The 2024 Presidential Election is an existential challenge for democracy. Thinking about it generates dread. Often, we seek relief in political satire. Laughter can ease anxiety and lower harmful cortisol levels. Humor can also be a potent political tool. Nothing disempowers political and playground bullies as much as being laughed at. Hugh explores how the [...]

Michael G. Hagen Associate Professor of Political Science, Temple University  Professor Hagen will speak about his current research on the conduct and consequences of national elections and also about elections in our battleground state of Pennsylvania. Hagen founded Temple’s Institute for Public Affairs in 2004 and served as its director until 2008. He was formerly [...]

Ethical Culture encourages harmonizing with nature to bring out the best for all life. That philosophy is embodied in the Society’s summer program at Camp Linden, where children from low-income neighborhoods experience the natural world while practicing ethical behavior. Located in rural Chester County, the camp offers environmental education and swimming. Hugh reflects on how [...]

Kelly Sheard Director, Gender Wealth Institute at Women's Way In 2022, the Women’s Way Gender Wealth Institute launched a large-scale research campaign to identify and address key drivers of gender wealth inequity. The goal: to create the Philadelphia region’s first Gender Wealth Index. Sheard will discuss the project, which is designed to drive evidence-based action [...]

In May, Hugh’s platforms will address two very different stages of life: youth and old age. His first talk—suggested by our pianist, Rollin Wilber—examines the work of Eugene Field, a 19th century writer who composed sentimental poems for children. But while young people delighted in Field’s verse, adults were moved by his evocation of an [...]

Khandra Sears, Board President American Ethical Union Reflecting popular trends, the American Ethical Union (AEU) has seen engagement decline at its member societies and across the movement. It also has navigated a series of significant, rapid transitions in recent years. Sears’ talk will focus on the AEU Board of Directors’ work rebuilding connections among Ethical [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society Too often, our youth-centric culture treats aging as something to avoid, hide, or belittle. Yet, every one of us—if we are lucky—will grow old. Hugh urges us to embrace this journey, so as to nurture greater meaning and gratitude. And he introduces the concept of “intentional eldering” which allows [...]

Kathryn Kolbert, Public Interest Attorney A journalist and entrepreneurial leader, Kathryn “Kitty” Kolbert will speak about the bold strategies needed to help restore and expand reproductive and sexual rights. Using what has been called "one of the most audacious litigation strategies in Supreme Court history,” Kolbert, in 1992, argued Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the landmark [...]

John Horkel, Philadelphia Ethical Society Member John was taking a walk in New Haven, Connecticut, one day, not long after retiring from his career as a zoo curator and director of an arboretum and a nature center. Finding himself before the building that houses the nonprofit New Haven Reads, he impulsively went in and signed [...]

Rollin Wilber, Pianist; and Robert Steinfort, Member Philadelphia Ethical Society They say you can’t please everybody. Well, Rollin and Robert Edwin—two outstanding musicians with disparate backgrounds—are going to try. This program features music spanning Bach to rock and will include a reprise of Rollin’s four original song settings of poems by Eugene Field (originally presented [...]