february 2017 … · a september speech at the congressional caucus foundation in washington, dc....

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

February 2017

ETHICS AND WALL STREETRENÉE SHAKER

INSIDELeader’s Desk 2

AEU News 3

Ethical Youth 3

Detecting Elder Abuse 4

Explore Ethical 4-5

Sunday Platforms 6

Breaking Down the Walls 7

Sunday AM & PM 8

Snaps 9

Our Ethical Family 10

Pledge Update 10

Calendar 11

Ethics in Action NYC

The ethical issues surrounding the activities of the financial sector, particularly in the context of Wall Street, include a culture of recklessness, malfeasance, and impunity; the influence of Wall Street money in politics; and the responsibility owed by Wall Street to its host city.

Join eminent economist Jeffrey Sachs and a panel of financial and legal experts, including US District Judge Jed Rakoff, Bloomberg News investigative reporter Bob Ivry, author Sheelah Kholhatkar, and MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber for an hour-long discussion on the lessons we can still learn from the 2008 financial crises. A special Q&A follows with questions selected from those submitted by registrants online.

In May 2015, the University of Notre Dame and the New York law firm Labaton Sucharow, whose practice is dedicated to protecting SEC whistleblowers, published the third annual survey on ethics on Wall Street. The study documents a distubing(though perhaps not surprising) level of ethical lapse in our

country’s financial system that, eight years after the financialcrisis, remains in crisis – and is, in many areas, getting worse. Survey results are even more drastic among younger professionals – the industry’s future leaders – who “have lost their moral com-pass, accepted corporate wrongdoing as a necessary evil, and fear reporting misconduct.”

This is more than just a few bad apples, but a culture that largely still places profits before clients’ interests. “Nearly one in five [financial sector] professionals feels it is at least sometimes necessary

Continued on p. 7

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30 – 8 pmEthical Culture Auditorium

Reserve early; programs in this series fill up quickly: https://ethicsinaction-wallstreet.eventbrite.com

HOW RIGHT-WING MEDIA DIVIDED THE COUNTRY, CREATED DISTRUST IN ALL OTHER MEDIA, AND WERE THE INVENTORS OF FAKE NEWS

JEN SENKO, FilmmakerI was witness to my father’s personality change after his discovery of Talk Radio, while simultaneously seeing the country change. I had a feeling of trepidation as I saw how right-wing media in particular was doing damage to our country by getting people to vote against their own interests

while creating an ever-increasing divide. I dedicated myself to figuring out what was going on, and learned this was a carefully constructed plan going back 30 to 40 years. I’ll explain that, and describe the techniques used by far-right media like Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, et al.

I’ll discuss the results of this long-term plan and how it has resulted in increased racism, Trump, distrust of the government

Continued on p. 6

2 ETHICAL OUTLOOK February 2017

Since 1976, every United States president has officially designated February as Black History Month. Here’s hoping President Trump does, too. He, more than any other president since 1976, needs to learn the lessons of Black History Month. A case in point: During the presidential campaign, Trump said there had “never been a worse time to be a black person” in America. President Obama urged him to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture (https://nmaahc.si.edu/) to brush up on his history. Trump seemed to have “missed that whole civics lesson about slavery and Jim Crow,” he said in a September speech at the Congressional Caucus Foundation in Washington, DC. “We’ve got a museum for him to visit, so he can tune in. We will educate him.” Sadly, Trump cancelled his plans to visit the museum on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One wonders whether he did so because civil rights leader John Lewis, who chose not to attend his inauguration and questions his legitimacy as president, championed the creation of this museum and is featured in many of its exhibits.

In her memoir, Negroland, Margo Jefferson quotes her mother, who, in the 1950’s, was worried that her young daughters were “being naturalized into white culture.” “When I was your age,” she said, “we celebrated Negro History Week. The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History was founded by Carter G. Woodson right here in Chicago. We read The Crisis [official magazine of the NAACP]. We were so proud when we sang ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at assemblies and church programs.” Jefferson writes, “From that day forward Mother began her own cultural enrichment course with evening and weekend contributions from Daddy.”

Black History Month grew out of Negro History Week, founded by noted historian Carter G. Woodson, and launched in 1926 in the second week of February between the birthdays

of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson also founded the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915, and the Journal of Negro History in 1916. A prolific writer about the contributions of African-Americans, his best-known work is The Miseducation of the Negro, published in 1933. It focused on the Western indoctrination system and African-American self-empowerment.

Born to former slaves in 1875 in Buckingham County, Virginia, Woodson worked in mines and quarries until the age of 20, received his high school diploma at the age of 22 and a master’s degree in history from the University of Chicago. In 1912, Woodson received a doctorate in history from Harvard, but was unable to land a teaching post there because Harvard wasn’t hiring black professors. He taught instead at Howard University, one of the nation’s leading black educational institutions.

Woodson spent his life investigating, documenting, and publishing African-American history. He died suddenly of a heart attack on April 3, 1950, in Washington, DC, before realizing his ambition of publishing the six-volume Encyclopedia Africana.

The theme for 2017’s Black History month, selected by ASALH, is “The Crisis in Black Education,” a tribute to its founder. It focuses on the crucial role of

education and recalls Woodson’s words: “If you teach the Negro that he has accomplished as much good as any other race he will aspire to equality and justice without regard to race.”

The crisis, according to ASALH, “first began in the days of slavery when it was unlawful for slaves to learn to read and write. . . [C]ontinuing today, the crisis in black education has grown significantly in urban neighborhoods

where public schools lack resources, endure overcrowding, exhibit a racial achievement gap, and confront policies that fail to deliver substantive opportunities.”

I am finishing this column on Inauguration Day and will travel early tomorrow morning to Washington, DC to march for all that I hold dear about our nation. That includes Black History Month and the lessons we still have to learn.

LEADER’S DESKDR. ANNE KLAEYSEN

The History of Black History Month – and its Importance Today

DC Women’s March 2017Photo by Anne Klaeysen

ETHICAL OUTLOOK February 2017 3

We are a proud founding member of the American Ethical Union (AEU), a federation 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.

ETHICAL YOUTHAUDREY KINDREDFamily, Children, and Teens Coordinator

Let’s have a wonderful winter season together. You are all welcome to come, check it out, and register. See the schedule below... put us in your calendar, and reach out to include others. We host a sparkling gem of an experience – let’s share it generously.

We meet EVERY SUNDAY (except Feb. 26).

11am Ceremonial Hall, 4th floor — Ethical’s inclusive community gathers. Following the community greeting and music, adults and teens are welcome to stay for the Platform Meeting. 11:15am Children (and any parents who wish to attend) go upstairs to the Elliot Library, room 507, for special values-based activities such as those listed below.12:30pm We all reconvene in the Cafeteria, 6th floor. Families may choose to stay for lunch (always free for children and teens).1:30pm Ethics for Youth and Teen Leaders meets at the Teen Table.

Feb. theme: UPSTANDING WITH MINDFULNESS We will • meet young folks from history who have stood up for justice• learn to use some tools of mindfulness that help children

face challenges• strengthen our practices for understanding how to stand up

for what’s right, peacefullyFeb. 5 — Unsung heroes: meet Claudette Colvin

Feb. 12 — LOVE can inspire our goodness: loving notes to our Ethical Elders

Feb. 19 — Can we get “Greener” in winter?

Send RSVP’s and inquiries to [email protected]. Read and respond on our blog site: YoungEthicalExplorers.blogspot.com

AEU Rapid Response TeamAt the November 2016 American Ethical Union board meeting, a plan was proposed to develop the AEU’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to important events. The proposal called for a Rapid Response Team that would collect information about active concerns regarding important events and how to respond to them. The Team would be responsible for developing communications for distribution via email, website, social media, and press releases.

The Rapid Response Team is now in operation and welcomes your participation! If you have a concern about a current event or issue of importance, send an email message to our new Collaborative Inbox, [email protected]. Team members will review your messages and develop timely statements and recom-mended action steps to respond to the concerns.

The Rapid Response Team is part of the AEU Ethical Action Committee and will have close coordi-nation with the AEU Communications Committee. Our goal is to develop and disseminate statements quickly so that the AEU, our members, and the public can take action right away.

In addition, to strengthen our ability to take mean-ingful action on a large scale, the Ethical Action Com-mittee would like to keep in touch with our most active members. If you or a member you know are highly in-volved in the areas of Climate, Racial Justice, Economic Justice, or World Peace and Development, please get in touch with Kate LaClair ([email protected]).

AEU NEWSEMILY NEWMANAEU Communications Coordinator

ABOUT ETHICS & INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS Communities in general — whether they’re ones we’re born into or ones in which we choose membership — involve intergenerational relations. This can be on the simplest of levels — sharing the rock & roll music of the 70s and the hip-hop of today, for example. Or it can be layered and complex — such as being the 45-year old in-between, with a moody teen-age child and a forgetful parent (or vice versa). A number of our programs in 2017 will in one way or another pertain to intergenerational relations. Look for this image next to program and event announcements.

Spring Cabaret Concert Mozart, Beethoven and readings in the “language of love” will be a part of a delightful evening at Ethical.

Friday, March 31, 7:30pmCeremonial Hall, 4th FloorMembers and Students $25Guests $30At door (if available) $50Purchase tickets at www.spring-cabaret.eventbrite.comAdmission includes light refreshments.

Reserve your tickets early!


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

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7–8:30pm(monthly, 3rd Tuesday)

Leaders’ Office, Room 502Free

Register to receive reading assignments.

DETECTING ELDER ABUSEStaff Members of the Weinberg Center of the Hebrew Home for the AgedElder abuse is often hidden, silent, and undiscovered for different reasons. It can be heartbreaking and dangerous to miss the signs when someone you know is suffering from abuse.

This is an informative tutorial on recognizing the signs of abuse. The program is meant for everyone who comes in contact with older adults such as family members, friends, neighbors, Ethical Culture professionals, and anyone else who has an interest in this very significant area.

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1–3pmElliott Library, Room 507

Free

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

Light refreshments servedElliott Library, Room 507

FreeOUR FEET — OUR SELVES Sarah Goldberg, of Eneslow Shoes, Board Certified Pedorthist, Educational Coordinator for Eneslow Pedorthic Institute

Feb. 2, 6–8pmCARE NYC: SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS, A NEW AND UNIQUE PROGRAM Elizabeth Daniele, MSW, Caregivers Support Specialist

Feb. 16, 6–8pm

ETHICAL DEATH CAFÉ Rev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, Bereavement Program Community Outreach Coordinator at Caring Hospice Services

We’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.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2:30–4:30pm(monthly, 4th Wednesday and

2nd Sunday; see p. 8)Ceremonial Hall

Members Free, Guests $5 per session

GREAT BOOKSTamara Bedic and Carol Kennedy,Co-organizers and event hostsTHE DOCTOR, Ann Hood; MY DATE WITH NEANDERTHAL WOMAN, David Galef; THE PUGILIST AT REST, Thom Jones; GREASY LAKE, T. Coraghessan Boyle; THE BABY, Mary GordonRead the selections in advance and be prepared to discuss the questions that interest you by referring and reading to us the specific related text. Visit meetup.com/Manhattan-Great-Books-Discussion-Group to learn more about us.

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


LEADER’S LUNCH DISCUSSIONS Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader FEBRUARY THEME: “Science”2/2 — “Rewriting the Code of Life” by Michael Specter, The New Yorker, 1/2/17 http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/01/02/rewriting-the-code-of-life2/9 — “Conscious exotica” by Murray Shanahan, Aeon, 10/19/16https://aeon.co/essays/beyond-humans-what-other-kinds-of-minds-might-be-out-there2/16 — “The Trouble with Quantum Mechanics” by Steven Weinberg, The NY Review of Books, 1/19/17https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2017/ 01/19/trouble-with-quantum-mechanics/2/23 — “If Not Darwin, Who?” by Philip Ball, Nautilus, 12/15/16 http://nautil.us/issue/43/heroes/if-not-darwin-who

Thursdays, 12–1:30pm

Elliott Library, Room 507Free

MASSIMO’S PHILOSOPHY CAFÉProf. Massimo Pigliucci, ModeratorIs There Such a Thing as Too Much Rationality?From the article suggested for this discussion (see below): “As I have mentioned lately, I’m a bit concerned about certain people and attitudes within the broader skeptic movement, a concern that led to a fruitful recent exchange with my friend Steve Novella.

Before that, I had expressed a worry about some over-interpreting of results from neuroscience and social psychology, seemingly suggesting that we are not as much Aristotle’s “rational animal,” as a rationalizing one, always busy confabulating in order to justify our own points of view no matter what.

The two worries came together in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. Presidential election, when I read with utmost interest a series of exchanges between my friend Julia Galef (with whom I used to co-host the Rationally Speaking podcast) and some of her followers on Facebook. The evidence is, of course, anecdotal, but it fits with the worries I’ve been harboring for some time, based on my broader experience with self-professed skeptics.” Suggested reading: https://platofootnote.wordpress.com/2016/11/14/my-friend-julia-and-the-rationalistically-relativist-crowd/

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6–8pm (monthly, 3rd Wednesday)Elliott Library, room 507


NAVIGATING THE “NEW NORMAL”Dr. Anne Klaeysen, LeaderSessions will resume March 9. How do we reconcile with family and friends who voted differently than we did? How do we learn to listen and empathize with other people’s experiences? Together we will explore the answers to these questions and more by examining the current social and political landscape, and practicing compassionate communication.

EXPLORE ETHICALSHARE IDEAS, TAKE ACTION, HAVE FUN

For Advance Registration contact Maggie Determann, Membership Coordinator:

[email protected] 212-874-5210 x113


(monthly, 2nd and 4th Thursday)Adler Study – Room 514


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. Please email or call Maggie in advance to attend: [email protected] or 212.874.5210 x113.

Monday, Feb. 27, 7–9pm (usually monthly, 3rd Monday)

Room 508 Free

SPEAKING OF SCIENCE...ANTHROPOLOGY & THE BRILLIANCE OF BOASAlan McGowan, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Science, Lang College at The New School Prof. McGowan will focus on the groundbreaking scientific achievements and the progressive political views of Franz Boas. With his 1881 doctorate in physics and his interest in geography, Boas became an anthropologist after studying

the culture of natives of northern Canada. Continuing his studies in the U.S., he became a professor of anthropology at Columbia University, eventually well-known for his opposition to the notion of racial superiority. His research and studies brought brilliant new insight to cultural and physical anthropology as well as linguistics.

Monday, Feb 27, 6:30–8pmAdler Study, room 514

Members $5, Guests $10 per session

STOIC SCHOOL OF LIFE Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, ModeratorWe 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. This month’s readings are about the roots of the philosophy.Reading 1 (for 2/6): From Epictetus’ Handbook, a short summary of fundamental Stoic ideas about how to live a good life. https://www.meetup.com/Stoic-School-of-Life/events/235731290/ Reading 2 (for 2/20): From Epictetus’ Handbook https://www.meetup.com/Stoic-School-of-Life/events/236791878/

Monday, Feb. 6 & 20, 6-8pm(monthly, 1st and 3rd Mondays)

Elliott Library, Room 507 Members Free, Guests $5 per session

TUESDAYS WITH TED — TALKS, THAT IS Dr. Anne Klaeysen, LeaderEveryone Loves TED! 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, Feb. 14 & 28, 2–3:30pm(monthly, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays)

Elliott Library, Room 507Members Free, Guests $5 per session

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

Tuesday, Feb. 7 & 21(monthly, 1st and 4th Tuesdays)

Room 508 Free

1st Fridays — (Feb. 3)ETHICS IN FILM Chris Everett, Post-film Discussion LeaderTHE SOCIAL NETWORK, directed by David FincherThis film tells the story of Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg. What begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. But for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications.Members and Guests $5

2nd Fridays — (Feb. 10)ETHICS AND THE THEATERPatricia Bruder DebrovnerTHE SUBJECT WAS ROSES by Frank D. GilroyPost-performance discussion led by Betsy UngarThis Pulitzer Prize–winning play scrutinizes the American ideal of family through the Clearys, husband, wife, and son, living a middle-class life in the mid-20th-century Bronx.Members $5Guests $10

3rd Fridays — (Feb. 17)THE MUSIC CAFÉ Music to delight the heart, soothe the soul and move the spirit — from jazz to folk, ballad to blues, classics to contemporary, and much more. JOSÉ HEREDIA & RACHEL HIPPERTThis month, our guest performers are the outstanding operatic duo of tenor José Heredia and soprano Rachel Hippert, performing some of the most beloved arias and duets. Members & performers $10Guests $15

4th Fridays — (Feb. 24) COMEDY CORNERJOHN MARSHALLLaughter is the best medicine. MC Scott Blakeman of Laughing Liberally brings you an ample dose, with the hottest comedians on the New York stage. Joining Scott this month is the Emmy-nominated late night TV comedy writer (Politically Incorrect, The Chris Rock Show, and others) and comedian, John Marshall.Members $5Guests $10

Make ETHICAL your Friday night hangout.

Friday Nights at ETHICAL7–9:30pm Ceremonial Hall, 4th Floor

Come early and socialize — doors open at 6:30.

Admission includes refreshments.


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

FEBRUARY 5 THE ETHICS OF LOVEDr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader Henryka Komanska presides In the United States, an estimated 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, in addition to the millions of cards that schoolchildren exchange. Advertising for the holiday starts the day after New Year’s, generating close to $15 billion in retail sales. This highly commercialized holiday, rooted in a pagan festival that remained wildly popular well over a century after Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD, was named after a martyr who was said to have flouted a ban against marriages by officiating

them in secret. This platform addresses the nature of love in terms of sex, romance, and attachment. Consider it an ethical valentine.Our shared charity today and next Sunday is Make the Road New York (MRNY), which builds the power of Latino and working class communities to achieve dignity and justice through organizing, policy innovation, transformative education, and survival services. Theirs is a holistic approach to reducing poverty and empowering communities.

FEBRUARY 12 THE BEAUTY OF THE HUMAN ENCOUNTERDr. Joseph Chuman, Leader Hazel May presidesFor the past four months I have devoted my addresses to our current political environment, the dangers it poses, and how we can buoy our sense of hope as our nation takes a plunge into the unknown. This month, I want to take break from the political world and return to a theme that lies at the heart of Ethical Culture’s worldview — elaborating on a meditation on human relations.

Human relations exist on all levels. We relate to others instrumentally. We seek others for mutual support, for friendship, and for love. And now, in the age of the internet, we have virtual “friends,” if friends they be. But what does it mean to relate to another in the best sense? What lies at the essence of the human encounter?Our shared charity is Make the Road New York (see February 5 description above).

FEBRUARY 19 HOW RIGHT-WING MEDIA DIVIDED THE COUNTRY...

Jen Senko, Filmmaker Dan Hanson presides (continued from p. 1) and the media, and our fellow human beings. Finally, I’ll discuss what we can do about it.

Jen Senko is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her documentaries focus on socio-political themes with the intent of inspiring discussion and fomenting change. Senko’s most recent documentary, The Brainwashing of My Dad, tracks the disturbing rise of right-wing media. This widely acclaimed project has won numerous awards. Attempting to expose gentrification’s dire consequences in New York City, Jen also co-directed The Vanishing City with Fiore DeRosa.Our shared charity is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a national leader in the areas of rescue, adoption and welfare. The ASPCA has worked tirelessly for over 150 years to put an end to animal abuse and neglect.

FEBRUARY 26 AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITY HOUSE STANDS WITH STANDING ROCKSheldon Raymore Maggie Determann presides Members from the American Indian Community House (AICH) were at Standing Rock and stayed at the Oceti Sakowin Two Spirit and Red Warrior Camps. AICH stands in solidarity with hundreds of tribes from all over the world who have gathered there to protect the sacred waters. We feel the utmost gratitude to those who have supported and continue to support these efforts. Sheldon Raymore will share important updates and report about Standing Rock and the current state of it.

Sheldon Raymore, who lives in New York City, is from the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation. He is the Outreach Coordinator at the American Indian Community House, which was established in 1969. Mr. Raymore’s talents are many. He is a Native American storyteller, activist, visual artist, actor, choreographer, and award-winning Grass Dancer. In 2015 he starred in ABC’s Born to Explore with Richard Weiss’ “Legend of Dance,” where he was the featured grass dancer at the city’s National Museum of the American Indian.Our Shared Charity today is the American Indian Community House (AICH), whose mission it is to improve and promote the well-being of the American Indian community and to increase the visibility of American Indian cultures in an urban setting in order to cultivate awareness, understanding, and respect. The organization serves the health, social service, and cultural needs of Native Americans residing in New York City.


FAREWELL TO A LEGENDIt is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our beloved trustee Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross’s death with you. She died peacefully on Monday, January 16, in the company of dear friends and her memorial was held in our meeting house Auditorium on Wednesday, January 25.

Phyllis was an inspiration to all of us. Her work as chair of the Social Service Board will be her living legacy. She was a dear friend and wise mentor to countless people, who will cherish her memory and carry her in their hearts always.

Look for a special piece about her work and legacy in next month’s issue.

BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS — MUSLIMS AND LATINOS IN A DIVIDED AMERICA

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.

Facilitators: Amir Mustefa, Ethical Culture Fieldston School sophomore, and Martin Wilkinson, Friends Seminary sophomoreThis student-led panel discussion aims to raise awareness of the plight of Muslims and Latinos in an increasingly divided United States. Beyond talk, the students have gone one step further, forming an alliance for high school students who will work to protect the human rights of Muslims, Latinos, and others marginalized by fear and hate.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6–8 pmCeremonial Hall, 4th Floor

Free

ETHICS AND WALL STREET continued

for financial services professionals to engage in illegal or unethical activity in order to succeed…32 percent feel compensation structures or bonus plans pressure employees to compromise ethical standards or violate the law.”

The report includes this statement: “Each critical faction of the market-place – individuals, leaders and workplace culture – evidenced an aston-ishing ethical decline. These stark realities signal a perfect storm looming, one that may have catastrophic consequences.” And few believe Dodd-Frank has changed this “ticking economic time-bomb.”

With banks still too big to fail and more “friends in high places” set to take power, will our federal regulators be up to this immense task? Are they the only hope we have for avoiding another crisis? Come to what promises to be a lively and insightful discussion of how we go forward in meeting this extraordinary challenge. Ethics in Action NYC: Solutions for the Common GoodThis initiative offers an opportunity to learn actionable steps you can take to make a positive difference in the world. ETHICAL brings together a who’s-who of renowned community leaders to converse with Professor Jeffrey Sachs about some of the greatest social, economic, political, and environmental challenges of our time. When we put ethics at the focal point of even the toughest problems, we put deep and lasting solutions within our reach.

Future Topics - Mark your calendar.Climate Change and NYC – March 2Police-Community Relations – April 13Poverty in NYC – May 4Corruption in NYC – June 1

Education Reform in NYC – June 29Health Policy and Reform in NYC – Aug. 2017 (TBD) Immigration Reform in NYC – Nov. 2017 (TBD)

Through the Empowering Ethical Elders program, social workers Mark Zilberman and Wendy Panken are available to consult with you and provide personal guidance. Call for an appointment: 212-721-4407

HELPING HANDS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS, COMPANIONS, AND CAREGIVERS


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

Rooms are subject to change

FEB. 12 COLLOQUYTBD

Room 508

FEB. 19 POETRY READINGCheryl Gross facilitatesFind poems that strike your heart this month. Perhaps it’s the Cold and Crisp Air, Valentine’s Day, Black History Month. Or bring whatever you like. Just come and share! And — A Happy and Healthful 2017 to you!.

Room 508

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.

Feb. 5 and 19, 10amFeb. 12 and 26, 10:30am

Ceremonial Hall

ETHICS FOR CHILDREN & ETHICAL TEENS meet every Sunday (See p. 3 for details)

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS1:30pm (Except as otherwise noted)

Rooms are subject to change

FEB. 5 FILM SCREENING: 13TH

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery, declaring that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” In this thought-provoking documentary, writer, producer, director, and activist Ava DuVernay (“Selma”) explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. Scholars, activists, and politicians analyze the criminalization of African-Americans in the U.S. prison boom.

Adler Study, room 514

ETHICAL ACTION COMMITTEEOpen Meeting

Room 508(monthly, 1st Sunday)

FEB. 12 ETHICAL DEATH CAFÉ Rev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, ModeratorA relaxed and safe setting for a discussion about death. (See p. 4)

Ceremonial Hall

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

Room 508

FEB. 26 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMM.Open Meeting

1:15pm, Room 508(monthly, 4th Sunday)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEMBERS...

ELINORE KAPLAN ........................ 2/2

VINCE BRANCATO ....................... 2/4

GUNTHER TIELEMANS ................. 2/5

MICHELLE AINSWORTHand BERNETTE RUDOLPH .............. 2/7

KEN GANS and STEPHEN JAMES .................... 2/8

PAT BERENS, ELLEN KIRSCHNER, and KRISTIN PARKER .................... 2/9

HELEN ANDERSON .................... 2/16

MICHELE DOWNEY ................... 2/17

ROGER MICHAELS ..................... 2/18

LOUETTA RILEY .......................... 2/20

BOB GANGIand EDWARD FINFER ................. 2/24


SNAPS

WE STAND CORRECTED...In our January issue, there was a misidentification. Here, in the upper photo, is our eldest member, Alice Ladas (95), with our youngest member, Ada Tielemans (16 months), and mom, Sarah. Below is long-time member Judy Wallach, and Ada’s big brother, Oberon.

BREAKING BREAD…Leader Dr. Anne Klaeysen attended the breakfast gathering of the Interfaith Assembly on the Homelessness and Affordable Housing (IAHH), a coalition of religious organizations and individuals who work with and on behalf of the homeless. Pictured with Anne are Marc Greenberg, Executive Director of IAHH, and the Rev. Doyeon Park, minister of the Manhattan Won Buddhist Temple, and Buddhist Chaplain at Columbia University (where Anne serves as the Ethical Humanist Religious Life Advisor) and NYU (where Anne serves as Humanist Chaplain).

LIGHTING UP THE HOLIDAY SEASON… Many a smile beamed at the “Let There Be Light” Winter Festival and holiday pot-luck party at ETHICAL in December. And why not? There was music, food and wine, and many convivial members with family and friends. Such a lovely send off to another good year here.-Special thanks to Ken Gans for capturing our celebration.

THIS WAS ONLY DAY ONE… Ethical members and friends were part of the remarkable WOMEN’S MARCH on January 21, in both NYC and DC. Artist and member Bernette Rudolph made signs for the NYC participants – proudly displayed on the backs of Beth & Chris Everett. Anne Klaeysen and others represented ETHICAL marching with the AEU in DC, where Gloria Steinem voiced the spirit, telling demonstrators, “We have people power, and we will use it,” and actress America Ferrera said, “The President is not America. …We are America, and we are here to stay.” And the Ethical community will continue to make our voices heard in the days to come.


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

Edward Beck, Communications Manager, 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 BrancatoElinore Kaplan Richard Van Deusen

Member of the American Ethical Union www.aeu.org

OURETHICAL FAMILY

MARGARET DETERMANNAssistant to the Leaders for Membership Development

WELCOMEPlease welcome two new additions to our Ethical Family, Doris Hart and Jen James. Doris is a recently retired (as of December!) professor of journalism. She enjoys attending Ethics and the Theater, Ethics in Film and Sunday platforms. A longtime Upper East Side resident, Doris was drawn to Ethical not only because of our varied events and activities, but more importantly, because of a shared worldview. As a member, she looks forward to becoming more involved in ETHICAL.

Jen is a costume technician who excels at sewing and crafts. She is also an Upper East Side resident. Jen found ETHICAL after passing by the Meeting House and deciding to walk in! She has enjoyed attending Wisdom and World Affairs, and Democracy is a Verb, and is a regular at our Sunday platforms. She, too, is looking forward to being an active member of our community.

CONDOLENCESIt is with sadness that I note the passing of two long time Ethical Culture members, Bernice Cornyetz and Warren A Smith. Both lived into their nineties and passed on within days of each other in early January. They will be missed not only by their Ethical family but by all who had the pleasure of knowing them.

CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Frank Corigliano (Director of the SSB’s Supportive Televisiting Program) became an uncle on January 16. Frank’s brother, KC, and sister-in-law, Rachel, had a water birth to welcome healthy baby Nicoangel Lunos Corigliano.

JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON: 2017 FAIR-SHARE-GIVINGThis is exciting! The number of our members who are pledging early this year for 2917 is more than 80 to date.

AND more good news — we expect to be receiving our long-awaited 2016 Member Directories some time next months (remember, this is the one with our photos!). Every member in good standing near and far will receive one. Watch for further information.

Meanwhile, here are the names of those who have been added to the 2017 list of fair-share pledgers.Keep it coming everyone. Remember — it’s your dollars that enable us to continue the tradition of Ethics in Action established by our founders in 1876, standing up for, and supporting and collaborating with those who share our commitment to social and criminal justice, protecting the environment, and helping to make a better world.

SY AMKRAUT

HELEN ANDERSON

CONSTANCE BERMAN

ROSIE & VINCE BRANCATO

BARBARA CARLSEN

CAROLE & JERRY CHAMLIN

JOAN DONNEN-KLIPS

DORIS HART

LARRY HURST

JENNIFER JAMES

BERNETTE RUDOLPH

LIZ SINGER

SONDRA STEIN

ANA SANDOVAL & JESUS TORRES-VASQUEZ

CAROL & DICK VAN DEUSEN

JOSEPH WEBER

NOT A MEMBER?

All the more reason to attend a Sunday platform meeting or any one of our “Explore Ethical” programs.

You’re always welcome! NOT A MEMBER?

NICOANGELLUNOS CORIGLIANO


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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.

february 2017 … · a september speech at the congressional caucus foundation in washington, dc....

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