EXPERTS & AFICIONADOS
FROM AROUND THE CORNER AND ACROSS THE GLOBE
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021 | SEEK PRESENTED | WINTER LIGHT CELEBRATION
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with our SEEK students. As winter dips towards its' shortest days, people throughout the northern hemisphere gather to share hope, warmth and community in the flickering lights of a variety of celebrations of light. Learn more with our SEEK class. |
Louise Jett, AEU Leader in Training
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | LOUISE JETT | HUMANIST VALUES AND ETHICAL CULTURE
As Ethical Humanists, we strive to live our values. we are committed to ethical action and relationship building. Join Leader-In-Training Louise Jett in an exploration of Humanist values and Ethical Culture. Louise Jett, a lifelong learner and an educator at heart. She served as a media specialist at Lewis and Clark Community College and adjunct faculty member at L&C for eight years. She is now a full-time faculty member and coordinator of L&C’s Graphic Design and Wed Development programs. Louise considers herself a congregational Humanist and is truly inspired by people who are dedicated to empowering others. |
Rodney Wilson
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | RODNEY WILSON | TABOO TEACHING
Missouri native, Rodney Wilson founded LGBTQ History Month in 1994. Inspired by Women’s History Month, Black History Month, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, etc., he worked with national organizations to develop a gay-friendly curriculum for educators. What began as a lesson evolved into a much broader mission to teach young people about gay history. In 1994 Wilson wrote the first article about gay history published by the Missouri Historical Society. University of Missouri-St. Louis became the first college in the country to hold a Gay History Month function, and Wilson helped organize a gay film festival on campus to launch the festivities. In 1995 Gay History Month received its first mainstream media coverage in Newsweek. In 2020, Wison was named a Missouri Trailblazer by the Missouri State Museum. The short documentary "Taboo Teaching" is about Rodney Wilson's experience after he came out as a gay man to his classroom at a Mehlville Missouri high school in 1994. |
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2021 | PHILLIP DONZE | ATHEIST ALLIANCE HELPING THE HOMELESS
ESMR member Phillip Donze, discussed his humanitarian efforts with Atheist Alliance Helping the Homeless. Phillip is the lead organizer for the Saint Louis chapter and organizes monthly giveaways to directly benefit up to 80 unhoused people. After his platform presentation Phillip will supervise a back-pack filling activity to help prep for the next Atheist Alliance Helping the Homeless giveaway. Atheist Alliance of America (AAoA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incubator for secular activists and community organizations who work to normalize atheism, unify atheist organizations and provide humanitarian aid. AAoA’s vision is to transform society into one that values reason, rationality, honesty, clarity, and kindness. They actively promote atheism, naturalism, and the separation of church and state. AAoA is a rich network of secular organizations that seek to increase wellbeing and help people make better decisions. |
Dan Flynn
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OCTOBER 17, 2021 | FUNERAL DIRECTOR, DAN FLYNN | THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: THE NEW FUNERAL DYNAMIC
Our society has evolved more in the last 30 years than it has in the last 300 years, in every way but one — the way we handle the death of a loved one. Most people have very little knowledge of their options, as well as their rights, in making funeral arrangements. Dan Flynn is a licensed Funeral Director in both Missouri and California. Prior to moving back to his hometown of St. Louis, Dan owned Simply Remembered Funeral home in Santa Barbara, CA where he became quite well known as a voice for change in the funeral industry. Dan also serves on the Federal government’s National Mass Fatality Team and is a Subject Matter Expert on Mass Fatalities for the Department of Homeland Security. He is a Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator and has served as a Police Officer and a Sheriff’s Deputy. As a result of his extensive background, he is a published writer, speaker and instructor. |
Paula Brown, MO State Representative
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OCTOBER 10, 2021 | STATE REPRESENTATIVE PAULA BROWN
Guest speaker State Representative Paula Brown discussed issues facing Missouri lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session. |
Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC,
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OCTOBER 3, 2021 | EMILY KIRCHER-MORRIS, M.A., M.ED., LPC
The neurodiversity movement is redefining what it means to be labeled as autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and more. Advocates recognize that there are simultaneous struggles and strengths within people who have these diagnoses. For too long, "treatments" and "cures" offered indicate that neurodivergent people are somehow broken. How can we better understand neurodivergent people and what does it mean to be neurodiversity-affirming? What is the impact of being a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world? Join Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC, to explore how we can work together to create a neurodiversity-affirming world. |
Inspired by her own experiences as a neurodivergent person, Emily is dedicated to destigmatizing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent people of all ages. She started her career in education and is now in private practice near St. Louis, Missouri as a licensed professional counselor, where she specializes in supporting neurodivergent kids and adults (and their families). Emily hosts The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She speaks at statewide, national, and international conferences and frequently provides virtual and in-person professional development to educators, mental health clinicians, and parents worldwide.
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Emily is the author of two books related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. “Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today's Classroom" (Free Spirit Publishing, 2021) focuses on supporting 2e learners in the educational setting, and the forthcoming "Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids" (Routledge, 01/22) is a guide for parents navigating the world of twice-exceptionality.
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 | CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Our SEEK youth group celebrated The International Day of Peace. This day, sometimes known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on September 21st. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1981, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people worldwide. |
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SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | FOREST ReLEAF OF MISSOURI
Our SEEK youth group enjoyed our second annual tree planting project in the city of St. Louis. This year, we coordinated with an amazing organization, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. which operates the only nonprofit community-assisted tree nursery in the region. Since their inception in 1993, more than 200,000 trees have been planted throughout Missouri and Illinois—projects that have increased tree canopy in low-income areas, assisted with reforestation after major weather disasters and those undertaken to promote peace and healing in our communities. Forest ReLeaf is a catalyst for restoring and sustaining our urban forests, with the help of thousands of volunteers. Their mission is to plant trees and enrich communities. |
Author, Clark Beim-Esche
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AUGUST 22, 2021 | CLARK BEIM-ESCHE | CALLING ON THE PRESIDENTS: TALES THEIR HOUSES TELL
Our guest speaker, author Clark Beim-Esche, presented a talk entitled, “Calling on the Presidents: Tales Their Houses Tell,” which is also the title of his latest book.
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AUGUST 1, 2021 | DR. STEVE WERNER | PETER, PAUL AND MARY. FOLKS SINGERS? SAINTS?
ESMR member Dr. Steve Werner presented an exploration of singers Peter, Paul and Mary, an American folk group formed in New York City in 1961, during the American folk music revival phenomenon. The trio was composed of tenor Peter Yarrow, baritone Noel Paul Stookey and contralto Mary Travers. The group's repertoire included songs written by Yarrow and Stookey, early songs by Bob Dylan, as well as covers of other folk musicians |
Kristin Mosley, Author of, “Queen Olivia and the Lava Monster”
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JULY 25, 2021 | KRISTIN MOSLEY | THE NEED FOR DIVERSE CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Diverse books are powerful tools that serve in enabling kids (and parents) to gain a better understanding of their own culture and the cultures of those not like them. There is a desperate need for children to see diverse characters, and stories to help shape the way they see this world and the way they can imagine themselves in this world. In this presentation Kristen Mosley eloquently addresses why diverse books are needed, not just in the homes of marginalized families but in all homes. The Cooperative Children's Book Center tracks diversity in children's books and in 2018, found that only 10% of the stories published featured African American characters.
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Pamela Merritt,
Executive Director, Medical Students for Choice |
JUNE 27, 2021 | PAMELA MERRITT | MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR CHOICE
Our guest speaker was Pamela Merritt, the Executive Director at Medical Students for Choice. Her organization focuses on creating tomorrow's abortion providers and pro-choice physicians. Founded by medical students in 1993 as a response to the almost complete deficit of abortion education in their medical training, Medical Students for Choice (a 501(c)(3) non-profit) works to ensure that medical students and trainees are educated about all aspects of reproductive health care, including abortion. With more than 13 years of leadership in the reproductive justice space, Pamela Merritt has worked tirelessly to advance progressive policy through advocacy and outreach at Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri and Progress Missouri. Most recently, she co-founded and served as the co-director of Reproaction, a national organization that leads bold action to increase access to abortion and advance reproductive justice. |
Phyllis Jacobson
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JUNE 6, 2021 | PHYLLIS JACOBSON | HOME LANGUAGE LITERACY
Phyllis Jacobson discussed how a career as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professional taught her the Importance of home language literacy. She discussed her teaching career experiences, which ranged from first grade to the university level, and shared her work with “mother tongue literacy”. She also shared information on local entities offering English language instruction and their need for volunteers. The following are local TESOL resources for those looking to get involved:
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MAY 16, 2021 | AEU NATIONAL PLATFORM | YES CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
The American Ethical Union (AEU) presented a national event for all Ethical Society members and guests to watch virtually. The Youth of Ethical Societies (YES) presented an overview of the annual YES Conference. Every year, the teens of Ethical Societies around the country come together to discuss issues relevant to the world around them. The weekend-long conference is entirely teen-led; they plan the theme, they plan and lead the breakout discussion groups, and they facilitate all activities during the conference. This is an impressive feat in any year — but to have pulled off a successful YES Conference during a global pandemic was especially remarkable! |
Rachel Jamieson, Springfield, MO PFLAG Chapter President
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MAY 2, 2021 | RACHEL JAMIESON | WHITE SUPREMICY AND ANTI-RACISM
Rachel Jamieson, president of the Springfield, MO PFLAG chapter talked to us about what white supremacy and anti-racism in the context of today’s world. Rachel is a theatre professional and educator, as well as an activist and advocate for antiracism, decolonization, intersectionality, and social justice in Southwest Missouri. She holds an MFA in Actor Training and Coaching from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where her thesis was on Intersectional Feminism in Directing Pedagogy. She also holds an MA in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities from New York University, where her culminating event was studying at the Center for the Theatre of the Oppressed in Brazil. Rachel is currently an instructor in the Theatre and Dance Department at Missouri State University. |
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APRIL 25, 2021 | ANGELA BERRA, LMSW, MA | NAMI SAINT LOUIS
Angela Berra, LMSW, MA, Director of Programs at NAMI St. Louis (National Alliance on Mental Illness) spoke about mental illness concerns as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Louise Jett
AEU Leader-in-Training |
APRIL 11, 2021 | LOUISE JETT, AEU LEADER-IN-TRAINING | EMBRACING FAILURE
Louise’s talk, “Embracing Failure,” focuses on how embracing failure can lead to positive outcomes. Failure is often the first step in the learning process. It is important to give ourselves (and others) second chances. If we are discouraged by things that don’t instantly become easy for us or if we give up when we make a mistake, we are missing out on important opportunities for growth. When we conquer our fear of failing, we allow ourselves to take risks and learn from failures and mistakes alike. Louise Jett is a lifelong learner and an educator at heart. She is a Leader-in-Training with the American Ethical Union, and she is a former Mossler Fellowship Recipient. She served as a media specialist at Lewis and Clark Community College and adjunct faculty member at L&C for eight years. Louise is now a full-time faculty member and coordinator of L&C’s Graphic Design and Wed Development programs. Louise considers herself a congregational Humanist and is truly inspired by people who are dedicated to empowering others. |
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APRIL 4, 2021 | PANEL DISCUSSION | FIVE JOURNEYS TO ETHICAL CULTURE
Five ESMR members discussed their journeys out of the faith traditions of their childhoods, and into Ethical Culture. A fascinating way to get to know our members on a deeper level, and illustrate a sampling of the diverse backgrounds of our members. |
Christian Hayden,
AEU Leader Intern |
MARCH 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN HAYDEN, AEU LEADER INTERN | EXPANSION IN A PANDEMIC
Christian admits he was a bad student. If you talked to some of his teachers, he was probably the worst kind of student- one who was capable, but unwilling. But as an adult the learning bug bit him and the last ten years of his life has been a sort of testament to learning within and through community. Listen to Christian retrace his learning journey and hear some first hand accounts of his (unofficial) teachers and co-learners. In addition, he will share some of the work he has been creating with others. |
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FEBRUARY 28, 2021 | JOHN MEADOR | SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
Guest speaker Jon Meador spoke about his work as an attorney regarding the separation of church and state. For the past 30+ years, conservatives have made it their goal to rewrite the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment so that it only prohibits Congress from "establishing" a national religion rather than honoring what it says. Namely, Congress can make no law "respecting an establishment of religion." Jon Meador will explore this difference. |
Rev. Dr. Teresa Mithen Danieley
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FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | REV. DR. TERESA MITHEN DANEILEY | MISSOURI JOBS WITH JUSTICE
Rev. Dr. Teresa Mithen Danieley, an Episcopal priest for 17 years, who serves as the St. Louis Champions Organizer at Missouri Jobs with Justice. (MOJWJ) Rev. Danieley spoke about the work she is doing with MOJWJ. Rev. Danieley has a Bachelor's of Arts from Yale University, a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, a Master's of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Eden Theological Seminary. Before joining the MOJWJ staff, she served on both the St. Louis Leadership Team and the St. Louis Workers' Rights Board for more than ten years and was the founding co-chair of the St. Louis Faith Labor Alliance. She and her husband, Jonathan, are raising three young children in the City. |
Jone Johnson Lewis,
Ethical Culture Leader, Riverdale-Yonkers Society |
FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | JONE JOHNSON LEWIS | MONCURE CONWAY
Our guest speaker Jone Johnson Lewis, the Leader at the Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture, talked about a little known figure in the free thought movement’s history, Moncure Conway. Moncure Conway lived from 1832 to 1907. He was born into a slave-holding family, but became a committed abolitionist activist. He was first a Methodist minister, then a Unitarian minister, and then a freethinker, ultimately becoming an Ethical Culture Leader in London. |
Tom Neilson,
Singer/Songwriter |
JANUARY 24, 2021 | TOM NEILSON | FORKS IN THE ROAD
Singer/songwriter/storyteller Tom Neilson shared his journey to Humanism, which he calls “Forks in the Road,” interspersed with three of his original songs, to illustrate the story along the way. Tom is an award-winning performer who has led a fascinating life. Learn more about Tom here. |
Christian Hayden,
AEU Leader Intern |
JANUARY 3, 2021 | CHRISTIAN HAYDEN | HOW CONFLICT FEEDS CONNECTION
Our guest speaker, Leader Intern Christian Hayden presented his talk is titled, “How Conflict Feeds Connection”. The difficult parts of most relationships begin when there is growing tension around certain threshold issues and a lack of skills around how to engage them. But instead of looking at it as a win/loss, how might we turn conflict into a way to grow relationships, instead of break them down? |