Platform Audios
Nonviolent Communication: An Ethical Humanist Practice by Klaeysen, Anne - 2007It’s never too late to a learn a new language, especially when it can improve the quality of your relationships, deepen your sense of personal empowerment, and help you to communicate more effectively. Nonviolent communication is a language of life that Ethical societies are incorporating into their religious practices.
Political Ethics by Schimel, Michelle - 2007
NYS Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel - In March, former North Hempstead Town Clerk Michelle Schimel won 86 percent of the vote in a special election to replace Tom Di Napoli in the 16th NYS Assembly District. A lifelong community activist, Michelle also serves on the board of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV), the largest citizens’ group in New York State dedicated to reducing gun-related violence. Her first work as assemblywoman was to support gun control and environmental protection legislation. She will share with us her ethical challenges in the NYS Assembly. Introduction by Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island.
Democracy and War in Ethical Culture by Lovelady, Kate - 2007
In 1902, Felix Adler asked two ethical questions about the Philippine War: "Is it treason to condemn a war waged by our country while the war is still in progress?" and "Are civilized nations justified in adopting uncivilized methods of warfare?" Throughout our history, Ethical Culture has struggled with vital questions for a democracy at war, and the words of past Ethical leaders (who have run the gamut from interventionist to pacifist) clearly are still relevant today. This platform looks at Ethical Culture thoughts on war, from Adler's day to the 2003 and 2006 resolutions against the Iraq War passed by the National Leaders Council and the AEU, as well as the decisions we need to make as ethical citizens today. Kate Lovelady has been Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis since 2005. Born and raised in New York City, Kate received a B.A. from Northwestern University, specializing in poetry and essay writing. She earned certificates in pastoral counseling from the NY Postgraduate Center for Mental Health and in leadership from Humanists in Leadership Training. She joined the staff of the AEU Lay Leadership Summer School in 2004 and was certified as Leader by the AEU in 2005. Introduction by Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island.
Moral Striving: The Core of Ethical Humanism by Klaeysen, Anne - 2007
Ethical Culture founder Felix Adler described societies as religious communities "dedicated to moral striving." Their purpose was to help people move toward goodness, without any common formula or creed, but with a common need and desire to find better ways of living. How is this possible? By living among others: trying and making mistakes, listening and learning; then trying again. In this way we discover new truths about ourselves and our world. Leader Anne Klaeysen examines the process of moral striving as the core of ethical religion. Introduction by Richard Rapp, President.
Confronting Religious Fundamentalism in the Classroom by LaClair, Matthew - 2007
Last year, when he was a high school junior, Matthew LaClair experienced for himself what other students had been talking about: a history teacher who proselytized his brand of Christian fundamentalism in class. Sensing that no one would believe him without hard evidence, Matthew recorded his classes and presented them to the school administration. Thus began a long, hard ethical journey. Join us on Sunday, September 30, at 11 AM, when Matthew will share what he learned with us.
Self or Other: Spirituality and Social Justice: Which Is Appropriate for Ethical Culture? by Chuman, Joseph - 2007
When people think of Ethical Culture, what most often first comes to mind is our work in the social justice field. Yet Ethical Culture was founded as and remains a religious movement. In our times, many people are on a search for greater spirituality. Is there a tension between social action and spirituality? If so, can Ethical Culture fulfill the spiritual quest? Introduction by Dr. Arthur Dobrin.
Growing Up with Ethics by Klaeysen, Anne - 2006
Growing Up With Ethics, a participatory platform with Leader Anne Klaeysen and affirmation for Jeremy Agostino Two of our Youth Ethics students will be affirmed in their ethical faith and become members of our community this month. This is a milestone not only in their young lives but also in each of our lives because it marks a new relationship that will engage us in moral growth. Anne leads us in a discussion of excerpts from Ethical Culture Leader David Muzzey’s book Ethics as Religion (handouts available on Sundays and in the office). Jeremy makes a presentation on his ethical values and performs on the piano.
Dreamtime Ethics: Religion in Aboriginal Australia by Klaeysen, Anne - 2006
Dreamtime Ethics: Religion in Aboriginal Australia with Leader Anne Klaeysen Tjukurpa is translated as “dreamtime,” but the people who practice this religion say it contains a much deeper, more complex meaning that explains their existence and guides their daily lives. It is the law of caring for one another and the land that supports them. It refers to the past, present, and future all at the same time. Anne will introduce this ancient religion to you with stories, pictures, and music.
Human Rights in the World Today by Rubenstein, Joshua - 2006
Human Rights in the World Today with speaker Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast Regional Director of Amnesty International USA Mr. Rubenstein is a long-time associate at Harvard’s Davis Center for Eurasian and Russian Studies. He has been professionally involved with human rights and international affairs for 30 years as an activist, scholar, and journalist with particular expertise in Soviet affairs. Mr. Rubenstein has made many research trips to Moscow and other Russian cities, and lectured and written widely on the Soviet human rights movement, including a series of lectures in Russian at the Mendeleev Institute in Moscow. He is author of several books, including Stalin’s Secret Pogrom: The Postwar Inquisition of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee, for which he was awarded the National Jewish Book Award in 2001–02.
Hopping on One Foot: An Examination of Race in America by Brewington, Fred - 2006
Civil Rights Attorney Fred Brewington, Esq. Fred Brewington is a respected attorney and community advocate. After receiving his degree from Northeastern University School of Law and working at a number of prestigious firms and law offices, including a clerkship at the office of the Legal Counsel of the United States Senate, Mr. Brewington began a private practice on Long Island. With his expertise in civil rights litigation, he successfully challenged the at-large voting system in the Town of Hempstead and continues to challenge other discriminatory practices throughout Long Island. Mr. Brewington is an adjunct professor at Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, Touro College, and, as a tireless public advocate, the recipient of many honors and awards for his community service.
Culture of War, Culture of Peace, and Everyday Ethical Living by Burns, Lisel - 2006
India’s father of nonviolent movements, Gandhi, asks us to “be the change we wish to see in the world.” In tumultuous times many life stances compete for our loyalties. Both modern experience and traditional frameworks offer powerful strategies for living the peaceful, ethical cultures to which we aspire. What do we mean by a culture of war or a culture of peace? Are we ourselves living out more a culture of violence or a culture of nonviolence? Asking ourselves in what ways our own habits of attitude, language, and action go along with prevailing (us/them, win/lose) oppositional frameworks for problem-solving can start the creative work of learning to live an ethical culture in our everyday lives.
Does Your Doctor Have a Conflict of Interest? by Packer, Dr. Samuel - 2006
Dr. Packer has been the executive chairman of the Lions Eye Bank for Long Island at North Shore University Hospital since its inception in 1986. After receiving his medical education at the University of Louisville and the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, he interned at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn and held a residency at Yale/New Haven Hospital. In 1973 he started his ophthalmology practice in Manhasset and has remained in practice since then. Dr. Packer rose through the academic ranks of Cornell University Medical College and was appointed Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology in 1988. He also has a joint appointment in radiology where he holds the rank of Associated Professor of Clinical Radiology. Most recently Dr. Packer has devoted much of his academic time to medical ethics in writing articles and as a lecturer at major universities across the country.
A View of Marriage by Harmon, David - 2006
Dr. Harmon, a long-time member and director of student counseling at St. John’s University, is an astute observer of human beings and a veteran storyteller. Over the years he has shared his keen insight with us on a variety of issues. Now he turns his attention to the sacred bonds of matrimony.
Stem Cells: When Politics and Health Care Collide by Witkowski, Jan - 2006
With President Bush’s first veto of legislation for federal funding of stem cell research, and states kicking in money to cover the loss, we are again confronted with the ethics and politics of this new science. Dr. Witkowski, executive director of the Banbury Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and a professor in the Watson School of Biological Sciences, will help us make sense of the latest developments. As director of the Banbury Center, he is responsible for the topics and organization of some 20 meetings each year, covering molecular and cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, and societal issues of modern biology.
The Companion Paths of Ethical Humanism adn Buddhism by Klaeysen, Anne - 2006
It is not unusual for a newcomer, upon learning about Ethical Humanism at an orientation, to remark about the similarities between our religion and Buddhism. Both are nontheistic and emphasize compassionate living; both had founders who believed that people must experience and share their own humanity and goodness. There are, or course some differences in the practice each has developed.
Freedom in the American Mind by Chuman, Joseph - 2006
Dr. Joseph Chuman, Leader of the Bergen Ethical Culture Society, explores the following questions: How is it that President George Bush continually promotes freedom while destroying civil liberties? How are we to understand the word ?Freedom?? What might be a distinctly Ethical Culture approach to freedom? -- Introduction by Dr. Arthur Dobrin, Leader Emeritus.
Citizenship and Its Discontents: Challenges of Our Democracy by D'Innocenzo, Michael - 2006
The Art of Letting Go by Klaeysen, Anne - 2006
The Art of Letting Go with Leader Anne Klaeysen; Letting go is part of life: Children grow up and leave home (and come back); we change jobs and homes; people who were once our friends are no longer there. So much in life changes that it seems we are always having to let go of something or someone, and it gets harder to do. How do we manage? What art can we develop? Leader Anne Klaeysen explores these questions with us. Introductory reflection by Judy Rosemarin.
Universal Health Care: A Panel Discussion on Important Updates by Pincus, Carol - 2006
Universal Health Care: A Panel Discussion on Important Updates moderated by Carol Smith Pincus How can we obtain health care for everyone in the United States? Dr. Lou Levitt will address the current state legislative efforts in Albany; health care administrator and Nassau County politician Jay Cherlin will address the necessity for national planning; and Carol, a retired internist-rheumatologist and President of the Long Island Coalition for a National Health Plan, will address the ethical, medical, humanitarian considerations.
On Belonging: My Journey to Ethical Community by Stanley, Sharon - 2006
“On Belonging: My Journey to Ethical Community” with Sharon Stanley Sharon, an EHS member, shares the inspirational story of how she found an extended family for herself, her husband, and their child. Introduction by Leader Anne Klaeysen.
What I Learned about Women at the UN by Ehrenfeld, Phyllis - 2006
Phyllis Ehrenfeld, a representative to the United Nations from the AEU National Service Conference, explores the historical and religious images of women, and connects them to the struggle for women’s rights. Beginning with Eleanor Roosevelt and continuing to Mary Robinson, former High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN has moved from viewing women as needy victims to empowered contributors.
Why Call Waiting Is Not Kosher by Dobrin, Arthur - 2006
Modern technology affects our lives in many ways. But some of the questions that are raised are ancient. Rabbis in Israel looked at call waiting and declared it non-kosher. What else is there in our lives that should be treated as something to be avoided?
The Ethics of Taxation by Newman, Glenn - 2006
Leader Anne Klaeysen and Glenn Newman, President of the New York City Tax Commission and Tax Appeals Tribunal, explore the history and ethics of the certainty for which you can obtain an automatic extension.
The Ethics of Groups by Collier, Curt - 2006
The Ethics of Groups with Ethical Culture Leader Curt Collier. Responding to the challenge of our increasingly fragmented and compartmentalized lives, Curt Collier, Leader of the Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture, has developed a program that facilitates the creation of meaningful "micro" communities or "Commitment Circles" so that his members can grow in ever deepening relationship with others. He will share his approach with us, grounding it in founder Felix Adler's "ethics of groups." -- Introduction and closing remarks by Dr. Anne Klayesen
The African American Experience on Long Island by Byer-Tyre, David - 2006
“The African American Experience on Long Island” with David Byer-Tyre, Director of the African American Museum of Nassau County. A professional artist, college professor, and director of the African American Museum, David Byer-Tyre's goal is "to educate people about African American culture using contemporary approaches and present day issues." Exhibits at the museum feature vibrant canvasses and artifacts designed to interpret the experience and artistic breadth of African Americans in relation to the history of the area. Introduction by Judy Rosemarin.
Agitate, Agitate, Agitate by Klaeysen, Anne - 2006
"Agitate, agitate, agitate" - The Life and Work of Frederick Douglass, Anne Klaeysen, Leader, tells this ethical hero's story. Douglass was born into slavery and obscurity, but died free and famous throughout the world. He dedicated his life to fighting against slavery and for suffrage. Introductions by Richard Rapp, President.
Politics, Race, and Prisons by Gangi, Robert - 2006
"Politics, Race, and Prisons" with Robert Gangi, Executive Director of the Correctional Association of New York. Introductions and closing remarks by Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader.
The State of Affordable Housing by Alexander, Eric - 2006
The State of Affordable Housing: What We Can Do to Keep Our Young People on Long Island" with Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island, and Keith Mainhart, Chair of People's Affordable Housing Coalition of Hempstead. Introductions and closing remarks by Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader.
Take Up the Song by Worden, Bart - 2006
Bart Worden, Leader of the Westchester Ethical Society, and Anne Klaeysen, Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island present a program called "Take Up the Song: Ethical Harmonies."
Amnesty International by Dobrin, Arthur - 2005
Lyn and Arthur Dobrin. Our chapter, USA #74, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in January, presents some of the current issues in the human rights field, including corporate responsibility and arms trafficking.
What Would Jesus Really Do? by Klaeysen, Anne - 2005
Anne Klayesen, Leader -- Over the last decade, the letters WWJD - standing for "What would Jesus do?" - have come to identify a new generation of evangelical Christians. We see them everywhere: on T-shirts, bumper stickers, and baseball caps. While I appreciate the invitation to imagine how Jesus would act under certain conditions, what I hear instead is an evangelical battle cry. Instead of opening a door, one has been slammed shut. My address will explore a humanist answer to this question.
From Prison to the Community by Gaynes, Elysabeth - 2005
The Osborne Association offers opportunities for individuals who have been in prison to transform their lives through innovative, effective, and replicable programs that serve the community by reducing crime and its human and economic costs. Executive Director Elizabeth Gaynes discusses her commitment to the ideal of a criminal justice system espoused by founder Thomas Osborne.
Taking Stock: Composing an Ethical Will by Klaeysen, Anne - 2005
"Taking Stock: Composing an Ethical Will" with Leader Anne Klaeysen An ethical will is an ancient tradition for passing on values to family, friends, and future generations. The stories, insights, and wisdom we impart in it can mean much more than any material possessions. Legal wills bequeath valuables; ethical wills bequeath values. Leader Anne Klaeysen explains how the reflective process of writing an ethical will can be an important way of becomg more fully alive.
We Are the Ones by Klaeysen, Anne - 2005
(Platform address delivered by Leader Dr. Anne Klayesen at the Northern Westchester Ethical Society) Ethical Culture founder Felix Adler's "Ethical Manifold" is a lively image of unique individuals acting in concert to make their environment nurturing enough to elicit the gifts and talents within each person so as to cultivate a more humane and loving world for all. There is a call to us to realize this idealistic vision in our own lives: the mission of an Ethical Society is to create a community where members inspire and support each other to live by their ethical values. "I am because we are" expresses an understanding that individuals become fully human only within a community of caring and responsible people.
Empathy, Imagination, and Ethical Development by Berson, Robert - 2005
Robert Berson, Leader of the Northern Westchester Ethical Society, delivers a platform address on "Empathy, Imagination, and Ethical Development" in which he discusses the evolution of empathy and the importance of imagination in ethical development. Arthur Dobrin, Leader Emeritus of the Ethical Society of Long Island, introduces the speaker.
Slavery Today by Sliwa, Maria - 2005
Maria Sliwa discusses the mission and work of the American Anti-Slavery Group. Defined as "forced labor without pay under the threat of violence," slavery claims more than 27 million people throughout the world.
A Death in Vietnam by Giannini, Joseph - 2005
"A Death in Vietnam" -- Vietnam Veteran Joseph Giannini served as a U.S. Marine officer in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. In November 2004 he formed the East End Veterans Against the War in Iraq. Mr. Giannini shares his personal experiences.
Why the United Nations Still Matters by Klaeysen, Anne - 2005
On October 24, the United Nations will celebrate its sixtieth anniversary. On that day in 1945 a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body. Has the United Nations lived up to its founding ideals? Will it survive the next sixty years? Leader Anne Klaeysen discusses the reasons for Ethical Humanists to celebrate and support the United Nations.