experts & AFICIONADOS from across the country & around the corner
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? |
Dr. Gary McKiddy
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NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | DR. GARY McKIDDY | MISSOURI'S BICENTENIAL; PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Dr. Gary McKiddy, discussed plans for Missouri's 2021 Bicentennial; especially how groups and individuals can become involved in programs to preserve Missouri's past and present for future generations. Dr. McKiddy is a semi-retired educator. He taught for more than 20 years in the St. Charles Schools and at St. Charles Community College in addition to teaching in Louisiana, Missouri; Alexandria Egypt and at two schools in Saudi Arabia. Dr. McKiddy is a past president of the St. Charles Historical Society as well as past president of the Missouri Council for History Education. He is currently the MOCHE liaison with the Missouri Bicentennial Alliance. |
Alex Vitale, Professor At Brooklyn College
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NOVEMBER 15, 2020 | ALEX VITALE | THE END OF POLICING
We enjoyed the first all American Ethical Union (AEU) Platform, sponsored by the Riverdale/Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture. Our speaker was Alex Vitale, a sociology professor at Brooklyn College, who discussed his book, The End of Policing. Please attend this virtual presentation with other Ethical Society members from all around the country. |
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Christian Hayden,
AEU Leader-in-Training |
NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | CHRISTIAN HAYDEN, AEU LEADER IN TRAINING | LOSING I, FINDING WE
American Ethical Union (AEU) Leader-in-Training, Christian Hayden, who is doing his year-long internship at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, will be our guest speaker. His talk, entitled, “Losing I, Finding We: An Exploration of Attachment Through the Prism of Ethical Culture,” is described this way: Ethical Culture does not have explicit tenets or commandments, but it does ask of its members/followers to commit to building ethical relationships, because we as a community feel they are imperative to social justice and realizing a better world. At the same time, many of us struggle to invite intimacy in our personal, romantic, and communal lives- why is that? And what ideas might lead us to better meeting our charge in the future? |
Dwight Panozzo, PhD, LCSW
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NOVEMBER 1, 2020 | DWIGHT PANOZZO, PhD, LCSW | HACK THE SENATE
Guest speaker Dwight Panozzo shared his “Hack the Senate” presentation. A problem solver by nature, Dwight recognized that nothing was being achieved at the federal level to stem gun violence and, in particular, the US Senate was the stumbling block. This led him to conceptualize the New State Formation and Amalgamation Process which lies at the heart of the Hack the Senate movement. Learn more about the process at hackthesenate.org Dwight is an adjunct assistant professor of social work at New York University and a clinician in private practice. His social justice work began with gun violence prevention protesting after the Sandy Hook massacre. It included work with the Brady campaign and Gays Against Guns. |
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OCTOBER 4, 2020 | KATE LOVELADY | UGANDA HUMANIST SCHOOLS
Kate Lovelady, Leader Emeritus, Ethical Society of St. Louis shared the Inspiring Story of the Uganda Humanist Schools. Ugandan humanists--in partnership with humanists all over the world, including the St. Louis area--are transforming the lives of young women and men and their communities. Humanists in Uganda face extraordinary challenges, but they have made remarkable progress in a short time; the success of the Uganda Humanist Schools broadens understanding of humanism as a worldwide movement. For anyone wishing to support the Humanist schools in Uganda visit the Uganda Humanist Schools site to donate directly or, to pool donations together and save processing costs, make a donation to The Ethical Society of St Louis. Be sure to designate that your Donation is for The Ugandan Schools if you donate this way. |
Paul Halpern, Author
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SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 | PAUL HELPERN | SYNCHRONICITY
In Synchronicity: The Epic Quest to Understand the Quantum Nature of Cause and Effect Paul Halpern tells the little-known story of the unlikely friendship between Nobel-prize-winning physicist Wolfgang Pauli and the great psychologist Carl Jung. Their long collaboration has been essential to some of the most important physics of the last 100 years. Along the way, Halpern explores the difference between scientific and pseudoscientific connections throughout history, showing how we must be careful to subject any purported link to scientific analysis. With quantum physics, it can be tricky, but possible. |
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SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 | DAVE WARNOCK | APPROACHING DEATH AS AN ATHEIST & LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE
Dave Warnock is a former conservative evangelical pastor and church leader of 40 years. 10 years ago he began to question, examine and investigate the faith claims of evangelical christianity. He came to the conclusion that those beliefs came up short and it took him several years to work through how to live without belief. He realized that this was his one life and there was nothing after. His motto became “Carpe the Fucking Diem” and he began living his best life. In 2019, Dave was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative fatal disease. He now spends the time he has left traveling and speaking about seizing the moments in our lives, approaching death as an atheist, and navigating death with no fear of hell or promise of heaven. Follow Dave's journey on his website and facebook. To help in the fight against ALS, Dave strongly encourages donations to I AM ALS. |
Ryan Staples
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JULY 19, 2020 | RYAN STAPLES | YOUNG, BLACK AND AMERICAN—THE DEADLY COMBINATION
18 year old Ryan Staples from O’Fallon Missouri recently became well-known after organizing a highly successful Black Lives Matter protest in St. Charles county spoke about his experiences as a young, black American. Ryan shared what it’s like to be a black youth in this country, where the target on your back gets wider and wider as you grow older. Those who survive are stained, while those who perish are mourned. |
Sarah Tielemans, AEU Leader-in-Training
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JULY 12, 2020 | SARAH TIELEMANS, AEU LEADER IN TRAINING | CREATING ALTERNATIVE FUTURES THROUGH AN ABUNDANCE MINDSET
Practicing an abundance mindset can be transformative for individuals and communities. Our sense of scarcity has complex roots, yet when we realize that we are already whole and interconnected we open space for new possibilities for getting everyone’s needs met–physically and philosophically. Sarah Tielemans is a Leader in Training in the Ethical Culture Movement and a member of the New York Society. Throughout her wanderings in life she has nurtured her curiosity about alternative ways to perceive our shared experience. She believes that Joy is our birthright and Love is the perfect realization of our interconnectedness. |
Bart Worden, Executive Director Of The Aeu
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JUNE 28, 2020 | BART WORDEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AEU | STRUCTURAL RACISM
Structural racism is a powerful force spread across multiple systems and institutions and is extremely pernicious and resilient. White people are the source and the sustainers of structural racism and recreate it every day when they are silent about police “protection,” pick neighborhoods to live in, seek out “good” schools, allow monetized healthcare, "integrate" neighborhoods through the displacement of gentrification… Structural racism incorporates a broad and deep structure of attitudes and institutions. It's a system based on inequity, fueled by avarice, protected by violence - and people don’t have to overtly endorse it in order to support it. White people's lives have been lifted up while the lives of black and brown people have been pushed down for centuries. Responses to the killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have been powerful and widespread, prompting a tremendous number of protesters and statements of solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives from many quarters. It has been hundreds of years of damage - are we at a tipping point that will lead to real and lasting change? Will ethical humanists join efforts to repair the damage of structural racism and help usher in a more equitable and compassionate society? |
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JUNE 14, 2020 | CAROL VENEZIANO | CANNABIS LAWS IN THE US
ESMR member Carol Veneziano, PhD, discussed the legal status of state laws regarding cannabis use, and the social science research that has been conducted as various states have passed legislation. Carol explored the statistical effects on accidents, crime rates, and societal change. |
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MAY 10, 2020 | KATE LOVELADY | SPRINGTIME IN THE MISSOURI (MOSTLY) NATIVE GARDEN
Take a break from the news and get out into nature. Join Kate Lovelady, native-plant-nut and Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, for a virtual tour of her garden and a discussion on what native plants can do for the environment and for you! |
Christian Hayden, AEU Leader in Training
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APRIL 26, 2020 | CHRISTIAN HAYDEN, AEU LEADER IN TRAINING | THE TENSIONS OF FELIX ADLER
Who was the person who started Ethical Humanism? What drove him to establish a community that functioned like a religion but is nontheistic? How did he go from radical to outdated in a few short years? What lasting tensions remain and continue to shape Ethical Humanism? Christian Hayden, views Felix Adler who founded Ethical Culture in 1876 from a 21st century perspective. The most important thing to know about Christian, is that he is an Ethical Culture leader in training, which means you are stuck with hearing from him for a while. The second most important thing is that he fell in love with photography recently so you might hear about that too. Christian is a full-time facilitator, very part=time poet, and striving to be a 24/7 humanist. He also spent a year in Ghana with the Humanist Service Corps and was awarded the Mossler Fellowship in 2016! |
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MARCH 8, 2020 | ETHICAL NON-MONOGOMY
Non-monogamy is a relationship that involves more than two people. Ethical non-monogamy implies that all parties are being treated respectfully, and that enthusiastic consent to the arrangement has been given by everyone involved. |
Tom Abeln, Veterans for Peace
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MARCH 1, 2020 | TOM ABELN | VETERANS FOR PEACE
Guest speaker Tom Abeln shared information about the efforts of Veterans for Peace, an international organization made up of military veterans, military family members, and allies, dedicated to building a culture of peace, exposing the true costs of war, and healing the wounds of war. |
Dorris Keeven-Franke
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FEBRUARY 23, 2020 | DORRIS KEEVEN-FRANKE | FREE AT LAST–ARCHER ALEXANDER
Archer Alexander was born a slave in Virginia, but died a hero and freed man in St. Louis. While still a slave to Confederate secessionist sympathizers, Archer Alexander’s courage and tenacity helped turn the tide of the Civil War when he shared consequential Military Intelligence with the Union Army stationed at the Guard House for the Peruque Creek Bridge, a vital supply route for the Union Troops. This Intel was responsible for a huge victory for the Union Army. Dorris' passion is sharing history. She enjoys helping people connect with their ancestors, their culture, and heritage of the places where they live. She is currently writing a book titled, Archey – An American Hero, the story of Archer Alexander. Follow Dorris' blog to learn more. |
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FEBRUARY 9, 2020 | A DARWIN DAY CELEBRATION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
We proudly became part of the mission of International Darwin Day: To inspire people throughout the globe to reflect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity, scientific thinking, and hunger for truth as embodied in Charles Darwin. Learn more about International Darwin Day |
Robert Allen
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FEBRUARY 2, 2020 | ROBERT ALLEN | LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Guest speaker Robert Allen from the League of Women Voters of Missouri (LWV), discussed the National Popular Vote: what it is, how it works, and the status of the current national effort to enact it. Learn more about the LWV education and advocacy efforts around the National Popular Vote. |
Betsy Reznicek
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JANUARY 26, 2020 | BETSY REZNICEK | HOME SWEET HOME
Guest speaker Betsy Reznicek shared information about Home Sweet Home, a 501(c)(3) organization connecting non-profit partners in the St. Louis region with donated furniture and household items. Home Sweet Home helps clients from partner organizations transition to their new living situations with much-needed furnishings and basics, providing a sense of ownership and a source of stability at this crucial time. The mission of Home Sweet Home is to give families a sense of pride and to improve the quality of their lives by providing basic household furnishings. |
Julie Smith, Webster University
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JANUARY 4, 2020 | JULIE SMITH | 26 THINGS ADULTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA
Guest speaker Julie Smith presented "26 Things Adults Need to Know About Social Media.” A balanced, informative, fast and fun exploration of the digital world in which we are attempting to navigate. Julie Smith is on the faculty at Webster University and is the author of "Master the Media: How Teaching Media Literacy Can Save Our Plugged-In World". She travels extensively helping students, teachers and parents understand the media and their effects |
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Morris “Arthur” Shenker, Jr.
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DECEMBER 8, 2019 | ARTHUR SHANKER | SMART RECOVERY
Guest speaker, Arthur Shanker discussed SMART Recovery, an international non-profit organization that provides assistance to individuals seeking abstinence from addiction. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. The SMART approach is secular and science-based, using cognitive behavioral therapy and non-confrontational motivational methods. From 1975 to1986 Arthur was president of Dunes Hotels and Casinos and owner of The Dunes Hotel and Country Club. Arther served on the boards of United Way, The Arthritis Foundation, and Boy Scouts. He raised money for the State of Israel, and was awarded The Spirit of Life award from The City of Hope. Arthur also recovered from a cocaine problem and is in his 28th year of being Recovered. He started facilitating Rational Recovery groups in 1993 and has been facilitating SMART recovery groups since 2016. Visit the SMART Recovery website to learn more. |
Kate Lovelady, Ethical Culture Leader
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NOVEMBER 10, 2019 | ETHICAL CULTURE LEADER, KATE LOVELADY | IS HUMANITY BAD FOR THE EARTH
Guest speaker Kate Lovelady, senior leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis gave a talk titled, "Is Humanity Bad for the Earth? Ethical Humanist Stewardship". Many religions have a concept of environmental stewardship that says humans have been given responsibility for the environment and other animals by a creator. Ethical Humanism embraces the theory of unguided evolution. Yet many Ethical Humanists are strong environmentalists. What is the basis for the Ethical Humanist environmental ethic? How do we decide ecological ethical questions? Some people argue that humans have been so harmful to the environment that the earth would be better off without humans; is this really true? |
Sarah Gleason, RD LD CEDRD
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NOVEMBER 3, 2019 | SARAH GLEASON | OUR DIET CULTURE
Certified eating disorders dietitian, Sarah Gleason discussed how diet culture negatively affects us all, especially women. Eating a balanced diet can be challenging at times. The rules that are created through years of unbalanced eating can make it hard to believe how to eat in a simplistic, intuitive way. |
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OCTOBER 27, 2019 | ROSE THOMSON GASTLER | YUWA
Guest speaker Rose Thomson Gastler gave a beautiful and inspiring talk about the work she has done with the amazing organization, Yuwa. Watch this informative YUWE video and Visit the YUWE website to learn more. Yuwa, which means “youth,” in Hindi, works specifically with girls from impoverished families in rural Jharkhand, India-a place where girls are at risk of child marriage and human trafficking. It is a program that uses team sports and education to build character, confidence and courage. It is a place where girls who don’t yet know their worth can meet to compete, achieve goals, and create brighter futures. Yuwa prepares girls to break the cycle of poverty-permanently. |
Mary Wallace
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2019 | MARY WALLACE | WORKING FOR BAYER AS AN ETHICAL HUMANIST
Guest speaker, ESMR member Mary Wallace discussed, “What It’s Like to Work For Bayer as an Ethical Humanist.” Monsanto was acquired by Bayer as part of its crop science division in 2018. Monsanto developed Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, in the 1970s, and became a major producer of genetically engineered crops beginning in 1983. |
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SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 | ANDY STANTON | ELIJAH LOVEJOY: FREEDOM'S CHAMPION
ESMR member Andy Stanton presented on Elijah Lovejoy. The death of the American newspaper editor and abolitionist Elijah Parish Lovejoy (1802-1837) at the hands of a mob in Illinois gave the antislavery cause its first martyr. |
Kalen McAllister
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AUGUST 11, 2019 | KALEN McALLISTER | LAUGHING BEAR BAKERY
Our guest speaker, Kalen McAllister, spoke about her experiences as a Buddhist prison chaplain, and the program she started, Laughing Bear Bakery, to create jobs for released felons. Kalen’s talk was entitled, “Prison Isn’t for Everyone.” We also had items from the Laughing Bear Bakery for sale. They sold out and they WERE DELICIOUS! |
Randy Best, Ethical Culture Leader
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AUGUST 4, 2019 | ETHICAL CULTURE LEADER, RANDY BEST | QUESTIONING MY OWN ASSUMPTIONS
Our guest speaker, Randy Best, is the clergy leader at the Northern Virginia Ethical Society. His talk entitled, “Questioning the Authority of My Own Assumptions” is described by Randy this way: What assumptions to I make as I move through the world? How do my assumptions influence my interactions with others? Are my fundamental assumptions about myself too narrow and self-limiting? To what extent is my experience of the world generalizable to others? These thoughts intrigue me. I will unpack these ideas and reflect on how they contribute to my ethical consideration of others and help bridge the gap of understanding. |
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JULY 28, 2019 | JUNKO IKEDA | CHADO SOCIETY OF SAINT LOUIS
At ESMR, we value learning about cultures that may differ from our own. This is the basis of peace and tolerance, and we need more of that in the world. We hosted some very special visitors who performed a Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstration for our members and visitors. The way of tea is a part of Japanese culture which cherishes human relationship through hospitality. Hounsai, the previous grand master of the tea school of Urasenke, has been striving to appeal the world peace with a slogan "peace from a bowl of tea". He spread the way of tea to all over the world by exercising its spirit, "Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku" which means to harmonize with others, to respect each other, to purify not only one's appearance but one's mind, and to be calm and cool amid confusion. Junko Ikeda, a certified instructor from the Urasenke school who leads the Chado Society of St. Louis, performed the tea ceremony with her students to show the beauty and spirits of the way of tea. |
Donald C. Miller
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JULY 12, 2019 | DONALD C. MILLER | COMING OF AGE IN POPULAR CULTURE
Don Miller is a local author, playwright and Webster University professor, who shared fascinating insights from his new book by the same title as his talk, "Coming of Age in Popular Culture". He shared various examples from pop culture media that are tied to ethical issues, spanning six decades of recent history. |
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Dr. Robert Waldinger
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MAY 12, 2019 | DR. ROBERT WALDINGER'S TED TALK | WHAT MAKES A GOOD LIFE?
TED talk, “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness” by Robert Waldinger. Robert J. Waldinger is an American psychiatrist and Professor at Harvard Medical School. He is known for a TED talk about his findings from the Grant Study, a 75-year-long Harvard study on adult happiness. |
Tom Stevenson, Former US Army, Retired Registered Nurse
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MAY 5, 2019 | TOM STEVENSON | A BRIEF HISTORY OF GUNS AND GUN LAWS
ESMR member Tom Stevenson. Tom will gave some history about guns and how they work, along with information about the Brady Bill and other gun laws, the NRA and the explanation of some of the terminology we hear in the news. |
Stephen Ritz, Not a Farmer
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APRIL 7, 2019 | TED TALK: STEPHEN RITZ | THE POWER OF A PLANT
Globally acclaimed teacher, author and TED Talk speaker, Stephen Ritz showed us how, in one of the nation’s poorest communities, his students thrive in school and in life by growing, cooking, eating, and sharing the bounty of their green classroom. Watch his TED Talk and buy his book to learn more about Stephen's inspirational, energetic and FUNNY story. |
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Dr. Ed Weisbart, MD, CPE, FAAFP
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MARCH 24, 2019 | DR. ED WEISBART | PHYSICIANS FOR A NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Most Americans across the political spectrum say they want Medicare for All, but what does that mean? The language itself has been getting increasingly confused. Is that the same as a Medicare Buy-In? How about a Medicare Option? How about Medicare Advantage? Just what are we talking about, and how much sense does this make? Dr. Weisbart answered these questions, and others, during this important discussion. Dr. Weisbart, MD, CPE, FAAFP is the chair of Physicians for a National Health Program, MO chapter, a 32 year-old non-profit research and education organization in support of providing an improved form of Medicare to all Americans. He is an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Washington University in St. Louis MO. He volunteers in a variety of safety net clinics and other non-profits across the St. Louis area, and serves as vice president of Consumers Council of Missouri. He received his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago in 1979, completed his family medicine residency and a fellowship in family medicine education at Michigan State University in 1982, and practiced family medicine at Rush Medical Center in Chicago for twenty years. He served as chief medical officer of Express Scripts from 2003 to 2010. Dr. Weisbart has had several articles published in both national medical journals and local media regarding the healthcare needs of the uninsured. It's easy to learn more and stay informed on this important issue! Become a member of Physicians for a National Health Program, MO chapter, and like their Facebook page. |
Christine Woody
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MARCH 10, 2019 | CHRISTINE WOODY | EMPOWER MISSOURI
Empower Missouri is a citizen membership organization founded in 1901 and formerly known as the Missouri Conference on Corrections and Charities. The organization began as a statewide professional forum for philanthropists, government employees of human services agencies, and private charity professionals. Empower Missouri became a more activist organization in 1910, with its first legislative committee under the of leadership of Roger Baldwin, subsequent founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. They began advocating for changes in public policy to improve social conditions. Christine and Chris will be talking about the many social justice activities that Empower Missouri is involved with, and promises to be a fascinating presentation. Christine spoke about the history of Empower Missouri, social welfare issues, and state level legislative bills that they are currently working on pertaining to hunger, health, housing and criminal justice. Additionally, she discussed how to be an advocate. |
Andy Stanton
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FEBRUARY 24, 2019 | ANDY STANTON | ULYSSES GRANT, AN UNLIKELY SUCCESS STORY
Ulysses S. Grant was the most successful Union general during the Civil War and eventually commanded all the Union armies. He later became a two-term President. But he did not have an impressive appearance. He was short, slight, and always looked rumpled. He was soft spoken - not a self-promoter. He was never an outstanding student. How did this seemingly ordinary man achieve so much? Andy’s presentation was augmented with excerpts from an excellent PBS video. |
Martha Gallahue,
Ethical Culture Leader |
FEBRUARY 10, 2019 | MARTHA GALLAHUE | SPIRITUAL ACTIVISM - A HUMANIST PERSPECTIVE
Martha’s spiritual activism began with her mother’s engagement in human rights in the 40’s in Zanesville, Ohio. It was nurtured for eleven years in a Roman Catholic Convent where she taught religion, literature, creative writing, Latin and Journalism. She completed her theological studies at Union Theological Seminary/Columbia University with special focus upon Alfred North Whitehead and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. In an eclectic psychoanalytic practice, she learned all forms of emotional derailment that take place in the context of materialist competitive and dysfunctional culture. She became an ethical culturalist in 1997, her first service as Main Representative at the UN for National Service Conference now known as National Ethical Service. In 2007, after 4 years training, she was certified Leader and worked at Essex Society in Maplewood, NJ, 2011-2016 while continuing at the UN. She now represents United Rellgions Initiative at the UN, a group of over 1 million activists in over 100 countries (uri.org) The AEU endorsed URI in a national Assembly (2004). Martha’s pleasure is with her three grown children and their families including 3 grandchildren. |
Jessica Kruse
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JANUARY 27, 2019 | JESSICA KRUSE | WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A FOSTER CHILD
Jessica and her brother grew up in the foster system. She was adopted at age 10, yet her brother aged out of the system, so seeing how not having a family and feeling like no one cares is in stark contrast to having a loving family support and nurture a child. She has given multiple speeches and led discussion platforms on the nitty gritty and sometimes difficult to hear experiences of being taken from her biological family, living in foster homes and orphanages, and the life changing turn of events when a loving family chose her to be theirs. |
Dr. Jeanie Thies
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NOVEMBER 4, 2018 | DR. JEANIE THIES | MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND CHALLENGES IN CONTEMPORARY CORRECTIONS
Dr. Jeanie Thies has more than twenty-five years of professional experience in criminal justice. She holds a PhD in Political Science, with an emphasis on crime control policy analysis, as well as a M.A. in Psychology. Dr. Thies has taught Criminal Justice and Political Science at Lindenwood University since 2007 and is currently Chair of the Master’s in Public Administration program and coordinates the Hammond Institute Criminal Justice Reform Initiative. She was a prison psychologist for nine years, and directed Missouri’s state sex offender program. Her areas of expertise include program and policy development and evaluation, offender risk assessment, criminal thinking errors, and treatment of sex offenders and antisocial offenders. |
Chuck Parson/Brady Hardin
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OCTOBER 14, 2018 | BRADY HARDIN & CHUCK PARSON | THE LIFE AFTER PODCAST SERIES
Brady Hardin and Chuck Parson, hosts and creators of The Life After podcast discussed the history behind their reasons for creating the series. The Life After podcast series holds space for those leaving their faith: Brady Hardin and Chuck Parson interview special guests with diverse, life-changing exoduses away from oppressive forms of Christianity. Their online community connects individuals deconstructing their faith with others experiencing the same conflicts and victories. Learn more about The Life After. |
Margaret Placentra Johnston
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 | MARGARET PLACENTRA JOHNSTON | OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL MYOPIA
Margaret Placentra Johnston, author of the book Faith Beyond Belief; Stories of Good People Who Have Left Their Church Behind. Margaret’s topic related to her latest book, Overcoming Spiritual Myopia, a book meant to offer a broader perspective about the meaning behind the spiritual quest. Many factors have led people from various cultures to believe only their religion is right. Overcoming Spiritual Myopia discusses how those factors are weakening in today’s world, and how a bigger story is necessary, and guess what? It doesn’t include a literal “sky god!”. Learn more about Margaret on her website. |
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Nanette Trax
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 | NANETTE TRAX | NEA FOUNDATION GLOBAL LEARNING FELLOW
Fort Zumwalt North Middle School teacher, Nanette Trax discussed her travels to South Africa as the Missouri, 2018 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow. Through the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship, educators develop the knowledge and skills to integrate global competency into their daily classroom instruction, advocate for global competency in their schools and districts, and help students to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. Fellows transform their classrooms to give students a global perspective. |
Kate Lovely, Ethical Culture Leader
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AUGUST 12, 2018 | ETHICAL CULTURE LEADER, KATE LOVELADY | WHY IS COMMUNITY IMPORTANT
Ethical Society of St. Louis Leader Kate Lovelady delivered an excellent Platform talk entitled “The Ethical Society vs. NPR.” Why is community important? Where do we find hope and joy, with so much overwhelming negativity all around us? |
Terry Jones, PhD, University of Missouri St. Louis Professor Emeritus
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AUGUST 5, 2018 | UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ST. LOUIS PROFESSOR EMERITUS TERRY JONES, PhD | FRAGMENTED BY DESIGN
Local expert and University of Missouri St. Louis Professor Emeritus Terry Jones, PhD, spoke about the racial divides that exist throughout the metropolitan area. Dr. Jones has authored three books, including the celebrated Fragmented by Design, as well as dozens of scholarly articles focusing on metropolitan governance, urban public policy, state government and public opinion. He has been a consultant to more than seventy governmental and non-profit organizations and has held office in many professional and community organizations. |
Erica Williams
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JULY 22, 2018 | ERICA R. WILLIAMS | A RED CIRCLE
Our guest speaker was Erica Williams from A Red Circle, a non-profit focusing on ways to combat racism in north St. Louis county, our neighbors to the east. As Executive Director Williams states, ”The best way to visualize A Red Circle is to consider north St. Louis County, its primary demographic, and its economic health. Where do you start? With schools that need funding, with vacant homes that need purchasing for tax revenue to fund the schools? With adults who need jobs and income to purchase the homes that fund the schools? With healthier food options to attract new businesses to hire the people who need jobs to buy the homes to fund the schools? With increasing the arts availability which adds flavor to everything? It's a circle, with no true beginning and no end. These disparities are the product of systemic and structural racism, but all blood is red." |
Randy Best,
Ethical Culture leader |
JULY 1, 2018 | ETHICAL CULTURE LEADER, RANDY BEST | HOW FRAGILE IS OUR DEMOCRACY?
Ethical Culture leader Randy Best, who serves the Northern Virginia Ethical Society, delivered his talk, How Fragile is American Democracy? American Democracy, with three independent branches, was designed to withstand all threats, domestic and foreign. Is American Democracy robust enough to withstand the challenges that it faces today? Will it be able to be faithful to its principles? What events are required for American Democracy to collapse? Randy will address these challenges and his fears about the future of American Democracy. |
Dr. Daniel Pieper
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JUNE 24, 2018 | DR. DANIEL PIEPER | FUMBLING TOWARD PEACE: A HISTORY OF THE NORTH KOREAN CRISIS AND THE PROSPECT FOR REUNIFICATION
Dr. Daniel Pieper, a Korea Postdoctoral Fellow at Washington University discussed a brief history of how thoughtless geopolitical division by superpowers resulted in war, ideological dictatorships, and now the surreal juxtaposition of a hyper-modern model democracy and the last Stalinist state on earth. Dr. Pieper discussed diplomatic breakthroughs between North and South Korea and the United States and the prospects for peace on the Korean Peninsula. |
Dr. James Croft,
Ethical Culture leader |
MAY 6, 2018 | ETHICAL CULTURE LEADER, DR. JAMES CROFT | WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
Dr. James Croft, leader at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, crossed the river to visit us. He beautifully spoke of wonder — a much needed reflection anytime, but especially now. James described his talk this way: Wonder is often associated with religious experiences, with astral revelations and spiritual visions. But wonder isn’t exclusive to traditional religious ways of looking at the world – we can experience wonder regardless of our religious beliefs, drawing inspiration from the natural world and from our relationships with each other. In this Platform we’ll explore what wonder is, why it’s important, and how we can all live lives more wonderful. |
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MARCH 4, 2018 | TOUR OF THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & LEARNING CENTER
Visit to the Saint Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center for a guided tour, and presentation by holocaust survivor, Siegfried Adler. Mr Adler discussed his experiences as a child in 1935-1941 Germany. Please visit the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center website to read more about this important facility. |
Dave Fiedler
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FEBRUARY 25, 2018 | DAVE FIEDLER | WWII POW CAMPS IN MISSOURI
We welcomed local author, speaker and history enthusiast, Dave Fiedler. Dave is the author of four books to date, including a history of Missouri’s WWII prisoner-of-war camps called The Enemy Among Us: POWs in Missouri During World War II, for which he received the Governor’s Award for the Humanities, plus a newly-released counterpart novel, My Enemy, My Love. Dave has written for more than a decade with hundreds of articles to his credit. He has worked as a correspondent for the Associated Press, and his writing has been carried by the New York Times Syndicate and the Wall Street Journal Online. Dave graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with majors in German and Political Science, and served eight years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He lives in St. Louis with his family. |
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 | SHARON CAMPIONE | MOMS DEMAND ACTION
Sharon Campione is a retired special education teacher who simply wants to leave the world a little better; a little kinder. She currently volunteers for the League of Women Voters, the St Charles Democratic Party and Moms Demand Action-Missouri as the local legislative lead. The emphasis of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (MDA) is to fight gun violence through sensible gun legislation. Moms (and other concerned citizens) work to close deadly loopholes in our background check system, promote gun safety, safe storage of guns, support reasonable limits on where guns are carried and promote enforceable laws to keep illegal guns off of our streets. MDA is not "anti-gun", just "anti-gun violence". Responsible gun ownership is one of thier goals. They believe in sensible limits within the 2nd amendment. Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to reduce drunk driving, MDA was created to advocate for stronger laws and policies that will reduce gun violence and save lives. |