Blog
In November of last year the CAN! Team planted trees in the North Riverfront park. Last week our Ethicyclists group biked the Riverfront Trail and spotted those trees looking good!
This post and its links do not express or imply an endorsement by the Ethical Society of St. Louis or its leadership.
Good morning, everyone.
I want to talk a little about the idea of meditation and the Mindfulness Meditation group that meets every Tuesday. And in a few minutes, we are all going to try to do three minutes of mindful breathing, instead of the usual one minute.
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Making burials environmentally friendly. Our forum, presented by Bellefontaine Cemetery’s Vice President, Richard Lay, will deal specifically with green burial, a way to make life’s last act an environmentally friendly one and a beautiful (and often more affordable) final expression of one’s values. No matter where you currently are in the life cycle, you’ll want to learn about this lovely and loving service.
Presenter
Richard Lay, Vice President, Bellefontaine Cemetery
Suggested Actions for CAN!
Related Links
- Green burial options at Bellefontaine Cemetery
CAN! materials
- CAN! Events
- All CAN! posts and action links
- Ask a question CAN.EthicalStl@gmail.com
These materials have been prepared by the Society’s CAN! (Climate Action Now!) team. This post and its links do not express or imply an endorsement by the Ethical Society of St. Louis or its leadership.
Good morning. My name is Elaine Miller and I have been a member of the Ethical Society for almost 4 years. I want to talk to you this morning about the Tuesday Women’s Association here at Ethical, better known as TWA, which I am serving this year as President.
(more…)Today I want to talk about our Ethical Education theme for the year and give you some updates on our Youth programs.
I love working with children. They live in the present. They’re refreshingly honest. They’re endlessly creative. They find such joy in the ordinary. They’re curious.
(more…)I am Alan Easton, a participant in a reading circle called Finding Connections. The group meets here at the Society weekly after platform. It spun off from a study circle started in 2021 by Gabriel Requadt who was then an intern here as part of his divinity studies at Eden Seminary. I want to thank the other participants in Finding Connections for their excellent suggestions of books to read.
From four of our readings I pose the question: “America: is it good or is it wicked?”
(more…)We recently received a surprising message, via our CAN! email, from a teacher, writing on behalf of her students.
“I was teaching an environmental science lesson to some elementary students, and when they were doing a web quest on sustainability, they ended up on your Plastics and Climate Change webpage. They thought I should let you know that we were using it and found some great information so thanks 🙂
“They also decided it would be nice of us to return the favor, so I had them pick out a good resource for us to share with you! Part of their project was learning about steps we can take at home to reduce our ecological footprint, and they picked out a great guide to recycling plastic…. “How to Properly Recycle Plastic“
It is exciting to learn that our programs resonate beyond our walls and outside our community. Thanks to Ruth Platt & her students, Jessica, Jocelyn, Adam, and Madalyn for reaching out to let us know. It is even more exciting and encouraging to hear about children committed to finding ways to address environmental problems that impact the world they will be inheriting.
In another example of kid-power, the 16 young plaintiffs in the court case Held v. Montana, have won their case. A group of children sued the state of Montana for enabling the fossil fuel industry and thereby violating their rights to a clean and healthful environment, a right which is explicitly guaranteed in their state constitution. Though it is likely the state will appeal the decision, this case and judgment are ground-breaking and will surely lead to more legal action. (For more context, see this article, just one of many on the subject, and our earlier CAN! post)
What actions can we take to assure children that they are not alone in their efforts to heal the planet? Well for starters, please take some time to look at the helpful information shared by Ms. Platt and her students on plastic recycling and pass it along to your friends. Also, consider donating to “Our Children’s Trust” to continue the fight against climate change on the legal front.
CAN! materials
- CAN! Events
- All CAN! posts and action links
- Ask a question CAN.EthicalStl@gmail.com
These materials have been prepared by the Society’s CAN! (Climate Action Now!) team. This post and its links do not express or imply an endorsement by the Ethical Society of St. Louis or its leadership.
Join Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, for Raising Antiracist White Kids: A Conversation for All of Us Saturday, October 7, from 3–6 p.m. This workshop is free and open to the public. However, reservations are required for the event. Register here.
Powerful conundrums exist when it comes to raising white children in a society full of racial injustice. Should we teach white kids to be “colorblind” or to notice race? What roles do we want them to play in addressing racism when they encounter it? How do we do that? On top of it all, to talk about race honestly we have to talk about white privilege and racial injustice. How do we teach about race honestly, without making our children feel bad about being white?
Important public discussion exists about the impact of race and racism on children of color. But, we’ve talked much less openly about the impact racism on white children, let alone strategies for raising antiracist white kids.
In this workshop we’ll draw on Harvey’s work in Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, to identify race- and justice-conscious strategies for nurturing antiracist white identity. How white people raise white children impact adults of all racial identities, as much as it does all of our young people. So, whether you’ve been a white kid, are helping raise white kids, have relationships with people who used to be white kids, or have children in your life who are friends with white kids—this conversation and workshop is for everyone.
Like many of you, I was raised in a good Christian home. In my case, it was a fundamentalist version – we believed every word in the Bible was carefully chosen by God and should be followed exactly.
(more…)When I was 9 years old , my father gutted his 40’s-era Magnavox record player which played stacked 78’s and installed a turntable which played 33s, 45s and 78s. He joined a record club, and the first record to arrive was Arthur Rubenstein playing Beethoven’s 5th piano concerto – “The Emperor”.
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Our rain garden is an example of our work to improve the environmental stewardship of our facilities.
Like all outdoor plantings, regular maintenance is needed to keep out invasive plants and, most persistently, honeysuckle. Recently, a small group of our team members cleaned our rain garden.
Want to learn about rain gardens.
Want to see our rain garden? Look for it at the north east corner of our rear parking lot.
CAN! materials
- CAN! Events
- All CAN! posts and action links
- Ask a question CAN.EthicalStl@gmail.com
These materials have been prepared by the Society’s CAN! (Climate Action Now!) team. This post and its links do not express or imply an endorsement by the Ethical Society of St. Louis or its leadership.
Hi.
I’m Jeffrey Levine and I’m a new member here.
When Bob Pickard reached out to me about doing opening words I wasn’t really sure why.
It seemed like opening words were usually reserved for those who felt very passionately about a topic or they might be recruiting for something… none of that really fit for me.
Then he offered that y’all are interested in knowing how new members got here and why we decided to join, so I’ll share that.
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Our Sunday Ethical Education for Kids (SEEK) has paid part time positions open for three different age groups.
Sunday Childcare Worker – Nursery/Preschool (Full job listing)
Seeking warm, dependable caregivers to join our childcare team on Sunday mornings. Shifts are 3 hours and take place between 9:30am-12:30 p.m. every Sunday (certain holiday weekends excluded). Pay is $16/hr.
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is seeking a caring, dynamic individual to teach our middle school group (Coming of Age) on Sunday mornings Sept-May (certain holiday weekends excluded). Hours are 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Pay is $16/hr. Additional hours outside of Sunday mornings may apply for outings and special events.
In Coming of Age, youth in grades 6-8 work on further expanding their ethical education, building a supportive community of peers, discovering who they are as unique individuals, and finding healthy and productive ways to navigate adolescence. The group will also serve the community and explore the ways people from different belief-systems and cultures answer big life questions. The program culminates in a personalized graduation ceremony at the end of 8th grade, in which students are recognized and celebrated by their families and the Society.
Responsibilities:
- Foster a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of young people.
- Serve as a mentor and role model, providing guidance and support to youth in their personal development and ethical education.
- Implement pre-planned lessons and facilitate group activities.
- Maintain an organized classroom space; perform set up and clean up procedures each week.
- Coordinate with the Youth Education Director and parents on logistics for scheduled outings.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of the Coming of Age graduation ceremony in spring.
Requirements:
- Proven work in an educational setting and enthusiasm for working with young people.
- Willing to develop a working understanding and knowledge base of Humanist culture and the values and mission of the Society.
- Strong interpersonal/communication skills and ease connecting with young people.
- Skilled at facilitating group discussions, managing conflicts, and promoting positive group dynamics.
- Familiar with youth development principles and knowledge of relevant social, emotional, and ethical issues faced by youth.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and adjust program activities accordingly.
- Ability to work alongside fellow staff and volunteers.
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Must pass a background check and adhere to the Society’s Child Protection Guidelines and Code of Conduct.
- Must provide references that speak to experience working with youth.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BA in Education or related field; may be supplemented with relevant experience.
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is an ethics-centered community dedicated to deed before creed. We believe every person is unique, worthy of dignity and respect, and we strive to create a more just, loving and sustainable world for all. We are committed to celebrating diversity and encourage applicants from minority and marginalized communities to apply.
Interested and qualified applicants, please email Megan McCarthy, Youth Education Director, at mmccarthy@ethicalstl.org.
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is looking for a friendly, energetic 3rd-5th grade teacher for our Sunday Ethical Education for Kids (SEEK) program this year.
SEEK is a non-theistic, Ethical Humanist version of Sunday School. Lessons are inspired by our SEEK Core Values and focus on the following: character development; social/emotional learning; critical thinking; the natural world; social justice and community action; global cultures and religions.
Hours are Sunday mornings 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept-May (certain holiday weekends excluded). Pay is $16/hr. Some Sunday hours may be available in summer as well.
Responsibilities:
- Foster a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for kids and families.
- Help facilitate our Sunday morning Activity Hour for kids prior to classroom lessons.
- Escort class to and from the auditorium for their portion of our 11:00 a.m. Platform service.
- Implement weekly 30-40 minute lesson (planned by Youth Education Director).
- Monitor children on playground, during outdoor activities and open play.
- Maintain an organized classroom space; perform set up and clean up procedures each week.
Requirements:
- Proven work in an educational setting and enthusiasm for working with kids.
- Familiar with principles of child development and learning.
- Willing to develop a working understanding and knowledge base of Humanist culture and the values and mission of the Society.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and adjust program activities accordingly.
- Ability to work alongside fellow staff and volunteers.
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Must pass a background check and adhere to the Society’s Child Protection Guidelines and Code of Conduct.
- Must provide references that speak to experience working with children.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BA in Education or related field; may be supplemented with relevant experience.
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is an ethics-centered community dedicated to deed before creed. We believe every person is unique, worthy of dignity and respect, and we strive to create a more just, loving and sustainable world for all. We are committed to celebrating diversity and encourage applicants from minority and marginalized communities to apply. Individuals from all backgrounds and belief-systems are welcome.
Interested and qualified applicants, please email Megan McCarthy, Youth Education Director, at mmccarthy@ethicalstl.org.
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is seeking warm, dependable caregivers to join our childcare team on Sunday mornings. Shifts are 3 hours and take place between 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Sunday (certain holiday weekends excluded). Pay is $16/hr.
The childcare team is responsible for supervising children ages 0 to 5 in a nursery school setting while parents attend our regular Sunday program. Caregivers will be expected to engage children in age-appropriate activities and play, attend to the individual needs of the children, and maintain a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience caring for infants, toddlers and preschoolers
- At least 21 years of age
- Certification in CPR for infants and children
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Must pass a background check and adhere to the Society’s Child Protection Guideline and Code of Conduct
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is an ethics-centered community dedicated to deed before creed. We believe every person is unique, worthy of dignity and respect, and we strive to create a more just, loving and sustainable world for all. We are committed to celebrating diversity and encourage applicants from minority and marginalized communities to apply. Individuals from all backgrounds and belief-systems are welcome.
Interested and qualified applicants, please email Megan McCarthy, Youth Education Director, at mmccarthy@ethicalstl.org.
Member Grayson Rosen is quoted extensively in this article about the LGBTQ+ friendly and gender inclusive Black Tulip Chorale.
“I had this feeling of relief of being in a space where it was designed to include me as a trans person,” he said. “I felt like I could relax the inner tension that I was carrying around with myself, especially early transition when I was being incorrectly gendered by strangers, always having to brace against being misidentified.
Webster Kirkwood Times, July 3, 2023
The Chorale’s mission is “To advocate for social consciousness through excellence in the performance of choral music while providing an affirming environment for all regardless of expression, gender, identity, or orientation.”
CAN! Team to Host “Weed and Feed” July 1, 8:30 a.m. – Weed, 10:30 a.m. – Feed
Join us on July 1 at 8:30 a.m. to weed the rain garden in the northeast corner of the Ethical Society parking lot. Bring gloves, pruners and loppers (if you have them), sunscreen and hat. No experience required. We will train you “on the job.” Following our session in the garden (at approximately 10:30 a.m.), relax and enjoy refreshments and conversation, as we discuss next steps in our effort to restore and create more native habitat on ES grounds. You don’t have to weed to be fed. If you just want to join us for the discussion, the food and the company, you are absolutely welcome! Let’s get the Ethical Society on the Homegrown National Park map!!!
Presenter
CAN! team
Suggested Actions for CAN!
- Volunteer for this event
CAN! materials
- CAN! Events
- All CAN! posts and action links
- Ask a question CAN.EthicalStl@gmail.com
These materials have been prepared by the Society’s CAN! (Climate Action Now!) team. This post and its links do not express or imply an endorsement by the Ethical Society of St. Louis or its leadership.
Hello and a very happy Pride Month to all!
Today I want to talk to you about the term “gender critical” and why it sounds like a good thing, but isn’t. Have you ever heard this term before? I didn’t start hearing it until the last few years. “Gender critical” sounds like something good – like something progressive and worthwhile engaging. We should be critical of gender… right?
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Remembering Juneteenth
“… combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.”
Read more about Juneteenth on Wikipedia.