When you think about it, does your coursework perpetuate stories of paternalistic dominance by a few? Do you teach how and what you learned? Given our other many responsibilities, do you find it easiest to choose the same books year after year, rather than explore other possibilities? Is your campus facing criticism by students of color that their voices are not being heard? Do you wonder how sustainability might relate to your course? Finally, do you wonder how the previous questions are connected? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will find this webinar valuable.

Several years ago, I realized I was using textbooks written by older white men of American/European descent who have a particular viewpoint. As examples, many business strategy books use militaristic terms to describe successful tactics to compete in the marketplace and the accounting textbook I use is a newer edition of the same one I used in my studies almost 30 years ago. In this webinar, I share examples of how I now continually rethink my class material and now explore it from two perspectives: what is and what is possible if we question current paradigms. This approach allows me to cover what my colleagues believe must be covered and creates opportunities to offer a more inclusive and broader perspective. You will have the opportunity to brainstorm with others to identify resources and ways to expand coverage in your courses.

AASHE Webinar took place June 6, 2018. More information here.

April 23, 2018 Talks at Google

"Survivor Café: The Legacy of Trauma and the Labyrinth of Memory by Elisabeth Rosner.

Elizabeth Rosner discusses her latest book, "Survivor Café: The Legacy of Trauma and the Labyrinth of Memory." It blends personal story, interviews, and extensive research on the complex subject of the inter-generational aftermath of war and atrocity. Called “breathtaking” by Pulitzer-prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen, the book offers a comprehensive and intimate portrait of both individual and collective inheritance of history. Prior to "Survivor Cafe," Elizabeth published three works of fiction - "The Speed of Light," "Blue Nude: A Novel," and "Electric City," as well as a poetry collection called "Gravity."

Click on image to order book from Amazon or visit your local bookstore.

2018 Geography of Hope: Wyatt Hersey—painter, illustrator, and natural historian

The 2018 Geography of Hope Conference explores the theme of “Finding Resilience in Nature in Perilous Times” on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18. During these fraught days of political upheaval, social turmoil, and environmental assaults, the conference shows ways to build emotional and spiritual resilience, using nature as a touchstone.

Since 2008, Geography of Hope conferences have become known for illuminating the relationship between people and the land, and for strengthening that bond through the compelling voices of writers, artists, and activists who offer both inspiration and calls to action.

Reflection about the Inner Landscape of Sustainability 

Isabel Rimanoczy, Ed.D. has made it her life purpose to develop change accelerators. She developed the concept of the Sustainability Mindset by studying what inspired leaders to act in a business-as-unusual way. 

In this video she address interconnectivity and connecting with our inner landscape."There is an increasing number of people who are looking inside,

pausing, and are stepping outside of the noise...they are asking themselves what are my deepest values why am I doing what am I doing?"

What is the purpose of what I am doing?

Click on the image to order her book from Amazon or visit your local bookstore.

Rev. Gregory Boyle, S.J., founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, gives a talk titled, "Lessons from the Field: Kinship as an Intervention." Fr. Boyle is joined by two "homies," former gang members now part of his program, David Vasquez and Ruben Ruiz. The event, held February 6, 2017, was presented by the Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J. Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture.

Published on Nov 28, 2016

Three excerpts from interviews here in Portland, Oregon of Rabbi Ariel Stone of Congregation Shir Tikvah;  Rev. Nathan Meckley, pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC); and Rev. Dr. Barbara J. Campbell of St. Mark Presbyterian. They address the question on what it is to be human as part of the post election Interfaith Call to Inclusion interview series at www.interfaithvoicespdx.com.

Published on Nov 26, 2016

As part of the InterFaith Call to Inclusion, we interviewed Michael Ellick, Sr. Minister, First Congregational United Church of Christ,

Portland, Oregon. Produced and videotaped by Ruth Ann Barrett and Barry Heidt of EarthSayers.tv, Voices of Sustainability, November, 2016 in wake of the 2016 Election. Special thanks to the First Congregational Church for their support. 

Published on Nov 26, 2016

It is time to reimagine how life is organized on Earth. We're accelerating into a future shaped less by countries and more by mega-cities; less by borders and more by connectivity.

A world in which the most connected powers, and people, will win. Leading strategist Parag Khann

a showshow the global connectivity revolution - in transport, infrastructure, communications - has upended the ‘geography is destiny’ mantra, and how connectivity, not sovereignty, has become the organizing principle o

f 21st century society. Streamed live on Jun 1, 2016

Connectivity Atlas is here.