in the new green-building movement? Andra Miller will host.

Anyone wishing to know more about Ethics on the Air should contact Marc Bernstein, Dr. Harrison-Ross, or Andra Miller.


Related Link

May 30 2008 03:00 pm

Ethical Action Report June 2008 -- Humanitarian Aid: Ensure Equal Aid Access in Tibet! -- Stand up for Peace: Support the Military Conscientious Objector Act -- Equal Justice: Stop Sentencing Discrimination -- Women’s Rights: Support the GROWTH Act -- Sensible Drug Policy: Support the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act

Related Link

May 06 2008 09:06 pm

National Service Conference Has New Website -- The National Service Conference, an affiliate of the American Ethical Union that works with other non-governmental organizations at the UN on ethical peace-building and other programs, has just opened a new website. From this site, the NSC is linked from the Social Action page as well as from the Affiliates page. The associated link below takes you to their new website.

Related Link

May 02 2008 02:25 pm

Ethical Action Report May 2008 -- Ethical Action Resolution of the AEU: Statement Reaffirming Its Opposition to Torture -- Gender Equality: Support the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- Equal Justice: Just Say NO to Extreme Judicial Appointments! -- Human Rights: Protect Children in Darfur -- Justice for All: Support the Prison Abuse Remedies Act

Apr 30 2008 00:05 am

Ethical Culture and Torture -- The National Leaders Council's extensive and comprehensive paper -- Ethical Culture and Torture -- is the basis for the recent resolution on "Reaffirming Its Opposition to Torture" unanimously approved by the 93rd AEU National Assembly in Austin, TX.

This paper (related link below), the full text of the resolution, and previous resolutions on torture can be found in the Library at this site.

Related Link

Apr 25 2008 11:58 pm

2008 Elliott-Black Award -- The 2008 Elliott-Black Award was presented in a special ceremony on April 19th, 2008 during the 93rd AEU National Assembly (Austin, TX) to "New Jerseyans for Alternatives to Death Penalty (NJADP)." The yearly award is given by the American Ethical Union as a recognition and tribute to an individual in the larger community who has made a significant ethical contribution to society at personal risk and hardship.

NJADP, a grassroots organization with 12,000 members and 200 supporting organizations spearheaded the efforts which culminated in December 17, 2007 when New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signed the historic death penalty abolition bill into law, the first such law in the country.

Celeste Fitzgerald, Director, received the Award on behalf of NJADP. Ms. Fitzgerald herself has received many awards and honors for an extraordinary career in social activism.

More information on the Elliott-Black Award can be viewed from the link below.

Related Link

Apr 23 2008 00:54 am

AEU Reaffirms Its Opposition to Torture -- The 93rd Assembly of the American Ethical Union held in Austin, Texas, unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming its opposition to torture. The full text of this resolution can be viewed from the link below.

Since 1948, the AEU has issued more than 200 resolutions including one in 1976 "On the Use of Torture." These resolutions are cataloged in the Library of this site as a special category of documents.

Related Link

Apr 17 2008 04:10 pm

93rd Assembly in the News in Austin -- A question and answer session between Eileen Flynn, the religion reporter for local daily the Austin-American Statesman and Tim Hayles, President of the Ethical Society of Austin was published this morning on the reporter's blog. The questions are typical of those asked by newcomers to Ethical Culture. The Assembly is prominently mentioned in the beginning of the article as an opportunity for the locals to learn more. Read the full text of the interview by clicking on the URL.

Related Link

Apr 08 2008 11:24 am

Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of "Ethics on the Air" will be broadcast on Friday, April 25th at 11 A.M. on WBAI, 99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/for streaming). Our topic will be "Ethical Dilemma at the End of Life." Our guest is Dr. Richard Bernstein, Assistant Clinical Professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Berstein served on American Hospice Foundation's managed care advisory panel and has written serveral papers and a book chapter on palliative and end-of-life care. He will help us understand the difficult decisions those who are near death must face and how doctors and caregivers can be most helpful to them. Marc Bernstein will host and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross co-host. Anyone wishing to know more about "Ethics oin the Air" should contact Marc Berstein , Dr. Harrison-Ross or Andra Miller

Apr 04 2008 12:50 am

Ethical Action Report April 2008 Published -- End Torture: Call for an Independent Bipartisan Commission on Harsh Interrogation Techniques -- Free Speech: Stop an FCC Ban on Profanity -- Hurricane Katrina: Investigate Abuses Two Years After -- Stand up for Choice: Don't Approve Honaker's Nomination!



Related Link

Mar 18 2008 01:26 pm

Ethics on the Air -- The next installment of "Ethics on the Air" will be broadcast on Friday, March 28th at 11 A.M. on WBAI, 99.5 FM (http://stream.wbai.org/ for streaming. Our guest will be Dr. Robert Fuller, an author who argues that rankism, the excessive use of social status, is the chief remaining obstacle to achieving liberty and justice for all. Dr Fuller proposes a "dignitarian" society in which rankism is no longer tolerated. Tune in to find how rankism is rife in our social and civic institutions and how the politics of dignity can put the "we" back in "We the people."



The show will be hosted by Andra Miller and Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross.



Anyone wishing to know more about “Ethics on the Air” should contact Marc Bernstein, Dr. Harrison-Ross, or Andra Miller.

Mar 06 2008 12:36 am

Dialogue Spring 2008 -- In this issue: A Spring Reverie (Not) -- Societies Seek Leaders -- AEU Affiliation Team Formed -- 2008 Assembly, Austin, Texas -- FES Conference, St. Louis -- Reflections on Science -- Bergen Member Wins Award -- Letter to the Editor -- Why Drivers Ed is Not Enough -- Living Ethical Humanism -- Ethical Culture’s Roots -- From The United Nations -- Secular Coalition for America -- Sheldon C. Ackley (1919 - 2008) -- In Ethical Culture 87 Years, Remembering Irma Shapiro

Related Link

Fev 28 2008 10:22 pm

Ethical Action Report March 2008 Published -- Human Rights: Call on the Kenyan Government to Protect its Citizens -- Separation of Church and State: Oppose the Workplace Religious -- Freedom Act Healthy Planet: End Oil Aid Now -- Freedom of Information: Save the Internet

Related Link

Fev 28 2008 10:10 pm

News from the Societies -- The American Ethical Union website now carries news feeds (RSS feeds) from its member societies. Access to this special page of news and events can be found on the main menu through the option "FROM THE SOCIETIES." As more societies post RSS feeds in their sites, they will be posted on this special page.

Related Link

Fev 27 2008 08:58 pm

Pledge Drive for Ethics on the Air -- On Friday February 29 from 11am to 1pm, Marc Bernstein, Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross and Andra Miller will be hosting a pledge drive special of Ethics on the Air on WBAI – 99.5 FM. During this two-hour edition of NYSEC’s monthly program, listeners will hear portions of past programs and some previously unaired content. This includes Joe Chuman on Ethical Culture's Role Today, a talk with Anne Klaeysen on Forgiveness and a special featuring Marc on Ethical Culture and African Americans.

Please tune in to WBAI for this special program and while you’re listening, call in and make a pledge at 212-209-2950. Your generosity is a vote to keep Ethics on the Air on WBAI. And your dollars help keep free speech alive as WBAI continues airing quality, thought-provoking programs you won’t find anywhere else.

So tune in between 11am and 1pm this Friday, February 29. You can even listen online at http://stream.wbai.org/.

For more information, contact Marc Bernstein at mbernstein@nysec.org or 212-874-5210x112.


Related Link

Fev 03 2008 10:19 am

Ethical Action Report February 2008 -- Support Peace: Oppose Military Action Against Iran; Demand Justice: Call for a Special Prosecutor in the CIA Tape Cover-up; Human Rights: Demand Sayed Parwiz Kambakhsh’s Release; Stop Pay Discrimination: Support the Fair Pay Restoration Act.

Related Link

Jan 15 2008 00:07 am

Lay Leadership Summer School 2008 -- The brochure and the application forms for the Lay Leadership Summer School 2008 have been published.

Click here for the application forms and click on the link below for the brochure.

Related Link

Jan 07 2008 11:36 pm

2008 AEU Assembly - Brochure Published -- The Assembly Brochure 2008 has been published in the Library. The Brochure contains a comprehensive list of scheduled meetings, workshops, and social events to take place in Austin, Texas, April 17-20. The brochure, which can be downloaded from the link below, is being mailed to all members of the Ethical Culture Movement. Both the published and mailed version contain registration forms for those who intend to participate in this important event.

Related Link

Dec 05 2007 09:34 am

In the Current Issue of Dialogue -- The Winter 2007-2008 Edition of Dialogue, the newsletter of the American Ethical Union, has just been published. Cover stories contain articles by Joseph Chuman, PhD, Boe Meyerson, and Richard Kiniry, all Ethical Culture Leaders. To read these and other articles and learn about current and future events, you may view or download the full edition of the Newsletter by visiting the AEU website Library and navigating to the "Dialogue" link on the main menu.

If you are interested in receiving email announcements of the publication of future issues of the Newsletter, please email the AEU office at lmiller(at)aeu.org.

Related Link

Dec 04 2007 10:14 am

2008 AEU Assembly - Ethical Society of Austin -- April 17-20, 2008 - Join members from across the country in Austin, Texas to socialize, learn, teach and celebrate our history and our ethical values. Some of the workshops that will be offered are: "Biocentric Ethics" with Curt Collier... An Ethical Humanist Religious Approach to Living with Richard Kiniry... Religious Education... Growing & Sustaining Society Membership & Society Financial Management; Ethics in Pop Culture: The Ethics of Harry Potter... Communication Skills in Ethical Society Life with Jone Johnson Lewis... Out of the Box: Brainstorming to Reinvigorate Ethical Culture with Hugh Taft-Morales. Plans also include: Keynote speaker, opening reception, the NSC luncheon, the Elliott Black Award Banquet, Sunday Platform, A Liberation Festival - A Humanist Seder and entertainment on and off grounds. Watch for the brochure in January and count on having an experience you will long remember.

Dec 04 2007 09:52 am

The 2008 AEU Lay Leadership Summer School -- August 9-16, 2008 -The AEU Lay Leadership Summer School is one of the Ethical Movement's most successful programs, and 2008 will mark its twelfth year. Together we can develop and improve the skills needed to increase our Movement's size and make it more widely known. Brochures with more information will be sent to societies in January.

Dec 01 2007 11:06 pm

Ethical Action Report December 2007 -- The December 2007 edition of the Ethical Action Report has been published. The Report is a joint publication of the American Ethical Union and the American Humanist Association.

Topics covered in the current issue include: Reproductive Health: Support Affordable Access to Contraception, Freedom of Ideas: Support “The Golden Compass,” Civil Liberties: Support Reforms to the REAL ID Bill, and Free Speech: Stop FCC Censorship.

Related Link

Nov 10 2007 07:06 pm

AEU Religious Education Conference and Family Weekend!!! -- We are having a great weekend in Stony Point, NY, Defining Our Ethical Identity. Families, parents, teachers, and directors of religious education have come together to revisit Adler, share lessons, and support our Sunday Schools. We had a terrific nature hike this afternoon and we are about to start our talent show. The intergenerational kid-led platform tomorrow promises to be a big hit. Consider coming next year, and talk to your RE families about their experience this year!

Nov 10 2007 04:50 pm

Presidents Council Meets at Stony Point NY -- Presidents of several Ethical Societies met today at The Stony Point Conference Center, NY, to discuss various issues related to the well being of the Movement. Members of the Board of Directors and a representative of FES, Future of Ethical Societies, also joined the meeting.

Topics discussed included financial management and board's fiduciary responsibility, pledging and fundraising, sharing advertising resources and evaluations of different advertising's effectiveness. The Council spent some time revisiting and evaluating its original tasking, and essentially re-committing to that original task: to provide opportunities for member societies to convey their needs and interests to the AEU, to share experiences and resources, to increase cooperation and collaboration, and to provide a forum for not just the airing of the points of view of the AEU's member Societies, but also for actions proceeding from those points of view.

Nov 04 2007 00:04 am

Ethical Action Report November 2007 -- The November 2007 edition of the Ethical Action Report has been published. The Report is a joint publication of the American Ethical Union and the American Humanist Association.

Topics covered in the current issue include: Civil Liberties: Urge your senator to repeal the Protect America Act -- Free Burma: Demand that Myanmar release political detainees -- Religious Freedom: Ask China not to allow proselytizing at the 2008 Olympic Games -- Reproductive Health: Oppose anti-birth control extremists in the Office of Population Affairs

Related Link

Sep 25 2007 09:04 pm

Eco Ethics Is Hot -- Eco Ethics is the "hot" topic this year. High school-aged teens and their youth advisors are invited to discuss and explore the topic at the 2007 YES conference, Nov 2-4 at the YMCA of the Ozarks conference center, in Potosi MO. Pre-conference activities, including city tours and getting- to- know -you games, will be held Nov 1-2 at the Ethical Society of St Louis. Participants will then ride a chartered bus out to the conference. As always, activities will include skits, games, free time, ceremonies, and lots of discussion. All teens who are interested, accompanied by a sponsor, and who agree to abide by the YES ethics code are invited to join us.

Sep 25 2007 08:58 pm

Autumn Dialogue Published -- The latest issue of Dialogue, the Newsletter of the American Ethical Union has been published and can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Related Link

Sep 13 2007 11:55 pm

AEU Fall Religious Education Brochure -- The brochure containing the program, calendar, and registration form for the AEU Religion Education Conference, Fall 2007, is available from the link below or by going to the Library of this site.

Related Link

Aug 31 2007 12:17 am

September 2007 Ethical Action Report Published -- The Ethical Action Report for the month of September 2007 has been published. The EAR is a project of the Ethical Action Committee of the American Ethical Union.

The link below will open this latest issue of the Report. This and all previous issues of the Report can be found at Library of the AEU website.

Related Link

Aug 23 2007 11:03 pm

Website Conversion Continues -- As previously announced, the website of the AEU is now operating from a new Internet location. We are now in the process of updating our email list, the most important of which have already been activated. Members of these lists are getting new welcome messages as they become active. We will post an announcement when this process is completed.

Aug 03 2007 12:17 am

Religious Education Fall Conference and Family Weekend - "Defining Our Ethical Identity" -- Everyone is invited to spend a weekend with religious educators and families defining our ethical identity together. Activities include a hike, a talent show and the preview of the new Sunday School at Home Curriculum.

This RE conference will be held at Stony Point Center, Stony Point, New York from November 9-11, 2007.

Aug 02 2007 11:41 pm

Creating Congregations of Generous People -- A Growth and Development Workshop -- As part of the Growth and Development Workshops Series for Society members, the American Ethical Union announces a workshop on Creating Congregations of Generous People

The workshop will be held September 29, 2007 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the New York Society for Ethical Culture and will be led by Alban Institute’s best selling author Michael Durall.

Registration form can be downloaded from the link below.

Related Link

Aug 02 2007 08:29 pm

"Community-Building Communication" - A Growth and Development Workshop -- As part of the Growth and Development Workshops Series for Society members, the American Ethical Union announces a workshop on Community-Building Communication and how it can be used in Ethical Societies.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2007 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Baltimore Ethical Society.

The registration form can be downloaded from the link below.

Related Link

Jun 24 2007 03:44 pm

Summer School Brochures and Other Registration Forms Updated -- Updated brochure and registration forms for the upcoming Summer School for Ethics (aka Summer School II) have been posted and can be found at the Library or through the following links:

• Brochure
  
• Registration
  
• Housing and Food
  

Jun 21 2007 00:48 am

The Committee to Protect Journalists -- 2007 Elliott-Black Award Recipient -- The American Ethical Union awarded the 2007 Elliott-Black Award to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The Committee to Protect Journalists was founded in 1981 to promote press freedom around the world and to defend the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. Through its defense of journalists, CPJ upholds the right of all people to have access to independent sources of information, an essential part of a free society. Using stringent reporting standards, CPJ's staff of journalists and human rights activists conducts intensive investigations into hundreds of press freedom violations each year. CPJ effectively calls attention to these abuses by publicly denouncing attacks against the press and by acting on behalf of imprisoned and threatened journalists.

Related Link

Jun 20 2007 10:40 pm

National Service Conference Luncheon -- Phyllis Ehrenfeld, newly elected President opened the traditional NSC luncheon at the AEU Assembly with a tribute to Rose Walker, President Emerita. At 97 years Rose is the oldest still active ngo representative at the UN. The National Service Conference, a venerable organization that preceded the UN, is the voice and presence of the American Ethical Union at the UN, promoting an ethical and humanist context for UN issues.

The featured speaker, Ian Williams, one of the most authoritative and outspoken journalists writing about the UN, gave an upanddown perspective of the UN. He did not consider the replacement of the overbearing ambassador John Bolton by an astute and charming personality as a positive factor, given the nature of US foreign policy.

On the plus side, the new Secretary General has supported human rights by advocating "the right to protect" which prevents states from using sovereignty as a legal cover to abuse their populations. He has also voiced approval for the International Criminal Court. Williams pointed out that the US is the most powerful country in the UN, and does, at times, support good causes. Unfortunately, the US is again falling behind in its payment of its dues to the UN and is now in arrears for about a million dollars. He suggested contacting our legal representatives to ask the federal government to meet its responsibilities. (Phyllis Ehrenfeld, President, National Service Conference)

Warning: getimagesize(http://64.118.87.15/~aeuorg/library/photos/20070614david_kaczynski.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Jun 15 2007 01:48 am

David Kaczynski, Powerful Keynote Address -- The first day of the 2007 AEU National Assembly closed with an outstanding keynote speech delivered by David Kaczynski.

Mr. Kaczynski shared his - and his family's - intensely personal and moving story of their discovery (and revelation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation) of the possibility that his brother, Ted Kaczynski, was the Unabomber.

While many have heard Mr. Kaczynski speak as a death penalty abolitionist, we feel privileged to have heard him relate the story of how he and his family dealt with the profound ethical dilemma of balancing the responsibility to one's immediate family and the responsibility to one's community - one's larger family.

We are grateful for Mr. Kaczynski's willingness not only to share his story, but to talk with us about his experience with, and activism regarding, the criminal justice system.

Jun 15 2007 00:53 am

The Ethical Culture Society of Rockland County -- The AEU has a new member. By unanimous decision, the Board of Directors of the American Ethical Union, meeting during the 2007 National Assembly, admitted The Ethical Culture Society of Rockland County as a "circle," the first step before becoming a full fledge society.

Rockland County is located in New York State, it borders New Jersey and is about one hour drive from Manhattan.

Jun 14 2007 01:47 pm

AEU's 2007 Assembly has begun! -- Writing to you from the Hillwood Commons at C.W.Post Campus....the 2007 Assembly has begun! Beginning earlier this week with the National Leaders' Council meetings and this morning with the Board of Directors' meeting, and continuing this afternoon with the official registration, Presidents' Council and Leadership Commitee meetings, and the opening reception and the keynote address by David Kaczynski - this Assembly is off to a great start!

We are very grateful to our host Society, the Ethical Humaist Society of Long Island, for all of their help and support, and want to extend a special "get well" to Muriel Neufeld, who is recuperating from the after-effects of a car accident and who we are missing.

We are looking forward to this evening's events, and will do our best to post daily throughout this Assembly to keep you all up to date.

May 15 2007 11:23 pm

Don't Forget the Summer School for Ethics (Summer School II) -- You can still register for the Summer School for Ethics (Summer School II)to be held at The Mountain (Highlands, NC) from Sunday, August 12th to Saturday, August 18th, 2007. Click the related link below for the School brochure. Registration forms can be found in the Library.

Related Link

Apr 22 2007 10:15 am

Dialogue Spring Edition Published -- The Spring Edition of the newsletter of the American Ethical Union, Dialogue, has been published and is available in the Library or from the related link below.

Related Link

Warning: getimagesize(http://64.118.87.15/~aeuorg/library/photos/assembly2007logo.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Apr 14 2007 03:36 pm

Assembly 2007 Brochure/Registration Published (Updated May 2, 2007) -- The 2007 National Assembly Brochure (which includes a registration form) has been published and will be sent in the next few days to all members of all Ethical Societies and fellowships. The Movement-wide distribution includes the members of the Ethical Society Without Walls. The brochure can be found in the related link below as well as in The Library. (Updated May 2, 2007)

Related Link

Apr 10 2007 10:58 pm

AEU Co-sponsors PBS Series -- Special funding has been received for the American Ethical Union's co-sponsorship of a PBS Series of three one-hour broadcasts entitled "Jonathan Miller's A Brief History of Disbelief." The AEU will join the American Humanist Association (AHA), the Institute for Humanist Studies, and the HKH Foundation as co-sponsors. The Center for Inquiry will be the primary sponsor.

Related Link

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Temporary failure in name resolution in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17

Warning: getimagesize(http://mytowncollege.com/library/photos/20070315lisoc.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Temporary failure in name resolution in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Mar 15 2007 00:43 am

AEU Assembly 2007 -- The AEU National Assembly, 2007, will be held in Long Island from June 14 to June 17 -- Save the dates ... the AEU Office will be sending more information to the Societies and posting program and registration forms on this web site.

Warning: getimagesize(http://www.mountaincenters.org/Images/rotate_img1.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/aeuorg/public_html/blog/all_news.php on line 17
Mar 15 2007 00:40 am

2007 Summer School for Ethics (Summer School II) -- The 2007 Summer School for Ethics will be held August 11-18, 2007. Registration and Brochures (see link below for the brochure) are available. here.


Related Link

Dec 18 2006 00:28 am

Winter Edition of Dialogue Published -- The Winter issue of the Dialogue has been published. The link below will take you to this latest issue. For other issues, consult the Library.

Related Link