• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to footer navigation

  • Calendar of events
  • 687 Larch Av, Teaneck NJ
  • 201-836-5187
  • Contact Us
  • DONATE
Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County NJ

Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County NJ

  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Leader
      • Leader Curt Collier
      • Leader’s Talks
      • Joe Chuman, Retired Leader
        • Talks by Dr Joseph Chuman
        • Speaking of Ethics: Living a Humanist Life
        • Wedding Officiant
    • Gatherings
    • FAQ
      • How does Ethical Culture make a difference in society?
      • What social life is there in Ethical Culture?
      • How is Ethical Culture religious?
    • Ethical Brew
    • Ceremonies
    • Philosophy
    • Constitution & Bylaws
    • Contact Us
  • Sunday School
    • About Our Sunday School
    • Primary Class
    • Elementary Class
    • Junior Class
    • Senior Class
    • Sunday school FAQ
    • Sunday School News
  • Social Action
    • History of Our Social Action
    • All Social Action Articles
    • Battling Racism
    • Environmental Action
    • Healthcare
  • Adult Education
    • About Our Adult Ed Programs
    • Open Mic
    • Conversemos
    • Job Club
    • Accountability Circle
      • Anti-racism
      • Gender Explorations
    • Mindfulness Mediation
    • Socrates Cafe
    • Ethical Culture Review of Books
  • News
    • All News
    • President Column
    • UN Report
    • Gathering Addresses
    • Member News
    • Sunday School News
  • EVENTS

At Assembly, AEU Elects Officers, Honors Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

June 30, 2019

By Bob Gordon

The annual Assembly of the American Ethical Union concluded on Sunday, June 23. It was the best of the 15 or so I have attended. The business issues are always foremost and included a well-worded resolution on defending the right to vote, several by-laws changes (to reflect reality today vs what used to be reality), the budget, which showed a sub-account for Momentum, a PR firm we are using, but with no money allocated, because the intent is to find the resources in the next two months to keep Momentum on after September, and election of the Board of Directors.

The presidency has changed hands with an enthusiastic welcome to Sonya Kueppers (Washington) and heartfelt thanks to John McCormack (Philadelphia) as he leaves office, but stays on the board for one more year. Sharon Stanley (Long Island) became the secretary, Ken Novak (the Chicago circle) is vice president, and Tom Castelnuovo (Brooklyn) is treasurer. I remain as member without portfolio, as do Liz Singer (NYSEC) and two newcomers: Liz Collier of the Riverdale-Yonkers Society and Casey Gardonio-Foat from St. Louis.Bart Worden continues as executive director.

Other reps who vote on the board are L. Miller, AEU administrator (also representing FES), and two members of the National Leadership Council, Randy Best and Hugh Taft-Morales, plus alternative council rep, Anne Klaeysen.

The Board has set an ambitious series of meetings this year, including more than were held last year, and its annual retreat will happen in September, running three days. Any Ethical Culture member may attend a board meeting.

Of course, there were workshops and awards ceremonies. The Felix Adler Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ed Ericson, leader emeritus, who recounted some of his history in the movement. Anna Garlin Spencer presentations were awarded to several people, as well as our own Peter Kelley, who died last October. Joe Chuman provided the comments.

A featured guest was openly gay Carlos Guillermo Smith, of the Florida House of Representatives, who succeeded in his election from a very blue constituency. Florida just might be in play for the next national election.

The Elliott-Black Award was conferred on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The school was represented by two students, two parents, and one faculty member. The emphasis in their articulate remarks was on the “system” and its failures, especially regarding the gunman, and how protections are needed. We also heard how the students are coping (remarkably well). It was a moving address as emotions overcame some. The entire talk is available at: 

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Receives Honor for Activism from National Organization

One last piece of good news: there was a contingent from the new circle formed in Albuquerque after last year’s Assembly in that city, and 10 people who may just be the founders of a new Tampa circle, if they follow through. This may be the most exciting news of all as it verifies the worth of having Assemblies in “new markets.”

Bob Gordon is a member of the AEU Board of Directors, vice president of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County and our Society’s liaison to the AEU.

Primary Sidebar

Ethical Brew is Back!

Ethical Brew Coffeehouse

Recent News

  • Calling All Families to our Fall Festival!
  • We Grow and Flourish When We Help Others Do the Same
  • Members, Friends Join March to End Fossil Fuels
  • Open Mic Variety Night Gets Even Better!
  • A Sleepover Under Stars and Amid Bright Lights

Sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

We believe in ethics. We believe in people.

Please believe in us.

About Us

Ethical Culture was founded to focus on community and good works, rather than personal salvation. Read more…

Archives

Footer

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Connect with Us

Address: 687 Larch Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Phone: 201-836-5187
Email: [email protected]

Sign up for our newsletter.

 

Recent Posts

  • Calling All Families to our Fall Festival! September 19, 2023
  • We Grow and Flourish When We Help Others Do the Same September 18, 2023
  • Members, Friends Join March to End Fossil Fuels September 18, 2023
  • Open Mic Variety Night Gets Even Better! September 18, 2023
  • A Sleepover Under Stars and Amid Bright Lights September 14, 2023
Our Society’s Covid-19 Guidelines

We believe in ethics. We believe in people.

Please believe in us.

Topics

atheism atheist church book review children civil rights climate change community compassion death democracy Doris Friedensohn education Elizabeth Warren environment environmentalism Ethical Brew ethical community Ethical Culture ethical education ethics family Felix Adler gender happiness healthcare humanism humanist humanists human rights Israel Joseph Chuman LGBTQ+ politics racism religion Secular Humanism social action Socrates Cafe Sunday School technology transgender Trump unemployment world health youth

What We Do For Fun….

There's always time for play: celebrations, discussions (some in Spanish -- find Conversemos on our calendar), hikes, picnics, cultural outings, and more. Come join us!
Kids get into the act
Diane running the show

Important Links

  • Member of the American Ethical Union
  • Ethical Brew
  • Sanctuary Committee
  • BC Gun Violence Prevention
  • NJ Website Designer
© 2023 | The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County NJ

Copyright © 2023 · Kreativ Pro On Genesis Framework · The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County · Log in

  • Calendar of events
  • 687 Larch Av, Teaneck NJ
  • 201-836-5187
  • Contact Us
  • DONATE