NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE ETHICAL …files.constantcontact.com/620aff69001/893814b8-304...munities at all levels have genuine capacities to respond to these challenges,

“The U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals”A Dilaogue with Prof. Jeffrey Sachs and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonEthical Culture is delighted to announce the launch of the Ethics in Action Initiative. Collaborating with the Sustainable Develop-ment Solutions Network and Religions for Peace, we will convene a series of meetings over the next few months, bringing together a select group of community leaders to dialogue with Jeffrey Sachs about some of the great social, economic, political, and environmental challenges facing the world today — and specifically facing New York City.

Based on the premise that these are profoundly ethical challenges, they require not only technical solutions but the actualization of universal ethical principles such as human dignity, social justice, the common good, and shared well-being. Since individuals and com-munities at all levels have genuine capacities to respond to these challenges, they have related moral obligations to do so. The issues will be discussed in an effort identify the

values and ethics needed to respond effectively to them—and hopefully to forge a shared moral consensus that can serve as an impetus for action. Jeffrey D. Sachs is Professor of Sustainable

Development and of Health Policy and Man-agement at Columbia University and Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the Sustainable Develop-ment Goals. He is co-founder and Chief Strategist of Millennium Promise Alliance, director of the Millennium Villages Project, a world-renowned professor of economics, bestselling author, and syndicated columnist.

The Issues –Police-Community Relations Ethics and Wall Street Education Reform in NYC Climate Change Poverty Immigration Reform Corruption in the Public & Private Sectors

Health Policy & Reform in NYC

N E W Y O R K S O C I E T Y F O R E T H I C A L C U L T U R EB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST

2 W E S T 6 4 T H S T R E E T • N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 2 3 • 2 1 2 . 8 7 4 . 5 2 1 0 • W W W . E T H I C A L . N Y C

ETHICAL OUTLOOK

November 2016

INSIDELeader’s Desk 2

AEU News 3

Ethical Explorers 3

Explore Ethical 4-5

Sunday Platforms 6

Sunday AM & PM 7

Snaps 8–9

Our Ethical Family 10

Calendar 11

Neuroscience is the study of the brain, but what can it tell us about the mind? Doesn’t the brain just create the mind? Why should we care about what “the mind” is and where it comes from—aren’t these questions for philosophers?

Join noted neuro-psychiatrist and New York Times best-selling author Daniel J. Siegel, MD for a lecture on his new book, Mind: A Journey to the

Heart of Being Human. Dr. Siegel gets to the essence of how we can know who we really are. The story he tells goes beyond explaining how neurons fire to establish a working definition of the human mind. His exciting narrative of science and art shows how we humans can cultivate wellbeing in our own lives and communities by understanding our own minds.

His book is a combination of science and human experience at its best, empowering readers who want to explore the foundations of their selves —their minds and hearts.

MIND: A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF BEING HUMANDr. Daniel J. Siegel, MD

Thursday, Nov. 37–8:30pm

AuditoriumGeneral Admission: $20

dansiegel.eventbrite.com

ETHICS IN ACTION NYC INITIATIVE TO LAUNCH

BE PART OF THE DIALOGUE.

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:30pmAuditoriumFreeDonations accepted at the door.

2 ETHICAL OUTLOOK November 2016

You will read this column before the 2016 presidential election season ends. I am weary, and I imagine that you are, too. This “ultramarathon” – from the forming of exploratory committees to the inauguration – can last two years, far longer than any other country’s campaigns. Canadians were perturbed that their recent election season lasted eleven weeks. The average length in the UK is less than 20 weeks, and in France two weeks. In Australia, the average length is eleven weeks, and voting is compulsory.

We rank near the bottom in terms of voter registration because we make it so difficult; strategies include cutting back on early voting, making absentee voting more difficult, and imposing photo-ID requirements at the polls. Even when federal courts rule that their voting processes are unconstitutional, some states (Ohio, NC, Texas, and Wisconsin) continue to defiantly suppress votes. New York State does not allow early voting, and requires voters to register at least 25 days before Election Day. Absentee voting requires “snail” mail between the voter and local Board of Elections.

The Founding Fathers were divided on the issue of voting rights. In 1776 John Adams was unwilling to extend voting rights beyond white men who owned property, and warned, “There will be no end of it. New claims will arise. Women will demand a vote. Lads from 12 to 21 will think their rights not enough attended to, and every man who has not a farthing will demand an equal voice with any other in all acts of state.” Poor Abigail!

According to Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice and author of The Fight to Vote

(Simon & Schuster, 2016), a history of the struggle to win voting rights for all citizens, “Often groups fearful of change are most determined to change the rules – to make it harder for others to vote.” Still, he is optimistic about our future. I wish I were.

Instead, I harken back to a time long ago when the Great Law of Peace guaranteed equal rights to men and women in the Six Nation Confederacy of the Iroquois. The impact upon our Constitution of this oldest participatory democracy has been well researched and

documented. The Senate resolution 331 from the 100th Congress in 1988 “acknowledges the contribution made by the Iroquois Confederacy and other Indian Nations to the formation and development of the United States.” Tragically, our Founding Fathers, even George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, who were “known to have greatly admired the concepts of the Six Nations,” failed to include women. And it took a Civil War to include men born in slavery; Native Americans would wait much longer.

Our Founding Mothers, however, those who met in Seneca Falls, NY in July 1848 to issue The Declaration of Sentiments asserting the equality of women and men, were well aware of the differences in women’s roles between the Iroquois and Americans. For example, Iroquois women selected their chiefs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton described their rights “as proof that the subordinate position of white women was neither natural nor divinely inspired,” said Sally Roesch Wagner, who curated an exhibit called “Sisters in Spirit: Celebrating the Iroquois Influence on the Early Women’s Rights Movement.”

So here we are in November 2016, centuries removed from that ideal.

I knew that Hillary Clinton’s run for president would challenge those uncomfortable with women holding positions of power. What I didn’t anticipate was the depth of her opponent’s misogyny. Perhaps I was naïve, and yet I don’t know any woman, including myself, who hasn’t experienced sexual harassment. Trump may epitomize that behavior, but far too many men practice it. In the weeks leading up to this election, we have been subjected to explicit evidence of a presidential candidate’s utter contempt for women.

Susan B. Anthony was thrown to the ground when she tried to cast a ballot in November 1872. Women won suffrage in 1920 after generations of hard-fought battles. We are still fighting for an Equal Rights Amendment. Among all the issues calling for our attention in this election, and there are myriad, in these final days we are being thrown to the ground again. Misogyny is alive and kicking. But so is the ideal of a fully participatory democracy. Once upon a time, it thrived in this land. It can again if we don’t lose hope and work together.

LEADER’S DESKDR. ANNE KLAEYSEN

Democracy, an Ideal Still Unrealized in the United States

Misogyny is alive and kicking. But so is the ideal of a fully participatory democracy.

CONNECT WITH ETHICAL CULTURE!

Want to help improve our online presence? Join the new

Social Media Task Force.

Send a Facebook message to @NYEthicalSociety.

And tell your friends you’re at Ethical – #EthicsInAction.

ETHICAL OUTLOOK November 2016 3

You are invited to the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Encamp-ment for Citizenship (EFC) with day-long inter-active activities and an evening presentation by EFC alums from the early decades of the program through 2016 “Encampers.” There will be a slideshow, singing, refreshments, and opportunities to bid in a silent auction.

Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Ethical Culture NYC Leader (and EFC board member) and Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President and EFC alum (1968 Montana) will co-host as we honor EFC founders Algernon Black and Alice Pollitzer and EFC alums and

supporters, past and present.“It’s important to look at the Encampment as what this country is really about — the whole promise of America — as the Great Experiment. Our country dared to bring different people from all over the world together under the promise that we could not just live together but grow together and become something that’s a little bit bigger than ourselves individually. The Encampment gives you an opportunity to do that. The Encampers come together with different perspectives and values, and grapple with putting together their own government for the time that they are going to live here, how they are going to govern themselves, what rules they are going to abide by — that’s a powerful lesson for life.”

— Steve Davis, EFC board member

Register by Nov. 12th at http://encampmentforcitizenship.org/news/70celebration-reservation.php. For more information: [email protected] or 831-515-6775.

THIS MONTHETHICAL EDUCATION & MEMBERSHIP WEEKENDFriday, 11/4 - Sunday, 11/6Stony Point, NY 10980

Y.E.S. CONFERENCE FOR TEENS“Ethics in Education”Thursday, 11/10 - Sunday, 11/13Washington, D.C.

SAVE THE DATEAEU 102ND ASSEMBLYThursday, 6/8 - Sunday, 6/11Baltimore, MDSee aeu.org for details and registration.

Saturday, Nov. 19, All DayRoom 502 & Ceremonial Hall

We are a proud founding member of the American Ethical Union (AEU), a fed-eration of Ethical Societies that creates, nurtures, and inspires ethical humanist communities in education and action to foster a world that is democratic, compassionate, just, and sustainable.

In this column, we will provide Ethical members with news about what the AEU is doing, and how we can be involved.

The AEU is working with Democracy Spring on the Equal Voice For All campaign to urge politicians to commit to democracy with this pledge: “Our government should be free from the corrupting influence of big money in politics and solely dependent upon the People. I declare my support for pro-democracy, anti-corruption reforms, including voting rights protections, citizen-funded elections, and a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.”

The AEU has become a Foundation Beyond Belief (FBB) National Partner. When an Ethical Society joins the Beyond Belief Network and selects the AEU as its National Partner, we both (the Society and AEU) get credit and perks (prizes, awards, etc.) for service hours. FBB also has resources to help plan and execute events, and can run Giving Games for your group — a unique opportunity to discuss values in philanthropic giving.

AEU NEWSEMILY NEWMANAEU Communications Coordinator

70th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

ETHICAL EXPLORERSAUDREY KINDREDCoordinator of Children and Family Programming

11am ETHICAL Community: All families and youth join the Ethical community in Ceremonial Hall, 4th floor. Following the community greeting and music, adults and teens are welcome to stay for the Sunday Morning Meeting. 11:30am Ethics for Children: Youth move to Adler Study, 5th floor, for independent projects and group activities focused on ethical topics.12:30pm Lunch for everyone in the Cafeteria, 6th Floor. Children and Teens always eat for free!1pm Ethics for Youth and Teen Leaders meets at the Teen Table.Send rsvp’s and inquiries to [email protected]. For more information, visit: www.YoungEthicalExplorers.blogspot.com.


ADLER READING SEMINARDr. Joseph Chuman, LeaderDiscuss the works of Felix Adler and other thinkers whose writings are seminal to Ethical Culture and Humanist philosophy.

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7–8:30pm(monthly, 3rd Tuesday)

Leaders’ Office, Room 502Free

Register to recieve reading assignments.

EMPOWERING ETHICAL ELDERS(monthly, 1st & 3rd Thursdays)

Light refreshments servedElliott Library, Room 507

FreeETHICAL: THE NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE – ORIGINS, PHILOSOPHY, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO NYC Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader

Nov. 3, 6–8pmTECHNOLOGY FOR ELDERSMark Zilberman, LCSW

Nov. 17, 6–8pm

ETHICAL DEATH CAFÉ Rev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, Bereavement Program Community Outreach Coordinator at Caring Hospice ServicesWe’ll gather in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death, drink tea, and eat delicious cake as we strive to increase our awareness of death and help oneanother make the most of our (finite) lives. Topics include health-care proxies, ethical wills, and green burial.

Sunday, Nov. 13, 1:30–3:30pm *Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2:30–4:30pm

(*usually 2nd Sun. and 4th Wed.)Ceremonial Hall

Members FreeGuests $5 per session

EVERYDAY ETHICSDr. Anne Klaeysen, LeaderWe “do” ethics every waking hour. The ways we treat others and take care of ourselves involve many small and big choices. How do we make those choices? What grounds our morality? Do we think about ethics in terms of values and/or consequences? Each session will address a different topic.

Relevant articles are available at the Membership Office. Nov 10: Politics: “We, the Polity: A new history of political thought” by Adam Kirsch, The New Yorker, 10/29-11/5/12, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/10/29/we-the-polity Nov 24: Happy Thanksgiving! (no meeting)

6:30–8pm(monthly, 2nd and 4th Thursdays)

Adler Study, Room 514Members Free

Guests $5 per session

GREAT BOOKSTamara Bedic and Carol Kennedy,Co-hosts and Co-moderatorsAFTER CARAVAGGIO’S SACRIFICE OF ISAAC, Rachel Cusk; GIMPEL THE FOOL, Isaac Bashevis Singer; THE WALL, Jean-Paul Sartre; ITHE COUNTRY HUSBAND, John Cheever; THE LEDGE, Lawrence Sargent HallRead the selections in advance and be prepared to discuss the questions that interest you by referring and reading to us the specific related text.

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7–9pm(monthly, 1st Wednesday)Elliott Library, Room 507


LEADER’S LUNCH DISCUSSIONS Dr. Anne Klaeysen, LeaderRead the articles in advance — you may access them online, pick them up when you attend the next weekly discussion, or ask Maggie (room 501) for them. OCTOBER THEME: “Domestic Affairs”11/3 — “Voting Rights: Will Court Protections Deliver?” by Allegra Chapman, The American Prospect, 9/26/16 11/10 — “This Is New York” by Andrew Rice, New York Magazine, 9/5-18/16 11/17 — “Making a Home for Black History” by Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 8/29/16

11/24 — Happy Thanksgiving!Thursdays, 12–1:30pm

Elliott Library, Room 507Free

MASSIMO’S PHILOSOPHY CAFÉProf. Massimo Pigliucci, ModeratorBased on the principle of the Socratic dialogue, every meeting has a simple theme (e.g., Should we be afraid of death? What are the ethics of eating?), introduced through a short, accessible, suggested reading, with open discussions aimed at sharpening our thinking about the subject matter being examined during that session.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6–8pm (monthly, 3rd Wednesday)Elliott Library, room 507


NEWCOMERS’ RECEPTIONHave you been to one or more of our programs or events and wanted to learn more about us? Find out who we are and what we do – our philosophy, social ethics, programs, and membership. Spend an hour with us, comfortably chatting over snacks and beverages. Please email Maggie Determann at [email protected], or call 212-874-5210 x113 in advance to attend.

Monday, Nov. 21, 7–9pm (monthly, 3rd Monday)

Elliott Library, Room 507 Free

RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS IN THE “POST-RACIAL” SOCIETY Dr. Joseph Fashing, ModeratorIn the aftermath of the election of Barack Obama, many “experts” were declaring that we had entered a post-racial era. This series will attempt to evaluate the status of race and ethnic relations eight years later and to opine on what might be the future of race and ethnic relations in the United States. There will be a selection of readings on various relevant issues.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6:30–8pm(monthly, 2nd Wednesdays)

Adler Study – Room 514 Members Free


EXPLORE ETHICALSHARE IDEAS, TAKE ACTION, HAVE FUN

For Advance Registration contact Maggie Determann:

[email protected] 212-874-5210 x113


SPEAKING OF SCIENCE...Ethical Action CommitteeDARWIN IN THE GENOMEDr. Lynn Caporale, past Assoc. Director, Columbia University’s Genome CenterWe learn many things from our research of genomes—including facts about evolution, fitness, diversity and medicine. Genomes survive through an unbroken chain of living beings across evolutionary timescales, but Darwin didn’t know that they were the source of the variation that brought him to the conclusion that the “most fitted” survive.

Monday, Nov. 28, 6:30–8pmAdler Study, room 514

Members $5, Guests $10 per session

STOIC SCHOOL OF LIFE Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, ModeratorPlato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Epictetus, and many others simply gave lectures about their favorite topics and engaged in discussions with people interested in what they had to say. In our case, we will examine the theory and practice of Stoicism as a modern applied philosophy that aids us in navigating a world in some ways just as confusing as that of ancient Athens and Rome.

Monday, Nov. 14 and 28, 6-8pm(monthly, 2nd and 4th Mondays)

Elliott Library, Room 507 Members Free


TUESDAYS WITH TED — TALKS, THAT IS Dr. Anne Klaeysen, LeaderEveryone Loves TED! It’s even better when you can discuss the talks with other people. Together we will view selections with contemporary ethical themes and engage in a lively discussion. After each session, links to the talks will be published on our website for repeat viewing.

Tuesday, Nov. 1 and 15, 2–3:30pm(monthly, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays)

Elliott Library, Room 507Members Free


WISDOM & WORLD AFFAIRSKen GansThese philosophical discussions cover a wide variety of subjects—the fate of humanity, world affairs, humanism, and many others.

Tuesday, Nov. 1 and 22(monthly, 1st and 4th Tuesdays)

Room 508 Free

GRASSROOTS ALLIANCE Mon., Nov. 7, 7–9pm UNITED FOR ACTION Thu., Nov. 10, 6:30–9pm350NYC Wed., Nov. 30, 7–9pm

Friday Nights at ETHICALMOVIES! MUSIC! PLAYS! COMEDY!

7–9:30pm Ceremonial Hall, 4th FloorCome early and socialize — doors open at 6:30.

Admission includes refreshments.

Start the weekend off right and bright with entertainment, stimulating conversation, and good company at Ethical Culture.

Make it your Friday night hangout.

1st Fridays — ETHICS IN FILM (Nov. 4)Chris EverettHER (2013) Directed by Spike JonzeTheodore Twombly is an introverted man who is having problems moving on following his divorce. He eventually falls for Samantha, his artificially-intelligent operating system. Because Samantha is designed to cater to Theodore’s needs, she falls for him as well. Some of the many questions this film raises are whether Theodore’s relationship with Samantha is preventing him from having a more satisfying relationship with a human, whether a human and a computer can truly be emotionally bonded, and what Samantha’s rapid evolution will bring.

Members and Guests $5

2nd Fridays — ETHICS AND THE THEATER (Nov. 11)Patricia Bruder DebrovnerDRIVING MISS DAISY By Alfred UhryPost-performance discussion led by Betsy UngarThis Pulitzer-Prize-winning play is set in Atlanta in 1948. Daisy Werthan, a former school teacher, is, at 72, active, sharp, and perfectly competent — except behind the wheel. An accident that luckily damages only her car leads her son to hire Hoke Colburn to drive her around, over her strenuous objections. Thus begins a relationship that spans twenty-five years, plus racial, religious, and class divisions, as the white, Jewish Daisy and the black, unlettered Hoke together confront entrenched prejudice and develop a mutual respect, even affection.

Members $5, Guests $10

3rd Fridays — THE CAFÉ (Nov. 18)OPEN MIC NITE: Jazz pianist John Wilmeth and jazz vocalist Steph Walker bring us a bevy of

musical talent.Members $10, Guests $15

4th Fridays — COMEDY NIGHT Happy Thanksgiving! See you in December.Laughter is the best medicine. MC Scott Blakeman of Laughing Liberally brings you an ample dose, with the hottest new comedians on the New York stage.

Members $5, Guests $10

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION MEETINGS


SUNDAY MORNING PLATFORM MEETINGS11am, Ceremonial Hall, 4th Floor

JOIN US FOR LUNCH AFTER PLATFORM, 12:45PM, CAFETERIA, 6TH FLOOR$10 PER PERSON, FREE TO FIRST-TIME NEWCOMERS

NOVEMBER 6 “I AM BECAUSE WE ARE”: MAKING A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITYDr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader Dan Hanson presidesAt every newcomer reception and new member interview, I emphasize “The Four T’s” of membership: time, talent, treasure, and training. We discuss what it means to put ethics into action. Many people who attend our programs agree with our values, enjoy our company, and may identify themselves as Humanists. Becoming a member means taking seriously the commitment to community, dedicating oneself to its principles, and participating in its growth. It is about walking the talk.

As members of a community, we promise to be present (sustainability and fiscal responsibility), to provide a safe place for people to gather (physical and emotional security in facility and relationships), and to provide real opportunities for moral growth and development.

Ethical Culture Leader Dr. Matthew Ies Spetter once said, “When we involve ourselves with a giving heart we are not only doing what is good, but building the wider human community, which is a stepping stone for more than just ourselves...It is a way of making hope real, not merely wishing for it.”

Today, and every day, let us make hope real by committing ourselves to the success of our Ethical community. In this platform address, I’ll explore balancing “The Four 4T’s.” During the luncheon that will follow, we will kick off the 2017 Fair-Share-Giving campaign with a celebration of this year’s accomplishments and a discussion about our hopes for the future.

Come for the platform, stay for the party luncheon! Celebrate our accomplishments and set new goals for our 2017 Fair-Share-Giving Kick-off!. Join us as we honor those celebrating 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year memberships (30 is a Life Member!) — and as we welcome our newest members! Our shared charity is the New York Society for Ethical Culture, a humanist community dedicated to ethics, social justice, and education since 1876. Society members celebrate life’s joys, support each other through life’s crises, and work to make the world a better place.

NOVEMBER 13 HOW DO WE EXPLAIN ANTI-SCIENCE, UNREASON,

Dr. Joseph Chuman, Leader Ed Gross presidesWe have just completed an election in which tens of millions of our fellow citizens have voted for Donald Trump despite the lies, contradictions, and his self-evident incompetence to be president. Uncountable numbers deny evolution and climate change, and believe that Barack Obama was not born in the United States, despite the evidence. This broad-based irrationality is very dangerous for democracy. It is also very perplexing. I will propose an explanation.

Our shared charity is Mission 22, whose founders, because of their personal battles with PTSD and TBI, have made it their mission to raise awareness, enlist support, and end veteran suicide in America.

NOVEMBER 20 INTERVIEW WITH ADA DEERDr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader Ada Deer is a nationally recognized social worker, political activist, and former University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty member. Ada became the first woman to be appointed Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, the first Native American woman to run for Congress in Wisconsin, the first Native American to lobby Congress successfully to restore tribal rights, and the first Chairwoman of her tribe.

She has served on many local, state, and national committees, boards, and commissions, and has been the recipient of awards, including the Indian Council, Indian Resources Institute, Girl Scouts, National Women’s History, National Women’s Studies, Harvard University, Delta Gamma Foundation, and the John Jay Foundation.

Born in Keshena on the Menominee Reservation, Ms. Deer attended Milwaukee Public Schools, graduated from Shawano High School, and earned her bachelor’s degree from UW Madison. After earning her master’s degree from the School of Social Work at Columbia University, she worked in Minneapolis at the Waite Neighborhood House, Bureau of Indian Affairs, University of Minnesota, and Minneapolis Public Schools. She then worked at the as director of Indian Upward Bound at UW Stevens Point. She subsequently became a distinguished lecturer at UW-Madison’s School of Social Work and directed the Ameri-can Indian Studies Program.Our shared charity is the Encampment for Citizenship, which prepares young people to be informed, responsible and effective global citizens through experiential learning and through living in a diverse, democratic community.

AND THE DONALD TRUMP PHENOMENON?


Spring Cabaret Concert is back

Save the Date.Reserve early!

FridayMarch 31, 2017 7:30pm

NOVEMBER 27 (THANKSGIVING WEEKEND) COLLOQUY: GRATITUDE

Dr. Richard Koral, Leader Dr. Anne Klaeysen presidesThis Thanksgiving, we will explore what gratitude means and the role it plays in relationships and in one’s well-being.Our shared charity is the West Side Campaign Against

Hunger, which, through a supermarket-style food pantry, alleviates hunger and creates a culture that promotes self-reliance and works for change. The organization changes our perception of hungry people by working in partnership with them, providing food with dignity, and empowering customers to find solutions.

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS1:30pm (Except as otherwise noted)

Rooms are subject to change

NOV. 6 MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Fair-Share-Giving 2017 Kick-Off Party (See p. 6)

12:30pm, 6th Floor Cafeteria

NOV. 13 ETHICS IN THE NEWSAbe Markman, ModeratorParticipate in a lively give-and-take on compelling issues and events.

Room 508

ETHICAL DEATH CAFÉ Rev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, ModeratorA relaxed and safe setting for a discussion about death. (See p. 4.)

Ceremonial Hall

NOV. 27 AL GORE’S CLIMATE REALITY – VERSION 2016Vincent Brancato, ModeratorAfter Al Gore’s 2006 movie, An Inconvenient Truth, had its popular run, the content of this climate and environmental revelation was, as with many inconvenient truths, mostly forgotten. Rallying to the challenge in 2011, using to a great extent the proceeds of the film and the Nobel Peace Prize money he was awarded for it, Mr. Gore formed the Climate Reality Project with the purpose of helping to educate the public about the progress of the problem and about the successes we are having in our efforts to combat it and achieve climate stability. Ethical member Vincent Brancato, who has been trained by Al Gore as a Climate Reality leader, will inform us and lead a conversation afterward. (FYI — two additional Ethical members have also completed the three-day training.)

1pm, Ceremonial Hall

EARLY SUNDAY MORNINGS9:30am (Except as otherwise noted)

Rooms are subject to change

NOV. 13 COLLOQUYTBA

Room 508

NOV. 20 POETRY READINGCheryl GrossFall into fall, and come read your verses with us.

Room 508

ETHICAL EXPLORERS FREE FAMILY DAYAudrey Kindred

GRATITUDE & GENEROSITY FESTIVALFree and open to all families.

Elliott Library, Room 507

CHORUS PRACTICE

David Gracia, Music Director; Pat Debrovner, Chorus DirectorAll voices, big and small, are welcome. We’ll practice the songs we sing on Sunday mornings.

Nov. 6 and 20, 10amNov. 13 and 27, 10:30am

Ceremonial Hall

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4 ’s

SUNDAY PLATFORMS continued...


ETHICAL HUMANIST AWARD NIGHT…This entire evening — the stimulating and informative panel discussion, the presentation and acceptance, and the reception (all organized by Carol Van Deusen) — was utterly inspiring. Our displayed banner, “Women’s Rights Are Equal Rights,” and the audience singing of Helen Reddy’s anthem, “I am Woman” set the tone. Accepting Ethical’s highest award was Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), presented by Leader Dr. Anne Klaeysen. Moderator Alencia Johnson, Constituancy Communications Director of PPFA and the PP Action Fund; with the members of the distinguished panel (l-r): Jennifer Dalven, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project; Katie McDonough, journalist; Dr. Natalie Ohly, Physicians for Reproductive Health; Sara Hutchinson Ratcliffe, Program Director, Catholics for Choice; and Stephanie Toti, Senior Counsel, Center for Reproductive Rights.

SNAPS


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A GRAND GETAWAY!…Traffic getting out of the city on Friday of Columbus Day Weekend was a mess. The glories of fall foliage had yet to arrive. There were some raindrops. And yet…and yet, nothing put a damper on the wonderful Autumn Getaway shared by more than two dozen of our members. There was the very professional performance and discussion of Albee’s provocative “A Delicate Balance;” the Nature Collage art workshop with Ethical’s artist, Bernette; and the Calligraphy As Art workshop with Stony Point Center’s artist-in-residence, Asako Yamada. There were the stimulating talks with Anne Klaeysen, Joe Chuman, and Richard Koral; storytelling by members; and the poetry reading with Cheryl. The weather held for the Stony Point Park and Bear Mountain outings. The “Just Us” dinner was delicious. Cocktail hours on the porch were a delight. That’s what our getaways are all about after all— the Ethical family spending delightful time together. And now, a toast to “Same Time, Same Place, Next Year.”

LAUGHING FOR A GOOD CAUSE…On the 50th

anniversary of the death of the groundbreaking comedi-an Lenny Bruce, this fundraising tribute was hosted by Scott Blakeman (center). That’s Kliph Nesteroff, best-selling author of The Comedians, talking with Scott and Leader Anne Klaeysen. Proceeds went to the Lenny Bruce Memorial Foundation, which provides scholar-ships and support to men and women on the road to recovery from alcohol and drug abuse issues.

CATCHING THE FEVER...October’s Cafe turned into a delightful family night, with attendees of all ages enjoying Natalie Arneson’s performance of a Peggy Lee songbook, including a finger-snapping rendition of the longtime favorite “Fever.”


ETHICAL STAFF

212-874-5210

Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader, ext. 119

Dr. Joseph Chuman, Leader, [email protected]

Robert Liebeskind, Executive Director, ext. 116

Margaret Determann, Assistant to the Leaders for Membership Development, ext. 113

Yalitza Garcia-Krawczyk, Office Manager, ext. 117

Leonardo Gibson, Facilities Manager, ext. 107

David Gracia, Music Director

Jon Liechty, Associate Music Director

Yolanta Kosmaczewska, Bookkeeper, ext. 104

Marie Orraca, Rental Manager, ext. 106

Beth Everett, Manager of Communications, ext. 144

OUTLOOK STAFF

Elinore Kaplan, Managing EditorSelma Friedman, Copy EditorYalitza Garcia-Krawczyk, Production Manager

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Elizabeth Singer, President Law’nence Miller, Vice President Tom Weishaar, Treasurer Dr. Terry Perlin, SecretaryWilliam BakerRobert BergerVincent BrancatoDr. Phyllis Harrison-RossElinore Kaplan Richard Van Deusen

Member of the American Ethical Union www.aeu.org

OUR ETHICAL FAMILYMARGARET DETERMANNAssistant to the Leaders for Membership Development

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEMBERS... HENRYKA KOMANSKA .......................11/1HEATHER GRADY ................................11/3WILLIAM BAKER andSHEILA NAVARRO ...............................11/7SELMA FRIEDMAN ............................11/14FRANCESCA TURCHIANO ................11/16ALEX MOGIELEFF and DONNA PANG .................................11/17

VIRGINIA SCHERER ..........................11/19HARRIETT BIGUS ..............................11/21KHOREN ARISIAN andROBERT BUMCROT ...........................11/24

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NEW MEMBERS There is a lot of exciting news to share this month! First of all, we have 3 new members to welcome into our community, Renee Shaker and Sarah and Gunther Tielemans. Renee learned of Ethical through Meetup and has enjoyed attending Wisdom and World Affairs and many of our Sunday Platforms. She was drawn to the Society because of her desire to belong to a community that shares her beliefs and, although Renee is busy running her own business, she is looks forward to becoming more involved. Sarah and Gunther discovered us after passing by our meeting house several times before finally deciding to come in! Since that fateful day, they have been regular attendees at our Sunday platforms and, along with their two beautiful children, Oberon and Ada, look forward to being active members.

CONGRATULATIONSMichelle Ainsworth has written another review for Skeptic magazine (it’s a quarterly). It contains a print version of her review of David Jaher’s book The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World. You can also read it by accessing the magazine’s website: http://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/myth-mystery-and-margery-when-scientific-american-put-psychics-to-the-test/ . The review title is “Myth, Mystery and Margery: When Scientific American Put Psychics to the Test.”

Longtime (and long distance) member Alice Ladas recently participated in the virtual event titled the “Love Me Touch Me Heal Me” summit. As a psychotherapist who has been called “the Grande Dame of research on body psychotherapy” and the person for whom the U.S. Association for Body

Psychotherapy Research Award is named, Alice was interviewed by Dr. Alice Goodstone, the host, on Day 2 Module 1 of the event. You can see it on Facebook by typing in this link: https://www.facebook.com/lovemetouchmehealme/

Are you a walker? Member Cy Adler is the founder of Shorewalkers, a group created 25 years ago with the sole purpose of walking the city’s roughly 578 miles of shoreline. They are gearing up for their “Great Saunter,” the 32-mile trek around NYC, which will take place on Saturday 3/6/17. Check them out at: http://www.shorewalkers.org/.

AND YOUR NEWS Send me your news! If you have events or happenings going on in your life that you would like to share with the community, let me know and I’ll be happy to include it in the Ethical Family column.

CANDID CAMERA...SORT OFThanks to Peter Houts, we had a response to our call for photographers, and have the new core of a Photography Team.

Several of us met and talked about taking photos — candids and posed — of people and activities at Ethical. Photos that can be used in Outlook, on the bulletin board, in the lobby video, etc. Our wonderful new “snappers” include mem-bers Peter, Scotty Embree, Ken Gans, Carol Rost, and Chuck Debrovner (though Chuck is more our in-house videographer), plus frequent attend-ees Judith Raices and Dave Turkel. You too can be one of our roving photographers. Contact Yalitza for more information: [email protected].

BERNETTE RUDOLPH’S

STUDIO GIVEAWAY ART SHOW & SALE

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 12 – 13, Noon–6 pm

Preview Friday evening Nov. 11, 7–9 pm

457 Third Street, 2B (between 6th & 7th Aves.)Park Slope, Brooklyn

[email protected]


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N E W Y O R K S O C I E T Y F O R E T H I C A L C U L T U R EB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDH I S T•S I KH•HUMAN IS T•DEMOCRAT•RE PUB L ICAN• L I B E RA L•CONSERVAT I V E• P ROGRESS I V E• INDEPENDENT•R IGHT• L E F T•CENTR I S T•CONFORM I S TR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • T A L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G AY S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDH I S T•S I KH•HUMAN IS T•DEMOCRAT•RE PUB L ICAN• L I B E RA L•CONSERVAT I V E• P ROGRESS I V E• INDEPENDENT•R IGHT• L E F T•CENTR I S T•CONFORM I S TR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • T A L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G AY S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDH I S T•S I KH•HUMAN IS T•DEMOCRAT•RE PUB L ICAN• L I B E RA L•CONSERVAT I V E• P ROGRESS I V E• INDEPENDENT•R IGHT• L E F T•CENTR I S T•CONFORM I S T

2 W 6 4 S T • N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 2 3 • 2 1 2 . 8 7 4 . 5 2 1 0 • O F F I C E @N Y S E C . O R G • W W W. N Y S E C . O R G

ETHICAL OUTLOOKN E W Y O R K S O C I E T Y F O R E T H I C A L C U L T U R EB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST

2 W E S T 6 4 T H S T R E E T • N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 2 3 • 2 1 2 . 8 7 4 . 5 2 1 0 • W W W . E T H I C A L . N Y C

ETHICAL OUTLOOK

ETHICALWe are Ethical Culture NYC,a humanist community dedicated to ethics, social justice, and education since 1876.

We celebrate life’s joys, support each other through life’s crises, and work to make the world a better place.

Join us for hundreds of community and cultural programs where people meet to explore and embrace ethical living.

Learn more about us at our website, www.ETHICAL.nyc — or, better still, visit with us. You’re always welcome.

NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE ETHICAL …files.constantcontact.com/620aff69001/893814b8-304...munities at all levels have genuine capacities to respond to these challenges,

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