Millennium Generation Discussion Series: Idea Forum for the Next Generation
Alternative dialogue for people 18-32 - EVERY THURSDAY 7:30-9:30pm
30 - 60-minute video or lecture presentation followed by interactive discussion.
FREE ADMISSION
RVML 258 A Street UPSTAIRS in the Chi Center, Suite 15
This Week's Subject: "Finding our way in Turbulent Times" with special guest Sharif Abdullah
(See also Sharif's lecture at SOU on Saturday Nov. 18 7:00pm
http://www.rvml.org/calendar/wc11162006.htm#1236)
Presentation Description:
The irony of our times: Things are getting worse and worse, and better and better, faster and faster. With these inspirational topics, Sharif helps us make sense of an increasingly complex and turbulent world. Sharif explores the personal and social visions that guide our society. He outlines how we can move from an "American Dream" that works for only a few Americans, to a "Global Dream" that works for all.
"CREATING A WORLD THAT WORKS FOR ALL"- A world that works for all? What does that sound like to you?
A utopian fantasy
A noble vision
An impossibility
A path to sustainability
An unattainable goal
A path to our future
Using his award-winning book as a foundation, Sharif provides a compelling picture of our present overwhelming and interlocking crises -- social, cultural, political, ecological and spiritual.
Our present society is too dysfunctional, too complex, too brutal to be reformed. We have created a world that works for only a few.
However, Sharif's presentation is not just a litany of gloom and doom. Sharif presents a unique way out of our world dilemma: by changing how we THINK, we can change our communities, our nation and our world. Our world is shaped by our beliefs: change the underlying beliefs and the world will be changed.
By committing to a powerful vision, we can gain the strength and will to face the difficult times ahead. Right now, with the resources currently available to us, we can begin to create a world that works for all beings.
Presenter's Biography:
Sharif Abdullah is a leading proponent and catalyst for inclusive social, cultural and spiritual transformation. Sharif's life and work has been featured in a number of books and publications, including The Rise of the Intelligent Organization, A House Divided, A Cultural Diversity Sourcebook, and Bridging the Racial Divide. Sharif's own writings include The Power of One: Authentic Leadership in Turbulent Times and Creating a World That Works for All.
Sharif has worked with thousands of individuals and facilitated scores of transformation, empowerment and leadership sessions for various public and private organizations, including city and county governments, federal agencies like US Forest Service and HUD, international bodies like The United Nations, and Sarvodaya Shramadana and large corporations like Freightliner Corporation. In addition, Sharif has facilitated workshops with organizations like Association for Humanistic Psychology, Institute of Noetic Sciences, the International Conflict Resolution Conference, Institute for Sustainable Development, and others.
Sharif received a BA in Psychology from Clark University and went on to earn a juris doctor degree from Boston University. After practicing law in North Carolina for six years, Sharif chose a path to social change that is positive, inclusive and honors the dignity of all beings. Sharif currently directs the Commonway Institute, designed to build inclusively, understanding and civic engagement between diverse groups of people in various settings.
Personal Statement: "From before I can remember, my life has been shaped by a question: in a world that works for so few, how can we create a world that works for all?"
Website:
http://www.commonway.org
About RVML's Millennium Generation Discussion Series:
Interesting people, fascinating information and "extra-ordinary" conversation in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
In this interactive forum, participants gain an ever-broadening understanding of being human while navigating the complexities of the greater reality. In contrast to a typical discussion forum, participants are encouraged to explore ideas from a metaphysical perspective, where no idea is too far-out!
Utilizing intellect and intuition, participants explore: What is our purpose for existence? Where did we come from? How do our souls come into being? What is the triune nature of mind?
Note: Intended for participants 18-32 years-old only.
Facilitator's Biography:
Jaelle Dragomir currently teaches writing, speaking and spirituality and politics at Southern Oregon University. Prior to coming to Ashland in the summer of 2004, she was on staff for the Kucinich Presidential Campaign, organizing in Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida and Oregon. Before blazing the campaign trail, Jaelle taught Communication courses and worked for human rights in a variety of arenas, from documentaries to non-violent protest, across the US and in Nepal.
Jaelle is a published writer and an award winning news broadcaster. Her poetry, nonfiction articles and humorous fiction stories have appeared in local, regional, national and international publications. Jaelle is a consultant for professors, U.N. diplomats and fellow writers.
Jaelle holds an MA in Speech from the University of Hawaii and has completed her course work towards a PhD. in Political Communication from the University of Washington. Her academic writing focuses on Spirituality, Politics and Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication.
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RVML's VISION STATEMENT: "Our ability to discern truth is enhanced by exposure to a broader perspective on the human experience. By integrating new truths into our awareness, the expansion of knowledge in the collective mind advances the evolution of human consciousness."
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RENT RVML's PRESENTATION FACILITIES: The 1,000 square-foot (15'x65') presentation area is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible with full audio-visual capabilities available.
Eighty folding chairs can be arranged in different configurations for meetings, presentations, video screenings or other events. $15.00 per hour. Includes free e-mail and web-calendar advertising. Other publicity and production services available.
More information:
http://www.rvml.org/contact.shtml