Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Polices Black Families
Dorothy Roberts University of Pennsylvania Acclaimed scholar Dorothy Roberts exposes the foundational racism of the child welfare system. Roberts argues it is a “family policing system” designed to put Black families under intense state surveillance and regulation, driving many Black children into juvenile detention and imprisonment. She calls for both dismantling this system and reimagining how to [...]
Joy of Living
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society The French call it “joie de vivre,” a term that first appears in the pantheistic writings of Jules Michelet. Humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers praises it as “spontaneous relaxed enjoyment” and "the quiet joy in being one's self.” We see it in photos of the giggling delight that bonded Bishop [...]
Concert to Benefit Immigrants Fleeing Persecution
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United Stateswith Philadelphia Orchestra members, Curtis students and faculty Curtis Institute students and faculty, and members of The Philadelphia Orchestra will give a benefit concert to help refugees and other immigrants fleeing persecution. All proceeds will go to HIAS PA to support its legal and social services for immigrants. “We believe in the power of music,” [...]
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Be part of a small-group conversation about our Ethical Society community, history, and philosophy. This informal Zoom gathering with Hugh Taft-Morales is open to everyone. Join online at the scheduled time: CLICK HERE
Toward a Greater Inclusivity
Naomi Washington-Leapheart Villanova University Rev. Washington-Leapheart, an adjunct professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova, is a Black-queer church girl, preacher, teacher, and activist. She develops spaces of spiritual candor, disruption, reflection, transformation, and action. Washington-Leapheart will speak about how to make faith-based organizations more inclusive. Join here online at the scheduled time: tiny.cc/pesprograms
Intergenerational Climate Justice
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society What do young environmental activists think about the global catastrophe they’ve inherited? How do older Americans feel about leaving future generations with this existential threat? Hugh explores groups of people young (the Sunrise Movement) and seasoned (Third Act) grappling with climate change. And he shares his own reactions to [...]
An Ethical Lens on: “Surviving Incarceration and Reentry”
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesWhat are the personal, spiritual, and social resources needed for people to remain whole when they end up in prison? How can people best make it through our retributive system, reset their lives, and reenter a society where they can flourish? What can be done to humanize our justice system so that it nurtures the [...]
Is Amazon the Future of Labor?
Rebecca Kolins Givan Rutgers University From warehouses to delivery vans, Amazon workers are everywhere. With over a million employees, Amazon has become one of the country’s largest employers. Workers from Staten Island to Chicago to Bessemer, Alabama, are organizing and fighting back against physically demanding jobs that take place under constant surveillance and produce frequent [...]
Believe I Am What I Say I Am
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Personal identity is…well…personal. And the person in question can share all or part of what they consider themselves to be. They may—or may not—identify with different groups based on age, ability, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, or other characteristics. Whatever their choices, why don’t we simply [...]
Does Ethical Culture Have a Future?
James Croft Ethical Society of St. Louis We’re taking a “virtual road trip” for this one. St. Louis Leader James Croft asks, at a time when so many people are leaving organized religion, why are most Ethical Societies not growing? Our culture faces a crisis of loneliness and disconnection, and many yearn for community. So [...]