Kurian Thomas Appointed Vice President of Spiritual Transformation
The Fetzer Institute announces the appointment of Kurian Thomas as vice president, spiritual transformation, effective July 1. In this new role, he will direct and coordinate programs supporting spiritual development through the lifespan. This includes overseeing a portfolio of more than 60 projects across the globe on a range of topics related to spirituality, including education, health and wellbeing, and democracy. Kurian will also provide leadership and support to the Institute’s organizational learning and culture.
June Practice: Contemplative Walks
This spiritual practice takes walking from an experience of observation and listening to a contemplative experience to increase your self-awareness and your feelings of deep connection to your neighborhood. It is designed to encourage such democratic values and virtues as caring, generosity, service, and consideration.
May Practice: Use Right Speech
This practice is from The Practicing Democracy Project's "Practicing Democracy at Work" guide. While it is framed for the workplace, right speech is important in every aspect of our life!
Growing up Black in America: We the People Book Club Focus for April
This month the We the People Book Club is reading what book club curator Julia Davis describes as "remarkably candid reflections on growing up black in America:" James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time and Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me.
April Practice: Clean Up Day
Our surroundings mirror our attitudes towards ourselves, our communities, and our nation at large. It is important that we care for our streets, highways, fields, forests, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Organize a clean-up day; Earth Day on April 22 is one good time. Or you may want to join the efforts of the Keep America Beautiful. This nonprofit works with local officials and community members to beautify our towns and cities. As a bonus, you will meet your neighbors and discover what is worth saving and protecting in your environment.
Tackling the Topic of Free Will
By the numbers, a new research project on free will engages eight neuroscientists and nine philosophers spanning 17 universities in probing two basic questions: What is required for people to have free will? and Whatever that thing is that is required for free will, do humans possess it? As project leader Dr.
March Practice: Dive Under Emotions
Engaging online with images and stories about important democratic matters can kindle strong emotions. Sometimes the emotions are joyful; other times fear and anxiety are triggered. The adrenaline rushes of these responses can be overwhelming.
Staff Promotions and Additions
The Fetzer Institute has made to following updates to its staff. Jonathan Lever, chief operating officer and executive vice president noted, "We are blessed to have a diverse and talented staff, and I am proud to announce the promotion of a number of individuals into new roles that will help advance the Institute's mission."
February Practice: Consider Interbeing
Everything relies on everything else in the cosmos in order to manifest—whether a star, a cloud, a flower, a tree, or you and me. —Thich Nhat Hanh
A key principle of democracy is that individuals seek to advance the common good. Why this is important becomes clearer when we remind ourselves of the web of connections that thread through every aspect of our lives. As Thich Nhat Hanh writes,
Jonathan Lever Joins Fetzer Staff
We are excited to welcome Jonathan Lever, our first-ever executive vice president and chief operating officer, to the Fetzer Institute. Jonathan will work closely with our board and president to drive program strategy and expansion; lead the management of the Institute; and represent the organization externally. He begins his work with us on February 4.