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6th ETO Conference ~ Dec. 2-4, 2011

2009
Presenters and Facilitators,
and Program Samples

4th Annual International Conference on
"Engaging The Other"
The Power of Compassion

 An Outstanding Gathering of
       Over 75 Presenters and Facilitators

Keynotes by Huston Smith, Michael Lerner, and Michael Ostrolenk

Current Presenters and Dialogue Facilitators:
Huston Smith, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Michael Ostrolenk, Maggie Herzig, Joan Blades, Fred Luskin, Corinne McLaughlin, Maha ElGenaidi, Joseph McCormick, Amanda Hydro, Max Pappas, Susan Partnow, Paul Jacob, Aftab Omer, Geshe Gendun Gyatso, Tashi Wangdu, Michael Wolfe, Imam Faheem Shuaibe, Ameena Jandali, Robert Fersh, David Hartsough, Sal Nunez, Kathy Geller, Kirk Schneider, James Hernandez, Stanley Krippner, Mahvash Hassan, Sharif Abdullah, Benina Gould, Skip Robinson, Ilene Serlin, Steve Olweean, Sandy Heierbacher, Philip Hellmich, Len Traubman, Libby Traubman, Osprey Orielle Lake, Meganwind Eoyang, Daniel Tutt, Sarah Talcott, Linda Blong, Cate Creede, Jan Elliot, Kathy Armijo Etre, Tamyra Freeman, Lourdes Morales, Jeff Leinaweaver, John Glaser, Carol Glaser, Huda Abu Arqoub, Dave Belden, Kenn Burrows, Steve Bhaerman, Harry Cornbleet, Marti Roach, Andrew Greene Jr, Eryn Kalish, Sahar Driver, Mutomba M'Panya, Zara Zimbardo, Devi Gursahaney, Chip Baggett, Hina Pendle, Claudia Miller, Lisa Montana, Gabbriella Yates, Pam Kramer, Roger Marsh, Lynn Feinerman, Edwin Rutsch, Spring Chen, Ihsan Alkhatib, Shannon Wheeler, Larry Mens, Sara Randazzo, Tash Terry, Elena Higgins, Vijali Hamilton, Kalsang Lhundup, Jampa Tenzin, Ngawang Tseten

Samples of the 3 Keynotes, 3 Plenary Panels,
        25 Concurrent Workshops and Interactive Panels,
        and Evening Events in the 2009 ETO Program

Keynotes by:
      Huston Smith, PhD
      Michael Lerner, PhD
      Michael Ostrolenk

Samples of 25 Workshops include:

1)  "Interrupting Patterns of Polarization: A Systemic Approach to Fostering Dialogue Across Divides"
Expressions of passionate moral and political commitments seem to cue the chorus of those who disagree, often leading to polarizing conversations. This session will use presentation and small and large group discussion to explore approaches to reversing polarization including PCP's approach, which draws on family systems theory.
Maggie Herzig

2)  "Search for Common Ground: Practical Approaches to Inner and Societal Transformation"
This presentation will highlight key underpinnings from Search for Common Ground's 27 years of experience in transforming conflict -- from inner transformation to transforming entire societies. It will examine separation as a root cause of conflict and compassion as a practical means for bridging differences.
Philip M. Hellmich

3)  "Forgive for Good"
In this workshop the rudiments of the forgiveness training from the Stanford Forgiveness Project will be presented. Forgiveness will be defined and offered as a way to increase the ability to communicate with a marriage partner, business partner, or someone with whom one is in conflict.
Frederic Luskin, Ph.D.

4)  "Compassionate Listening: Healing Our World from the Inside Out"
To encounter The Other with compassion we must embrace the other within ourselves, cultivate self compassion. and then open our heart and listen with 'spiritual ears' - discovery that an enemy is someone whose story we haven't heard. You will be introduced to Five Core Practices of Compassionate Listening:
- Cultivating Compassion for ourselves and others;
- Developing the Fair Witness by remaining open in conflict situations;
- Respecting Self and Others by developing boundaries which protect yet include;
- Listening with the Heart - allow divergence and find a deeper point of connection;
- Speaking from the Heart with language which reflects a healing intention.
Susan Partnow, MA

5)  "Jewish-Muslim Relations in the U.S.: In the Shadow of the Middle East Conflict"
As Americans embark on a new course of relationships between U.S. and the Middle East as announced in President Obama's Cairo speech, interfaith dialogue becomes even more important as a way to peace. This interactive panel discussion with a Muslim and Jewish speaker will address Jewish-Muslim relations in the U.S., Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and issues of security as minorities. Participants will learn about the common interests of Jews and Muslims as Americans and how they live and maintain their faith in a secular society.
Maha ElGenaidi,BA, Harry Cornbleet, MD

6)  "Story as Entry to Relationship and Change"
"An enemy is one whose story we have not heard." Change begins with Story and compassionate listening to discover the "other's" humanity. Diverse exemplars share personal narratives with quality communication. Then participants in pairs are guided in rich personal experiences with a new quality of listening and discovery rarely experienced. Participants are gifted with printed how-to Dialogue materials and two instructional DVDs, and leave with new skills and confidence to convene successful circles of diverse youth and adults where they live.
Libby Traubman MSW, and Len Traubman

7)  "20,000 Dialogues"
One of the great conversations of our time revolves around how mainstream Americans and the Muslim world come to understand each other in the next few years. The mis-understandings around this are the basis for enormous challenges in our society, our foreign policy, our economy, our sense of security, our world. This session will present 20,000 Dialogues, a "bottom up" approach to interfaith dialogue. Participants will engage in group discussions, watch selected film clips, and leave with practical tools for dialogue in their living room, congregation, and community.
Daniel Tutt, MA

8)  "The Power of Active Nonviolence in Social Transformation"
Many people feel powerless to bring about change. We will explore some of the examples of powerful nonviolent movements where people have brought about major social changes. What can we learn from these movements? What is the power of active nonviolence and how can we harness it to work for peace and justice?
David Hartsough, MA

9)  "Representations of the Other Through A Western Lens: Middle East In Focus"
This interactive workshop will examine representations of the Middle East in the Western media. Through group activities and analysis of different genres, we will explore how stereotypes of the Middle Eastern "other" become internalized and shape our imaginations, our capacity for critical questioning and compassion.
Sahar Driver, MA, Mutombo M'Panya, MA, Zara Zimbardo

10)  "Awakening to Awe: A Path to Personal and Social Renewal"
The presenters will stimulate a dialogue about the power of awe--the humility and wonder, bigger picture of living-in our every day lives. Drawing in part from their book "Awakening to Awe," the presenters will illustrate how awe can transform emotional pain.
Kirk Schneider, Ph.D. and James Hernandez

11)  "Knowing Yourself & Honoring the Other: Seeing the Paradoxes"
Attendees will be introduced through experiential activity and case study to 5 paradoxes that may form the basis for engaging others across difference. In dialogue, participants will consider innovative strategies for addressing these paradoxes. The presenter offers insights from her book: Transnational Leadership Development (2009) Kathy D. Geller, Ph.D

12)  "Dialogic Practices: Engaging Self and Other"
Public dialogue invites compassion when we remain in the tension of holding our ground while being profoundly open to the other. Join workshop leaders representing diverse ways of working dialogically, as we engage in small groups then reflect on the selves and others we are bringing forth in this tension.
Linda Blong, PhD, Cate Creede, PhD, Jan Elliot, PhD, Kathy Armijo Etre, PhD, Tamyra Freeman, MAEd, Jeff Leinaweaver, PhD

13) "Empathy - Can You Stay and Stay?"
In the face of accelerating social and political polarization, we can learn to care for ourselves so we can stay present and participating in difficult dialogues, reaching the human being behind the position with sustained empathy and compassion. Demonstrations, role plays and discussion.
Meganwind Eoyang, BA

14)  "The Practice Of Engagement: 12 Steps To Inclusivity"
Engaging the Other" is not just an idea… it's a PRACTICE. It involves correctly seeing oneself, and piercing the illusion of separation.
In this session, Sharif will lead participants in the practical, moral and spiritual aspects of inclusivity and living an authentic, courageous life.
Sharif Abdullah, JD

15)  "The Power of Transpartisan Dialogue"
How do we walk-the-talk of unity when it comes to dealing with "Conservatives" or "Liberals" in our own community? Do we have the courage to speak our truth and to deeply listen to the truth of others, not halfway around the world, but in own own family or down the street? What practical benefit is there in building bridges across political divides in a search for solutions that truly, authentically "work for all", left, right, and center? Come explore these and other challenging questions with leaders of the emerging transpartisan movement in American politics.
Joseph McCormick, Amanda Kathryn (Hydro) Roman , Debilyn Molineaux, Walt Roberts

16)  "Recognizing 'The Other' Within"
In this experiential workshop you will engage proven practices for recognizing working with and transforming your experience of "the other" in your being. The Processes work from the body to the mind and spirit and are a fundamental aspect of Integral Transformative Practice (ITP).
Pam Kramer, MS, and Roger Marsh, MBA

17)  "Intergenerational Wisdom – Connecting Youth and Elders through Interfaith Dialogue"
Using a Dialogue Process and Appreciative Inquiry, this interactive workshop will engage participants in an intergenerational dialogue to explore their deeper truths connecting spiritual wisdom with 21st century vision. “Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually…live your way into the answer.” -Rilke.
Sarah Talcott

Panels include:  

1) "Hate and Scapegoating as Barriers to Engaging The Other"
       Moderator: Aftab Omer, PhD

2) "Building Cooperation Across Political Divides: A
      Transpartisan Conversation"
       Moderators: Susan Partnow and Joseph McCormick

3) "Next Steps for A New Beginning: Practical Measures
      for Healing Stereotypes That Divide"
       Moderator: Steve Olweean, MA

4) "Economic and Environmental Sustainability"
      Moderator: John Glaser, EdD

5) "Difficult Dialogues: Reaching Beyond the Veil
       of Stereotypes"   
       Moderator: Eryn Kalish MC

6) "Trauma and Resilience: Healing the Victim-Perpetrator
       Cycle"
       Moderator: Stanley Krippner, PhD

7) "Media and Images of The Other"
       Moderator: Daniel Tutt, MA

In-Process Experiences:

    Tibetan Sand Mandala ritual:
       Geshe Gendun Gyatso, Kalsang Lhundup,
       Jampa Tenzin, Ngawang Tseten

    Resource and Networking Hub:
       John Glaser, EdD, Carol Glaser, MA

Special Early Morning Sessions and
Evening Performances:

    Daily Morning Yoga Sessions:
       Gabbriella Yates

    Evening Performance:
      "Indigie Femme": The World Wheel Journey
        Tash Terry, Elena Higgins, Vijali Hamilton

Program Focus: *

The ETO Conference program is multidisciplinary and intended to focus on issues related to concepts and experiences of The Other, including dynamics of identity, fear-based belief systems, negative stereotypes, prejudice, alienation, polarization, scapegoating, and forming enemy images that promote adversarial perceptions of the "The Other."

The program is organized around 6 sub-themes that help to focus learning, dialogue, and action planning:
    Psycho-social Development and Identity
    Good Governance
    Peace and Social Justice
    Economic Equity
    Religious and Cultural Harmony
    Environmental Sustainability

Guidelines For Compassionate Dialogue

The ETO Conference strives to promote an inclusive, compassionate dialogue that honors different personal experiences, perspectives, and stories, while allowing for better expressing and listening to each other as we work together toward understanding and harmony. Our intention is to create an open venue where we can engage meaningfully and invite in a public dialogue that brings our joint wisdom to bear in exploring sometimes difficult issues that effect us all. We ask all participants to assist us by carrying and expressing this intent throughout the conference.

NonViolent Communication Guidelines:

Unique Assumptions—NVC begins by assuming that we are all compassionate by nature and that violent strategies—whether verbal or physical—are learned behaviors taught and supported by the prevailing culture. It also assumes that we all share the same, basic human needs, and that all actions are a strategy to meet one or more of these needs.

While NVC is much more than a communication model, the components below provide a structural concept of the process that leads to giving and receiving from the heart.

Honestly Expressing how I am and what I would like without using blame, criticism or demands

Empathically Receiving how another is and what he/she would like without hearing blame, criticism or demands  

Whether expressing or receiving, NVC focuses our attention on four pieces of information:
 Observations—Objectively describing what is going on without using evaluation, moralistic judgment, interpretation or diagnosis
 Feelings—Saying how you feel (emotions and body sensations) about what you have observed without assigning blame
 Needs—The basic human needs that are or not being met and are the source of feelings
 Requests—Clear request for actions that can meet needs

"An important timely dialogue...everyone needs to be part of"
Registration is
Open To The Public

On-site Program Advertizers:

   47 Sixth Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
   Ph: 707-765-1836   Fax: 707-765-2351  
   info@MeridianUniversity.edu   http://meridianuniversity.edu/

 Transpartisan Alliance
   an informal network of networks inspiring Americans
   to work together across divides.
  Web: http://network.transpartisan.net/

Charter for Compassion
   55 Vandam Street, New York, New York 10013 USA
   Phone:+1 (212) 346-9333
   Web: http://charterforcompassion.org/

West Wind Travel
  Official ETO Conference travel service
   326 McKenzie Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
   Ph: 800-283-0122   Local ph: 505-984-0022
   Email: terry@westwindtravel.net

 Underlying Concepts
Main ETO Conference Page
Presenter Proposal Form:   (PDF version)  (HTML version)
Dialogue Facilitator Form: (PDF version)  (HTML version)
Program Overview and Guidelines
FEES and REGISTRATION 
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Site and Travel Information
ETO Full Conference PROGRAM  (to be posted)
Presenter Biographicals and Photos   (to be posted)
Print Version of Program  (to be posted)
Press Room
   1 page Color Conference Flyer (pdf)
   1 page Black & White Conference Flyer (pdf)
   1 page Color Conf. Poster - 8 1/2 X 14 size (pdf)
   On-Site Video Interviews and Proceedings
Conference Staff Contacts
Volunteer Application - be part of the effort

Presenter and Dialogue Guidelines

Advertize and Display:
   Advertize in On-Site Conference Program
   Advertize on Participant Tote Bag
   Display Table Space

Join our conference Volunteer Team.
Contact: Common Bond Institut

FROM OUR ETO ARCHIVES:
'10, '09, '08, '07 & '06 Proceedings & Outcomes

Previous 2010 ETO Conf. Information:
       Previous 2010 ETO PROGRAM
       Previous 2010 Presenter Biographicals  
       2010 On-Site Video Interviews and Proceedings

Previous 2009 ETO Conf. Information:
       Content of 2009 Dialogue Group, HUB, and Open Space Notes
       2009 On-Site Video Interviews and Proceedings
       Previous 2009 ETO PROGRAM
       Previous 2009 Presenter Biographicals  
       Print Version of Program
Previous 2008 ETO Conf. Information:
       Touch Drawing interpretation of ETO Conferences * 
            (* Touch Drawing images of available for purchase)      
       Content of '08 Daily Open Dialogue Break-Out Sessions
       '08 On-Site Video Interviews
       '08 Video and Audio Conference Recording of Sessions
            Available at Hungry Mind Recordings   
       Previous 2008 ETO Program Sessions
       Previous 2008 Presenter Biographicals and Photos
       Previous 2008 List of Presenters
Previous 2007 ETO Conf. Information:
      Previous 2007 ETO Program Sessions
      Previous 2007 Presenter Biographicals and Photos
      Previous List of 2007 Presenters
Previous 2006 ETO Conf. Information:
      '06 Recorded Sessions by Conference Recording Services
      Content of '06 Daily Open Dialogue Break-Out Sessions
      Previous 2006 ETO Program Sessions
      Previous 2006 Presenter Biographicals and Photos
      Previous List of 2006 Presenters

Registration is
Open To The Public