Adventurous Civility: Courage in a Time of Division
“Speaking together differently so that we might learn to live together differently” is what The On Being Project’s Civil Conversations Project (CCP) seeks to model during this time of deep polarization in public life. We recently caught up with CCP executive director, Lucas Johnson, for a conversation about the CCP and a preview of one community’s “A Year of Courageous Conversations.”
Resources on Forgiveness
In our 2010 Fetzer Survey on Love and Forgiveness, 62 percent of Americans agreed (strongly or somewhat) that they need more forgiveness in their personal lives, and this number increased to 83 percent in their communities, 90 percent in America, and 90 percent in the world.
August Practice: Look for a Person’s Essence
Democracy requires that we listen to others sincerely, even when there is disagreement. But how does this work online? When you consider the person on the other end of the comment or video, what would it mean to listen with the intent to draw out their true essence or identify their good intentions, instead of listening with the intent to debate or argue with them? So often people want to prove their point or listen only until they get a chance to say their piece.
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.
Practicing Democracy in Your Neighborhood
Democracy begins locally—not only within the city or county government nearest you but even closer, within your neighborhood. Philosopher and activist Grace Lee Boggs observed: “We can begin by doing small things at the local level … That is how change takes place in living systems, not from above but from within, from many local actions occurring simultaneously.” That process is how we can strengthen our democracy. Here are 12 starting points.
Explore Spiritual Resilience
The Spirit of Humanity Forum for 2019 asks important questions to support greater harmony and peace in our interconnected world. What relational practices can we foster? How might leaders actively nurture spiritual qualities? What stories can we share to transcend difference? Here are just a few resources to encourage reflection and support those on this journey toward more generative and peaceful relationships among individuals, communities, and society.
Practicing Democracy at Work
Thirteen ideas for practicing democracy in the workplace. Americans spend a major portion of each week at work. The way we go about our jobs and how we relate to our coworkers—both in our own workplace and on behalf of the larger community of workers—reveals how we much we value the common good and the national motto “Out of many, one.”
Developed with Spirituality & Practice as part of the Practicing Democracy Project.
Wisdom 2.0 Annual Conference
Wisdom 2.0 addresses the great challenge of our age: to not only live connected to one another through technology, but to do so in ways that are beneficial to our own well-being, effective in our work, and useful to the world.
Through our series of conferences, meet-ups, and workshops, Wisdom 2.0 strives to bring this conversation to the world in an accessible, innovative, and inclusive way.
The Fetzer Institute is proud to return as a presenting sponsor and to celebrate 10 years of Wisdom 2.0.
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."
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.