Sunday Platform 2003-2004 Archive
Archive Index
Current Platforms
This Season's Sunday Platform theme is Waging Peace: Hearts, Minds and Hands Building an Ethical Culture.
- September 21
- Waging Peace: Hearts, Minds and Hands Building an Ethical Culture
- Ethical Culture founder Felix Adler enjoined members to take on fully, as a life vocation, "our part in this world." What is that "part" in relation to world peace? In the face of widespread cynicism and apathy regarding ethical behavior in our world today, to what extent can we claim that ethics matter enormously, across political and other social differences? Bring your own questions and answers on this topic to a community conversation on our chosen theme for this Season. With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns. Music by the Brooklyn Women's Chorus, directed by Bev Grant.
- Ethical Culture founder Felix Adler enjoined members to take on fully, as a life vocation, "our part in this world." What is that "part" in relation to world peace? In the face of widespread cynicism and apathy regarding ethical behavior in our world today, to what extent can we claim that ethics matter enormously, across political and other social differences? Bring your own questions and answers on this topic to a community conversation on our chosen theme for this Season. With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns. Music by the Brooklyn Women's Chorus, directed by Bev Grant.
- September 28
- Waging Peace: The Heart of the Matter
- Learning to listen and then attend properly to the voice of our own and other people's hearts can be life-transforming, as many can and do attest. What happens when we take our personal transformation, insights, and practices to our community lives, and beyond that, to the building of social movements for peace at not only a personal, but a global level? With Kurt Johnson and Lisel Burns.
- Learning to listen and then attend properly to the voice of our own and other people's hearts can be life-transforming, as many can and do attest. What happens when we take our personal transformation, insights, and practices to our community lives, and beyond that, to the building of social movements for peace at not only a personal, but a global level? With Kurt Johnson and Lisel Burns.
- October 5
- Waging Peace: The Praxis of Minds and Hands in Working for a Better World
- World spiritual leader Dali Lama cautions his audiences, "Calling for peace peace, peace is not enough! You must have nonviolent strategies toward that peace." What strategies for peace are we using now in the BSEC Ethical Action Committee? How do they play out in the emerging Brooklyn Community Action Network (BCAN), our support for local and global self-help projects, and our plans for BSEC programs this coming Season? Join your own ideas with those of Ethical Action Chair Charley Horwitz, Ethical Action, BSEC Leader Lisel Burns, Peace Site Chair Maureen Egginton, and others.
- World spiritual leader Dali Lama cautions his audiences, "Calling for peace peace, peace is not enough! You must have nonviolent strategies toward that peace." What strategies for peace are we using now in the BSEC Ethical Action Committee? How do they play out in the emerging Brooklyn Community Action Network (BCAN), our support for local and global self-help projects, and our plans for BSEC programs this coming Season? Join your own ideas with those of Ethical Action Chair Charley Horwitz, Ethical Action, BSEC Leader Lisel Burns, Peace Site Chair Maureen Egginton, and others.
- October 12
- Defining Moments: Experiences From My Heritage
- This year's Heritage Platform asks members to share stories from their heritage that helped to define their personal values and outlook on life. Led by Constance Pigozzi and Martha Hoffman.
- This year's Heritage Platform asks members to share stories from their heritage that helped to define their personal values and outlook on life. Led by Constance Pigozzi and Martha Hoffman.
- October 19
- How Does the U.N. Relate to Science, Ethics and Religion?
- Reflections on commemorating United Nations Day, which falls on October 24th this year. With Dr. Kurt Johnson and National Service Conference Director Martha Gallahue.
- Reflections on commemorating United Nations Day, which falls on October 24th this year. With Dr. Kurt Johnson and National Service Conference Director Martha Gallahue.
- October 26
- Political Art: An Ethical Graphic Counterbalance
- Graphic artist and illustrator Thomas Kerr will focus on imagery created by artists in response to unethical societal problems. Introduced by BSEC Member Joel Cohen.
- November 2
- Elections 2003 and the State of the Nation
- Join our special guest, Congressman Major Owens, who will share his views about local election issues and current crises including Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Liberia, and domestic issues.
- Join our special guest, Congressman Major Owens, who will share his views about local election issues and current crises including Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Liberia, and domestic issues.
- November 9
- Family Conversations: Raising Ethical Awareness
- Recently, students asked about people they admire move directly to their own families and stay clear of community or national leaders. To challenge the apathy, cynicism and hypocrisy of the larger market-oriented culture, it is understandable that we look to our own experience for our moral exemplars. But can we consciously form and nurture stories, songs and traditions in our family and community circles and become the ancestors who pass our hopes, values and insights down the generations through stories that never grow old? With Lisel Burns, Leader. Music by Chris Seymour, vocal and banjo.
- Recently, students asked about people they admire move directly to their own families and stay clear of community or national leaders. To challenge the apathy, cynicism and hypocrisy of the larger market-oriented culture, it is understandable that we look to our own experience for our moral exemplars. But can we consciously form and nurture stories, songs and traditions in our family and community circles and become the ancestors who pass our hopes, values and insights down the generations through stories that never grow old? With Lisel Burns, Leader. Music by Chris Seymour, vocal and banjo.
- November 16
- The Triumph of Social Reforms
- Ethical Culture's early years and why they matter now. With Marc Bernstein, Curator of the American Ethical Union Archives.
- Ethical Culture's early years and why they matter now. With Marc Bernstein, Curator of the American Ethical Union Archives.
- November 23
- Wampanoag Festival
- The Children's Sunday Assembly presents an annual BSEC Thanksgiving Tradition. The Wampanoag Festival is based on a Native American ritual and the tradition of reciprocity. Students of the Children's Sunday Assembly and BSEC platformgoers will bow to the four winds and dance and sing together in a powerful reminder of the abundance of our lives and all the things we have to be grateful for.
- The Children's Sunday Assembly presents an annual BSEC Thanksgiving Tradition. The Wampanoag Festival is based on a Native American ritual and the tradition of reciprocity. Students of the Children's Sunday Assembly and BSEC platformgoers will bow to the four winds and dance and sing together in a powerful reminder of the abundance of our lives and all the things we have to be grateful for.
- November 30
- Thanksgiving Colloquy
- A more meditative Ethical Culture ceremony, with sharing, music, and reflections on the theme: "Appreciating".
- December 7
- Our Nation's Ethics Will be Our Legacy Also
- At the heart of ethical living is the decision to take responsibility for our actions. Taking responsibility for our location in the world's most powerful nation is a stretch for a lot of us. Will the 2004 elections be an ending or a beginning for American Democracy? With BSEC Leader, Lisel Burns. Also, a special welcome to BSEC "Leader Emerita" Lois Kellerman, who will be here for platform today.
- At the heart of ethical living is the decision to take responsibility for our actions. Taking responsibility for our location in the world's most powerful nation is a stretch for a lot of us. Will the 2004 elections be an ending or a beginning for American Democracy? With BSEC Leader, Lisel Burns. Also, a special welcome to BSEC "Leader Emerita" Lois Kellerman, who will be here for platform today.
- December 14
- Winter Festival: A Celebration of Community
- Join the students of the Children's Sunday Assembly for an annual BSEC tradition: An intergenerational, festive and thoughtful celebration of the December holiday season, as we share our diverse traditions, stories, creativity and other gifts.
- Join the students of the Children's Sunday Assembly for an annual BSEC tradition: An intergenerational, festive and thoughtful celebration of the December holiday season, as we share our diverse traditions, stories, creativity and other gifts.
- December 21
- Holiday Colloquy
- A more meditative Ethical Culture ceremony, with sharing, music, and reflections.
- A more meditative Ethical Culture ceremony, with sharing, music, and reflections.
- December 28
- No Platform
- January 4
- January Personal Retreat: The Need for a Daily Ethical Practice
- Without daily reflection and challenge, are we kidding ourselves about ethical living? In this next year, what help for living can we find from both inner and outer resources? The world within calls for reflection and quiet; the world without demands our attention lest we lose our place in the crowded public square. An Ethical Society has as its first priority the personal support and ethical inspiration of its members. Let's gather and reflect on ways this will happen this year. With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns.
- Without daily reflection and challenge, are we kidding ourselves about ethical living? In this next year, what help for living can we find from both inner and outer resources? The world within calls for reflection and quiet; the world without demands our attention lest we lose our place in the crowded public square. An Ethical Society has as its first priority the personal support and ethical inspiration of its members. Let's gather and reflect on ways this will happen this year. With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns.
- January 11
- Health, Wealth, and the UN
- Should societies concentrate on treating illness or promoting wellness for their populations? What can we learn from both preindustrial and modern times to promote health in underdeveloped countries? Are inequalities in status harmful to our health? With Sylvain Ehrenfeld, retired Professor of Statistics and current AEU representative of the IHEU (International Humanist Ethical Union) at the UN.
- Should societies concentrate on treating illness or promoting wellness for their populations? What can we learn from both preindustrial and modern times to promote health in underdeveloped countries? Are inequalities in status harmful to our health? With Sylvain Ehrenfeld, retired Professor of Statistics and current AEU representative of the IHEU (International Humanist Ethical Union) at the UN.
- January 18
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy
- This year, our platform on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. will be the center of an intergenerational program focusing on communities and values and the heroes who embody those values for the community.
- This year, our platform on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. will be the center of an intergenerational program focusing on communities and values and the heroes who embody those values for the community.
- January 25
- Spirituality Without God
- What is a humanist perspective on spirituality? What do we mean by "spirituality"? What are humanistic "spiritual practices"? With Kate Lovelady, poet and writer, AEU Leader-in-Training and Leader Intern at the Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture.
- What is a humanist perspective on spirituality? What do we mean by "spirituality"? What are humanistic "spiritual practices"? With Kate Lovelady, poet and writer, AEU Leader-in-Training and Leader Intern at the Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture.
- February 1
- Intentional Community
- What kind of communities are really needed, if we are to follow our hearts and our sense of responsibility into cultural, political, or family leadership regardless of its earning potential in the larger society? Why not try a more deliberate form of community here and now at BSEC? With Lisel Burns and Martha Gallahue, longtime member of Womanshare, a community of women exchanging services and resources on an equal time basis.
- What kind of communities are really needed, if we are to follow our hearts and our sense of responsibility into cultural, political, or family leadership regardless of its earning potential in the larger society? Why not try a more deliberate form of community here and now at BSEC? With Lisel Burns and Martha Gallahue, longtime member of Womanshare, a community of women exchanging services and resources on an equal time basis.
- February 8
- Facing History and Ourselves: An Overview
- Join Tracy Garrison-Feinberg and Kevin Feinberg for an introduction to Facing History and Ourselves, an award-winning program training high school social studies teachers to address major ethical questions raised by historical events and issues, such as the Nazi period and holocaust studies, slavery in the US and contemporary reparations movements, and contemporary human rights abuse on a global basis.
Tracy Garrison-Feinberg has degrees in secondary education and history from the University of Texas at Austin. Kevin Feinberg has a BA in history from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in social studies education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Both have taught high school and are now staff members with Facing History and Ourselves. - Join Tracy Garrison-Feinberg and Kevin Feinberg for an introduction to Facing History and Ourselves, an award-winning program training high school social studies teachers to address major ethical questions raised by historical events and issues, such as the Nazi period and holocaust studies, slavery in the US and contemporary reparations movements, and contemporary human rights abuse on a global basis.
- February 15
- BSEC Members' Report from Israel and Palestine
- Carol and Charles Horwitz will report on their two-week trip to Israel and Palestine with human rights leaders. After lunch, discussion and a video of their trip will be presented at 1:30 pm in our library. Carol and Charles are long time activists for peace, justice, and civil rights. Charles is a labor lawyer and Chair of BSEC's Ethical Action Committee; Carol is an attorney representing AIDS organizations.
- Carol and Charles Horwitz will report on their two-week trip to Israel and Palestine with human rights leaders. After lunch, discussion and a video of their trip will be presented at 1:30 pm in our library. Carol and Charles are long time activists for peace, justice, and civil rights. Charles is a labor lawyer and Chair of BSEC's Ethical Action Committee; Carol is an attorney representing AIDS organizations.
- February 22
- Unknown Voices
- In honor of Black History month, Cynthia Zakai Barksdale will present a program including tributes to Paul Robeson and to Nina Simone, along with various poems and readings exploring the Black Experience. Ms. Barksdale received an MFA from Yale School of Drama, MA from Adelphi University and BFA from Howard University. She is presently a Professor of English at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut where she produces an annual event honoring Paul Robeson, featuring such legendary artists as Oscar Brown, Jr.
- In honor of Black History month, Cynthia Zakai Barksdale will present a program including tributes to Paul Robeson and to Nina Simone, along with various poems and readings exploring the Black Experience. Ms. Barksdale received an MFA from Yale School of Drama, MA from Adelphi University and BFA from Howard University. She is presently a Professor of English at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut where she produces an annual event honoring Paul Robeson, featuring such legendary artists as Oscar Brown, Jr.
- February 29
- Progessive Politics in Hard Times
- These are bad times for the center-left side of American political opinion. At the national level, the debate we hear is mostly between the right and the far-right; ideas of equality and decency have lost ground as "the market" has triumphed. Still, most people hold reasonably humane views, this disjuncture between public opinion and public policy should, in fact, give us hope. Dan Cantor, who has been a community, labor, and political organizer for 25 years, will offer a perspective on how to make progressive views not just popular, but powerful.
A resident of Park Slope, Mr. Cantor was labor coordinator for Rev. Jesse Jackson's 1988 Presidential campaign and has worked across the country to build multi-racial, class-oriented coalitions. He has written numerous articles on American politics, and is co-author, with Juliet Schor, of the book Tunnel Vision. - These are bad times for the center-left side of American political opinion. At the national level, the debate we hear is mostly between the right and the far-right; ideas of equality and decency have lost ground as "the market" has triumphed. Still, most people hold reasonably humane views, this disjuncture between public opinion and public policy should, in fact, give us hope. Dan Cantor, who has been a community, labor, and political organizer for 25 years, will offer a perspective on how to make progressive views not just popular, but powerful.
- March 7
- Female Values Across Generations: Conversations Among Community-Involved Mothers and Daughters
- What has it meant to bring a woman's awareness to the larger community? Members Rita Wilson and her daughter Tywana, and Diane Kirschner and her mother Ethel lead a community reflection on how their different generations have viewed women's leadership in the larger community and its issues and ethical challenges. Music provided by the Brooklyn Women's Chorus, directed by Bev Grant.
- What has it meant to bring a woman's awareness to the larger community? Members Rita Wilson and her daughter Tywana, and Diane Kirschner and her mother Ethel lead a community reflection on how their different generations have viewed women's leadership in the larger community and its issues and ethical challenges. Music provided by the Brooklyn Women's Chorus, directed by Bev Grant.
- March 14
- Women Moving Disaster: Stricken Areas From Charity Relief To Development
- The true face of world poverty is a female with children, easily pictured as a victim. At the same time, after a local disaster, grassroots women and their partners have used temporary world attention and relief monies to catalyze needed community participation and development. With Suranjana Gupta, Instructor in International Affairs at the New School University, who has also worked with GROOTS International and in India with the South Asian development organization Swayam Shikshan Prayog.
- The true face of world poverty is a female with children, easily pictured as a victim. At the same time, after a local disaster, grassroots women and their partners have used temporary world attention and relief monies to catalyze needed community participation and development. With Suranjana Gupta, Instructor in International Affairs at the New School University, who has also worked with GROOTS International and in India with the South Asian development organization Swayam Shikshan Prayog.
- March 21
- Gandhi's Path to Peace and Development
- What nonviolent theories and practices might be applicable to our present runaway militarism and materialism? Melanie Jameson from the War Resisters League will introduce practical principles and activities of the Gandhian nonviolent tradition of organized resistance to war and the causes of war worldwide.
- What nonviolent theories and practices might be applicable to our present runaway militarism and materialism? Melanie Jameson from the War Resisters League will introduce practical principles and activities of the Gandhian nonviolent tradition of organized resistance to war and the causes of war worldwide.
- March 28
- Personal, Favorite and International Poetry
- A BSEC tradition of poetry readings, coordinated by Constance Pigozzi.
- A BSEC tradition of poetry readings, coordinated by Constance Pigozzi.
- April 4
- American Democracy 2004: Our Nation's Values Will Be Our Legacy Also
- At the heart of ethical living is the decision to live with responsibility. But taking responsibility for our location in the world's most powerful nation is a stretch for a lot of us. Are there core values in this nation worth fighting for or sharing with others, and what version of citizenship and self governance or democracy do we espouse and wish to pass on to coming generations? With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns.
- At the heart of ethical living is the decision to live with responsibility. But taking responsibility for our location in the world's most powerful nation is a stretch for a lot of us. Are there core values in this nation worth fighting for or sharing with others, and what version of citizenship and self governance or democracy do we espouse and wish to pass on to coming generations? With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns.
- April 11
- Spring Colloquy
- A meditative Ethical Culture ceremony with sharing, music and reflections. This week we will reflect on the theme: "Beauty".
- A meditative Ethical Culture ceremony with sharing, music and reflections. This week we will reflect on the theme: "Beauty".
- April 18
- Buddhism: A Transformative Practice Which Advances Peace and Human Rights
- Dr. Kurt Johnson will introduce guests, including Evan Zazula, New York coordinator for Lama Surya Das of the Dalai Lama's tradition, and Francisco Lugovina and Grover Gauntt, NY leaders of the Zen Peacemaker Order (known for its yearly vigil at Auschwitz), who will speak about Buddhist practices and their relation to peace. Kurt will lead a brief silent practice (5-7 minutes) from Surya Das's tradition, in which participants, sitting quietly, visualize someone in their lives who they felt truly wished them "deep fulfillment, happiness, and joy" and experience this as a first step in making internal well-wishing innate within one's presence.
- After lunch, InterSpiritual Dialogue, a AEU-associated fellowship (with members from many traditions and working with the AEU at the UN) will hold its bimonthly "Quiet Get-Together" in the library. Participants will share silence, presence, and quiet dialogue about members' spiritual paths and practices. All are welcome to observe or take part.
- Dr. Kurt Johnson will introduce guests, including Evan Zazula, New York coordinator for Lama Surya Das of the Dalai Lama's tradition, and Francisco Lugovina and Grover Gauntt, NY leaders of the Zen Peacemaker Order (known for its yearly vigil at Auschwitz), who will speak about Buddhist practices and their relation to peace. Kurt will lead a brief silent practice (5-7 minutes) from Surya Das's tradition, in which participants, sitting quietly, visualize someone in their lives who they felt truly wished them "deep fulfillment, happiness, and joy" and experience this as a first step in making internal well-wishing innate within one's presence.
- April 25
- Intergenerational Spring Festival
- The Children's Sunday Assembly will host a dramatization of the "River of Ethical Living," looking at Rites of Passage of some of the members of our Ethical Culture Family. We hope that people of all ages will come together and build new or stronger relationships with people of different generations, share in the community of Ethical Culture and have an opportunity to see our immediate family members or friends in a new or different light.
- The Children's Sunday Assembly will host a dramatization of the "River of Ethical Living," looking at Rites of Passage of some of the members of our Ethical Culture Family. We hope that people of all ages will come together and build new or stronger relationships with people of different generations, share in the community of Ethical Culture and have an opportunity to see our immediate family members or friends in a new or different light.
- May 2
- Just Matrimony and Same Sex Marriage
- Polls report an increasing percentage of Americans are registering their acceptance of the basic fairness involved in ceasing discrimination at the city clerk's office regarding a marriage license and its privileges. What are the ethical issues we really face when we tell the truth to ourselves and others on these matters? Join the BSEC community in sorting out the multiple issues for responsible people. With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns.
- In connection with this Platform and the ongoing Just Matrimony campaign, check out the Just Matrimony website. Lisel Burns, Donna Roberts, and Anne Klaeysen are among the Ethical Culture Leaders and Adjunct Services Leaders who are listed as available for same-sex ceremonies. The Just Matrimony brochure is also available for anyone who is interested.
- Polls report an increasing percentage of Americans are registering their acceptance of the basic fairness involved in ceasing discrimination at the city clerk's office regarding a marriage license and its privileges. What are the ethical issues we really face when we tell the truth to ourselves and others on these matters? Join the BSEC community in sorting out the multiple issues for responsible people. With BSEC Leader Lisel Burns.
- May 9
- Mother's Day Colloquy
- A meditative Ethical Culture ceremony with sharing, music and reflections. This week we will reflect on the theme: "Heart".
- A meditative Ethical Culture ceremony with sharing, music and reflections. This week we will reflect on the theme: "Heart".
- May 16
- Peace Site Day and Garden of Peace & Remembrance Dedication
- Our annual Peace Site Awards, this year given in honor of peace activist Rachel Corrie (1979-2003); the organization Parents Circle, Bereaved Israeli & Palestinian Families; and longtime Peace Site Chair and activist Bea Rubin. Join us in our Garden for music, poetry and inspiration. There will be a workshop on the honorees programs after lunch.
- Our annual Peace Site Awards, this year given in honor of peace activist Rachel Corrie (1979-2003); the organization Parents Circle, Bereaved Israeli & Palestinian Families; and longtime Peace Site Chair and activist Bea Rubin. Join us in our Garden for music, poetry and inspiration. There will be a workshop on the honorees programs after lunch.
- May 23
- Translating the Ethical Manifold: Discovering Our Connections
- How does BSEC support members in their community activities and activism? For this platform, we will help make visible the larger communities that we are part of, the causes we support, and the ways in which Ethical Culture, by providing a personal resource for its members, is a part of a larger web of organizations and movements.
- How does BSEC support members in their community activities and activism? For this platform, we will help make visible the larger communities that we are part of, the causes we support, and the ways in which Ethical Culture, by providing a personal resource for its members, is a part of a larger web of organizations and movements.
- May 30
- Memorial Day Platform
- Members and friends will light candles in honor of anyone they wish and speak in remembrance if they wish.
- Members and friends will light candles in honor of anyone they wish and speak in remembrance if they wish.
- June 6
- Auditing the 2003-2004 Season at BSEC: Intentions and Results
- When we discuss organizational efforts, do we want credit for our good intentions or do we focus on results? Can we look at BSEC intentions and results for this past Season without taking difficulties or honest feedback personally? With a community audit we can see our organizational "footprint" and take responsibility for it.
- When we discuss organizational efforts, do we want credit for our good intentions or do we focus on results? Can we look at BSEC intentions and results for this past Season without taking difficulties or honest feedback personally? With a community audit we can see our organizational "footprint" and take responsibility for it.
- June 13
- Membership Platform
- We celebrate the end of the BSEC season by recognizing member contributions and new members. Hosted by the Membership and Sharing Caring Committees. Sign ups for summer activities will be available. CSA picnic and Membership Meeting will follow.
- We celebrate the end of the BSEC season by recognizing member contributions and new members. Hosted by the Membership and Sharing Caring Committees. Sign ups for summer activities will be available. CSA picnic and Membership Meeting will follow.
- Summer Colloquies
- On four Sundays in August, at 11 am, we will hold colloquies in the BSEC Meetinghouse Library, based on the book Spelling God With Two O's, by Arthur Dobrin.
- August 1 - Patience
- Ausust 8 - Perfection
- August 15 - Pride
- Ausust 22 - Purity
- A colloquy is a more meditative Ethical Culture ceremony with sharing, music and meditation. For more information call Constance Pigozzi, at 718-331-1137.
- August 1 - Patience
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this page last revision: 5/13/07