GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | May 2019

WELCOME

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Thai solar calendar 2562.

Forgive the intrusion, this month's Grabs for personal consideration.

Let’s begin by sharing an insight:

"From the darkness of Ignorance, may the light of wisdom and warmth of compassion prevail. Every one has a role to play and are an active player, whether they know it or not. Starting with the individual, then growing in beneficiaries until including all. It is no thing to be taken personally, it is just the way things are. Or not.” Anonymous

Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.


-----------------------------
TOPICS
-- Media Words
-- TED Talks
-- Guest Sings
-- Street Jives
-- Wisdom Reconciles
-- Challenge Reflects


-----------------------------
MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Wendy Squires explores walking along the path of self-discovery through self, with others and separateness, declaring “Forget romance, there's only one relationship in life that counts” via The Age

Rosemary Simons farewells Phyllis Frazer Simons, saluting a “Marvellous legacy of building, books and plants” via The Age

Benjamin Law explores the value of uncertainty, testing ideas and facing challenges with integrity, in “Dicey Topics: Stan Grant talks politics, religion and sex” via The Age


Intra
Georgina Dent explores unrealized savings lurking in the back of the fridge, shining a light on why to “Want to save $1000 a year? Cut down your food waste” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Thuy On explores personal identity, open home, modern life and sharing the cost of living, reviewing “Sydney Writers' Festival: Melanie Cheng's first novel, Room for a Stranger, explores the issues of loneliness, ageing and generational and cultural divisions” via The Brisbane Times

Maureen Matthews explores relationships, responsibilities, repairing, rehabilitation prospects and futility predictors, reasons for why “We should be happy together, but we're not” via WA Today


Inter
Helen Pitt explores connections between monetising workforce participation, housing inequity and access to affordable accommodation, calling out “'Bricks for chicks': how to combat ageing female homelessness” via The Age

Simon Caterson explores a contrasting and comparison of leaders, leading and the led, reviewing two books in “What it takes to become a real leader” via The Sydney

Kristie Kellahan explores an example of consequences of past colonialism, denying indigenous culture, early climate denialism, share a modern day invitation for “Mexico City tours: Explore historic sites before they sink and disappear” via Traveller.com.au


Multi
Cara Waters explores an example of an individual using their experience to align with their personal views and forging a reduced-cruelty living, citing how “'It really bothers people': Running a vegan business” via WA Today


Yan Zhuang explores migration, living harmoniously and evidence of afterlife, inviting us to “Meet the group restoring the graves of Gold Rush-era Chinese migrants” via The Age

James Massola explores an example of vendetta, personal cost, and determined human intervention, inviting us to meet “Hakeem al-Araibi on his time in a Bangkok jail and the global campaign to set him free” via The Age


All
Anna Halafoff, Andrew Singleton, Gary D Bouma and Mary Lou Rasmussen explores value of embracing diversity, informed exploration of world views and engaging intelligent discussion, finding if we “Want a safer world for your children? Teach them about diverse religions and worldviews” via The Conversation

Paul Karp explores the value around education in merit-based ability rather than religious subscription, why “Victoria opens the way for secular or atheist school chaplains” via The Guardian

Evelyn Lewin explores connections between environment, diet and wellbeing, asking “Is living a 'low-tox' life the path to a healthier you and planet?” via The Age


Togather
Roy Ward reports the retirement of a moral exemplar on a field of human contest, shining a spotlight as “NRL 2019: Greg Inglis' brotherly support praised by Will Chambers” via The Age

Sara Burnett explores how cultivating wisdom, established track record of service to country, demonstrated commitment to family ties, creating sustainable jobs make inspiring leadership qualities, writing “US 2020 presidential race: Gay Mayor Pete launches bid for Democratic nomination” via WA Today

Kerrie O’Brien explores juggling life, kids and benefits of living collectively, reviewing a Mother’s account of why “'These kids will never love you': Jocelyn Moorhouse's heartbreak and unconditional love” via The Age


Nobly
Lucy Bloom explores how creating and delivering access to healthcare improves human existence for all, reasons behind Dr Catherine Hamlin’s declarations that “'I am not a saint, I am just an ordinary woman'” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Liam Phelan and Janie Barrett explores overcoming historical obstacles, resilience and having a sense of humour, revealing “Hope and healing: a new approach to treatment is helping Indigenous Australians fight kidney disease” via The Brisbane Times

Nico Clark explores a local experiment in decriminalisation of drug dependence, minimizing Suffering and increasing healthier outcomes while improving societal benefits, reporting that “Despite bad press, injecting room is doing what it was designed for” via The Age

-----------------------------
TED TALKS
10-20min presentations

Dr. May-yi Shaw: The in-between in disguise (18 mins)
Ruben Meerman: The mathematics of weight loss (21 mins)
Sharad Paul: The Myth of Race (18 mins)
Meklit Hadero: The unexpected beauty of everyday sounds (13 mins)
Cristine Chen: Being a Third Culture Kid (8 mins)



-----------------------------
GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation

The Herd - The Sum of it All


-----------------------------
STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street: Janelle Monae - Power of Yet


-----------------------------
WISDOM RECONCILES
Approx 20 min presentation

TopThink: 7 Signs Someone is Secretly Jealous of You (10 mins)

Ethics Matters: Episode 3 Our Society (12 mins)
Dan Halliday interviewees Liz Anderson and John Thrasher. Explore how society should be organised and wrestle with conflicting libertarian and egalitarian points of view.

You Can’t Ask That: Intersex (29 mins)
A subject that is still widely misunderstood, secretive and rarely spoken about in detail, eight individuals reveal the complexities of being born with an intersex variation.


-----------------------------
CHALLENGE REFLECTS
Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection.

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
And yes, its a repeat of an oldie and a goodie. Or not. You be the judge.

Cryptic Clue:
What is a strategy to overcoming feeling of missing out?

1. Inspire
2. Perspire
3. Collaborate
4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others

yearn
[yern]
From Old English giernan, from a Germanic base meaning = eager.

have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from, craving. Ie, She yearned for a glimpse of the sea. Ie, they yearned to go home.

learn
[lern]
From Old English leornian = learn’ (in Middle English also = teach), of West Germanic origin; related to German lernen, also to lore.

1. comprehend, gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught. Ie, they'd started learning Mandarin. Ie, she is learning to play the piano. Ie, we learn from experience.
2. transmitted, recorded or retained; committed to memory. Ie, I'd learned too many grim poems in school.
3. discovery. Become aware of (something) by information or from observation. Ie, I learned that they had eaten already. Ie, the trading standards office learned of the illegal network.

earn
[ern]
From Old English earnian, of West Germanic origin, from a base shared by Old English esne = labourer.

1. obtain (money, gain or kind) in return for labour or services. Ie, he earns his living as a lorry driver.
2. return or gain as interest or profit over a period of time. Ie, the dollars can be placed on deposit and earn interest.
3. recognition or gain deservedly in return for one's behaviour or achievements. Ie, through the years she has earned affection and esteem.

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Buddha Mantrastyle

One strategy to transform unlimited yearning is to learn and earn with all, some or sum of the above meanings. Or not. As the case may be.

This is universal basis of re:lig:ion (again:uniting:energy). Here in this email, we'll hear it as countless sounds: of thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across all times and directions.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.

PWR | STANDING | With the Sri Lankan Victims & Our Christian Family Around the World | Tuesday 23 April 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

The Parliament of the World’s Religions extends its deepest condolences to the victims of the bombing attacks that occurred this past Easter in Sri Lanka. Churches offering Easter services and a number of hotels were targeted in the attacks.

We condemn these and all acts of violence against all peoples.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is committed to a culture of non-violence and respect for life, as agreed upon on our signature document Towards A Global Ethic. The violation of life committed in these attacks is abhorrent and we call upon peoples of faith and conscience to come together and stand with the Christian community and all victims of these heinous attacks in Sri Lanka and around the world.

“To be authentically human in the spirit of our great religious and ethical traditions means that in public as well as in private life we must be concerned for others and ready to help. We must never be ruthless and brutal. Every people, every race, every religion must show tolerance and respect–indeed high appreciation–for every other.”
Towards A Global Ethic: A Declaration of the Parliament of the World’s Religions

How You Can Help:

• Donate blood at your local hospital through the Sri Lanka National Blood Transfusion - Find the closest donation site here.
• Donate to the Red Cross, Asia Pacific Red Cross members and Sri Lanka Red Cross members are assisting during the crisis.
• Consider volunteering with Volunteer Sri Lanka, which sends international volunteers to help teach at local schools, to care for the elderly, work at the teaching hospital, at the Nurses Training School, and to help rebuilding efforts.

Read Statements from Interfaith Partners:
From URI - Standing with Sri Lanka
From Religions for Peace - Religions for Peace Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka
From OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership - A Statement on the Easter Attacks Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka
From The Elijah Interfaith Institute - Sri Lanka Newsblast
From FEZANA - Statement Condemning Attacks in Sri Lanka

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: https://parliamentofreligions.org

VTMH | TALK | LGBTIQ Intersect, a new online resource | Wednesday 17 April 2019 | Arrive 2.45pm for 3-4pm

[Edited extract from public address]

VTMH led the co-design and co-production of the LGBTIQ Intersect website.  Join speakers Silvana Izzo and Lotus Ye (Victorian Transcultural Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne) share this innovative resource designed for community members and practitioners alike.

Start conversations and develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ), multicultural, and/or multifaith. The resource includes key concepts for culturally responsive practice, learning modules, and stories of lived experience.

Silvana and Lotus will explain the process so far and discuss future education and networking opportunities.

Considerations: Registrations from 2.45pm. Light refreshments

Where: Conference Room, Level 1 Bolte Wing (Building F), 14 Nicholson St, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Bookings: Essential, spaces are limited. Online through Trybooking

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)

Website: http://www.vtmh.org.au/calendar/seminar-vtmh-april-seminar-2019

RFP | ADDRESSED | Religion and Human Rights in Australia | Tuesday 5 February 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Former head of Australia’s Human Rights Commission, Professor Gillian Triggs, gave an address on Religious Freedom in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2019 – at Melbourne University on 5 February 2019 to an audience of 400 interested persons.

Introduction
As an international lawyer with an interest in human rights law, I have only rarely been asked to speak about religious freedoms… I say rarely because, unlike so many other human rights in Australia, religious freedoms are not threatened in practice…

or so it has seemed to me, that is, until I travelled a few years ago to Gosford on the NSW Central Coast to speak at the Gosford Anglican Church of St Mary. This historic church was built in 1858 in East Gosford and later moved, stone by stone, to its current spot. Its priest, Father Rod Bower, is thoroughly modern, a rebel known for his advocacy for the most vulnerable in the community. (He is I believe, now standing as an independent in the next election). He had long provided humorous support for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s work for asylum seekers on the church’s weekly message board—including one that read #We Stand for Gillian Triggs.

Exceptions
Professor Triggs went on to say, inter-alia,
Most protections for religious expression are indeed only by way of exception. The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 provides an example of the drafting technique. The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of sex, among other protected attributes, in public life including employment, education, the provision of goods and services, accommodation or membership of licenced clubs. However, it also contains an article that provides exceptions for the ordination or appointment of priests, ministers of religion or members of any religious order; the training or education of those seeking such ordination or appointment; the selection or appointment of persons to perform functions for any religious observance; or any other act or practice of a religious body that:

‘conforms to the doctrines, tenets or beliefs of that religion or is necessary to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of adherents of that religion.’

If Australian law enables religious bodies to avoid the legal obligations normally binding on all others in the community on the exceptionally wide ground that the act or practice of a religious body conforms to its beliefs or is necessary to avoid injury to religious susceptibilities, then this exception is generous and wide ranging.

International Law
Firstly, how does international law protect freedom of religion?

Article 18 of the ICCPR protects the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This freedom comprises two elements:

• the right to adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice
• the right to manifest that religion or belief in worship, observance, practice or teaching in public or private.

These two aspects of freedom of religion may be subject to limitations only if they are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental freedoms of others.

Nations such as Australia that have become parties to the Covenant - and are bound by it in international law - must also ensure the ability of parents to provide the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their convictions. Manifestation may not include advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that incites to discrimination, hostility or violence. Finally, the right is so special, a nation cannot derogate from it, even in times of public emergency.

There are some important points to observe from this legal obligation:

• the right to freedom of religion is not absolute but is to be exercised with respect to the freedoms of others;
• the right is expressed by reference to individuals, rather than institutions,
• it may be manifested in both private and public spheres
• extends to conscience and thought as well as to religious belief.

Professor Triggs, in discussing Australian Law, said,

Australia has not fully protected freedom of religion as required by the Covenant, a point that is sadly true with respect to most of the human rights protected by the treaty.

Professor Triggs went on to consider Anti discrimination laws and exceptions; the Sex Discrimination Act where it relates to Educational institutions established for religious purposes. Also discussed were the exception to anti-sex discrimination laws where public funds are involved. Marriage Equality and the amendments to the Marriage Act passed were considered along with state and territoey laws, and the Ruddock Report. Professor Triggs then went on to reflect on a Federal Legislated Charter of Rights as recommended by the Law Council of Australia and scholars and commentators.

Conclusions
These have been tumultuous times. Marriage equality is finally a reality in Australia. Now we can progress to considering better ways to protect the right to religious expression while ensuring no one suffers discrimination, whether they are caring for elderly people or baking cakes for wedding celebrations.
For a more nuanced approach to striking a balance among rights we need to articulate guidelines. We need to ask and answer questions about what measures are reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. For transparency and predictability, we also need closer scrutiny of claims to an exception by religious bodies. None of this is impossible. We can and should do it.
Irony: while the government hoped that the review would protect religious freedoms it has exposed in the public arena the unnecessarily wide exemptions that may well now be more restrictive.

A collaboration between University of Melbourne Chaplaincy and Religions for Peace Victoria Branch. Professor Emeritus Gillian Triggs was President of the Australian Human Rights Commission from 2012 – 2017.

Click for a full version of this address with introduction and question-and-answers

MORE:
Religions for Peace Victoria Branch
Website: http://religionsforpeaceaustralia.org.au/?p=7215

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | April 2019

WELCOME

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Armenian calendar 1468.

Forgive the intrusion, this month's Grabs for personal consideration.

Let’s begin by sharing an insight:

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin

Discuss with sincerity. Deny that untrue. Dismiss when unuseful. Accept now useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.


-----------------------------
TOPICS
-- Media Words
-- TED Talks
-- Guest Sings
-- Street Jives
-- Wisdom Reconciles
-- Challenge Reflects


-----------------------------
MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Melanie Kembrey explores increasing opportunity, access and visibility for women’s’ voices, celebrating reasons why “Stella Prize 2019 shortlist includes youngest ever finalist” via The Age

Pauline Nguyen shares her experience of difficult upbringing, reconciling the Anger and liberating oneself from personal, familial and generational Suffering “After running away at 17, I finally decided to face my father” via The Age

Jim Palmer explores mental health, caring, hospitality and “Minding the gap between hopelessness and faith” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Intra
Kim Dunphy reviews an exploration of identity, society and belonging in this multilayered expressive “Cycles of darkness and light in Karul Projects' Dance Massive work Co_Ex_En” via The Age

Anna Prytz explores how transforming disrepaired school environment into open, connected and collaborative spaces raises learning standards, revealing secrets of “Schools that Excel: tearing down the rusty fence and raising the bar” via The Canberra Times

Maureen Matthews explores a time proven constructive way to overcoming difficulties in relationships, recommending to “About Last Night: Be prepared to listen, without firing up” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Inter
Henrietta Cook explores Australia’s freedom of assembly, right to strike and permitted voicing of dissent in public places to decision makers, as “Thousands of students skip school for climate change protests” via The Age

Tony Wright explores overcoming challenges for disinterested disengaged students, reporting “Cash push for acclaimed scheme that keeps at-risk students in school” via The Age

Charlotte Grieve explores the time-worn role of art to transform misfortune, tragedy and disgrace into understanding, forgiveness and redemption, shining a spotlight on “Abbotsford Convent Magdalen Laundries to open doors for first time since 1975” via The Age


Multi
Hannie Rayson explores poverty, domestic violence and helping hand of strangers, walking the streets through discussion with “Author Mark Brandi on crime, poverty and the burden of family violence” via The Age

Royce Millar and Ben Schneider explore changing attitudes over supportive environments for returning service personnel as “Young veterans' reform group presses for a pokie-free RSL” via The Age

Maureen Matthews explores acknowledging lived experience, present trigger buttons and adaptive mind fields in “About Last Night: How to handle the laws of emotion” via The Canberra Times


All
Carolyn Webb explores seeing opportunity, minimizing waste and more sustainable living, awakening to “Restock and roll: It's a food truck, but not as you know it” via The Age

Richard Cornish takes a trip to the past for sustainable land management, shining a spotlight behind “The Eel Dinner: Discovering food secrets of our past” via GoodFood

Paul Byrnes explores the importance of introducing fresh faces to overcoming present environmental challenges, reviewing a documentary revealing “Inventing Tomorrow: Forget Marvel, these kids are the real superheroes” via The Age


Togather
Anna Prytz explores developments to improve equity and access to meaningful reproductive health education, reporting “Breaking the period talk taboo” via The Age

Jewel Topsfield explores how cultivating self responsibility, student centering and supportive environments improves learning outcomes, reasons “Schools that Excel: How the west was won” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Kim Dunphy explores performances acting as a medium for constructive and dynamic engagement with historical inequity, reviewing “Struggles for survival embodied in dance” via The Age


Nobly
Emma Koehn explores examples of individuals taking responsibility for taking unsustainable practices to the big end of town and reasoning for change, reporting “How a crafty potter's petition got a promise from Australia Post CEO” via The Canberra Times

James Massola and Veena Thoopkrajae explore personal identity, civic responsibility and providing positive role models for a brighter shared future “'It's not about being famous': Meet Thailand's first transgender PM candidate” via The Brisbane Times

Jamila Rizvi salutes qualities of inspiring leadership: wisdom, compassion, consistency, sincerity and importantly in the time of need, citing how “Jacinda Ardern just proved typically 'feminine' behaviour is powerful” via The Age


-----------------------------
TED TALKS
10-20min presentations

Alex Edmans: What to trust in a "post-truth” world (18 mins)
Dawn Bennett-Alexander: Practical diversity: taking inclusion from theory to practice (17 mins)
Simon Tam: How to Talk with a White Supremacist (13 mins)
Helen Turnbull: Inclusion, Exclusion, Illusion and Collusion (13 mins)
Christoph Niemann: You are fluent in this language (and don't even know it) (13 mins)

-----------------------------
GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation

Te Vaka with Orchestra - We Know the Way


-----------------------------
STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street and Sarah Michelle Gellar: Disappointed


-----------------------------
WISDOM RECONCILES
Approx 20 min presentation

David Suzuki - For Thought: Hope for the Planet (25 mins)
Scientist, broadcaster, author, co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation and Grandpa and Elder. He is Companion to the Order of Canada and a recipient of UNESCO's Kalinga Prize for science, the United Nations Environment Program medal, the 2012 Inamori Ethics Prize, the 2009 Right Livelihood Award, and UNEP's Global 500. Dr. Suzuki is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and holds 29 honorary degrees from universities around the world. He is familiar to television audiences as host of the CBC science and natural history television series The Nature of Things


-----------------------------
CHALLENGE REFLECTS
Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection.

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
And yes, its a repeat of an oldie and a goodie. Or not. You be the judge.

Cryptic Clue:
What is a strategy to overcoming hurdles, facing distant horizons and dealing with uncertainty?

1. Inspire
2. Perspire
3. Collaborate
4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others


disappointment
[diss'uh'point'ment]
late Middle English; via Old French des- ; from Latin comprising
dis- = negation, reversal or absence of an action or state, removal of something, separation, expulsion, completeness or intensification of an unpleasant or unattractive action;
+ apointer = from a point ‘to a point’, assignation of a job or role to (someone), determine or decide on (a time or a place), Law Determination of the disposition of (property of which one is not the owner) under powers granted by the owner
+ -mentum = means or result of an action

a) Feeling of sadness or displeasure because someone or something has failed to fulfil one's hopes or expectations. Ie, I'm disappointed in you. Ie, thousands of disappointed customers were kept waiting.
b) Result of hopes or expectations prevented from being realized. Ie, the rising was a revolution of disappointed hopes.


forgive
[for'gihv]
Old English forgiefan, of Germanic origin, related to Dutch vergeven and German vergeben, comprising
for- = prohibiting, abstention from, neglecting, or renunciating, used as an intensifier
+ give = transferrance of possessions of some thing from one to another, cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience (something); carry out or perform (a specified action); yield as a product or result; concede (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone); state or put forward (information or argument); alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break

a) stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for an offence, flaw, or mistake. Ie, I'll never forgive David for the way he treated her.
b) no longer feel angry about or wish to punish (an offence, flaw, or mistake). Ie, I was willing to forgive all her faults for the sake of our friendship; Ie, sometimes it is advanced understanding why to forgive and forget.
c) cancel (a debt). Ie, he proposed that their debts should be forgiven due to hardship provisions.
d) used in polite expressions as a request to excuse one's foibles, ignorance, or impoliteness. Ie, you will have to forgive my suspicious mind.


forget
[for'get]
Old English forgietan, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch vergeten and German vergessen, comprising
for- = prohibiting, abstention from, neglecting, or renunciating, used as an intensifier
+ get = Middle English from Old Norse geta = obtain, beget, guess; related to Old English gietan (in begietan = beget, forgietan = forget), from an Indo-European root shared by Latin praeda = booty, prey, praehendere = get hold of, seize, and Greek khandanein = hold, contain, be able.

a) fail to remember. Ie, he had forgotten his lines; Ie, she had completely forgotten how hungry she was.
b) inadvertently neglect to do, bring, or mention something. Ie, I forgot my raincoat; Ie, she forgot to lock her door; Ie, I'm sorry, I just forgot.
c) deliberately cease to think of. Ie, forget all this romantic stuff; Ie, after the break up she chose to forget about him.
d) neglect to behave in an appropriate way. Ie, ‘I'm sorry, Cassie. I forget myself’.

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Buddha Mantrastyle

One strategy of transforming disappointment is to forgive and forget with all, some or sum of the above meanings. Or not. As the case may be.

This is universal basis of re:lig:ion (again:uniting:energy). Here in this email, we'll hear it as countless sounds: of thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across all times and directions.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.

ICM | SUPPORTING | In solidarity with Muslims in New Zealand and Australia | Saturday 16 March 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

We are horrified at the terrorist attack on 500 worshippers at Jummah prayers in the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand yesterday.

We are heartbroken for the deaths of at least 49 people, those who are injured and those who are traumatised. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and friends. We stand in solidarity with our neighbours in New Zealand.

Our Muslim sisters and brothers in Melbourne are holding events this weekend to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day; events which aim to increase harmony, understanding and a sense of belonging. The events will go ahead as planned. In addition, Prayer Ceremonies and a Vigil have been added. As people of faith, and people of goodwill, let us stand in solidarity with our Muslim neighbours by attending the events.

Mosque Open Day.  Sunday 17th March, 10 am - 4 pm
Over 20 Mosques will be open - please go to the website of the Islamic Council of Victoria for names and addresses of Mosques: www.icv.org.au

Connect 2Gether 4 Harmony. Sunday 17th March 12 pm - 5 pm
Prayer Ceremony will begin at 4 pm.
This event is a Multicultural Fair for Cultural Diversity.
Venue: Preston City Hall, 286 Gower Street, Preston Vic 3072
For details and times of activities, please go to the AMAFHH Federation link : https://www.facebook.com/events/979553522244272/

Vigil
Standing in solidarity for the loss of lives in two Christchurch Mosques.
Monday 18 March, 6.30pm
State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Board members of The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne condemn white supremacy statements and idealogy and the Islamophobia and anti-Semitism that is spread throughout the world.
We are committed to interfaith and interspiritual understanding, to engagement and cooperation between people of all world religions and spiritualities and people of goodwill.

Peace, Shalom, Salaam, Shanti

MORE:
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
Post: PO Box 18335, Collins Street East, Melbourne Vic 8003 Australia

PWR | STANDING | With the Christchurch Community & Our Muslim Family Around the World

[Edited extract from public address]

On Fridays, the Parliament of the World’s Religions shares prayers from the 2018 Parliament Prayer Wall as part of our #FeelGoodFriday campaign. It’s hard to feel good when atrocities like the ones affecting the Christchurch community in New Zealand take place. 49 people were killed and 20 seriously wounded in an act of terrorism.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions condemns this attack against peoples of faith, the growing Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and white supremacy sentiments that are spreading throughout the world. The Parliament is committed to combatting hate and violence in our communities and stand firmly committed to interfaith cooperation, engagement, and understanding.

Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the victims and their families of this horrific attack.

We invite friends and colleagues in the interfaith movement and all peoples everywhere to commit to actions of peace, love, and understanding as antidotes to all acts of hatred and violence.

We've gathered resources from colleagues around the world to highlight the ways you can reach out and support the Christchurch community and Muslims around the world.

In New Zealand:

• Attend a Peace Vigil in your community
• Share support helplines and condemn racism in your community and social media.
• Open Your Doors: Mosques have been instructed to close their doors nationwide if it is safe to do so offer your faith space, home or business space for people in need.

Around the World:

• Donate to the Fund to Support the Victims and Families
• From Revolutionary Love: Send a message of love and support to families and survivors of the shooting*

*Please Note: Security will be at an all-time high in a variety of faith spaces in response to the shooting, please be courteous and understanding with any security measures.

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60601
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

JCCV | TRAINING | Showing Up: Bystander Racisim Intervention | Monday 18 March 2019 | 9.30am-1pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Empowering people to be active bystanders when confronted with Islamophobia or Antisemitism; trained to be confident and tooled-up to take a safe active stance when observing Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

As part of the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Action Plan, the Victorian Government is supporting key organisations to deliver community-led responses to Islamophobia and Antisemitism.

Teaming up with the renowned training organisation Polykala, for their experiential leadership programs including ‘Say no to racism’ and their work in diversity and inclusion training.

FREE PROGRAM - Delivered across metropolitan Melbourne regional Victoria, the programs will:

• Provide community-led responses to Islamophobia and Antisemitism
• Support people who have been subjected to Islamophobia and Antisemitism
• Support bystanders to respond to situations
• Raise awareness of issues and promote respectful behaviour and interfaith understanding

Where: Darebin Intercultural Centre

Bookings: online

MORE:
JCCV: Anat Aloni Tel: 9272 5642 Email: anat.aloni@jccv.org.au
AIS: Ahmet Keskin Tel: 9867 2248; Email: akeskin@intercultural.org.au
Benevolence Australia: Jessica Swann Tel: 9913 8262; Email: outreach@benevolenceaustralia.org

A collaboration by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), Australian Intercultural Society (AIS), Australian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) and Benevolence Australia who have formed a united body aimed at addressing these issues.

MIN | TOURING | Places of Worship by Bus | Wednesday 20 March 2019 | 9am-2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

All aboard the bus to witness the diversity of religious life in Melbourne on this opportunity to increase you understanding of different faiths and cultures through direct experience.

Visiting the Al Iman Islamic College in Melton. The Al Iman College provides Religious Education which instils the values of our Muslim faith in each of the Key Learning Areas. We will be welcomed by the Principal Zulfiquar Ali, staff and students and will enjoy morning tea at the College.

The second stop will be at the St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Melton South. The Parish was established in 1983 and Fr Fabian is the current Parish Priest. We will be welcomed by Aloysius Dacunha who is member of the parish and also secretary of the Melton Interfaith network.

Proceeding to Navan Park in Melton South to enjoy shared lunch and learn about our partners the Melton Interfaith Network.

Cost: Free. Event sponsored by the grant from Victorian Multicultural Commission.

Bookings: Places are limited so please register to attend today.

MORE:
Melton Interfaith Network
Maria Meilak Coordinator
Tel: 0409 046 172
Email: mariascientologyvic@gmail.com

PPLS | HEARING | KeKoSon - Cuban Sounds | Wednesday 20 March 2019 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Channelling the essence of Cuban street music.

Join Keko Viran and his band of talented musicians including Cuban tres instrumentalist Nikos Krápalos, bassist Sergio Fredes, and Afro-Cuban percussionist Javi Fredes as they perform Cuban Son, a traditional upbeat style of Latin music that forms the rich earthy roots of modern salsa.

Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Vic 3182

Cost: FREE

Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
Tel: 03 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au

CoPP | TRAINING | Challenging Racism Project: Bystander Anti-Racism Training | Thursday 21 March 2019 | 10am-3.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Facilitated by the Challenging Racism Project from University of Western Sydney, the training equips participants with the skills and awareness to take safe and constructive action when witnessing racism and it is specifically designed to enable bystanders to become active advocates for a racism-free workplace and community. 

Part of the Diversity Week 2019 activities at City of Port Phillip.

If you have any dietary, access or support requirements, please contact us.

Where: Betty Day Community Centre, St Kilda.

Bookings: Online through Trybooking. Places are limited to network members only

MORE:
Diversity & Inclusion
City of Port Phillip
St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
Tel: 03 9209 6694
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

VMC | CELEBRATING | Victoria’s Multicultural Festival and Culture Waves Music Festival | Saturday 23 March 2019 | From 12 noon

[Edited extract from public address]

Victorian Multicultural Festival and Culture Waves lineups announced for Victoria’s largest multicultural celebrations!

Cultural Diversity Week will be held throughout the state from 16-24 March 2019, and offers an exciting program of festivals and events across metropolitan and regional areas.

Victoria’s Multicultural Festival
Where: Federation Square
A free one-day program of live performances, music, art, food and activities. Headlined by Dallas Woods!

Culture Waves Music Festival
Where: Federation Square
A free gig of some of Victoria’s best culturally diverse talent. Headlined by Baker Boy!

Baker Boy
An Indigenous Australian rapper, dancer, artist, and actor, Baker Boy attracted national attention as the winner of the Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards Competition.
Known for his singles such as 'Cloud 9' and 'Black Magic', Baker boy has also performed at many festivals in Australia and internationally.
Baker Boy will be performing at Culture Waves Music Festival.

Dallas Woods
An Indigenous Australian rapper, MC and personality, Woods has performed at festivals such as Splendour in the Grass and St Jerome's Laneway Festival.
Woods gained attention winning the NT Song of the Year Award for Baker Boy's track 'Mr La Di Da Di'.
Dallas Woods will be headlining the Victorian Multicultural Festival.

Kaiit
At only 21-years old, PNG-born Kaiit has shaken up the world of future-soul and RnB with her inimitable style and edgy aesthetic.
Kaiit will be performing at Culture Waves Music Festival.

Adrian Eagle
Soul singer/song-writer born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Adrian Eagle vocalises over reggae, soul, hip-hop and acoustic flavoured beats.
Adrian shares his journey of overcoming suicidal mental health issues at the age of 17. He hopes to help other kids battling mental health issues with his message of self-love and positivity.
Adrian Eagle will be performing at Culture Waves Music Festival.

YAY
The YAY dance group was started, choreographed and led by the late JJay De Melo, with members and close friends, to promote self-confidence, entertainment and engage the youth and the wider community.
The YAY dance group dedicate their performance in honour of their dearly missed friend JJay de Melo.
YAY will be performing at the Victorian Multicultural Festival.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission thanks all of our Cultural Diversity Week 2019 sponsors for their support and outstanding dedication to encouraging Victorians to embrace cultural diversity.

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Email: info@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

AIS | TALKING | Responsible Leadership in Politics & Religion: Diverse Communities in an Age of Anxiety | Monday 25 March 2019 | 5.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Political instability in various parts of the developing world are giving rise to mass migration of people mainly fleeing poverty, political conflict or religious persecution. 

Political discourse has taken a more abrasive tone, whether in developing nations or mature developed nations, where minorities are being targeted.

Even religious leaders are grappling to remain true to their cause against the growing tide of divisive discourse by the fringe political parties centred on identity politics.

Why has it been difficult for the leaders, whether elected or entrusted, to remain true to their cause and continue to serve the people ? Why and where has it gone wrong ? What are we to expect of our political and religious leaders in this new millennia where nation states are jostling to increase their hegemony across the ethnic and religious divide ? What future lies ahead for minority groups who have called the land they had migrated to home or who are enjoying the safety of their host nation ?

Hear from our experts who share their observances on a very timely and important topic.

Panellists: Prof Simon Robinson (Leeds Beckett University, UK), Prof Emeritus Gary Bouma (Monash University, Australia). Moderated by Prof Michele Grossman (Deakin University, Australia)

Where: Deakin University Downtown - Tower 2, Level 12, 727 Collins St Melbourne

Cost: free and open to the public.

Bookings: RSVP online through EventBrite

MORE:
Australian Intercultural Society
Website: www.intercultural.org.au

PMI | TALK | Abby Stein: from NY Rabbi to Global Transgender Activist | Monday 25 March 2019 | Arrive 7pm for 7.30

[Edited extract from public address]

As a young man, Abby attended Yeshiva, completing a rabbinical degree in 2011. In 2015 Abby came out as a woman of trans experience. Since then she has been working to raise support and awareness for trans rights and those leaving ultra-Orthodoxy. 

Abby Stein is a Jewish educator, writer, speaker, and activist who was born and brought up in a Hasidic family of rabbinic descent. Abby is a 10th generation descendant of the Baal Shem Tov – founder of Hasidic Judaism.

Abby’s story has been covered in the New York Times, New York Post, WSJ, New York Magazine, Jewish Daily Forward, Daily Mail, NBC, Vogue, InStyle, and more and she is currently studying gender studies and political science at Columbia University.

Hear Abby speak about her experience - the story of how a brave Jewish woman is striving for self determination, integrity & freedom, amid shifting communal attitudes.

Pathways Melbourne, in conjunction with St. Kilda Town Hall and Keshet Australia 
are thrilled to be hosting an evening with Abby Stein.

Where: St Kilda Town Hall 99a Carlise St, St Kilda, Victoria 3182

Cost: $15-$25 (Early bird special – all tickets General Admission)

Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
Pathways Melbourne Incorporated
PO Box 2561 Caulfield Junction VIC 3161
Email: info@pathwaysmelbourne.org
Website: www.pathwaysmelbourne.org

NCJWAV | SHARING | Women's Interfaith Model Passover Seder | Tuesday 2 April 2019 | Arrive 5.45 for 6-8.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

The Passover story is an inspirational and fascinating tale. Our model Seder will focus on freedom, modern slavery, courage, determination and religious tolerance. 

A (women only event) and a unique and interactive experience for young girls and women alike. Facilitated by Etty Ben David and Danielle Jones Resnik

Where: Eva Besen Centre, 131-133 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North

Bookings:
Adult – $30.00 Women only please!
Student – $15.00. Students to Year 12. Please register only fellow students as guests

MORE:
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Victoria (NCJWA VIC)
Post: PO Box 2220, Caulfield Junction VIC 3161

Tel: 03 9523 0535

Email: office@ncjwavic.org.au
Website: https://www.ncjwavic.org.au

PWR | APPEALING | for Yearly Memberships and Donations

[Edited extract from public address]

The 2018 Parliament in Toronto was a huge success. We brought together over 8,000 people from a range of faith traditions for a week of interfaith collaboration, communication, and learning. If you were able to join us in November for our Parliament in Toronto, you know what we are talking about.

Now as we move into 2019, the Parliament is looking to expand our reach even further. We want to be your partner in the interfaith movement not only during the months and days leading up to the Parliament but year-round!

Imagine being able to capture the energy of the Parliament year-round! Imagine how many more interfaith collaborations could take place, how many relationships could be built, and how much more peaceful the world could be.

This is what we want to achieve. But we can’t do it without you! That’s why we have created a new and improved membership program. We have memberships for individuals and organizations. With a membership of just $12/month or $125/year you will receive discounts on Parliament registrations, access to content from previous Parliaments, and recognition as a member!

If you’re already on board, check out our membership options!

Your yearly membership will allow the Parliament to:
Host Global Parliament Convenings
This is what we do best. We bring people of faith and conscience together to combat some of the world’s most pressing issues from perspectives of faith.

Celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week
The Parliament hosts a local event in Chicago, in addition to providing resources on how anyone can host a World Interfaith Harmony Week event, networking resources, and webinars on how to host a successful event!

Take Action Against Climate Change
Our Climate Commitments project is revolutionizing the way faith-based climate action groups can communicate and collaborate. We bring together groups that are doing work for the climate all over the world and we make it easy for collaboration and learning to take place!

Promote Ethical Education
We are in the process of designing an education program based around the Parliament’s signature document, Towards A Global Ethic.

Connecting Peacemakers, Activists and People of Faith and Conscience
The Parliament exists to foster understanding between faiths. We want to continue finding ways to be a resource for interfaith activists and people of faith & conscience who support interfaith harmony.

There aren’t many organizations where your annual membership can:

• support interfaith harmony
• combat climate change
• resist hate and intolerance
• promote ethical education

All while providing you with:

• significant discounts to the most diverse and inclusive interfaith convenings
• exclusive video and online content
• networking opportunities

If you can’t afford a membership, click here to make a one-time contribution to support our ongoing work.
Any amount you can give will go toward funding programs that will create a more peaceful, just and sustainable future.

Explore Individual Memberships

Explore Organizational Memberships

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: https://parliamentofreligions.org

CoPP | CELEBRATING | Balance for Better Reception | Thursday 7 March 2019 | 6.30-8.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Gather for a panel of inspirational women, great entertainment, and a chance to enjoy a frank and fearless conversation about building a gender-balanced world.

The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Port Phillip host this cocktail reception for International Women’s Day 2019.

Where: St Kilda Town Hall, corner of Carlisle St and Brighton Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182

Cost: FREE. Please be mindful not to over-book tickets.

MORE:
City of Port Phillip
The Mayor and Councillors’ office
Tel: 03 9209 6762
Email: civicevents@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

CEH | FORUM | Multicultural Sexual Health Network | Cranbourne | Friday 8 March 2019 | Arrive 1.45pm for 2-5 pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us for this forum focusing on consent and strategies to ensure better health and wellbeing outcomes for multicultural communities in cities of Greater Dandenong and Casey.

Topics include:

1. Consent in respectful relationships with people from migrant, asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds
2. Consent and domestic/family violence
3. Consent and women’s health

Guest speakers include:

• Jenny Walsh, Relationships and Sexuality Education
• Cailin Molinari, South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence
• Erin Fradd, Women's Health in the South East (WHISE)

Where: Amberlee Reception in 1451 South Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977.

Cost: Free

Bookings: Online through EventBrite

MORE:
Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health
Multicultural Health and Support Service
Address: 23 Lennox Street, Richmond VIC 3121
T: (03) 9418 9916
Community Engagement and Projects Officer: Amir ANSARI (Mon,Tue, Wed and Fri)
Website: www.ceh.org.au

Looking for reliable translated health information? Visit the Health Translations Directory to access more than 16,000 resources in over 100 languages – free and online.

CEH | CELEBRATING | Poetry and Music for Gender Equality | Cranbourne | Friday 8 March 2019 | Arrive 5.45 for 6-10pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us to celebrate in Cranbourne with an evening offering songs, music, speeches and poetry from special guests and Afghan poets and artists.

Where: Amberlee Receptions, 1451 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne, VIC 3977
Cost: Free
Bookings: Online through Eventbrite

MORE: 
Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health
Multicultural Health and Support Service
Post: 23 Lennox Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Tel: (03) 9418 9916
Community Engagement and Projects Officer: Amir ANSARI (Mon,Tue, Wed and Fri)
Website: www.ceh.org.au

A collaboration between Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health and Bakhtar Cultural Association

VMC | GRANTS | 2019-2020 Multicultural Festivals and Events Program | 1st Round | now open, CLOSES Friday 22 March 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Are you or your organisation looking for funds to bring multicultural events and projects to life in Victoria?

Applications for Round One of the Victorian Government’s 2019-2020 Multicultural Festival and Events (MFE) Program are now open.
Note: Round One is for festivals and events taking place from 1 July to 31 December 2019.
There will be a continued focus on regional festivals and events, with a regional roadshow for Round One kicking off in February.
Don’t miss out on making an application for Round One before it closes on 22 March.

To find out more, including eligibility, how to apply and to make an application, visit www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

If you are looking for funds for an event to be held during the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020, stay tuned for the release of MFE Round Two later in 2019.

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Email: info@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

MUBSS | FUNDRAISING | Infusion 2019: Contemporary and Classical Music of Asia Concert | Sunday 24 March 2019 | Doors open 3pm for 3.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Infusion 2019 is a symphony of contemporary and classical music of Asia; a harmony of instruments and ideas reflecting our 21st century global society. 

Bringing together an array of talent from various cultural backgrounds, such as India, Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.

An afternoon concert celebrating impermanence and raising funds to support the rebuilding of the Vimokkharam forest hermitage in Kallista, which burnt down in January 2014.

Melbourne University Buddhist Studies Society (MUBSS) is a non-sectarian club aiming to provide both Buddhists and non-Buddhists the background to learn and practice goodwill and compassion in accordance to the teachings of the Buddha.

Infusion is an inaugural musical program organised by Melbourne University Buddhist Studies Society in partnership with Friends of Vimokkharam Forest Hermitage. 

Where: Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Vic 3067

Cost: $60

Bookings: Online through TryBooking

MORE:

Melbourne University Buddhist Studies Society

Tel: 0433 891 194
Facebook: FB.ME/2019INFUSION

CoPP | OFFERING | Community Grants and Training Program 2019/20

[Edited extract from public address]

Providing the Port Phillip community with an opportunity to receive funding for projects as small as a few hundred dollars to anywhere up to $10,000.

City of Port Phillip Community Grants Program 2019/20 is open now to receive applications until Monday 8 April.
Public information sessions will be held and Council will also run free grant writing workshops as part of Council’s Community Training Calendar. To register visit: Community Grants Program

Other grants and subsidies 
Also open in February include: Cultural Development Fund, Seniors Festival Events Grants and Community Meals Subsidy. For further information about community funding opportunities at City of Port Phillip: Funds, Grants & Subsidies

For general queries about the guidelines, deadlines or questions about the application form, please contact the Community Grants and Funding Officer on 03 9209 6777 or email grants@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

Upcoming Training
Council runs free training sessions to build the capacity of local community groups and non-profit organisations. The sessions scheduled until June 2019 include National Standards for Volunteers, Grant Writing, Branding and Marketing, Fundraising and Funding Plans, Census Data, and Child Safety Standards. To register: Community Training Calendar. For general queries, please contact the Community Sector Project Officer on 03 9209 6777 or email volunteer@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

MORE:
City of Port Phillip
Diversity & Inclusion
Address: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
Tel: 03 9209 6694
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

PWR | LAUNCHES | It's About Time for Religica | 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Developed for a broad audience, Religica was created by Parliament of the World's Religions Trustee and Board Secretary Dr. Michael D. Trice and allies to produce original videos, podcasts, learning guides and articles. 

These works arise from a commitment to illuminating how faith and spiritual traditions are a force for good throughout the world, and promise to spark new and wondrous journeys for audiences across religious and interfaith movements.

Visitors to the robust web-hub will find portals of Religica resources that are enriched by showcasing multiple dimensions of diverse human experiences— filtered through religion's expression in the lives and communities of its guests, allies, and contributors. The site includes projects accessible today, and will continue to blossom throughout the year with resources now in development.

Parliament Distributes It's About Time Podcasts from Allies at New Web Hub, Religica.org
The Parliament of the World's Religions is proud to distribute It's About Time, a weekly podcast produced in partnership with our allies at Religica.org and Seattle University.

Producers say, "It's About Time focuses on local voices everywhere, from neighborhood influencers to internationally recognized speakers. Across fields of interest, our aim is to speak the truth where the integrity of real voices inspires us all. Join us in experiencing each of these unique and inspiring stories."
Listen to new episodes today

Religious Response to Violence Now Live
The Parliament of the World's Religions is also allied to Religica.org on the launch of the robust web platform Religious Response to Violence, featuring videos, tools and resources exploring the religious landscape and the lives of those who interact across questions, theories and experiences of violence.
Learn more

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

GLHV | LAUNCHES | LGBTIQ Intersect Website

[Edited extract from public address]

Building culturally safe and inclusive communities

LGBTIQ+ Intersect is an online resource created to support culturally diverse LGBTIQ-inclusive services within an intersectional approach.  Supporting the visibility, safety, mental health and wellbeing, social inclusion and sense of belonging amongst LGBTIQ people from multicultural, spiritual and faith based communities.

"There is no such thing as a single issue struggle because we do not live single issue lives."
Audre Lorde

LGBTIQ+ Intersect, has been created by Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) as part of a partnership with GLHV@ARCSHS, La Trobe University (GLHV), funded as ‘Out in the CaLD’ a two year Harmony Grant from the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion.

Together we have developed resources for service providers, community leaders and other advocates and allies working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people from multicultural, spiritual and diverse faith backgrounds.

We honour all of the individuals and communities who have shared their stories with us as we work together in the service of greater visibility, voice, safety and participation.

LGBTIQ+ Intersect acknowledges the Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of this land. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and water and we pay our respects to their Ancestors and the Elders, past present and emerging.

We make particular mention and honour the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, non-binary and intersex Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, including Sistergirls and Brotherboys. We hope that this resource will open dialogue and contribute to a deeper understanding of diverse and unique identities, supporting collective healing.

MORE:
LGBTIQ+ Intersect
Email: silvana.izzo@svha.org.au

PWR | ANNOUNCES | UN Environment Accredits the Parliament of the World's Religions New CSO-Affiliate | Friday 25 January 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Announcing recent acceptance of the PoWR to the network of Civil Society Organizations affiliated to the United Nations Environment Program.

In this role, the PoWR gains observer status to UN Environment Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.

UN Environment is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and works to “provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.”

Its key foci includes climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and environment under review. UNEP also takes on a special interest in leveraging the contributions of faith-based organizations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through its Faith for Earth Initiative.

“This new opportunity for PoWR to advocate for climate action with UN Environment comes at a time when the role of faith-based actors in confronting climate change is receiving heightened attention. Our status as an accredited organization will allow us to engage at the international level and amplify a crucial message of faith communities around the world: it is our moral obligation to protect creation and commit to a low carbon world. The interfaith movement, as a vital catalyst for sustainability, must undertake the work of questioning and informing the next steps in humanity’s task of maintaining global temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius in order to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. Our partnership with UN Environment is important in accomplishing that,” said Joshua Basofin, PoWR’s Director of Climate Action.

Major groups and stakeholders accredited by the UNEP are able to participate in policy dialogue through regional and annual global assemblies, review and contribute to unedited working documents and statements, as well as submit written contributions. During assemblies, such CSOs are also able to attend plenaries, interact with key governmental authorities, make oral statements and circulate written statements.

UNEP representatives were able to witness the commitment of the Parliament of the World’s Religions to climate action first-hand as participants and presenters in the international convening in Toronto in November 2018. Dr. Iyad Abu Moghli, Principal Advisor of the Faith for Earth Initiative of UN Environment was a featured keynote and most recently addressed the Parliament’s network of faith-based climate actors in a virtual workshop in January, 2019.

The Climate Action Task Force of the Parliament of the World’s Religions looks forward to learning, growing, and advancing through the UNEP Assembly in 2019, as well as through its networks as a co-founding organization of the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative and member of the We’re Still In coalition.

The work of the Parliament is only possible with the on-going support from generous individuals like you. Donate to the Parliament

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60601
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

PWR | DECLARES | Revolutionary Love | Friday 15 February 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

At the 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions, the theme of  The Promise of Inclusion, The Power of Love: Pursuing Global Understanding, Reconciliation and Change was a global call to action to foster a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. One of the loudest calls to action came from Parliament keynote Valarie Kaur on the ethic of Revolutionary Love. 

The Parliament of the World's Religions is a proud partner of The Revolutionary Love Project and we join the annual celebration of the #ReclaimLove campaign. We've pledged and invite you to join us in the pledge to:

Declare our love for all who are in harm’s way — refugees, immigrants, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, queer and trans people, Black people, Latino people, the indigenous, the disabled, women and girls, working-class people and poor people. We vow to see one another as brothers, sisters, and siblings. Our humanity binds us together, and we vow to fight for a world where all of us can flourish.

Declare love even for our opponents. We oppose all policies that threaten the rights and dignity of any person. We vow to fight not with violence or vitriol, but by challenging the cultures and institutions that promote hate. In this way, we will challenge our opponents through the ethic of love.

Declare love for ourselves. We will protect our capacity for joy. We will rise and dance. We will honor our ancestors whose bodies, breath, and blood call us to a life of courage. In their name, we choose to see this darkness not as the darkness of the tomb – but of the womb. We will breathe and push through the pain of this era to birth a new future.

Join the #ReclaimLove campaign by posting why and how you or your organization #ReclaimLove as a force for social justice!

The work of the Parliament is only possible with the on-going support from generous individuals like you. Donate to the Parliament

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60601
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | March 2019

WELCOME
Let’s begin by sharing an insight:

“There is no such thing as a single issue struggle because we do not live single issue lives.” Audre Lorde

Discuss with sincerity. Deny that untrue. Dismiss when unuseful. Accept now useful. Adapt to changing circumstances. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.


-----------------------------
MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Judith Ireland explores changing times, equitable representation and leadership, meet the subject as “Linda Burney portrait unveiled: not just another painting of a suit” via The Age

Adam Carey explores an example of arriving as a refugee, receiving asylum, meet “Tien Kieu: From boat person to Victorian MP, Tien Kieu's incredible journey” via The Age

Jane Caro explores feminism, self acceptance and societal diversity, writing “Sexual freedoms have made progress, but these challenges still remain” via The Age


Intra
Alice Clarke explores collaborative technology enables reduced food waste, revealing the “Food apps to help you save money, the environment and small businesses” via The Age

Anna Prytz explores developments in classrooms, revealing “Education trends in Australia: What will education look like in 2019?” via The Age

Nicola Philp espouses Individual initiative, neighbourly belonging and collective responsibility, reasoning why “Victoria's recycling crisis is actually an opportunity” via The Age


Inter
Tim Soutphommasane explores identity, place and belonging, recounting his experience “Why being an Australian citizen doesn’t mean others will believe you truly belong” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Sarah Dempster explores finding a voice, being heard and emerging from Colonial suppression, reviewing “An Orchestra of Minorities: Chigozie Obioma novel has Nigeria at its core” via The Brisbane Times

Kerrie O’Brien explores place, belonging and running ahead of the pack, in the public interest with “Nova Peris: Australia Day is our remembrance day for our fallen soldiers” via The Canberra Times


Multi
Amelia Lester explores importance of valuing healthy relationships with self, place, culture, society, reasoning to “Lean in for a long and happy life” via WA Today

Darren Gray explores how big business is leading charge for effective reconciliatory approach, calling to just “'Get on with it': Rio boss urges Indigenous recognition” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Emma Koehn explores different technology connecting families with disability support providers, reporting reaching a “'Tipping point': Disability support start-ups are coming of age” via The Sydney Morning Herald


All
Jim Bright explores changing tastes, use-by dates, careers and calling time-out, reflecting upon “Age? Who cares, if you're doing a job well” via The Canberra Times

Jennifer Duke and John McDuling explores reach, trajectory and unforeseen ability to influence society by successful digital players, reflecting upon “15 years of Facebook: has it made the world, and Australia, a better place?” via WA Today

Miranda Tay explores family ties, ancestral rites, migration, respecting difference and modern Australian values, hear this “Chinese New Year: three families on the changing face of the Chinese community” via WA Today


Togather
Cara Waters explores contribution to society from migration, imported cultural mores and local familiarity overcoming divides, proving  “Daughters do count: sisters steam folklore to build dumpling dynasty” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Carolyn Webb explores a commemoration of diversity, acceptance and celebration, reporting why “Hot to trot: Participants soak in the sun at Midsumma Pride March”via The Age

Andrew Webster explores the personal responsibility that comes from being in the public gaze, celebrating inclusive leadership with “Preston Campbell: "Players forget how privileged they are"” via The Age


Nobly
Jacqueline Maley explores gender diversity, role models, stopping violence and raising global citizens ready to champion ways towards a more civilised modern world, discover “How Elizabeth Broderick is taking soft-power feminism to the world” via The Canberra Times

Kate Geraghty explores gender, coexistence and equality as an article of faith, revealing “A quiet revolt: Female monks work to undo Thailand's 90-year ban” via The Canberra Times

Andrew Taylor explores the art of working hard landscapes and overcoming obstacles to be heard, to infinity and “'Beyond imagination': artists of the Kimberley share stories of their country” via The Sydney Morning Herald


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TED TALKS
10-20min presentations

Eric Liu: Why ordinary people need to understand power (17 mins)
Kimber McKay: Are five husbands better than one? (16 mins)
Diego Meneses: Third Culture Kids (6 mins)
Esther Perel: Rethinking infidelity ... a talk for anyone who has ever loved (22 mins)
Susie Green: Transgender: a mother’s story (16 mins)
Abhinav Seetharaman: The Beauty That Is Sanskrit (14 mins)


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GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation
Black Violin - Stereotypes


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STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation
Sesame Street and Seth Rogen: Embarrassed


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WISDOM RECONCILES
Approx 20 min presentation
Baobab Studios: Crow - The Legend
A Native American tale of Creation and the Crow’s significance to life.


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CHALLENGE REFLECTS
Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection.

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
And yes, its a repeat of an oldie and a goodie. Or not. You be the judge.

Cryptic Clue:
What is a way to reconcile past mistakes, regrets and redress?

-- Inspire
-- Perspire
-- Collaborate
-- Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
-- Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
-- Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others


Sure
[Shore]
From Middle English via Old French sur, from Latin securus = free from doubt or uncertainty, secure.

1. [state of mind] to be completely confident/certain/definite. Ie, I'm sure I've seen that dress before; she had to check her diary to be sure of the day of the week.
2. [predictive certainty] to receive, get, or do something. Ie, based on their on-field performance, the team is sure of a finals' berth; it's sure to rain before morning.
3. [evidentiary] true beyond any doubt, reliable. Ie, what is sure is that learning is a complex business.
4. [attributive] able to be relied on or trusted. Ie, her neck was red - a sure sign of agitation.
5. [showing] confidence or assurance. Ie, the drawings impress by their sure sense of rhythm.
6. [used for] emphasis/agreement/consent: Ie, ‘Is it OK to do this?’ ‘Sure.’


Assured
[Ah'shore]
From late Middle English via Old French assurer, based on Latin ad- = to (expressing change) + securus = free from doubt or uncertainty, secure.

Generally: reassured, convinced, satisfied, persuaded, guaranteed, promised, told; proved to, certified to, attested to, confirmed to, affirmed to, pledged to, given one's word to, given one's assurance to, vowed to, declared to.

Specifically:
1. telling someone something positively to dispel any doubts: [with object and clause]. Ie,  Tony assured me that there was a supermarket in the village; they assured him of their full confidence.
2. making certain of something. Ie, she assured herself that he was asleep.
3. making (something) certain to happen. Ie, victory was now assured; ie, their influence assured that the report would be tough.
4. being certain to get. Ie, you would be assured of a welcome.
5. (chiefly British) covering of a life by assurance. Ie, we guarantee to assure your life. Securing the future payment of (an amount) with insurance. Ie, the sum assured can be paid as a lump sum.


Reassuring
[Ree'Ah'shore]
From late Middle English based on Latin re- = again, concentrate, return + ad- = to (expressing change) + securus = free from doubt, protected against uncertainty, secure.

Generally, saying or doing something to remove doubts and fears of (someone) or in a situation. Ie, she understood his feelings and tried to reassure him; Ie, the boss was reassuring to the workers as their concerns were listened to; Ie, Gina gave her a reassuring smile.

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Buddha Mantrastyle

Feel welcome to transform doubts by being sure, assured and reassuring with all, some or sum of the above meanings. Or not. As the case may be.

This is universal basis of re:lig:ion (again:uniting:energy). Here in this email, we'll hear it as countless sounds: of thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across all times and directions.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.