Pay Attention to the World
Dear Friends,
A Happy New Year! It just doesn't seem proper without stating those words and realizing beneath the surface that the majority of us are hoping for a year that will be filled with peace. In a 1992 lecture, writer Susan Sontag asserted that “a writer is someone who pays attention to the world...[someone who is] a professional observer.” Let us assume that we are all writers and it is our task not only to observe the world but work, even in the smallest ways, on behalf of humanity in 2016. In today’s newsletter there is information about wishing for a new approach to the year, observances on what is happening within our communities regarding the rise of Islamophobia, and suggestions for taking our observances and acting with hope and determination to put our positive marks on each new day. As always, we’d like to hear what you are doing and what our compassionate cities and communities are working on. Let us know how you are paying attention to the world.
With much gratitude to each of you for your work.
Marilyn
Marilyn Turkovich, Director
Charter for Compassion International
Islamophobia Guide
At the end of 2015 the Charter set out to assemble a Guide Book on Islamophobia. The Guide Book will be updated again by mid-January and added to monthly. In this document you'll find a variety of resources—some are opportunities to reflect, others are more prescriptive. We recommend you browse the full document so you get a sense of what's available—contextual framing from Karen Armstrong, guidance for Muslims by Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, an overview of Islamophobia from Barbara Kaufmann, and links to resources by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and others—many geared toward educators. Finally, you'll find a reflective article by Cambridge Muslim College dean, Abdal Hakim Murad and a list of resources for your further study. You can access the Guide on the Charter’s website and a PDF link is available at the end of the Introduction section of the Guide.
We will be announcing our efforts to create similar guidebooks in the next few months. Please let us know where you think we should be putting our efforts and if you are willing to help prepare additional documents.
Book of Migration
VIVAT International was founded in 2000 by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit as an organization to lobby in favor of the poor, the marginalized and for the protection of creation at the United Nations. Since 2005, ten other congregations joined the original founders of VIVAT. Acknowledging that the issue of migration has been become such a dominate reality for many people nowadays, VIVAT Ireland has created a book of reflections that focus on the topic of migration. Communities and Congregations will certainly want to look at the reflections and possibly include them in services, ceremonies and events. You can access the complete Book of Migration on the Charter website and download the occupying PDF.
SCM Medical Missionaries
Let us introduce you to one of the Charter’s newest partners, the Salaam Cultural Museum and their Medical Missions program. In the last few weeks we have heard from several Charter members who have participated on one of SCM’s programs working with refugees in Greece. We would like to spread the possibility of other members throughout the world to join one of SCM's missions. SCM has been coordinating medical missions since late 2012 and is registered as an NGO (non-governmental organization) in Jordan. Learn more about how you can join a mission or help support their work.
The Speaker Series is Back
Dr. James Doty will be interviewed by Jon Ramer of the Compassion Games. Dr. Doty will be talking about his new book, Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart.
Date: Monday, January 25, 2:30 pm PST. Register here.
Growing up in the high desert of California, Jim Doty was poor, with an alcoholic father and a mother chronically depressed and paralyzed by a stroke. Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor. But back then his life was at a dead end until at twelve he wandered into a magic shop looking for a plastic thumb. Instead he met Ruth, a woman who taught him a series of exercises to ease his own suffering and manifest his greatest desires. Her final mandate was that he keep his heart open and teach these techniques to others. She gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart.
The Compassion Games Announce Their First Series of Coopetitions
Play as an individual or team in one or more of the upcoming coopetitions! Find out more about each coopetition below!
January 15-18: A 4-day coopetition to bring the vision of Dr. King’s Beloved Community to life through acts of kindness and organized service projects to address hunger, poverty, inequality, and homelessness. Learn more!
February 1-7: A 7-day coopetition to promote acts of peace, harmony, collaboration and tolerance between people of all faith, spiritual and humanistic traditions. Learn more!
April 18-26: A 9-day coopetition to inspire acts of love, service, and compassion toward our Mother Earth and all life. Learn more!
September 11-21: An 11-day coopetition that is a global celebration of compassionate action around the world, from September 11, the U.S. National Day of Service to September 21, the U.N.’s International Day of Peace! Learn more!
December 1-11: An 11-day coopetition to inspire, develop, and celebrate our shared humanity through acts of generosity and compassion for youth! Learn more.
How’s the Charter Doing
We are very thankful to the people who included us in their end of the year giving. We received over $12,000 and that will help us get through another six weeks of paying our bills. We realize that not all of our members are able to give to the Charter. However, we hope that the majority of you will consider making a donation to the Charter in 2016. A certain amount each month or a one time donation are all important. If you would like to introduce the Charter to your friends, family and colleagues let us know. We have everything to help you do that. Sponsor a Charter Salon, contact our Charter Salon Organizer, Reed Price at: , and let him know of your interest. Thank you for your consideration. Donate here.
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