Hello parents and friends!
We are getting excited about this last Sunday of the month before we open registration and delve more deeply into our group classes and projects in October!
DUPREE VISITS LIVING/EVOLVING ETHICS THIS WEEK!
This week our Living Ethics (8-12) and Evolving Ethics (12-14) groups will be led in song -and other activities around the theme of music and activism- by our own DuPree. If you have not yet heard DuPree sing, she starts off the platform on the first Sunday of each month. Her voice is a treasure and her partnership with our children’s program this year is very exciting. If you child is joining our Living or Evolving Ethics groups this week, they are welcome to bring a song that is meaningful to them or to their parents or grandparents, particularly songs that speak to social justice or environment issues. If the song is available online, they can come with the title and I’ll pull it up.
TAG SALE OCT. 2
Also, a reminder that our tag sale is on Oct 2nd after platform, so please continue to set aside all that great stuff you are planning to get rid of and we hope some of you can stay after platform to help with it! I’ll send another update about it next week.
9-18-16 CLASS SNAPSHOTS!
Simba Yangala
Exploring Ethics (3-7year olds)
Celebrating the elders in our community was our theme this week. This Sunday after the funny laughter yoga with Phyllis, the children made a collaborative birthday card for BSEC member Anne-Marie who turned 94 years old! We went together to present it to her and sing her happy birthday. Also, taking turns in our circle, the children talked about their own grandparents and what they love and remember about them.
Lea Bender
Living Ethics (8-12 year olds)/Evolving Ethics (12-14 year olds)
We began with all ages joining together in a circle on the playground on a beautiful warm morning. Although I am a 20-year yoga practitioner, I’d never done “Laughter Yoga” before so it was fun to experience it with our guest Phyllis and our big circle of friends. Afterwards, our group headed to the Poly Prep library to join a discussion with BSEC members Cat Miller and Vandra Thorburn. This was the first in a series of adult member visits that we are trying out this year. What started as a chance for the adults to share what Ethical Culture means to them, turned into a discussion of what it means to be ethical in general. Other interesting topics around the circle included how to engage with people who have different belief systems with respect and curiosity, and the ways in which our own beliefs can change and evolve.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Best,
Lea
A message from Jone Johnson Lewis, Interim Clergy Leader of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture (www.bsec.org), with thoughtful input from many members and friends of the Brooklyn Society.
In the wake of very public and senseless loss of life this past week, we of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture mourn these precious human lives, and express our condolences to the families, friends and communities of those who were killed. Alton Sterling, a father of five trying to make his living by selling CDs, killed Tuesday at the hands of police officers. Philando Castile, a cafeteria manager killed by police, with his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s child in the car, stopped for a routine traffic offense. Brent Thompson, Garrett Lewis, Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, and Michael Smith, Dallas police officers killed by a sniper at a peaceful demonstration protesting the deaths of Sterling and Castile, a demonstration in which the police wore no riot gear and interacted pleasantly with the demonstrators. And six other officers and two civilians also injured in that ambush.
We condemn the use of violence to retaliate against police officers. We also recognize that there are key differences in the killing of police officers and the extrajudicial killings by police officers. A police officer chooses a vocation where there is a high risk of being killed. The citizen of color does not choose to be disproportionately at risk. When someone kills a police officer, they are usually killed or brought to justice. When a police officer kills a black person, there is often no accountability for that action, no prosecution of the officer. Police officers are sworn to protect the people in the communities they serve.
We recognize that questionable, unwarranted, and disproportionate shootings by police of African American males are not new. For some people, living with the risk of being shot, or having a son or family member or loved one shot, is an everyday matter. The wall of separation so many Americans are able to have from this everyday violence has a window in it right now, because of the videos that are hard to ignore. More are, at least at this moment, aware and awake. And in pain, too, and wanting to figure out what to do to promote change.
We have, in today’s United States and through most of our history, an environment of injustice and violence. Everyone is damaged and dishonored by this status quo, even while not everyone has the same level of risk of death, danger or discouragement within this system.
The system is built on a false fears. The falsehood that those of a specific skin color and gender are especially threatening is based on enculturation in the larger society and in police departments. Yet these fears are groundless. Unconscious racism means that black suspects are judged as more dangerous than a white person in exactly the same circumstances other than the suspect’s race. In 2015, statistics show that it was twice as likely that a white person killed by police was armed as that a black person killed by police was armed. And yet this falsehood is what justifies the system in which police officers often treat black males as an enemy. An officer’s violence is often excused as being based in “justifiable” fear even while society expects rational and calm reactions from those who suddenly find guns pointed at them, by people with the authority to kill.
We have, in this nation, a system of policing which is concerned primarily with keeping order, which historically was developed to control working people, immigrants and people who were enslaved. Today, the system continues to disproportionately targeting people of color and communities of color. The result in a city like New York City is violence perpetrated by those sworn to protect all, disproportionately against black bodies and black communities. Policing for minor offenses is targeted more against poor communities and communities of color. This not only puts members of those communities at risk more often of encounters that may be violent or fatal. Such policing becomes a major source of revenue for the cities and towns and police departments, and becoming a major economic stress on those targeted. Policing becomes a way of maintaining the economic, political and social status quo which is already unjust and unfair.
The militarization of police departments contributes to the escalation of police violence. Use of equipment and tactics designed for warfare shapes a police culture that assumes a war and enemies. It has been far easier for police departments to find funding to militarize than to find funding to train in community relations and peaceful resolution of conflict.
All of us, including police officers and those in the communities they are sworn to serve, will be safer from this senseless violence when the culture of enmity and fear is reduced. Police officers now receive in their initial training far more hours of practice in firing a weapon than in de-escalating violence. More training to counteract unconscious racial bias is needed. More investigation is needed to follow up on FBI reports of increased infiltration of police departments by overt white supremacists.
Out of the heightened awareness of many this week, what can we do? Educate ourselves about the realities and myths. Assert, in a time when our social, economic and political system disagree, that Black Lives Matter. Check out the changes suggested by Campaign Zero.
But we also need to move beyond education and awareness, to action. The great 19th century abolitionist who escaped enslavement, Frederick Douglass, said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” Demand justice and demand the deep changes needed in the current system. Speak out to your local, state and federal representatives, demanding reform of the justice system including police departments. Send money to organizations working for needed change. Support efforts to train police officers better, for example, to have fewer unconscious race-based fears, to have more skills in de-escalating situations. Support police reforms including more transparency, more community oversight, limits on the use of force, demilitarizing the police, independent investigation and prosecution of allegations against officers. Support programs of restorative justice. Rethink the purpose of policing. Work for at least ending the profit motive in the prison system, and look for reforms that find alternatives to prison. Join demonstrations. When you see something questionable happening involving a police officer, pull out your smartphone and video the confrontation. In the words of Dorothy Day, “No one has a right to sit down and feel helpless. There’s too much work to do.” Pick something you can do, and do it.
At the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, a group has been meeting for a few months now to focus on “the fiction of race and the fact of racism.” The group calls itself “Lucy’s Children” in recognition that ultimately we’re all part of one human family originally rooted in Africa. If you’d like more information on how to be part of that, you can contact me ([email protected]) or watch our weekly email newsletters for where and when the group meets.
Welcome
The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture is an ethics-centered community. We hold that ethical living is life’s central concern. We understand that personal growth and social action are part of the ethical life, and that deeper ethical development comes through interacting with others in community.We welcome you to explore our community, and if you would like to become part of the community by joining as a member, you’ll find inside more information and an application.If you have questions about the Society, its principles and values, or about membership, feel free to contact our Clergy Leader or our Outreach Coordinator.
Exploring Membership
We look forward to getting to know you and personally welcoming you our society. We are an intentionally inclusive community that welcomes people of all races, religious backgrounds, ages, cultural origins, and sexual orientations. We are a freethinking, humanist community, focusing on human responsibility for human problems, using reason and compassion.
It is the women, men, youth, and children of who make this place alive and vibrant. Your involvement is invited, we would love to have the opportunity to welcome you to. We are a completely voluntary organization.The energy and resources of this community are what members, past and present, have contributed and continue to contribute.
We suggest that you spend some time with us before joining, visiting at a few Sunday platform meetings and staying around to talk with others. Take part in some activities: events, classes, social justice and fun activities.Come to the occasional welcome session that we hold after a Sunday platform meeting for informal questions and answers about the Society. Visit with one or more of our committees or action groups to see how the community is organized.
Why join?
Ethical Societies are microcosm in which we learn and practice the skills of bringing out the unique human worth of ourselves and others. You’ll become part of a diverse group of unique and like-hearted people, clarify your personal philosophy of life, support others and accept support during all the stages of life, and celebrate what it means to be alive. You’ll also help this community grow and extend into the future for others to find.
Benefits of membership
Members experience a culture that helps us to live and expand our ethical values. You’ll meet and socialize with a diverse group of unique like-hearted people, clarify your personal ideas, and support others and accept a diverse group of unique like-hearted people, clarify your personal ideas, and support others and accept support through life’s challenges and joys. You’ll also be part of the democratic decision-making of the Society, from electing board members, participating in committees, voting at member meetings, amending by-laws and the constitution. You’ll receive information about the Society’s activities and those of our national federation, the The American Ethical Union.
Who can join?
Membership is open to anyone who is at least 15 years of age and willing to become an active, contributing member of our community. The nature and extent of participation depends upon individual needs and interests.
How does the Society sustain itself?
We are a self-sustaining organization, supported by time, energy, creativity and financial pledges and contributions of our members, friends and by income-generating activities held in our building.We also contribute towards the American Ethical Union to promote the growth of Ethical Culture and to provide networking, skill-building, knowledge-sharing and other support for Societies such as ours.
Responsibilities of membership
– Members participate actively in the life of the Society. We hope that every member will attend platforms as their lives permit, and attend some of the other social and educational events that are part of Society life.
– Democratic decision-making: we hope that members participate as often as they are able in our semi-annual Member Meetings, and in occasional member forums for information and input. At Member Meetings we vote on Board members, our annual budget, major proposals, and any changes to our by-laws or constitution.
– Committees, board, task forces, specific volunteer tasks: while we have staff at BSEC for some functions, we cannot sustain our Society without volunteers. Start small, with something time-limited, and consider contributing your time and energy some years in helping the Society self-govern.
– A financial contribution, with an annual pledge to help us balance our budget.
– Members contribute to our culture of civility and cooperation and thus adopt and observe the BSEC Code of
Conduct (see below).
What does it cost to join?
All members make an annual financial within their means to support the Society’s costs including programming and outreach. Contributions are generally tax deductible.
Member pledges and other gifts support the programs, facilities, and staff of the Society. You choose the amount that you pledge. We ask that members consider a generous pledge within your means. For a thriving Society, Most would be giving within the range of 1% to 4% of net income. We do not exclude anyone from membership on the basis of pledge amount, but our suggested minimum pledge is $300 a year.
You can elect to contribute in one annual lump sum or to pay it in quarterly, monthly, or weekly installments. The Society will send you statements for tax purposes. If your circumstances change, you can notify the office of a decrease or increase in your pledge.
How do I join?
If you’ve visited on a few Sundays, and feel like you know the Society’s values, direction, and community well enough, then complete an application form online or give it to the Outreach Coordinator or to the Clergy Leader, or mail it to the Society’s Administrative Director.
Feel free to make an appointment to talk with our Clergy Leader if you have any questions about the Society, or attend one of our periodic Orientation or Living Ethical Culture workshops.
The Board of Trustees formally votes on each application at its monthly board meeting, after which you will receive a welcome letter from the Society. We’ll formally welcome you at the next Member Meeting, and informally at a Sunday platform meeting soon after you’ve joined. You’ll receive a member packet within a month after the board’s formal acceptance of your application.
Ethics for Children graduates are automatically accepted for membership, provided they complete a written application.
We’d love to have a photo and a brief description of you and your interests for sending to our current members, to introduce you to them. Send this to our Outreach Coordinator.
TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE CLICK HERE
BSEC Organization
The Brooklyn Society of Ethical Culture is governed by its members, through semi-annual Member Meetings.
The members elect a Board of Trustees to make decisions between Member Meetings, and to make proposals to Member Meetings. The officers of the board are: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Pledge Secretary.
Program Committees
Programs of the Society fall under three Committees:
Ethical Education
This committee is responsible for programs for children and youth, including our Ethics for Children Sunday programs, Coming of Age programming for older children, the Youth of Ethical Societies activities where we join with other Ethical Societies, and child care during major events.
Ethical Action
This committee organizes, plans, and oversees educational programs and actions to promote a more ethical, more humane world. Issues of special interest include racial justice, human rights, world peace, climate justice.
Ethical Living
This committee oversees and authorizes programs of adult learning and living, including fun and community-building activities.
Members of these committees may be members or non-members of the Society; the chair of each committee is a member of the Society.
Administrative Committees
These committees exist to help in the administration of key programs of the Society:
Membership Development
Provides support for outreach and welcoming to new people, engaging and connecting members and friends of the Society, and caring for members.
Sunday Committee
Plans and oversees Sunday platform meetings including colloquy programs, and also oversees other Sunday scheduling on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Building and Grounds Committee
Recommends to staff and the board major and minor improvements to and maintenance of our physical home and garden area.
Board Committees
Finance and Fund Development
Oversee our financial health and well-being.
Personnel Committee
Works with staff / Society relationships, evaluates staff performance.
We also have temporary committees (Leader Search, for instance) and Task Forces with limited scope of responsibility and a time limit to their existence.
BSEC Caring Communication Guidelines
Cultivating ethical relationships is at the core of Ethical Culture. The practices articulated below can bolster our efforts to live and act in harmony with our beliefs. They can help us enjoy caring and compassionate interactions with one another, individually and as a community.
Members and staff members of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture choose:
- to ascribe good intentions to others regardless of their perspective;
- to listen with respect and refrain from engaging in blaming language;
- to speak for myself and from my own experience;
- to hold to any meeting agreements that the group makes;
- to use descriptive, not judgmental or inflammatory language;
- to place principles before personalities; to criticize issues but not people;
- to refrain from using the Internet or e-mail to address interpersonal or intergroup conflicts and instead to address concerns in face-to-face;
- to handle differences collaboratively and, if necessary, to seek mediation and/or counseling; and
- to respect confidentiality when it is requested and agreed upon.
TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE CLICK HERE
We affirm and promote the following principles which are integral to our Ethical Movement:
Every person has inherent worth; each person is unique.
We affirm the dignity and worth of all human beings, however different their abilities or backgrounds. Worth is independent of the idea of value. Value is dependent upon the contribution a person makes to society while worth exists independent of productivity. From the idea of universal human worth follows the right of every person to food, shelter, clothing, health, safety, education, work, play, respect, and affection. Every person is unique and different, and the development of each person is related to nurturing his/her distinct qualities and talents.
It is our responsibility to improve the quality of life for ourselves and others.
We connect personal and social ethics by recognizing the principle of reciprocity in human relations. We affirm that any action which brings out the distinctive worth in others brings out the distinctive worth in one’s self; also, any action which demeans others demeans one’s self.
Ethics are derived from human experience.
Many religions locate the source of ethics in god-given commandments. We find its source in the human condition. What is right or wrong, good or bad is so because it fosters the development of what is best in life. Human intelligence and feelings are the sources and human experience is the sanction of ethics. We grow ethically by increasing our capacity for bringing out the best in others and ourselves. This process begins in the family and extends into friendships and local community and reaches out in relationship to the global human community.
Life is sacred, interrelated, and interdependent.
Life is a great, mysterious gift, and is more than just the materialistic fact of existence. We affirm our respect for the interdependent web of existence, of which we are all a part. It is our commitment to the goal of a world community with peace, liberty, justice, and loving-kindness for all.
“Always act so as to elicit the best in others, and thereby yourself.”
This phrase is as close to a commandment as you will find in Ethical Culture. Merely doing unto others as we would have them do to us ignores the unique situation of every human being. What we would have done unto ourselves is probably the wrong thing to do unto someone else. By acting so as to elicit the best, we allow others the freedom to make their own ethical choices.
We are never isolated from human society, and the effects of our actions always has an impact.
Our impact on the lives of others, and theirs on us in return. may be great or small, positive or negative. In helping to lift others to a higher level of moral awareness, we also lift ourselves.
See also our Caring Communication Guidelines.
In 1876 Felix Adler founded the Ethical Culture Movement which proclaimed a vision of humanity united in common concern for ethical values. Our Ethical Societies are fellowships of people who seek a clarification of the values of life and a faith to live by. We cherish freedom of the mind and freedom of conscience. We assert the autonomy of ethics while we tolerate a plurality of philosophies.