• In the 2023 registration form, we asked two questions, (1) "Please share your interest in specific topics of dignity (e.g., dignity education/learning, dignity through dialogue, conflict transformation, social justice, ecology/climate crises, creative arts activism, etc.; 1-3 topics)," and (2)
"Do you have a brief dignity story/message you would like to share? Please share below (we welcome longer stories sent to: humandhs@humiliationstudies.org). THANK YOU!"
• In the 2020 registration form, participants were invited to reflect on the following question: What does dignity mean to you?
• In the 2021 registration form, the question was: What does dignity through solidarity mean to you?
• Many participants kindly offered their thoughts.
• The relational nature of our dignity work is made visible by small personal "love letters" that honor the dignifying connectivity that forms the foundation of the global dignity fellowship.
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Adair Linn Nagata, Ph.D., teaches, facilitates, and coaches with an emphasis on integrative transformative learning through Personal Leadership: Making a World of Differences. She has focused her current work on Personal Leadership because in practicing it, we set the conceptual ideal that leads us forward by formulating and continually refining our vision of ourselves functioning at the peak of our capability, whatever it is currently. Personal Leadership promotes this evolution as we engage in it and cultivate ourselves as instruments of communication.
After careers in international education and corporate training, communication, and organizational development in a global financial services company, she earned her doctorate in Human Development from the Fielding Graduate University (Santa Barbara, CA) and has been teaching at the university level since 2002.
She currently teaches in the Master of Arts in Intercultural Relations (MAIR) program jointly offered by the Intercultural Communication Institute, Portland, OR, and the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA. In Tokyo, she was formerly Professor of Intercultural Communication at the Rikkyo University Graduate School of Intercultural Communication and Lecturer at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies at Waseda University.
She is one of the past presidents of SIETAR Japan (Society for Intercultural Education, Training, and Research). SIETAR serves in the field of intercultural communication in Japan with an international membership of professionals in education, training, and research, including both academics and practitioners.
In her work on intercultural communication, she focuses on self-reflexivity and coined the term bodymindfulness, which emerged while she was doing her dissertation that was a Mindful Inquiry (Bentz & Shapiro, 1998) about emotional resonance and presence. Her publications focus on the cultivation of consciousness and communicative competence in intercultural relationships and for intercultural researchers. Both her personal and professional activities give her many opportunities to practice her motto, "Peace begins within."
Personal message: Dearest LTS Adair, what a gift that you wanted to join our workshop! We understand that you could not come at the end, given your current workload. We so much thank Beth Beth Yoshida-Fisher for introducing us on 10th April 2004, twenty years ago! I am still so thankful to you and your husband for being my Dignity Home in Tokyo from 2004 to 2007! |
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Andrea Bartoli is the President of the Sant’Egidio Foundation for Peace and Dialogue, representing the Community of Sant’Egidio, a lay Catholic association founded in Rome and now with a worldwide membership dedicated to social service and peace work. He has been a member of the Community of Sant’Egidio since 1970. He is also a Senior Research Scholar at the Columbia University’s Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity (AC4); the Executive Adviser of the Soka Institute for Global Solutions (SIGS) and a member of the Steering Group of the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC).
He was a Senior Research Scholar at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University in New York, as Director of the Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR), as well as Chairman of the Columbia University Conflict Resolution Network (CU-CRN), which was superseded, in 2009, by the Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity (AC4), of which he became a fellow. He works on conflict resolution, genocide prevention and nuclear disarmament.
His publications include Negotiating Peace: The Role of NGO’s (2013); with Robin Vallacher, and others, Attracted to Conflict, (2013); co-edited with Susan Allen Nan and Zachariah Peacemaking: From Practice to Theory (2011) co-edited with Edward R. Girardet and Jeffrey Carmel Somalia, Rwanda and Beyond: The Role of the International Media in Wars and Humanitarian Crises (1995).
Andrea Bartoli has a B.A. from the University of Rome, Italy and a Ph.D. from the University of Milan, Italy. Trained as an anthropologist, Bartoli has been actively involved in conflict resolution since the early 1980s, particularly in Mozambique and South Sudan.
 
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message to Andrea: Dear Andrea, we have no words to thank you for being such a force-for-good in this world! YOUR encouragement during the first years of this workshop series enabled us to keep it going for more than 20 years!
THANK YOU!!!
Our first "Annual Round Table of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies" was convened by our dear Morton Deutsch in the MD-ICCCR at Teachers College on July 7, 2003, with Michelle Fine, Susan Opotow, Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Janet Gerson, Peter T. Coleman and YOU as participants!
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Anna Strout, Albuquerque, New Mexico, New York City, U.S.A.
Dearest Anna! We have many names for you, and all the names we have for you express our love, gratitude, and admiration for you! We have names such as Dignity Angel...!
How can we ever thank you enough for your wonderful presence, including your gift of photography! We cannot imagine our workshops without your presence anymore, since Zehlia Babaci-Wilhite brought you to us in 2012!
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
Dearest Anna, we would love taking many pictures of the beautiful YOU next year!
2024: All of Anna Strout's photos: |
| Daye One |
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop |
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2023: All of Anna Strout's photos: |
| Day One |
• Kindly click here to see Anna's 185 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
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Thank you so much for jumping in and doing Zoom photography in these times of a pandemic where everything had to be virtual:
2022: All of Anna Strout's group photo sessions: |
| Day One |
• After Peter Coleman's presentation (Video)
• After David Yamada's workshop (Video)
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• Thanks so much also for sharing this Message to the World — Prevent Domestic Violence in our 2020 workshop!
(PSA shared on November 15, 2020 | Small poster | Video)
(PSA = a public service announcement in the public interest disseminated without charge, with the objective of raising awareness) |
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Ariel Lublin is an expert in negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution, currently serving as an Associate Principal at Consensus. She conducts workshops and training for organizations ranging from large corporations to smaller businesses, focusing on negotiation and mediation skills. Lublin holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University. Her career includes roles in conflict transformation programs in Sri Lanka and consulting for Hearing Peace at UN-NGO conferences. She also teaches graduate courses in mediation and conflict resolution at Columbia University. Lublin emphasizes restorative justice models and effective communication strategies to foster dialogue and heal community relationships.
  
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
Message from Evelin Lindner: Dearest Ariel, thank you so much for joining us together with your dear husband Francis Mead! I will never forget our first meeting, it was for lunch at the Columbus Cafe in Manhattan on December 12, 2005, after you had contacted Judit Révész in November 2004 for our 2004 workshop. When we met in 2005, you were the Mediation Coordinator for the Center for Court Innovation's Midtown Community Court in Manhattan and facilitated group panels modeled on victim-offender dialogues that include defendants, community residents, and police officers. You also facilitated multi-party conflict resolution for neighborhoods and businesses in conflict, led mediation trainings, and directed a community and court-based mediation program.
Our 2005 meeting, dear Ariel, laid the foundation for a deep I-Thou connection, as philosopher Martin Buber would say, for the past fifteen years, for which I have no words to thank you! Your presence in many of our workshops since 2005, and in our Dignity Now New York City group that exists since 2015, is of priceless value!
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Azza Karam, New York City and Global
Dr. Azza Karam is the President and CEO of Lead Integrity, a global consultancy firm dedicated to serving the common good, through the leadership, competence and integrity, of professionals inspired by their (diverse) faiths. Dr. Karam serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (Jordan), International Alert (UK), the Temple of Understanding, and the Parliament of World Religions (USA). She is a member of the United Nations’ Secretary General High Level Advisory Board on Multilateralism, and was named one of the top 500 Most Influential Muslims.
Azza has worked in international NGOs, serving as President and CEO of the Women’s Learning Partnership; and Secretary General of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (from 2019-2023; and as Director of it’s Women’s Programmes, and Middle East Advisor, from 2000-2004).
She served at the United Nations for two decades, where she coordinated the Arab Human Development Reports, co-founded and Chaired the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Religion — with over 20 UN System bodies — and founded and convened its Multi Faith Advisory Council, as part of the 500+ global NGO database she compiled and coordinated. During her tenure at the United Nations, Azza was a Lead Facilitator for UN system wide peer to peer “Strategic Learning Exchanges” on 'Religion, Development and Diplomacy'.
She has worked with other intergovernmental organisations (the OSCE, the EU, and International IDEA) in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and East and Central Asia, where she set up, coordinated and facilitated global capacity building programmes on Women and Politics, as well as Democratisation, human rights and peacebuilding.
Throughout, she continues to serve in Academia. Since she completed her PhD in Environmental Sciences (University of Amsterdam) — with a focus on governance and political Islam — she has lectured in various universities (including West Point Military Academy and the Vrij University of Amsterdam). She is widely published, and her work has been translated into multiple languages. She served as Professor of Religion and Development at the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam (The Netherlands) from 2018-2024 and is now an Affiliate to Notre Dame’s University’s Al-Ansari Center for Religion and Global Affairs.
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n 2022, she was awarded a Doctorate in Humane Letters honoris causa, by the John Cabot University (Rome, Italy). She has received multiple other awards, including for her work on/in the United Nations, as well as in/on Interfaith work and Culture. Born in Egypt, Azza is also a citizen of the Netherlands and resides in New York.
   
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
Personal message from Evelin: Dearest
Azza, now we know each other for 40 years! We met in 1984 in Cairo, Egypt! I have no words to thank you for including me as part of your family during these four decades! This is an immense gift. We all are infinitely proud of you and your extremely inspiring and courageous life path! |
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Bawk Nu Awng Nhkum attended the 2024 International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE) in Nepal of which Janet Gerson is the Education Director. She is serving at a non-government organization that support ethnic education in Myanmar as Education Technical Lead and has a background in mother-tongue based multi lingual education and peace education. She attended the University of Peace in Costa Rica, and has been associated with Ateneo de Manila University. Her work focuses on enhancing educational initiatives within Myanmar, contributing to the development of effective educational strategies and programs.
 
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message to Bawk and Janet Gerson: Dear Janet, thank you
so much for bringing Bawk to us! This is a great gift!
Dear Bawk, it was great to have you with us in our workshop! |
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"Dignity is a transformative concept that can bring liberals and conservatives together to effect meaningful social change" (Appreciative Introduction 2017)
Dr. Brian D’Agostino is an interdisciplinary social scientist, educator, author, and speaker, with publications and other professional qualifications that span psychology, mathematics, political-economy, and public policy. He holds a Ph.D. and two other degrees from Columbia University. Dr. D'Agostino is the Editor of Disarmament Times and author of The Middle Class Fights Back: How Progressive Movements Can Restore Democracy in America (Praeger 2012). He has addressed the NYC Panel for Educational Policy and NYS Senate Education Committee and lectured for the general public and academic audiences. His publications have appeared in the peer-reviewed Political Science Quarterly, Political Psychology, and Review of Political Economy, as well as popular publications including New York Daily News, Z Magazine, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and Living City. Brian lives in New York City with his wife Constance L. Benson. See bdagostino.com/.
 
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message: Dear Brian, we are very glad that you attended Michael Britton's talk!
It was great to see you again! |
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When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Bhante Revata always explains, "It reminds me of the words 'Agitate, educate and organize' by Dr. Ambedkar."
Chipamong (Chipa) Chowdhury, or Bhante Revata (monk's name, known in the monastic communities). He is a cyber monk, technomonk, global adventurer-monk, mindfulness teacher, storyteller, cyber-activist and interpreter. He speaks 7-8 languages. Among others, his works have appeared in Harvard Divinity Bulletin, Journal of Contemporary Buddhism, Buddhist Studies Reviews, Fair Observer, and Journal of Religion and Popular Culture. He has been with us since 2008 and is The HumanDHS Global Core Team Dignity and Humiliation Studies and Co-coordinator for the HumanDHS of the World Gender Association For Equal Rights (WGenderRED Project)”.
On November 12, 2021, he kindly added:
The monk (Bhante) who does not believe in “vacation”, and yet he travels constantly with no aim, no destination, and no end date! In this bonus session, he will share his unusual-monk’s travel stories, monastic monadism, inner adventure, and mindful travel. Check out his YouTube and Instagram.
   
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Thank you so much, dear Bhante, for your most inspiring life as a "nomad eco-monk"! We remember how you wrote to us in 2008 after you got to know about our work in the United Nations Indigenous Forum, in the Seventh Session Climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods: The stewardship role of indigenous peoples and new challenges, April 21 – May 2, 2008. Your wish was to participate in our 2008 Norway conference, however, you were ultimately hindered to join us, and we were delighted to have you with us in our 2008 workshop in New York City! From then on you have been a gift of dignity in every single of our workshops, every year! By now, you have grown to be a core member of our dignity nurturing team, and we thank you for being such a gift to the world and to our dignity community!
Thank you also for your many generous and important contributions to our 2021 workshop:
• A Poem — Inner Dignity for Daily Meditation and Reflection shared on Day Two (Video)
• You offered a Bonus Session titled Pandemic, Inner Adventure, and Nomad Mindfulness! on Day Two of the workshop (Video)
• You contributed to Dignilogue 5 on Day Three with Buddhism Activism Democracy in Myanmar (Video)
• At the end of the workshop, you introduced your friends (Video)
You also contributed richly to the 2020 workshop:
• Bhante Revata Dhamma: The Nomad Monk (Videos recorded in 2020, brought together by Linda Hartling on December 3, 2020)
Thank you also so much for initiating and co-editing this important and most touching book, and for writing the Preface:
Human Dignity: Practices, Discourses, and Transformations: Essays on Dignity Studies in Honor of Evelin G. Lindner. Edited by Chipamong Chowdhury, Michael F. Britton, and Linda M. Hartling (Lake Oswego, OR: Dignity Press, 2019)
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Elaine Meis is a political activist who is a long-standing member of the Dignity Now in New York City group. She is a former consultant in the software business, working with Silicon Valley startups and other clients on marketing strategy and public relations. With her former husband, she was a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. Together they took a stand against President Ford’s conditional amnesty program, which failed to acknowledge the contribution draft resisters made to ending the immoral war, and then helped set a precedent for the government to drop the impending indictments of many draft resisters. Elaine recently moved from the west coast to Harlem, New York, and attended the Workshops on Humiliation and Violent Conflict since 2018 to explore how a greater sense of dignity can be cultivated in her new community and beyond.
 
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Thank you
so much, dear Elaine, for being such a wonderful pillar of our dignity work all they way back to 2018, when we met at the Nanlaoshu Center in New York City! Thank you for being such a great member of the Digniplanning Team and Dignigardener Team also in our 2023 and 2024 workshops! Thank you for hosting the Dignilogue titled Seeding Dignity Through Collaborative Action (in four parts, two online and two in person) together with dear Janet Gerson in 2023! Also in our 2020 and 2021 workshops, you so kindly hosted Dignilogue 5:
• Elaine hosted Dignilogue #5 in our 2020 workshop: Continuing Connections: Dignity Now Groups for Developing Ongoing Dialogue (Video). The 2020 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict, Virtual, Columbia University, New York City, December 10 – 12, 2020.
• Elaine hosted Dignilogue #5 in our 2021 workshop: Pathways to Solidarity: Dignifying Relationships with People and the Planet — Turning Ideas into Action (Video). The 2021 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict, Virtual, Columbia University, New York City, December 9 – 11, 2021.
Dear Elaine, Linda and I admire you so much. We have recently discussed that we share a loving and tender affection for all living creatures, including us humans, something that can move us to tears when we see the beauty of it. For me, I can say that the joy of connection and loving care is what keeps me alive. Not all people seem to share this affection, YOU have it! We CELEBRATE you! |
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"Dignity, for me, is the ability to stand tall with open arms, lovingly welcoming all others as equals in worthiness."
Evelin Lindner is the founding president of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies (HumanDHS). She has also developed the idea of the World Dignity University initiative and is its co-founder, including Dignity Press and World Dignity University Press. All initiatives are not-for-profit efforts. Evelin has a dual education as a Medical Doctor and a Psychologist, with a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University in Hamburg in Germany, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at the University of Oslo. Her first book, based on her doctoral dissertation in psychology, Making Enemies: Humiliation and International Conflict, was honored as "Outstanding Academic Title" by the journal Choice in 2007. She has since written five more books. She lives and teaches globally and is affiliated, among others, with the the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Teachers College, Columbia University. Please see her background at humiliationstudies.org/whoweare/evelin.php.
Kindly see, among others:
• Synopsis: From Humiliation to Dignity: For a Future of Global Solidarity. Lake Oswego, OR: World Dignity University Press, Dignity Press, 2022 (Pdf)
• From Humiliation to Dignity: For a Future of Global Solidarity – The Coronavirus Pandemic as Opportunity in the Midst of Suffering (Original | Pdf), in InterViews: An Interdisciplinary Journal in Social Sciences, 7 (1), 2020, pp. 30–50, doi: 10.36061/IV.7.1.20.30.50
• Bringing Dignity to Globalisation: A Psychologist’s Personal Experience as a Global Citizen - Evelin Lindner’s Global Life. Book proposal created in response to an invitation by Louise Sundararajan, Series Editor of the Palgrave Studies in Indigenous Psychology, 2019 |
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Fatma Susan Tufan has been a member of the Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies since 2019. She holds a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Peace and Justices from Moravian University, Pennsylvania., U.S.A., and an M.A. in the Social-Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City. She also completed an Advanced Certificate Program in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at the Morton-Deutsch International Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Center, Columbia University.
In her work, Fatma primarily focuses on sustainable solutions to drivers of conflict in human relations. She has 18 years of experience in Interfaith Dialogue. Currently, she is working on turning her dialogue and constructive conflict related real-life experiences into stories to share with the rest of the world.
Fatma identifies herself as a global citizen. [read more]
  
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dearest Fatma, you have no idea how much we value your deep wisdom and sensitivity! Few people have understood the dynamics of dignity and its violation through humiliation as profoundly as you have! What is particularly difficult to see and to address is unconscious bias. In your wonderfully loving and caring way, you make us all see things we were not able to see before! Thank you for being such a gift of dignity to the world and to us!
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Francis Mead is a documentary filmmaker, writer, and television producer with a career spanning over three decades. He began his professional journey at the BBC, where he worked as a reporter and producer for 12 years, covering a wide range of topics including domestic violence, hostage crises, Middle Eastern conflicts, arts, and politics.
Since 1998, Mead has been associated with various parts of the United Nations, including UNICEF, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the main UN video department. In his role at the UN, he has produced short documentaries distributed to over 80 broadcasters worldwide, including TV5 Monde, CBN China, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation. His documentaries have been filmed in numerous locations such as Iraq, Sri Lanka, Kosovo, Algeria, Syria, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Somalia, and others.
Mead's work often focuses on conflict and post-conflict situations, and he has covered themes like reconciliation, terrorism, migration, disability, biodiversity, peacekeeping, and human rights. Notably, he survived the 2003 terrorist attack on the UN's HQ in Baghdad and subsequently made an independent documentary titled Poisoned Chalice: the UN in Iraq about UN staffers in Iraq.
In addition to his documentary work, Mead has written and directed dramas, including the short film Fire Island. He is also working on several fiction projects, including a novel about Isaac Newton and another on a fictitious rivalry between Alan Turing and Werner Heisenberg. Mead holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and is fluent in French.
 
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Francis, what an honour to have you with us! Thank you so much for joining us for our 2009, 2019 and 2024 workshops! We will never forget your touching sharing of your experiences in Iraq!
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Gay Rosenblum-Kumar is a Member of the HumanDHS Global Advisory Board. She looks back on more than three decades of international experience in building capacities for conflict prevention and transformation. Prior to her current work as an international consultant, she was the Senior Secretary of the interagency United Nations Framework for Coordination on Preventive Action (FT). The FT supported UN departments and agencies to work with government officials and their civil society counterparts in divided societies to design and implement strategies for building national and local capacities for conflict prevention and transformation.
Please see:
- Humiliation, Conflict and Public Policy, note prepared for our 2004 Workshop on Humiliation and Violent Conflict, Columbia University, New York, November 18-19, 2004.
- Horizontal Inequality and Humiliation: Public Policy for Disaffection or Cohesion?, note prepared for Round Table 3 of the 2005 Workshop on Humiliation and Violent Conflict, Columbia University, New York, December 15-16, 2005.
 
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Gay, your support for our dignity work since 2001 has been immensely enriching and of exceptional substance! Every fall, when I was in New York City, we met in the UN cafeteria for lunch and we shared past year's insights! And you joined our workshops in 2004 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024!
Dear Gay, I learned so much each time you invited me to share my reflections at the UN:
• How Are Dignity and Humiliation Relevant in Our Lives, Our Societies, and for the United Nations?
The UN Interagency Framework Team for Preventive Action cordially invited to a brown bag lunch event on Tuesday, November 26, 2013, 1pm – 2.30 pm at 1 UN Plaza (DC-1), 20th Floor Conference Room. The host is Gay Rosenblum-Kumar.
• Understanding and Addressing Humiliation and Conflict
Brown Bag Lunch at the UN Interagency Framework Team for Preventive Action, December 2, 2010, 12-2.30 pm, convened at the United Nations, New York City, U.S.A., organized by Gay Rosenblum-Kumar
See pictures.
• These talks connected back to Humiliation, Conflict Management, and Policy Making, brown bag lunch at the Governance and Public Administration Branch, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, on December 15, 2004. |
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Hua-Chu Yen (Ed. D.) is an artist, educator and digital media specialist. She received her doctorate from the Art and Art Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research examines the intersections within digital media, emerging technologies and cinema through the prisms of philosophical ideas and artistic expressions. With her master degree in Art and Art History from Tufts University and in Interactive Telecommunications Program from New York University, Hua-Chu Yen has worked for museums, I.D. Magazine, and Art Science Research Lab, and taught photography and video at Teachers College. A native Taiwanese, Hua-Chu has published two books and numerous articles about visual art in New York for general public in Chinese-speaking communities.
December 3, 2024
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dearest Hua-Chu, thank you so much for your faithful support since 2007!
You did the videotaping in our 2007 workshop, and also in some of the later workshops. You did the videotaping of my 2012 book talk on "a dignity economy," and in 2014, you posted the photo of Linda and me on Instagram on the first page of Teachers College! Since then, you have always remained at our side! Thank you!!!
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Isadora Caldas, Associate Director at the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University, New York City
Isadora Caldas is a Brazilian conflict resolution specialist, educator, and lawyer. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Law from the University of Brasília and later pursued a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University, where she became the President of the Association for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and was selected as the Student Marshal for her graduating class.
Before moving to the United States in 2021, Isadora spent over seven years at a Brazilian law firm representing workers and trade unions in disputes before the Brazilian Superior Labor Court. Additionally, she worked as a teacher and coordinator for nonprofit educational organizations, served as a mediator in Brazil's Federal District and Territories Court of Justice, and judged university-level negotiation competitions. In her current role as Associate Director at the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University, Isadora focuses on teaching mediation and conflict resolution skills in schools across New York City while also working with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her career reflects a strong commitment to social justice and effective communication in conflict management.
 
• Kindly click here to see all of Anna Strout's 167 photos of the in-person part of the workshop
A personal message to Isadora: We are so glad, dearest Isadora, that you are now the Associate Director of the MD-ICCCR! We welcome you most lovingly! You are such a gift to the world and to us! |
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James May is the Richard S. Righter Distinguished Professor of Law at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas, specializing in environmental, constitutional, and human rights law. A native of Kansas, he earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas and an LL.M. in Environmental Law from Pace University, reflecting his strong educational background in both engineering and law.At Washburn, he teaches courses related to environmental law and human dignity rights, aiming to foster a more just and sustainable future through education and advocacy.
He returned to his home state after serving as a Distinguished Professor at Widener University Delaware Law School, where he founded the Environmental Rights Institute and co-founded the Dignity Law Institute.
May has been a significant figure in public interest litigation, advocating for the implementation of environmental laws and addressing climate change. He has authored over 20 books and 120 scholarly articles, contributing to the discourse on environmental rights and constitutional law. His work has garnered recognition from various prestigious organizations, including the American Bar Association and the Sierra Club.
May is also known for his advocacy in environmental justice, having played a key role in advancing resolutions within the ABA to promote this cause.
In addition to his academic pursuits, May has held positions as a chief sustainability officer and has been involved in numerous legal initiatives globally.
  
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A personal message to James: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Jimmy! Your session on Dignity Rights in America was extremely informative and inspiring!It was as wonderful to have you with us in our 2019 Dignity Workshop together with Erin Daly!
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Dr. Janet C. Gerson is the recipient of the 2018 HumanDHS Lifetime Commitment Award.
What does "dignity through solidarity" mean to you? Janet's answer in 2021:
"Dignity is the core value of a moral society. Dignity is taken to be inherent in each and every person. Entitlements, in contrast, are what governments and societies give through laws, policies, and practices. These can be both given and also taken away, unlike dignity. Dignity is operationalized through respect, the ethical principle for interpersonal interactions. From a relational conception based on dignity, justice is what each person is due and what we owe each other (Dale Snauwaert). Justice is dynamic, always balancing moral and ethical norms with practical challenges and institutional (stabilizing) formulations. Solidarity is based on the moral understanding that we know that we need each other, that human beings are interconnected and interdependent. Solidarity can be operationalized as an ethical interactive principle like respect, but how is it further enacted? From a dignity-based perspective, solidarity must be grass-roots, inclusive, communitive, and based on willing cooperation of all those involved. It is necessary to state this because solidarity has often been imposed, engaging a domination-and-control model of social-political organizing.
Solidarity is possible through dialogic means engaging deliberation and consensus-based decision-making. In reality, solidarity is often made up of a willingness to participate together based on mutual respect and understanding. Rawls stated that reasoned argumentation can lead to a congruence of opinion, a recognition that an understanding and agreement has been reached that, nevertheless, does not mean that every participant agrees 100%. Instead, it implies that despite differences that continue to be respected, a congruence of opinion has been reached thereby enabling decision-making processes to move ahead. From these, policies and courses of action can be formulated and dynamized.
In our 2020 worskhop, Janet described dignity as follows, "Dignity is inherent in each person and is operationalized interpersonally as respect. Dignity is moral autonomy in which each person is an end in herself, recognized as the author of his own story, and as a subject in society where dignity is operationalized as equality, inclusion, freedom, fulfillment and well-being. Dignity is blighted when persons are treated instrumentally as means to ends, subjected to domination, humiliation and other forms of violence."
Dr. Janet C. Gerson is a political theorist, writer, artist, and activist educator who has taught peace education, conflict processes, transformative learning, and futures envisioning. She is the Education Director of the International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE), and former Co-Director of the Peace Education Center at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City (2001- 2010). She has collaborated with the Morton Deutsch International Center on Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR) at at
Teachers College since 1996. Her research and writing focus on the interrelatedness of dignity, justice, democracy and peace.
Kindly see:
Janet Gerson (2021).
Reclaimative post-conflict justice: Democratizing justice in the World Tribunal on Iraq (Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2021) co-authored with Dale Snauwaert
  
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A personal message to Janet from Evelin: It was wonderful that you came to the talk titled Humiliation and the Roots of Violence that I gave at
the MD-ICCCR on December 17, 2001, 3.30 pm, upon the invitation of Betty Reardon, attended by Morton Deutsch, among others. You then participated in our first workshop that was convened by Morton Deutsch at the MD-ICCCR in 2003, and you were later part of Morton Deutsch's last project, titled Imagine a Global Human Community (Video, December 11, 2013 | transcript | pledge that Morton Deutsch brought to the 2013 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict, Columbia University, New York, December 5-6, 2013)!
Thank you so much, dearest Janet, for being a pillar of our work all the way back since 2001! You were a pillar, for example, in our 2023 workshop, by introducing our Meet and Greet — Reflection and Connection groups (Video), by explaining the metaphor of the lotus flower (Video), and hosting our Seeding Dignity Through Collaborative Action Dignilogues together with dear Elaine Meis!
Also in our 2022 workshop, you introduced our Meet and Greet – Small Group Dignilogues and invited final reflections. You carried our 2021 workshop as well in so many capacities!
Thank you for explaining the Connection and Reflection Groups (Video), for hosting a Bonus Session for "newcomers" together with David Yamada, as well as hosting Dignilogue 1. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to Dignilogue 3, The Interrelatedness of Dignity, Justice, Democracy, and Peace (Video), based on your recent book, Reclaimative post-conflict justice: Democratizing justice in the World Tribunal on Iraq (Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2021) co-authored with Dale Snauwaert! The list of your wonderful support is limitless!
As a Board Member of HumanDHS, you furthermore co-host Dignity Now circles in New York City since 2015, initiated by Michael Britton with Judit Révész and Chipamong Chowdhury. The first meeting took place in your NYC art gallery home on November 14, 2015, on the occasion of Gaby Saab's return to the city.
Thank you very much, dear Janet, also for your important contribution to this book:
"Reclaiming Common Bases of Human Dignity." In Human Dignity: Practices, Discourses, and Transformations: Essays on Dignity Studies in Honor of Evelin G. Lindner. Edited by Chipamong Chowdhury, Michael Britton, and Linda Hartling. Chapter 4. (Lake Oswego, OR: Dignity Press, 2019) |
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Karen Hirsch is based in New York City and a pillar of the HumanDHS network since 2009. She co-creates and co-facilitates Zoom groups for Jewish women regarding various aspects of antisemitism. She also volunteers with Catholic Charities English Conversation programs for people new to her country.
She works for dignity through deep listening, dialogue, and kindness. In 2023, she shared: "When people experience being truly listened to this almost always contributes to their feeling more relaxed, valued, and open." On November 23, 2024, she kindly wrote: "My training and experience include coaching, conflict resolution, leadership development, facilitation, emotional intelligence, basic communication skills and whole systems transformation.
I, like countless others, am in disbelief about who will occupy the White House, with the support of millions of others. More than ever, I am certain that kindness, honesty, decency, generosity, modesty and more are invaluable qualities essential for a thriving democracy.
Since early this year I have been letting people know via email about The Alliance for Middle East Peace. This remarkable organization provides a broad range of invaluable services to over 160 nonprofit organizations. These are Israeli Jews and Palestinians working together in nearly every sector of civil society. Starting in the 1960’s, I was an anti-war and anti-nuke activist. I incorporated the underlying values and vision into a non-adversarial perspective. Since 1978, I have been a New Yorker by choice — drawn to the incredible mix of people, layers of history creative history — and magnificent Central Park."
  
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A personal message to Karen: We are so privileged to have you with us in our dignity communuty, dearest Karen! Thank you so much for the gift of your immense wisdom!
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Liliana Lisbão, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Liliana Lisbão recently retired from teaching at the Willow School in New Jersey. In her 20 years as a social studies teacher, she designed curriculum to promote critical thinking, social justice, appreciation for diversity, and environmental responsibility. Action projects engaged students in designing sustainable solutions to local environmental problems and forming partnerships with local government and community members to implement them. In the last two years before her retirement, she helped teachers integrate systems thinking into their lessons to prepare students to become active participants in creating positive change in their communities.
The Willow School has received numerous accolades for its commitment to sustainability, including being the first school in the U.S. to achieve LEED Gold certification for its building.
 
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A personal message to Liliana: It is such a gift to have you with us in our dignity community, dearest Liliana! We are so happy that accompanied our dear Michael Britton! |
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Linda Fallo Mitchell is a Professor Emerita at
the School of Education at Wichita State University in Kansas. She is now working as a consultant within the fields of early childhood special education, special education for students with severe/multiple disabilities, and speech language pathology.
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Personal message to Linda: It was such a great gift that you joined us in our workshop, dear Linda! It was wonderful to have you with us already in our 2019 workshop and now again in our 2024 workshop! Thank you so much for coming with our dear Azza Karam and Monika Gude! |
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Lindsay Forslund and Fukumi Orikasa, New York City
Lindsay Forslund is the Deputy Coordinator of the United Nation Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict Network, within the Office Liliana Lisbao is a dedicated social studies teacher at Willow School in New Jersey, known for her commitment to environmental education and activism. In September 2019, she played a significant role in inspiring students to engage with climate change issues by introducing them to the work of climate activist Greta Thunberg. During an all-school Morning Gathering, Lisbao shared videos of Thunberg and encouraged discussions about climate action, culminating in a student-led Climate March[1].
Willow School, where Lisbao teaches, emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship as core components of its educational mission. The school has received numerous accolades for its commitment to sustainability, including being the first school in the U.S. to achieve LEED Gold certification for its building[1]. Through her teaching, Lisbao helps cultivate a sense of responsibility and agency among her students regarding global issues, empowering them to become active participants in creating positive change in their communities[1].of Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict at United Nations.
Forslund is an expert in international human rights, particularly known for her work on gender equality and the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
Forslund has significant experience in her field, having spent six years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where she focused on issues related to CRSV. Her work involves promoting gender equality and peacebuilding initiatives, which are essential components of her role at the UN. She actively participates in high-level discussions aimed at linking arms control with efforts to prevent sexual violence, recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to these intertwined challenges.
In her capacity at the UN, Forslund has been instrumental in advocating for policies that support survivors of sexual violence and enhance accountability mechanisms. She engages with civil society organizations and member states to foster collaborative efforts against gender-based violence. Additionally, she is active on social media, sharing insights on women's rights, social justice, and education, reflecting her commitment to these causes both professionally and personally.
 
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A personal message to Lindsay: It was wonderful to welcome you to our workshop, dear Lindsay! We met for the first time in a Teams meeting with Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, on June 21, 2024, albeit only online. We are so glad that you could join us in person in our 2024 workshop and that your dear colleague Fukumi could be with us online! |
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Mara Alagic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kansas, U.S.A.
In 2020, Mara defined dignity as follows: "A way of human existence..."
When asked in 2021 "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Mara explained, "Supporting each other, globally and locally, ubuntu, being part of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies ..."
Dr. Mara Alagic is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education and Assistant Dean of the Graduate School at the Wichita State University. Her interest in developing intercultural communication and global learning competence has arisen from having taught internationally and in culturally diverse environments. As co-leader of an early global learning project on mathematics and science education, she was a recipient of the GlobalLearning Course Redevelopment Team Excellence Award in 2002. [see more]
 
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Message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Mara, we are so thankful to Adair Linn Nagata for bringing you to us in 2008! Thank you
for being a pillar of our work since then, and for being a core member of the Digni-Planning Team for many of our workshops! You joined us in our Dignity Conferences in Dubrovnik in 2016 and in Amman in 2022, and in almost every New York workshop, including the 2023 and 2023 workshops!
We will also never forget your valuable contribution to Dignilogue 1 in the 2020 workshop: Dignity Studies: Reimagining Learning in of World of Crises (Video). Thank you also for your contribution titled, A Pivotal Moment for the Future of World Dignity University (Video | Text) to Dignilogue 4 of the 2021 Workshop.
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Marlin R. A. Mattson, MD, is Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and prior to retirement was Associate Vice-chair for Compliance in the Department of Psychiatry for Weill Cornell Medical College. Trained in Psychiatry at New York-Presbyterian Hospital's Payne Whitney Clinic, he has spent his entire career at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Through this period, he has been actively involved with quality assurance, peer review, continuous quality improvement, patient safety, standards of care, accreditation, risk management, and utilization review.
 
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A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Marlin, what a gift that we met at the Metropolitan Opera on October 28, 2023, and then you came to my book talk in Gottesmann Libraries on November 2, 2023, and joined us in our 2023 Dignity Workshop! It was wonderful to welcome you also in this year's workshop! Your sensitivity for dignity and its violation by humiliation is invaluable for us! |
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When asked "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Martha explained, "Compassion compassion compassion and truthful dialogue."
Dignity (2020): "Dignity is internal — I know I have value and purpose. external — I can dignify others by being caring and curious without judgement."
Martha Eddy, RSMT, CMA, Ed.D., is a movement therapist, exercise physiologist lecturer, author and international speaker. She is Honorary Adjunct Professor of BioBehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2019, she joined the Marymount Manhattan College as Visiting Artist-in-Residence and was named the First Geraldine Ferraro Fellow on Social Justice and Movement as part of MMC’s Ferraro Institute for Breakthrough Civic Leadership. Eddy is the founder and director of the Center for Kinesthetic Education (CKE) in New York City and brings to the fields of health, wellness and education her strong belief in the power of movement and somatic – or body-mind-spirit awareness – to enhance lives and build connections within and across communities. She does this with a racial and cultural equity lens.
Message from Evelin Lindner: Dearest Martha, what a gift that Pascal Rocha and Karen Bradley brought you to us in 2010! Thank you for offering your invaluable expertise to our global dignity community since then! Thank you for brilliantly leading the Small Group Dignilogue Movement for Building Movements: Engagement and Collaboration, Including the Arts during our 2023 workshop! We will also never forget your DigniStretch Activity on Day Two of the 2020 workshop (Video) and your "Message to the World" on Day Three (Video)! Thank you for pre-recording your DigniCalm and DigniStretch activities on December 4, 2020! Thank you also for contributing with your Rise Up: Cancer Survivor/Thriver Dance, created on September 29, 2020!
As introduction to your work, you recommend How to Be Alone...
Thank you for your profound global dignity work: Somatic Resources for Stressful Times | Global Water Dances Mission | Global Water Dances (GWD) YouTube Channel | Global Water Dance: Documentary, 3 minutes | Global Water Dance, 12 minutes |
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Michael Britton, Ed.D., Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Dearest Michael! What a gift it is to have you as a core pillar of our dignity work since 2006! Thank you so much for kindly accepting that we honored you with our 2017 Lifetime Commitment Award!
 
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Message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Michael, I will never forget how we met on November 14, 2006, when you kindly attended my presentation titled Humiliation and the Roots of Violence: Human Conflict in a Globalizing World, to which our dear Philip Brown had invited me at the New Jersey Center for Character Education,
Center for Applied Psychology,
Rutgers University, New Jersey. I still have some pictures.
In the annual Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict that takes place each year at Columbia University, you hold the Don Klein Celebration Lecture in place of the lecture that Don Klein held each year until he passed away in 2007, titled The Humiliation Dynamic: Looking Back... Looking Forward.
This were your wonderful lectures, dear Michael:
• December 6, 2024: World Challenges and a Spirituality in Disrepair (Video edited by Linda Hartling | Video)
• December 8, 2023: Carriers of Hope (Video edited by Linda Hartling | Video pre-recorded on December 6, 2023 | Thank-you Video)
• December 9, 2022: Rediscovering the Wonders of Learning Through Dignity (Video | Video pre-recorded on November 21, 2022)
• December 9, 2021:Gathering of Voices: The Don Klein Invitation to Reflect Together (Video | Video pre-recorded on December 5, 2021, and edited by Linda Hartling on December 6, 2021 | a longer presentation with PowerPoint pre-recorded on November 30, 2021, and edited by Linda Hartling on December 1, 2021)
• December 10, 2020: From a Virus Pandemic to a Pandemic of Dignity (Video | Video pre-recorded on October 18, 2020 | Video recorded on October 18, 2020, and edited by Linda Hartling on December 3, 2020)
• December 6, 2019: Can We Teach Dignity? Becoming Lifelong Apprentices of Dignity from Childhood Throughout All Ages (Full Video | Short Video by Chipamong Chowdhury)
• December 7, 2018: What Is the Language of Dignity? (Video)
• December 8, 2017: The Nature of Dignity – The Dignity of Nature (Video)
• December 9, 2016: The Globalization of Dignity (Video)
• December 4, 2015: The Globalization of Dignity (Video)
• December 5, 2014: Visions that Endanger, Visions that Nurture (Video)
• December 6, 2013: Visions that Endanger, Visions that Nurture
• December 7, 2012: Visions that Endanger, Visions that Nurture
• December 9, 2011: Visions that Endanger, Visions that Nurture
• December 10, 2010: Visions that Endanger, Visions that Nurture
• December 11, 2009: Visions that Endanger, Visions that Nurture
• December 12, 2008: The Humiliation Dynamic: Looking Back... Looking Forward
• December 14, 2007: The Humiliation Dynamic: Looking Back... Looking Forward
Thank you so much, dear Michael, for co-editing this important and most touching book, and for writing the Introduction:
Human Dignity: Practices, Discourses, and Transformations: Essays on Dignity Studies in Honor of Evelin G. Lindner. Edited by Chipamong Chowdhury, Michael F. Britton, and Linda M. Hartling. Lake Oswego, OR: Dignity Press, 2019. |
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Monika Gude lives in the U.S. and is a personal friend of Evelin with a lifelong interest in the betterment of the Human condition.
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Personal message: It was such a great gift that you joined us in our workshop, dear Monika! It was wonderful to have you with us also in our 2019 workshop. Thank you so much for coming with our dear Azza Karam and Linda Mitchell!
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Peter Barus, Jacksonville, Whitingham, Vermont, U.S.A.
When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Peter responded by saying, "Connection. Being 'out here' with you."
At the 2020 workshop, Peter described dignity as "a question in which to live."
Peter Barus is a nonviolent activist since 1958 (first antiwar demonstration, age 10), and a Conscientious Objector in 1968. See more on attentionage, unboundedacademy, opednews, and http://barus.com.
 
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A personal message from Evelin Lindner: We are so very glad, dear Peter, that our dear Howard Richards brought you to our global dignity community in 2019! And that you drove all the way from Vermont to be with us in our 2023 and 2024 workshops was more than we could imagine! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your reflections during the coffee break of Day Three of our 2021 workshop that took place online, due to the Coronavirus pandemic (Video) and for sharing more thoughts at the end of that workshop (Video)! Thank you, furthermore, very much for your touching and profound Message to the World in 2020!
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Dr. Ragnhild Nilsen is a Founding Member of the World Dignity University initiative.
Ragnhild Nilsen is based in Kristiansand in the south of Norway and a member of the network climate psychologists in Norway. She began her education in 1979 with studying pedagogics for children in Bergen, Norway. Subsequently, in 1983, she earned a Cand. Musicol. degree in music, also from the University in Bergen. She then travelled to San Francisco to finalize an M.A. in Communication Arts and Movement Therapy from the International College.
Today, Ragnhild is a global change agent.
Ragnhild is also reckoned as one of Scandinavia's most skilled public speakers and lecturers in the field of transformation and is a sought-after coach and communication artist.
Furthermore, Ragnhild is the author of several books, both fiction and non-fiction. In 2007, Ragnhild launched the world's first biodynamic and fairtrade cotton towels as a protest against the pesticides used on the cotton fields and the unfairness of the texitle industry. As a social entrepreneur, she is the founder of Global Fair Trade and Sekem Scandinavia.
Ragnhild is also Arctic Queen, an artist who uses her voice for global transformation. As a singer, she draws on the tradition of yoik, chanting, and improvisation. Please note her collaboration with Pandit (Master) Ikhlaq Hussain after they met in New York City in 2007. When she was back in Norway, Ragnhild sang a yoik, sent the recording to Ikhlaq in New York City, and he improvised to her voice. Listen to Ragnhild & Ikhlaq! See also our Music page.
Ragnhild has published Magic of the Everyday in Dignity Press in 2014 and The Pearl in 2012.
Please see also:
• "Message to the World" (Video recorded on November 4, 2021) and "Report on Dignity Work" (Video recorded on November 4, 2021),
contribution to the 2021 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict, Virtual at Columbia University, New York City, December 9 – 10, 2021.
 
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A personal message from Evelin: Dearest Ragnhild, we met in 1994 in Norway, which means that we had our 20-year anniversary this year! You have been one of the greatest gift in my life and to our dignity work! THANK YOU! It was such a GREAT gift that you traveled all the way from Norway to join us in our workshop! |
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When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?," Becky replied, "When people are joined together, they create a barrier to humiliation and support dignity."
Rebecca (Becky) Tabaczynski has a bachelors degree in nursing and masters degrees in counseling and business administration. She also holds a certificate in Global Post-Disaster Studies from the Center for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities after Disasters, under the Direction of Adenrele Awotona, at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. In 2017, Becky became connected to HumanDHS as student in the course: Human Dignity, Human Rights, and Sustainable Post-Disaster Reconstruction. During 2021, she has been donating her research skills as a gift to HumanDHS by studying conspiracy theories. In 2024, she launched the Dignity Resources project, a searchable database of key dignity resources, and invites everyone to share their resources.
 
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A personal message to Becky: We are so happy to have you with us in our dignity community, dear Becky! Thank you so very much for sharing your research on conspiracy theories in Dignilogue 2! The Threat of Conspiracy Theories (Video | Video recorded on November 29, 2021). In 2024, she launched the Dignity Resources project, a searchable database of key dignity resources, and invites everyone to share their resources.
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Sarah Efird (pen name Refried), Bronx, New York City
Sarah Efird (pen name Refried Bean) lives in the Bronx and enjoys writing poetry, cooking, and volunteering. She has worked in a bookstore for twelve years and has an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She mostly writes humor about food, animals, heaven, Christianity, and mental illness and has e-published several books of poetry, a book of stories, a novel, and three picture books.
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Message from Evelin Lindner: We were very happy to have you with us for the second time, dear Refried! Thank you also so much for the gift of your wonderful books!
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Volker Berghahn is Seth Low Professor of History Emeritus at the Department of History of Columbia University, New York City, U.S.A. Volker Berghahn specializes in modern German history and European-American relations. He received his M.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (1961) and his Ph.D. from the University of London (1964). He taught in England and Germany before coming to BrownUniversity in 1988 and to Columbia ten years later. His publications include: America and the Intellectual Cold Wars in Europe (2001); Quest for Economic Empire (ed., 1996); Imperial Germany (1995); The Americanization of West German Industry, 1945-1973 (1986); Modern Germany (1982); Der Tirpitz-Plan (1971); Europe in the Era of Two World Wars (2006); and Industriegesellschaft und Kulturtransfer, Goettingen (2010).
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Personal message from Evelin: Lieber Volker, was für eine Freude, dass Du zu unserem Workshop kommen konntest! Ein GROSSES Danke an Dich für Dein extraordinäres Lebenswerk!
Dear Volker, what a joy that you could come to our workshop! A BIG thank you to you for your extraordinary life's work! |
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Alma Karabeg is co-founder of Japan Startup Research and a Ph.D. student researching geopolitics in the Arctic, affiliated with the Japan Startup Research and UiT The Arctic University of Norway. She is a professional with a diverse academic and professional background, primarily based in Norway. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Master's degrees in Sociology and Public Administration, obtained from institutions in Norway and Denmark. Her expertise encompasses the aid sector, where she has contributed to the development of startup ecosystems in Southeastern and Eastern Europe.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our conference, dear Alma! We were very happy to have you with us online! |
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When asked "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Andrea explained, "Dignity for me is as important as my engagement for the nature. When we haven't got any respect to ourselves and to the others, we are not really strong and able enough to solve the problems around us. To gain an aim means to listen to each other and to respect each other. That makes us strong."
Message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Andrea! Thank you so much for being such a wise and loving dignifier in this world! It was a great privilege for me to meet you on the occasion of the "Klimastreik" in Hameln on September 20, 2019! I was just back from our 2019 Dignity Conference in the Amazon of Brazil and sent you the letter we received from a group of young pupils from the Irmã Theoroda school about the destruction of the Amazon. This letter touched you deeply and brought us together! Thank you for your deep sensitivity for dignity!
Thank you for being with us in our 2023 workshop!
Furthermore, the lovely contributions from Hameln to our 2021 workshop came true due to your untiring support:
• Dignity Now: Hameln Removes Plastic Waste from the Banks of its River Weser (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel, recorded in September 2021, finalized on November 25, 2021)
• The Dignity Now Hameln Group sings Dona Nobis Pacem ("Grant Us Peace" in Latin) in the Chapel of Wangelist near Hameln (Hamelin) on November 8, 2021
Thank you, dear Andrea and Regina, for being such wonderful members of
our DignityNowHameln group, and of contributing so wonderfully to our 2020 workshop!
• Dignity Now: Hameln Presents Good Ideas from the Past and the Future for a More Sustainable Future. Thoughts Are Unchained (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel, recorded in October and November 2020, finalized on November 21, 2020)
• Die Gedanken sind Frei / Thoughts are Unchained sung by the DignityNowHameln group
This is the contribution of the DignityNowHameln group that was recorded in October and November 2020, and finalized on November 21, 2020 (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel)
Thank you so much, dear Andrea and Regina, also for sharing your wonderful art with us!
• Der Mond ist aufgegangen (Video of verse 1 on Day Two | Video of verse 2 on Day Three | Video of verse 1 + 2) Der Mond ist aufgegangen wurde 1790 vom Matthias Claudius als religiöses Abendlied geschrieben, vertont wurde es noch im selben Jahr vom Hofkapellmeister Johann A. P. Schulz. English: The moon has risen was written by Matthias Claudius in 1790 as a religious evening song, and it was set to music in the same year by the court conductor Johann A. P. Schulz.
• Hameln Sings (all vocal interludes brought together) (Video) |
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Angélica L. M. Walker is a Brazilian licensed attorney from São Paulo, Brazil, with over 15 years of experience in civil and labor law litigation. She is a member of the OAB/SP (Sao Paulo Bar Association). Ms. Walker is a Foreign Law Consultant licensed by the Supreme Court of the State of New York Appelate Division — Second Judicial Department. She earned a LLM in 2008 from Cardozo Law School in New York and she is a member and actively participates in events of the Brazil-USA Chamber of Commerce; the American Bar Association (ABA), International MediationSection; CBAr (Comite Brasileiro de Arbitragem), and Grupo de Estudos de Mediacao Empresarial. In her spare time, Ms. Walker is also a highlight tour guide at Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in English and Portuguese, and is an art dealer accredited by NYU.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dearest Angélica, a very warm welcome to our workshop! It is an honor to have you with us! You contributed so wonderfully to our 2019 Dignity Workshop!
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Anindita Dhar is a College Teacher who did her postgraduation in English literature from Banaras Hindu University. She is an educator since thirteen years and her research area is humiliation in caste mothers. She wishes to understand Indian caste hypergamy marriages humiliation. In India, the practice of hypergamy is deeply rooted in the patriarchal and caste-based social structure of India. It reinforces the notion that women's primary role is to uphold family honor through marriage. Marriages that violate hypergamous norms, such as those involving a woman marrying a man of a lower caste (hypogamy), can lead to severe social repercussions, including humiliation and ostracism.
Anindita
says, "Dignity is a stencil for ones identity."
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our conference, dear Anindita! We were very happy to have you with us online! |
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Anna Hamling holds a PhD from the University of Warsaw and an MA from Queen's University and specializes in nonviolence and peace studie. She is a Professor of Culture and Media Studies at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Canada. Her teaching encompasses culture and media studies, as well as Spanish, Russian, and Latin American literature and cultures. Her research interests are diverse, covering topics such as nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature from Spain, Russia, and Latin America, contemporary women's art in these regions, and the study of music and dance. She focuses also on Romani Studies and the philosophy of nonviolence. Hamling has made significant contributions to the academic discourse on peace movements, particularly regarding the role of women.
Among her notable publications are I Have a Dream: From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Nonviolence (2021), Women and Nonviolence (2021), and Contemporary Icons of Nonviolence (2020). Through her work, Hamling has established herself as a leading voice in nonviolence scholarship, exploring the intersections between culture, gender, and activism for peace.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Anna! We were very happy to have you with us online! |
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Dr. Ashutosh Kumar, an Associate Professor in the Decision Science Area at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow, is a distinguished scholar and recipient of the prestigious Jagdish N. Sheth Best Doctoral Thesis Award conferred by the honorable Vice President of India.
With a wealth of experience spanning 27 years in the fields of Statistics, Mathematics, and Management, Dr. Kumar’s illustrious career has seen him traverse through academia, research, and practical application of statistical methods, shaping policies and impacting communities at various levels.
Dr. Kumar has delved into the intricate workings of statistical analysis as a Senior Statistical Officer at NSSTA and through his tenure in esteemed government bodies like the National Statistical Office (NSO), the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, and the Ministry of Rural Development. His hands-on experience, which includes working in over 200 Indian villages and contributing to policy-making circles, has endowed him with a comprehensive understanding of statistics in action—from grassroots data collection to high-level policy formulation.
Dr. Kumar has played a pivotal role in training national and international statistical services officers at the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications. His training programs have focused on cultivating an environment of continuous learning, analytical depth, and innovative thinking, ensuring that statistical concepts are understood and applied effectively in real-world scenarios.
Dr. Kumar's research has had a significant impact on real-world issues, with his papers addressing multifaceted issues like women empowerment, poverty, and education from statistical perspectives. This practical approach has strengthened his understanding of subjects like Business Statistics and Business Research Methods, enabling him to provide students with practical insights and real-life scenarios in business management. His interdisciplinary knowledge and insights from anthropology have enhanced his ability to connect theoretical concepts with practical realities, making him a valuable asset to the academic community.
Dr. Kumar's unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and growth is a personal value and a professional mission. His dedication inspires students and colleagues, shaping future generations of analytical thinkers and problem solvers.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Ashutosh Kumar! We were very happy to have you with us! |
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Barbara Barnes is a Senior Associate of Educators for Social Responsibility in New York City. In 2020, Barbara shared her background as follows: A US American, I have worked in education for over 50 years, in areas such as diversity, anti-bias, understanding racism, and what it means to think and act as an anti-racist. I have also been an anti-war and peace activist. Music has been an an important part of my life. Recently, I have become more active in uUnderstanding white supremacy, historically and today, and how it impacts us individually, is grounding for our societal institutions, and how to dismantle it — inside ourselves, in our relationships, and in our institutions.
I am active in SURJ, Standing up for Racial Justice, a national organization predominantly of white folks working with other white people to better understand white supremacy in our society and how it plays out in each of us. It is also an activist organization working to dismantle racist institutions in areas such as housing, policing, immigration, and education. I have also been attending IIPE, the International Institute for Peace Education, summer institute for almost 20 years.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dearest Barbara, a very warm welcome to this workshop! It was wonderful to have you with us in our 2018 and 2020 workshops, almost twenty years after we first met! Thank you that you attended the special workshop I gave at the MD-ICCCR "Conflict Resolution and the Psychology of Humiliation" on June 19, 2002! |
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Berlotte Antoine is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Senior Paralegal at NYLAG & Notary Public,
World Pulse, with an educational background from
Wurzweiler Graduate School of Social Work, based in
Brooklyn, New York, United States.
As LMSW Chair of Parks and Beautification Comminuty Board 17, Berlotte received the Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Award in 2023: "Berlotte is a passionate disability right advocate committed to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Berlotte Antoine, LMSW, is a highly accomplished professional with diverse expertise and a deep commitment to serving her community. As a radio host at Brase Lide, she has used her platform to engage and inform listeners on various topics, providing a voice for meaningful discussions and promoting community dialogue. In addition to her work in radio, Berlotte is a senior paralegal with extensive experience in the legal field. Her solid legal background has enabled her to contribute significantly to the success of legal teams, demonstrating exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills. Berlotte’s dedication to community involvement is evident through her role as the chair of the Parks and Beautification committee at her community board. In this capacity, she has worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of public spaces, advocating for creating and maintaining beautiful and functional parks for residents to enjoy. Furthermore, Berlotte is a passionate disability rights advocate committed to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Her advocacy work encompasses raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and supporting policy changes that benefit the disabled community. Berlotte’s professional achievements and community engagement demonstrate her strong work ethic and commitment to making a positive impact. She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), allowing her to provide invaluable support and counseling services to individuals and families in need. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Berlotte combines her expertise in social work with her legal and advocacy skills to assist and empower vulnerable populations. Her dedication to social justice and passion for helping others make her an invaluable asset to her community. Berlotte Antoine’s unwavering commitment to radio broadcasting, legal services, community involvement, and disability rights advocacy has earned her a reputation as a highly respected and influential professional. She continues to make a significant impact through her various roles, inspiring positive change and fostering a more inclusive and just society."
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Berlotte Antoine! We were very happy to have you with us! |
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Brian Ward, Christchurch, New Zealand/Aotearoa
What does "dignity through solidarity" mean to you? "It means the ultimate solidarity that equal dignity offers all humans."
Dear Brian, we will never forget how generously you hosted our 2011 Dignity Conference in Dunedin! You are a gift to our dignity work all the way back since 2007, when you found us on the internet!
thank you SO MUCH for your great gift to our 2022 workshop! Dignity Dialogue plaques!
Thank you so much also for sharing the poem The River of Life at our 2021 workshop, which you had composed at the occasion of the passing of your dear mother at the age of 101 (Video):
The River of Life
I float
I float on the river of life
I get washed under only to rise again
I bump into the bank only to bounce back
I can steer myself but cannot steer others
I can only show others how I steer myself
It’s wonderful I am part of the river
And once I reach the river mouth
I become part of the sea of everything
That make all journeys possible
Thank you also very much for sharing your thoughts at the end of our 2021 workshop (Video)! |
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In our 2020 workshop, Carol defined dignity as follows, "The right to be respected as a matter of being alive, human and otherwise. And to give that respect as well."
Carol Smaldino is a practicing psychotherapist working with parents and families, who writes on the connections between emotions and politics and loves to translate important concepts into practical possibilities. She loves to meet new people and is starting a podcast called Human Climate.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Your
wisdom always deeply enriches us, dear Carol, since you first found our work in 2009! We so much appreciate your way of throwing light on our dark sides, on our shadows! Thank you so much for your brilliant contribution to Dignilogue 1 on December 9, 2021, titled Solidarity with Our Emotions in the Human Climate (Video)!
Your pieces on the platforms of Huffington Post and Medium are must-reads for everyone! Here are some examples:
• The Human Climate Facing the Divisions Inside Us and Between Us, Carol Smaldino's book published in January 2019 in Dignity Press
• "If They Had Only Known: If We had Only Known, and Now that we Do," by Carol Smaldino, Medium, December 1, 2021
• "Mental Health Awareness Month in a Climate of Denial," by Carol Smaldino, Huffington Post, May 11, 2016
• "In Every Generation: What Independence Day Means to Me," by Carol Smaldino, Huffington Post, June 29, 2017
• "Addressing the 'Toxins in Our Hearts': A Conversation with Mary Gordon, Founder of Roots of Empathy," by Carol Smaldino, Huffington Post, December 21, 2017
• "Cancer Comedy," by Carol Smaldino, Huffington Post, July 12, 2014
We are very proud to have your book published in Dignity Press:
Smaldino, Carol (2019). The Human Climate: Facing the Divisions Inside Us and Between Us (Lake Oswego, OR: Dignity Press)
We cannot imagine our workshop series without you and your husband anymore, dear Carol, since you first joined us in 2010, then in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, and now 2024! Our deep gratitude goes to you! We so much value your comments in 2024: "At this time when fear and hatred have been dominating, I am glad to share on vulnerability. So many people are afraid of it and see it as shameful. Pondering at this moment how to feel and model curiosity and compassion, and exploring our own shadows." Thank you for thinking about protecting vulnerability: " Vulnerabiliity is crucial for empathy but often raw and unsafe." Thank you for being such a dedicated Social Work Therapist, for writing for Substack, and for authoring a new manuscript titled Vulnerability Protected: Visions of a Dancing Mind!
And thank you for interviewing Linda and Evelin for your Conversations on The Human Climate on October 22, 2021!
The Human Climate: Carol Smaldino with Guest Evelin Lindner and Linda Hartling
Premiere May 16, 2022
(recorded on October 22, 2021) |
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Cecilia Regueira is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Systemic Therapy from Fairfield University. She lived in Wilton, Connecticut, for 20 years before moving back to Brazil in 2000 with her husband. During her time in Brazil, she founded and served as the CEO of the Hartmann Regueira Institute for 18 years. The Institute was dedicated to strengthening the management practices of social organizations, supporting them in their missions to make a greater impact on their communities. Through workshops, mentorship, and innovative strategies, they helped organizations enhance their leadership, sustainability, and efficiency in delivering services to those in need.
She
now lives in New York City, where she volunteers as a Spiritual Care Partner at Mount Sinai West Hospital, offering compassionate care and mindfulness practices to patients and healthcare providers. She is a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher through the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, and a certified Wellness Coach through the Mayo Clinic. In addition, she manages an online coaching and meditation practice, Cultura do Bem Estar, serving clients in Brazil, the U.S., and Europe. With over 30 years of mindfulness practice, she is deeply passionate about fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and peace in the lives of others.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Cecilia! We were very happy to have you with us! |
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Courtney Chicvak is the Curriculum Development Specialist at the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR). Outside of her role at the Center, she is the Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution at Long Island Dispute Resolution Centers and a Lecturer in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program at Columbia University. She is an attorney in New York, an International Mediation Institute (IMI) Mediator, and serves on several New York State Court System mediation rosters.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Courtney! We were so very happy to have you with us! |
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Cyril Ritchie is the President of the Union of International Associations (UIA), a non-profit, non-governmental research institute and documentation center based in Brussels, Belgium. It was founded in 1907 by Henri La Fontaine, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Paul Otlet, a pioneer in information science. The UIA operates under the mandate of the United Nations and has consultative status with ECOSOC and UNESCO.
Cyril Ritchie has had a distinguished career spanning several decades in international non-governmental organizations and civil society. He has held leadership positions in numerous prominent organizations, demonstrating his expertise in global cooperation and advocacy. Since 2017, Ritchie has served as the President of the Union of International Associations in Brussels. Prior to this, he had a long association with the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO), serving as its President from 2011 to 2018 and as First Vice President from 2018 to 2025, working across Geneva, New York, and Vienna. Ritchie's commitment to NGO law and policy is evident in his role as President of the Council of Europe Expert Council on NGO Law from 2008 to 2018, after which he became its Honorary President. He has also been a Senior Policy Advisor for the World Future Council since 2012, based in Hamburg. In the environmental sector, Ritchie has been the Chair of the Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI) in Nairobi since 2000.
His contributions to civil society and democracy are further highlighted by his presidency of the International Civil Society Forum for Democracy in Doha in 2006 and the World Civil Society Conference in Montreal in 1999.
Ritchie's career also includes significant executive experience. He served as the Executive Director of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies in Geneva for two periods, from 1964 to 1978 and again from 1990 to 1991. In recognition of his work, Ritchie was awarded the World Order of the Smile by the Government of Poland in 1979, an honor he continues to hold. Throughout his career, Cyril Ritchie has demonstrated a strong commitment to international cooperation, civil society development, and global advocacy, playing key roles in shaping policy and fostering collaboration among non-governmental organizations worldwide.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Cyril Ritchie! We were so very happy to have you with us! It was such a great gift to meet you in August in Geneva! |
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deting lu, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
deting lu intentionally chooses not to capitalize her name in English as a personal reminder to remain humble. She is inspired by the late bell hooks, who also stylised her name in lowercase. bell hooks adopted this format to shift the focus from herself to her work, emphasising the importance of ideas over individual identity. She believed that using lowercase letters would help decenter her personal identity and highlight the substance of her writings, which addressed critical issues such as race, feminism, and class. By following this example, Lu aims to cultivate humility in her own life and work, reflecting a commitment to personal growth and a recognition of the broader context of her contributions. This approach aligns with the idea that humility can enhance relationships and foster a deeper understanding of oneself and others
deting lu is a small piece of peace from Northeast Asia, interested in peace, nonviolence, and trauma work. Since 2019, she has been actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts, particularly focused on Northeast Asia. In September 2023, she completed her Ph.D. in Peace and Human Rights Studies, exploring the potential for healing grassroots relationships between Chinese and Japanese societies by addressing shared historical traumas through a holistic approach that engages the mind, heart, and body.
Currently, deting teaches at a Chinese university, where she is gradually integrating the holistic approach into her classroom. She also serves as a Steering Committee member and facilitator for the trauma course at Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI), is a certified Level One Kingian Nonviolence trainer, and a member of the Peace Studies Association of Japan (PSAJ).
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Deting Lu! We were very happy to have you with us! |
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Asked what dignity means to her in 2024, Donna explained, "Dignity to me means that in order for ALL to be respected, we must face the indignities that exist no matter how painful. Since our world is faced with extremely dangerous issues, it is important to discuss what is actually happening today."
When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Donna explained, "To me it means learning about the plight of others — not just second-hand through reading or documentaries--but by meeting with those who have lived experience and they can open our collective eyes to what is happening in our world."
Donna T. Fujimoto is a Professor who retired from Osaka Jogakuin University in Osaka, Japan. There she taught English as a Foreign Language, Intercultural Communication and human rights courses. Donna has been in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for over 50 years. She has a B.A. in Community Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz, an M.A. from the University of Hawaii from the Department of Second Language Studies, and a doctorate from Temple University, Japan. She was born in the U.S. and is a third-generation Japanese American who has been living in Japan for the past four decades. She is very active in several organizations: she is President of the Pragmatics SIG (Special Interest Group) of JALT (Japan Association of Language Teaching); the Coordinator of the Contrast Culture Method, an intercultural training group; and the leader of the SIETAR Kansai chapter (Society of Intercultural Education, Training and Research).
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Donna, we are so privileged to be connected with you! SIETAR Japan brought us together, when you kindly recorded the guest lecture titled How Intercultural Communicators Can Contribute to Realizing Humiliation-Free Global Peace that I gave at the SIETAR Japan Kansai Chapter's June Meeting on June 17, 2007, at the Takatsuki Shiritsu Sogo Shimin Koryu Center in Osaka, Japan (see pictures). I will never forget our lovely meeting in a small Korean restaurant near Tamatsukuri Station at the Osaka Loop Line, after Morinomiya, on July 4, 2007!
Later, you kindly joined us in our 2014 Dignity Conference in Chiang Mai and, together with your husband, in our 2017 Dignity Conference in India. We miss you! Welcome back!
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What is dignity? Dorothee's answer in 2024: Dignity is the basis of the human being. I want to support the global activities for dignity and peace on Earth, especially for disadvantaged people.
Dorothee Densow is a Nurse in the field of psychosomatics. She is now retired. She lives in Hameln in Lower Saxony, Germany. Dorothee has an ongoing interest and expertise in the fields of environment and agriculture. In 2020, she joined the DignityNowHameln group, and also attended the online Workshops on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict in December 2020 and December 2021, hosted by HumanDHS and the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR) at Columbia University, New York City. Furthermore, she joined the 37th Annual Conference of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies 'From United Nations to United People: From the Brink of Disaster to a Future of Dignity' organised by the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies with the World Dignity University Initiative under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal in Amman, Jordan, and online 5th – 7th September 2022. She also came to the 40th Annual Conference of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies 'Global Vulnerabilities — From Humiliation to Dignity and Solidarity' hosted by Professor Saulo Fernández, Ph.D., of the Faculty of Psychology / Facultad de Psicología (UNED) in Madrid, Spain, and online, 17th – 20th September 2024.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Dorothee, it was such a joy and honour that you were with us in our dignity conferences in Amman in 2022 and in Madrid in 2024! You came all the way from Lower Saxony together with Georg Geckler, and having you with us in our global dignity work is a wonderful gift!
Together with Georg, you sang 'Die Gedanken sind frei' in several of our conferences! (Video, Madrid, 2024)! A big big thank you, dear Doro (Video, Madrid, 2024)! A very warm welcome also to our 2024 New York workshop! |
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Fukumi Orikasa, and Lindsay Forslund, New York City
Fukumi Orikasa is the Protection Knowledge Management Specialist at the UN Action Secretariat, where she focuses on conflict prevention, response, peacebuilding, and development, leveraging her five years of experience in the field. Based in New York City, she previously worked with UN Women as an Associate Specialist and now contributes to the UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict network, within the Office of Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict at United Nations, which aims to prevent sexual violence during and after armed conflicts, enhance accountability, and support survivors. Her expertise in protection and knowledge management plays an important role in developing strategies and sharing information to effectively address these critical issues.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: You are most warmly welcome, dear Fukumi Orisaka!
It was lovely to meet you for the first time on June 21, 2024, when we had a Teams meeting with the SRSG Pramila Patten! We were so glad to have you and your dear colleague Lindsay with us! |
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Ella Autti is undertaking PhD research into shame and humiliation in healthcare work communities at the University of Lapland, Finland. She aims to pursue an understanding of the dialogues and systems that humiliate or cause shame in work settings. She holds a master's degree in social sciences and has a background in marketing and communications. Ella is filled with a desire to help healthcare organizations to have mutually respectful and dignified work cultures. She joined the 37th Annual Conference of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies 'From United Nations to United People: From the Brink of Disaster to a Future of Dignity' organised by the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies with the World Dignity University Initiative under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal in Amman, Jordan, and online 5th – 7th September 2022.
Kindly see:
• "Over the Rainbow" (Video), sung at the First World Dignity University Initiative Workshop, titled "For People and the Planet: Learning for a Future of Dignity," hosted online on December 9, 2022, representing the 19th Annual Workshop co-hosted by Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Teachers College, Columbia University.
• Graphics:
    
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dearest Ella! We have no words to thank you for your wonderful ongoing support for our global dignity community! Your loving wisdom is priceless!
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Erin Hilgart, Woodstock, New York City
When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Erin responded by saying, "Working together in inclusion and curiosity."
Erin Hilgart has an organization development and leadership strategy consultancy focused on helping organizations to prepare their teams for the future of work. Her research focuses on professional identity shift and how people transition effectively to the the changing requirements of work. She is affiliated with the Columbia Business School, an LEAD coach. Her special areas of interest, study, or research are professional identity shift, career development, personal transitions / change.
Three things she would like others to know about her:
1. I like to keep learning
2. I like deep and meaningful dialogue
3. I moved with my family from NYC to Woodstock, NY, 8 years ago... and now that our daughters are 7 and 9, we are considering moving back to the city!
Erin holds a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership and an MA in Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2010, Erin started an organizational development and leadership strategy firm, Hilgart, where she and her team enable leaders and employees at all levels to prepare for the future of work in the post-industrial, post-knowledge worker era. She looks back on an international career at Deutsche Bank, where she was a Vice President holding Finance Transformation and Talent & Leadership roles in Singapore, London & New York.
Erin has travelled to more than 60 countries, and is from a small town in rural Wisconsin. Her research interests include career transition, role identity, and systemic approaches to learning and change.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Erin! Thank you for offering your thoughts on how the skillsets and mindsets of people for the "future of work" can be developed in a way that puts human dignity at the center!
It is always such a privilege to have you with us in our conferences, dear Erin, ever since you attended the course I gave in 2002 at Teachers College, "Conflict Resolution and the Psychology of Humiliation"! Since then, you have joined us in many conference, both in New York City and elsewhere (in Oslo!)! Thank you!
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Gabriela Hofmeyer is a student at the Western Institute for Social Research (WISR). Her special areas of interest, study, or research are: Resilience and Community Education, Arts, Music, Fractal Studies, Domestic Violence Interventions, Child Abuse Interventions, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Science and Technology, Inclusion, and Disability Studies and Research.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Gabriela! We were very happy to have you with us! |
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From my point of view, the concept of dignity for all living beings highlights the idea that every form of life should be treated with respect and compassion. Dignity towards all living beings strengthens a sense of respect and empathy in us and — as a holistic approach — emphasises the interconnectedness of all life. It advocates for example the respectful treatment of animals and our environment. Fostering a culture of dignity can gradually strengthen communities and help to create a foundation for peace by promoting respect and understanding for each other.
I am a member of the group Friedensinitiave der Universität Hamburg preparing the Dignity Conference in Hamburg 2026.
Gabriele Rabkin was a pivotal figure in the development and implementation of the Family Literacy (FLY) project in Hamburg, Germany. She worked at the State Institute for Teacher Training and School Development (Landesinstitut für Lehrerbildung und Schulentwicklung) in Hamburg, where she led the Family Literacy project until February 2017.
After February 2017, Gabriele Rabkin shifted her focus to peace education through the arts. She is currently associated with the Center for Peace Education and Peacebuilding (Zentrum für Friedensbildung und Peacebuilding) at the University of Hamburg. Her work in this field explores the potential for intra- and interpersonal perspective shifts through artistic engagement within the framework of peace education.
Gabriele Rabkin completed her promotion to Dr. phil. at the pedagogical institute of the University of Hamburg in 1998, with a dissertation on the topic of Schreibanregungen in Theorie und Praxis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Gunter Otto and Prof. Dr. Mechthild Dehn.
The Family Literacy (FLY) project in Hamburg was initiated in the 2004/2005 school year as the first German pilot project focused on family literacy. It was part of a five-year model program called 'Promotion of Children and Youth with Migration Background - FÖRMIGæ, which was funded by the Federal and State Commission for Educational Planning and Research Promotion (BLK). The project was a collaborative effort between the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the State Institute for Teacher Training and School Development (LI) in Hamburg.
FLY aimed to enhance language learning and literacy among children while also empowering parents to support their children's educational journey. The project focused on the critical transition period between preschool and primary school, actively involving parents in their children's early literacy education. It had three main components: active participation of parents in the classroom, parent work parallel to classroom instruction, and joint extracurricular activities.
Evaluation results demonstrated that the project successfully helped parents support their children's language development at home, provided valuable information about the education system, and facilitated greater involvement of parents in kindergartens, preschools, and schools. Gabriele Rabkin's leadership and innovative approach to family literacy in Hamburg have been widely recognized for their positive impact on children's language and literacy development, as well as on parental involvement in education.
Kindly see: Reflections on Dignity, contribution shared subsequent to the 40th Annual Conference of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies titled 'Global 'Vulnerabilities — From Humiliation to Dignity and Solidarity', in Madrid, Spain, 17th – 20th September 2024, shared on 21st October 2024.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: It was a great joy to have you in our 2024 Dignity Conference in Madrid, Spain, dear Gabriele! We were so very happy to have you with us! What a gift! Welcome to our NY workshops, too! |
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When asked "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Georg explained, "I try to be in solidarity especially to those people who need it most."
Georg-Wilhelm Geckler is an engineer who worked in the oil and gas business and in planning depositories for radioactive waste. He is now helping Yezidi refugees from Iraq in Germany. He is a member of the DignityNowHameln and ambassador for the EU climate pact. Together with friends and relatives, Georg creates videos that offer established knowledge and hopeful visions to audiences wherever this is wished for or needed. His message is: Stop climate warming and burning fossil fuels and instead foster renewable energy, stop wars and humiliation and instead work for dignity world wide. Children and students should learn in dignity, because this prevents them from learning to harm other persons, which, in turn, can help to bring dignity to the world in the future.
At the 2020 workshop, Georg described dignity as follows, "For me dignity is a condition of a person who is respected and can live in freedom, peace, with good nutrition, a safe home, and without physical or psychical violation. Dignity could be the attitude of a person that is recognized by others as a proud and decent human being."
Thank you for for your important messages that you delivered in our 2020 NY workshop, dear Georg!
• "Message to the World" (Text | Video recorded on November 30, 2020)
• Reduce Overproduction! Hameln, Germany, November 2020
Thank you, dear Georg, also for your dedicated support for
our DignityNowHameln group, since 2019!
• Dignity Now: Hameln Removes Plastic Waste from the Banks of its River Weser (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel, recorded in September 2021, finalized on November 25, 2021)
• The Dignity Now Hameln Group sings Dona Nobis Pacem ("Grant Us Peace" in Latin) in the Chapel of Wangelist near Hameln (Hamelin) on November 8, 2021
2020:
• Dignity Now: Hameln Presents Good Ideas from the Past and the Future for a More Sustainable Future. Thoughts Are Unchained (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel, recorded in October and November 2020, finalized on November 21, 2020)
• Die Gedanken sind Frei / Thoughts are Unchained sung by the DignityNowHameln group
This is the contribution of the DignityNowHameln group that was recorded in October and November 2020, and finalized on November 21, 2020 (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel)
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: It was a great gift, dear Georg, to have you and Dorothee Densow in our Dignity Conference in Amman, Jordan, in 2022 and our Dignity Conference in Madrid, Spain, in 2022! Welcome to our NY workshops, too!
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Isabel Barroso, Ph.D., Tarragona, Catalonia
Dignity, to me, means being able to develop your true essence; humiliation means a way to destroy people's inner soul by power abuse. I believe that sharing views with concerned people is the only way to fulfill our goals as a human community!
Isabel Barroso is based in Tarragona, Catalunya. After earning a Degree in Linguistics and a Degree in Comparative Literature at the University of Barcelona, she moved to Japan where she got a Ph.D. in Shintoism - Comparative Religions Studies from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo. There she developed a deep concern for the vulnerability of dignity through power abuse. Back in Tarragona again, she is works on a new PhD in Philosophy concerning the aesthetic experience of temporality in traditional Japan. On 10th November 2021, she kindly wrote: I wish to share views in order to enlarge the community of promotors of a new concept of humankind based in dignified human relationships.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Isabel, you have no idea what a gift you are to our global dignity work, all the way back to 2010, when you first got in touch with us!
We so much value your sensitivity for dignity and how it can be violated! We are so privileged to have you with us! Thank you so much that you always so kindly offer your support, as, and this is only one example, in our 2020 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict at Columbia University in New York (Video)!
Our Dignity Conference in Madrid depended on you! Without your help, our dear Fatma Tufan would not have been able to understand the Spanish on the computer in our conference venue! And thank you so so much for sharing the room with me during the conference and offering me your wonderful Dignity Dialogue Home in Tarragona subsequent to the conference! What a gift! What a privilege! Thank you, dear Isabel (Video)!
A very warm welcome also to our New York workshops!
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Jean-Paul Selten is a psychiatry researcher and professor emeritus at Maastricht University, specializing in schizophrenia, migration, and mental health epidemiology. His research has focused on understanding the relationship between migration, ethnic minorities, and psychotic disorders, with significant contributions to the field including multiple meta-analyses on migration and psychosis, cannabis use, and schizophrenia risk. Selten has published numerous influential papers in important journals, exploring topics such as discrimination, urbanisation, and the neurobiological factors contributing to psychotic disorders. His work has been widely cited, with over 16,000 citations, and he continues to be affiliated with the School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS) at Maastricht University, where he investigates the complex interactions between genetic variation, environmental factors, and mental health.
Kindly see
Selten, Jean Paul, and Johan Ormel (2023). "Low status, humiliation, dopamine and risk of schizophrenia." In Psychological Medicine, 53 (3), pp. 609–13. doi: 10.1017/S0033291722003816.
Abstract: The social defeat hypothesis of schizophrenia, which proposes that the chronic experience of outsider status or subordinate position leads to increased striatal dopamine activity and thereby to increased risk, has been criticized. The aims of this paper are to improve the definition of defeat and to integrate the social defeat hypothesis with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis. ... In this new version of the social defeat hypothesis we propose that the combination of low status, repeated humiliation and poor homeostatic control of dopamine neurons in midbrain and dorsal striatum leads to increased striatal dopamine activity and thereby to an increased risk of schizophrenia.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome, dear Jean-Paul Selten! Your work is so important! We were so glad that you
found us on the internet! Welcome to our workshop! |
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Jeremy Rinker, Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Jeremy Rinker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). He earned his Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University in 2009, along with a Master’s degree in Asian Religion from the University of Hawaii.
His research centers on the connections between narrative, collective trauma, and nonviolent social change, focusing on how justice discourse and trauma awareness can impact social movements that address historical injustices and structural violence.
Dr. Rinker has written notable works such as "Identity, Rights, and Awareness: Anti-Caste Activism in India," which examines the narratives of anti-caste activists, and co-edited "Realizing Nonviolent Resilience: Neoliberalism, Societal Trauma, and Marginalized Voice," discussing the role of trauma in peacebuilding. Additionally, he serves as the editor of the Journal of Transdisciplinary Peace Praxis, which aims to bridge academic research with practical peacebuilding efforts.
Prior to his position at UNCG, Dr. Rinker was a Fulbright Fellow at Banaras Hindu University in India and worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kazakhstan from 1995 to 1997. His professional background includes developing programs focused on restorative justice and nonviolent conflict transformation.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Jeremy! It was wonderful to meet you at the Ambedkar International Center (AIC) on October 19, 2024! We are so happy to have you with us! |
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Jocelyn Wright is a Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at Mokpo National University in South Korea, where she has been teaching since 2007. While her academic background blends linguistics and education, her international teaching experience includes Canada, the Dominican Republic, and France. In addition to her interests which lie at the heart of the intersecting fields of peace linguistics, peace (language) education, and peace literature, both have inspired and enriched her interdisciplinary approach to language education.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Jocelyn! We were very happy to have you with us! |
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Joy Ndwandwe, Eswatini (former Swaziland)
When asked "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Joy explained, "Dignity through solidarity means the need for advocacy that enables the proposed advocacy for the second liberation through natural rights embedded within indigenous knowledge. Thus, solidary in advancing this second liberation as indigenous knowledge was historical and continues to be systemically negated, manifesting in the eroding of dignity manifesting in conflicts, humiliation and dehumanization."
Welcome to our workshops and conferences, dearest Joy! What a privilege to have you in our global dignity community!
Joy is one of the founding partners of the Indigenous Knowledge Hub in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Joy is the Founding President of the Indigenous Knowledge Hub in Eswatini that was founded in March 2020 as an NGO under the Swaziland Companies Act No. 8 of 2009. This hub is an academic space for policy makers and researchers for preserving and integrating indigenous knowledge and modernity towards Education for Sustainable Development and the Africa We Want. Due to Covi-19 and the political crisis in the kingdom of Eswatini the Indigenous Knowledge Hub will be formally launched with website and all social media platforms in 2021.
The Indigenous Knowledge Hub is a Dignity Institute, following Joy's interest in advancing dignity embedded within indigenous knowledge towards Education for Sustainable Development. Most importantly, having access to leading dignity scholars is important, who will provide technical expertise in the establishing of the hub and strategic interventions as and when the need arises.
Joy lives by the following principles: Confidence, Dignity, and Contentment.
Thank you so much for contributing to Dignilogue 1 in 2021 with presenting your Indigenous Knowledge Hub, dear Joy! Abantu Eswatini Dignity Institute Indigenous Knowledge Hub: Dignity Through Solidarity: Towards a New Global Normal, presentation by Joy Ndwandwe, Founding President (Video | Video recorded on November 17, 2021 | PowerPoint). Thank you also for contributing to Dignilogue 4 hosted by David Yamada on the World Dignity University initiative! Thank you also for sharing the 2019 podcast of your story!
Thank you so much for explaining the ubuntu philosophy so well in 2013!
• Video Ubuntu Open Space Dignilogue session, 25th April 2013 (unfortunately, reduced video quality), created at the the 21st Annual Conference of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies, 24th-27th April 2013, in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
• Video Ubuntu, summary by Joy Ndwandwe, 26th April 2013, created at the 21st Annual Conference of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies, 24th-27th April 2013, in Stellenbosch, South Africa. |
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Lalit Khandare, India and Oregon, U.S.A.
Dr. Khandare has been a faculty at Pacific’s MSW program since 2017; he has been teaching courses in research, program evaluation, and global health; he also served on UDC, Faculty Senate, and various committees. Dr. Khandare is also appointed as a member on the Global Young Academy (GYA) for 2022-2027 and he serves as co-lead of the Systemic Discrimination Focus Task Group, GYA. Dr. Khandare is a member on the Commission on Global Social Work Education at Council on Social Work Education. He is recently appointed as a site visitor by the Council on Social Work Education Board of Accreditation (BOA). His research focuses on interpersonal violence, South Asian immigrants, global social work, the intersection of caste & race, and human rights.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Lalit Khandare! We are very happy to have you with us for the first time!
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When asked "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Lee explained, "When we can recognize that respecting the human dignity we are each born with provides the basis for moral reasoning and daily decision making, we can unite on this common ground."
Thank you so very much, dear Lee, for your life's work! We are happy that you found us in 2007, and that you came to our workshops in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2021, 2022, 2023, and now 2024! Thank you so much for sharing your valuable work over all these years!
Dear Lee, how can we ever thank you enough! As a consultant in computer networking, you have single-handedly built a monumental contribution to our World Dignity University initiative!
• Wisdompage: “I wonder how that works?” is the question that has propelled much of the life and career of Leland R. Beaumont. Expressed early on as an interest in science, math, engineering, and computer science, he obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering as he began his career at Bell Laboratories and Lucent Technologies.
• In your registration for 2021, you kindly shared an amazingly comprehensive graphical overview over the Causal Relationships Shaping Our Universe! Thank you also for sharing
your ideas for future Dignilogue (Dignity + Dialogue) topics:
1) Seeking real good
2) Creating a Human Rights Olympics event
3) Moral reasoning
• Thank you for creating in the past years more than 60 pages of wise affirmations, a thought experiment that can help better understand the role luck plays in one's life, a course on problem finding, and on confronting tyranny. Thank you for offering an optimistic vision of the future, and a Wikiversity Possibilities curriculum.
• You kindly wrote in 2019:
As a gift to you and the people of the world I have developed the Wisdom and the Future Research Center, where researchers are exploring the question How can we wisely create our future?
I have also developed a freely available course on Moral Reasoning." |
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Marilyn Winter-Tamkin holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, and works as a Life Coach and activist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She offers virtual coaching services focused on self-fulfillment, life transitions, and project organization. She is committed to social change and community building.
Marilyn has a diverse background in coaching, community organizing, and non-profit leadership. She currently serves as the Board Chair for the Center for Emergent Diplomacy, founded by Merle Lefkoff, an organization that brings together diverse groups of people to engage in innovative dialogue processes that lead to new ideas and solutions.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Marilyn! We were so very happy to have you with us! |
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Merle Lefkoff, Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Merle Lefkoff, Ph.D., is the founding Director of the Center for Emergent Diplomacy, an NGO based in Santa Fe. She has been a Track II (back-channel)l mediator in conflict zones around the world, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, South Africa, Nicaragua, Azerbaijan, Romania, Bulgaria, and the U.S. Merle was appointed Guest Scientist and Affiliate at the Center for Nonlinear Studies at Los Alamos National Laboratory, working as a domain expert on agent-based models applying Complexity science to the search for coexistence among warring parties. She is founder of the Bartos Institute for the Constructive Engagement of Conflict at the United World College in New Mexico and was facilitator of the Congressional Rio Puerco Management Committee, restoring the watershed on Eastern Navajo land. She has been a member of two committees of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, co-authoring reports to the U.S. Congress on environmental policy. Merle is an advisor and reporter for "Foreign Policy in Review" and was recently Visiting Professor in Integrative Peacebuilding at Universite Saint-Paul in Ottawa, Canada. She teaches a course on facilitating climate change dialogues at the Professional Development Institute, University of Ottawa.
Please see the note that Merle prepared for our 2005 workshop: When the Butterfly Flaps Her Wings in Gaza.
Merle kindly wrote (June 22, 2005): Thank you so much for the invitation to attend the meeting in December!
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Thank you sovery much, dear Merle, for preparing such a wonderful contribution to our workshop! The Intersection Between Genocide and Ecocide (Video short | Video expanded, recorded on December 4, 2024, in Santa Fe). |
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Michael Boyer, Hameln (Hamelin), Germany
When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Michael responded, "Solidarity with your fellows should prerequisite dignified relations."
His definition of dignity in 2020: Dignism!
A message from the entire dignity family to you, dear Michael: Thank you, dear Michael, for your amazing Dignity Anthem that you created in November 2022!
• the anthem as part of the Introduction to the 2022 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict
• the anthem alone with big subtitles
• the anthem alone with with small subtitles
• the anthem alone without subtitles
• the text of the anthem
Thank you, dear Michael, for your loving support for dignity and your amazing work with
our DignityNowHameln group! Thank you for your Digniworld initiative that you created in 2019 (Video): Digniworld WordPress | Digniworld Facebook | Digniworld Twitter | Digniworld Instagram | World Dignity Movement (on YouTube)
All these lovely contributions to our 2021 workshop from Hameln came true due to your untiring support:
• Dignity Now: Hameln Removes Plastic Waste from the Banks of its River Weser (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel, recorded in September 2021, finalized on November 25, 2021)
• The Dignity Now Hameln Group sings Dona Nobis Pacem ("Grant Us Peace" in Latin) in the Chapel of Wangelist near Hameln (Hamelin) on November 8, 2021
Dear Michael, thank you for devising a lovely "script" for the introduction of the Hameln group during Dignilogue 5 of our workshop: Evelin describes the Group > Evelin to Michael > Michael to Regina > Regina to Andrea > Film - BUND Plastic Action > Andrea to Georg > Georg to Claudia > Claudia to Gisela > Gisela to Dorothee > Dorothee to Andreas > back to Evelin greeting Zuzana Lučkay Mihalčinová > Dona Nobis Pacem.
Thank you also for your wonderful contributions to our 2020 workshop:
• Dignity Now: Hameln Presents Good Ideas from the Past and the Future for a More Sustainable Future. Thoughts Are Unchained (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel, recorded in October and November 2020, finalized on November 21, 2020)
This is the contribution of the DignityNowHameln group that was recorded in October and November 2020, and finalized on November 21, 2020 (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel)
See more in detail:
• 01 Marienhof (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel)
• 02 Unverpackt Laden (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel)
• 03 Song Die Gedanken sind Frei / Thoughts are Unchained (World Dignity Movement channel | HumanDHS channel)
• Dear Michael, thank you also for your wonderful vocal interlude! (Video at the end)
• Hameln Sings (all vocal interludes brought together) (Video) |
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Misako Takizawa is an academic affiliated with the J. F. Oberlin University in Japan, where she serves as a professor in the Graduate School of International Studies, specialising in international law. Her work focuses on various aspects of human security and reconciliation.
Takizawa teaches courses related to gender equality and has been involved in discussions regarding the roles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and UN Women in promoting these goals.
She has participated in significant diplomatic meetings and has contributed to various academic symposiums and discussions, emphasizing the importance of human rights and international cooperation.
J. F. Oberlin University focuses on fostering global citizens through various academic disciplines, including international studies, business management, and performing arts, while maintaining a commitment to Christian values.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Professor Misako Takizawa, we are very thankful to Jeffrey Mensendiek that he introduced you to our work! It was wonderful to have him with us in our Dignity Conference in Madrid in September 2024! So interesting that you and Jeffrey have been convening interdisciplinary research on dignity (with two others), and that "the idea of dignity and dignity practices" are close to your heart!
You are most welcome to shut off your video during our workshop, given the big time difference between Japan and New York! A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Misako! |
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Muhammad Ilyas is a human rights advocate and peace activist from Lahore, Pakistan. He holds an MA in Political Science from the University of the Punjab and an LLM in International Crime and Justice from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in collaboration with the University of Torino, Italy. Currently he is serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the European Institute of Policy Research and Human Rights (EIPRHR) in Latvia. He is also pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership at the University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Muhammad, a very warm welcome to our workshop! It was a great gift that you joined us in our 2011 workshop! Welcome back!
Thank you also for sharing your paper Leadership and Dignity in Conflict Resolution! |
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Nora Alfano, Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S.A.
Nora Alfano is a retired teacher, dedicated to fostering the dignity of the disabled through education of the students and the community. She has promoted social inclusion through sports as a Special Olympics volunteer. Nora has a B.S. in Education, Special Education from Fitchburg State University.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Nora! We are so glad that your sister Becky brough you to us! |
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When asked in 2021 "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Olav explained, "To me this has particular significance in relation to human interaction in situations of human distress and conflicting interests. This could for instance be about influx or refugees, conflict over land or natural resources such as water. With solidarity with other human beings we render dignity both to the parties and our interaction and make conflict resolution more likely."
In the 2020 workshop, Olav described dignity as follows, "Respect, self realisation, inspiration, happiness, freedom."
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Olav, it was a gift to meet you in 1997 / 1998
in Norway! Thank you so much that you have nurtured our global dignity work since then, and that you joined us in our 2008 Dignity Conference in Oslo! Welcome to this workshop! |
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Peter Pollard, Hatfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
What does "dignity through solidarity" mean to you? Peter wrote in 2021:
"I think it speaks to the notion that Dignity must be extended universally and unconditionally. While embracing a commitment to accountability for harmful actions, we must resist the impulse to "otherize" those who threaten or cause harm to us and those we love. Together, we must commit to humanizing those we disagree with or find threatening, while challenging harmful behaviors."
At the 2020 workshop, Peter described dignity as "positive self-regard — a birth right."
Peter Pollard is an independent consultant focusing on supporting Dignity and Healing for males who have been exposed to violence and trauma.
He has extensive training and experience in conflict resolution including mediation, restorative practices, and Motivational Interviewing. He has written extensively and conducted many presentations about sexual abuse and assault, and about overcoming barriers to engaging males who have experienced trauma. Mr. Pollard holds an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a B.A. in Human Services from Springfield College.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Peter, we are so glad that Donna Hicks brought you to us and we thank you so very much for joining us in our 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 workshops! Since then, we cannot imagine our dignity work without you! Thank you for conceiving the important Dignilogue titled Humiliation Trauma together with Sharon Steinborn for our 2023 workshop!
Thank you also for sharing:
• 1in6 Thursday: "Good" and "Evil"...Not So Fast, by Peter Pollard, Joyful Heart Foundation, March 22, 2012 (Pdf)
• 1in6 Thursday: Decriminalizing Trauma: Some New Alternatives to “Fight, Flight or Freeze,” by Peter Pollard, Joyful Heart Foundation, October 23, 2014 (Pdf)
• "Fighting a Contagious Disease in Boston," by Peter Pollard, Social Innovations Journal, December 4, 2017 (Pdf)
In the registration for our 2022 workshop, you kindly wrote:
My work has been focused on supporting dignity and healing for those who have been exposed to violence and trauma, with a particular focus on males.
Several simple (though certainly not simple to implement), trauma-responsive guidelines for working with males have emerged. Most relate to emotional and physical safety:
• Promote dignity by eliminating shaming as a tool to motivate change.
• Provide males cover for walking in the door. Frame services around initially establishing safe, meaningful relationships related to something other than victimization.
• In our families and circles, self-consciously support norm changes in rigidity about masculinity. Expand the emotional survival options for men when they feel vulnerable or face conflict.
• Explore the many ways that fear has been an historic driver of harmful personal interactions, social policy and laws.
• Increase knowledge about positive, evidence-based, alternative solutions to motivate changes in behavior and encourage healing.
• Advise less. Listen more
"I believe the quest for dignity is the foundation of all emotions, behaviors and actions — both positive and harmful. When dignity is secure, the impulse to deflect vulnerability through dominance or violence diminishes. Openness to nuanced ideas becomes safe. |
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Philip Brown, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and New Jersey, U.S.A.
When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Phil explained, "We need each other to build and maintain social cohesion rooted in a just, fair, and caring vision of civilization. Solidarity must be defined in a way that is distinguished from a tribalistic approach to survival."
At the 2020 workshop, Phil defined dignity as follows, "Opportunities for genuine connection with other's humanity under the umbrella of egalitarian principles and respect for all sentient beings."
Dr. Philip Brown is the recipient of the 2016 HumanDHS Lifetime Commitment Award. He is a Coach for the National School Climate Center, and is President of the newly reorganized International Center for Assault Prevention.
Thank you so much, dear Phil, for being a pillar of our dignity work all the way back since 2004, when our beloved Don Klein brought you to us!
Thank you for wonderfully hosting, together with Stephanie Knox Steiner, the Dignilogue titled Reimagining Education (Video) in our 2023 workshop! Equal gratitude goes to you for
hosting Dignilogue 3 in the 2021 workshop, and for contributing to Dignilogue 5 with an important message: Dignifying the Individual Has Both an Interpersonal and Institutional Context and Dimension: Solidarity can happen for good or evil purposes; without prosocial core anchors, it can lead in the wrong direction (Video | PowerPoint)
Phil Brown is a developmental psychologist who has worked to support K-12 education for more than 45 years. He has been part of the HumanDHS network since his doctoral committee chair, Don Klein, invited him in 2004. He is a devotee of intentional networking. He currently serves as President of the International Center for Assault Prevention and as a senior consultant for the National School Climate Center. His special areas of interest, study, and research are the conditions and work that is necessary to support prosocial school cultures, where character, caring, fairness, and equity are equally important as academic achievement.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Thank you, dear Phil, for being a pillar of our dignity work since 2004, when our esteemed Don Klein brought you to us. Thank for joining our 2004 workshop and for accepting that we honored you with our 2016 Lifetime Commitment Award!
In 2008, you contributed to the Special Symposium Issue of Experiments in Education, "Humiliation in the Academic Setting",
published by the S.I.T.U. Council of Educational Research. Professor D. Raja Ganesan, the editor of this Special Symposium Issue, has kindly prepared a "Message to the World" for this workshop on November 10, 2021.
Thank you for sharing:
• Summary of a Human Rights Based Child Protection Prevention and Early Intervention Program "Empowering Children, Parents and Schools to Be Safe, Strong and Free", The International Center for Assault Prevention (ICAP), October 2020
Thank you in particular for your important contribution to this book:
• "School Discipline: A Prosocial Perspective." In Human Dignity: Practices, Discourses, and Transformations: Essays on Dignity Studies in Honor of Evelin G. Lindner. Edited by Chipamong Chowdhury, Michael F. Britton, and Linda M. Hartling. Chapter 8. (Lake Oswego, OR: Dignity Press, 2019)
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Ritu Chopra is a humanitarian and motivational speaker focusing on helping survivors of domestic violence (DV) to live their lives with dignity and uplift themselves from their abusive past. She originally hails from India and is now residing in New Jersey.
She has dedicated her life to helping survivors of domestic violence through her non-profit organization, Lead My Way. A survivor herself, Chopra has transformed her experiences into advocacy, raising awareness about gender-based violence and providing support to those affected.
She is also an accomplished author of several books, including Mastering Life and Women Leadership in the 21st Century, and has produced award-winning documentaries that address domestic violence issues.
In addition to her advocacy work, she provides life skills and job skills training through her NGO platform. She has been hosting Virtual Symposium on trauma-informed communication, aiming to empower them and facilitate healing journeys of violence victims. Her platform is emerging as Women and Youth Empowerment Initiatives to foster sustainable personal growth.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Thank you so much
for being with us, dearest Ritu! Linda and I had a wonderful online meeting with you on 7th June 2019 that lasted for several hours, where you explained to us your amazing life journey! We were deeply impressed and touched!
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When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Robert responded by saying, "Gaining awareness of multiple perspective on dignity and building global capacity."
Robert Anderson, EdD, is an adjunct instructor at the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR). He is a training professional with 20 years of experience in the field of communication and human resource development. In 1989, he established McDonald Anderson, a management training and consulting firm based in New York City. He has conducted leadership and communication workshops for many Fortune 500 companies, universities, and international non-profit organizations. His work regularly takes him to Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and to cities throughout North America. In addition to his native English, he has conducted workshops in French, Portuguese and Spanish. Before starting his own company, Dr. Anderson was employed as a training manager at Salomon Brothers Inc, the National Puerto Rican Forum, and The Executive Technique, a communications consulting firm. His academic credentials include an Ed.D. in adult education from Teachers College, Columbia University, an M.A. in Spanish from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Spanish from Oberlin College.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Robert, what a gift that Adair Linn Nagata brought us together in Tokyo in 2004! Thank you for being such a faithful supporter of our dignity work since then!
The dignity work that you do in the world is so important!
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Shahid Khan, Brooklyn — Little Pakistan
Shahid Khan came to United States in 2010 and has established a non-profit organization, National Youth Organization of Pakistan Inc., in 2014. [read more]
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Shahid, you are a dear member of our dignity community since many years! We were blown away by your support to our 2023 Dignity Workshop! You asked your wife to prepare food for all of us in the room! Our participants on Zoom became extremely jealous! We are deeply thankful for inspiring us from 2019 onwards to organize one of our future conferences in Pakistan! |
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When asked in 2021, "What does 'dignity through solidarity' mean to you?" Sharon explained, "Our belief/need to feel that we are separate, distinct, completely individualistic humans living on this planet leads to isolation and fear; an existential threat of aloneness and the resultant anxiety. That we are truly and deeply one and connected to each other physically, emotionally and spiritually is what leads to healing. What hurts one hurts the other. When I accept that truth it makes it more difficult to harm another. Dignity is a communal responsibility."
Sharon Steinborn is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Underlying many of those experiencing anxiety, certainly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, has been trauma associated with humiliation. Humiliation is often the underlying trauma/cause of suffering. Sharon works to help people understand and heal from this profound loss of value and sense of self.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: How wonderful that you found us in 2021, dear Sharon! What a gift you and your work are to our global community! It is so valuable what you are writing about humiliation! Thank you so much for coming all the way from New Mexico to be with us in our 2023 workshop and for brilliantly leading the Small Group Dignilogue titled Humiliation Trauma that you had conceived together with Peter Pollard (who unfortunately was hindered to come to New York). Thank you for your wonderful work and enriching support, dearest Sharon!
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Sheron Fraser-Burgess is an academic and educator serving as a Professor Emerita of Social Foundations and Multicultural Education at Ball State University. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, she has made significant contributions to the fields of social justice, diversity, and ethics in education. Dr. Fraser-Burgess has held various positions at Ball State University, including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor, where she taught courses focused on teacher licensure, professional education, and philosophy.
Her research interests lie in the analytic tradition of philosophy of education, particularly examining the ethical implications of cultural identity and the political dimensions of education. Dr. Fraser-Burgess is also recognized for her mentorship, having guided over 500 future teachers in culturally relevant teaching practices. In addition to her academic roles, she is the president of Being Better Humans Consultancy, where she provides consulting services on ethics and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B). Known as "The Ethicist," she is highly respected for her expertise in educational ethics and her commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Sheron! We are very happy to have you with us! |
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Theresa Epstein, LICSW, is a professional based in Seattle, Washington, with extensive experience in counseling and social work. She has been practicing as a feminist therapist since 1994, focusing on helping clients enact positive changes in their relationships and daily lives. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), she provides therapeutic services to individuals dealing with various mental health challenges. Since 1999 Relational Cultural Theory has been the model/foundation for her work.
In addition to her clinical work, Epstein has been actively involved in educational initiatives related to counseling and therapy, contributing to the professional development of others in her field, providing education, consultation & clinical supervision.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Theresa! We are very happy to have you with us! We are so glad that you and Linda have known each other for such a long time.
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Trevor York, North York, Ontario, Canada
Trevor York is a student at York University based in North York, Ontario, Canada. He has studied sociology, economics, language, theatre, and art, and founded and led a student club known as Waubunowin. After coordinating a student club for the Student Christian Movement, he later engaged with the York Federation of Students (YFS) and joined the Golden Key International Honour Society, as well as the York University Community Safety Council, among others. Currently, he pursues credentials in Economics & Finance through the New York Institute of Finance, as well as training with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since 2020-2021, he has also been training with organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the USC Shoah Foundation, and Echoes & Reflections.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Trevor York! We are very happy to have you with us! |
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Tony Gaskew, Pittsburgh, New York City
Dr. Tony Gaskew was awarded the Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies (DHS) Beacon of Dignity Award in 2015 for his outstanding dedication to equality and human rights.
Tony Gaskew
is Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor of Criminal Justice, Affiliate Faculty in Africana Studies, and Director of the Prison Education Program at the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford. He is a Fulbright Hays Scholar, who has conducted ethnographic field work throughout Africa. His research and publications focus on revolutionary violence within the Black Radical Tradition. His book, Stop Trying to Fix Policing: Lessons Learned from the Front Lines of Black Liberation (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021), examines the Pan-Afrikan rituals for dismantling the institution of American policing. [read more]
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Thank you so much, dear Tony, for being our inspiration since Annette Anderson-Engler introduced you to us in 2008! You brought your important message to many of our December workshops in New York City. Thank you so much, for example, for your important contribution to Dignilogue 3 in our 2021 workshop (Video)!
Thank you so much also for your important contribution to this book:
"Mindfulness, the Reawakening of Black Dharma, and Mastering the Art of Policing." In Human Dignity: Practices, Discourses, and Transformations: Essays on Dignity Studies in Honor of Evelin G. Lindner. Edited by Chipamong Chowdhury, Michael Britton, and Linda Hartling. Chapter 9. (Lake Oswego, OR: Dignity Press, 2019) |
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Vernon Loker, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Vernon Loker is a retired church minister based in South Africa with a desire to increase an awareness of mutual respect and dignity among all people. He was Rector at Christ Church Pinetown, where he has delivered sermons and spoken on various topics. As a member of the clergy, Reverend Loker sees a great need for the restoration among so many people struggling to make sense of their lives and has addressed subjects such as the restoration of mutual respect and dignity, drawing from biblical passages like Genesis 1:26-31.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: A very warm welcome to our workshop, dear Vernon Loker! We are very happy to have you with us! |
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Wade E. Pickren is a psychologist and historian of psychology, recognized for his extensive contributions to the field, particularly in the history of psychology and social justice issues. He earned his PhD in Psychology and the History of Science from the University of Florida and has held significant positions, including Historian of the American Psychological Association from 1998 to 2012 and President of the Society for General Psychology.
His scholarship was characterized by its emphasis on the integration of historical perspectives into contemporary psychological practice, including the need to fully acknowledge the racism that was embedded in academic/professional psychology’s history and the need to move toward full inclusion regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender.
His notable publications during his career include A History of Modern Psychology in Context and numerous articles addressing resilience, social justice, and the indigenization of psychological knowledge. For an example, see the special issue of Theory & Psychology, 28 (2018). "Psychology in the social imaginary of neoliberalism: Critique and beyond."
Now retired from academia, his current project, Living Earthwise, is devoted to ecological justice and planetary health. Through his writing and activism he offers guidance on how to live in synchrony with all the life, human and more than human, that we cohabit with on our Mother Earth.
Kindly see:
Living Earthwise on SubStack, as well as articles and chapters in academic journals and books, such as: Pickren, W. E. (2021). "Psychologies Otherwise/Earthwise: Pluriversal Approaches to Crises of Climate, Equity, and Health." In I. Strasser & M. Dege, (Ed.). The Psychology of Global Crises and Crisis Politics: Intervention, Resistance, Decolonization (pp. 143-168). New York, NY: Palgrave.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Dr. Wade Pickren, we are so glad to welcome you in our workshop! Your work is so important! |
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Walid Sarhan, MD, FRCPsych, IDFAP, is a Senior Consultant psychiatrist working in Amman, Jordan. He is the Chief Editor of The Arab Journal of Psychiatry, a Member and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (FRCPsych), an International Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (IDFAPA), and an honorary member of the World Psychiatric Association. He is very active in continuous medical education and public awareness building. He has been honored as "the best Arab Psychiatrist in the world" in 2022.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Dr. Walid Sarhan, what a gift you are to our global dignity community, as well as to me personally! I am so glad that we met in fall 2022 in Amman! Through your care, Amman became my home.
You combine incredible intellectual brilliance and scientific analysis with loving care and deep wisdom flowing from decades of experience in the most unique and invaluable ways! Thank you!
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Waris Ali, Global Foundation,
Lahore, Pakistan
Waris Ali is the founder and chairman of the Global Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in Lahore, Pakistan, since 1996. The foundation is dedicated to social causes, focusing on community development and humanitarian efforts.
In addition to his role at the Global Foundation, Waris Ali is also involved in educational initiatives at Iqra University, with programs aiming to provide students with pathways to global opportunities.
Waris Ali's work through the Global Foundation highlights his commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development within his community and beyond.
A personal message to Waris: A very warm welcome to our workshop! |
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Wendy Jane Carrel, MA, dedicates her energies to book publishing (health & wellness), senior care, mental health, slow medicine, palliative care, hospice, end-of-life planning, and dignified, person-centered end-of-life transitions. Trauma-informed care, compassionate care coordination, quality of life issues, and heart-centered rescue are at the core of her services. She has received specialized training in these areas including Breath-Body-Mind Teacher Training.
Carrel was a Senior Center Director for the 6th poorest U.S. city (Coachella, CA), and Senior Head of Information and Outreach for a County Office on Aging with outreach to over 300,000 older adults, 11 indigenous tribes, and diverse cultures. She is currently on the City of West Hollywood Older Adult Advisory Board.
As a Book Shepherd, Carrel collaborates with authors and publishers for books related to well-being as well as global public health topics.
Carrel has lived, worked, or taught educational seminars in 42 countries, and most recently has guided families who cannot afford the cost of healthcare in Canada and the U.S. to locate culturally-sensitive, compatible care in Ecuador and Mexico. She has been a volunteer for several years with a local-based, Mexican created, community palliative care mission in Jalisco.
A personal message from Evelin Lindner: Dear Wendy, welcome to our workshop! Thank you so much for
the crucially important dignity work that you do in the world! We are very thankful to Carol Smaldino for bringing you to us! |
This workshop series is part of a larger process. Each workshop is much more than a stand-alone event. It is part of the overall mission of our global dignity movement, which is to create an atmosphere in which people can meet on a plane of mutual friendship and equality in dignity. The workshop invites its participants to experiment with creating a new culture of global cohesion and togetherness, and to nurture a global family of dignity, a family that truly acts like a good family should act and protects and cherishes our unity in diversity. The workshop invites into enlarging and transcending concepts such private versus public, or family/friends/good neighbors versus "bad neighbors" (or even "enemies"), as well as concepts such as life mission versus job/hobby..
Given the current context of the field of international conflict, the impact of emotions on conflict has become one of the most important questions worldwide. However, there are only scattered publications in the research and applied literature that would address issues on conflict and emotion directly, as well as their relations and their impact on public policy.
The first one-day meeting was held at Teachers College, Columbia University, in 2002, convened by Morton Deutsch personally, the first two-day workshop in 2004, hosted by the Columbia University's Conflict Resolution Network (CU-CRN), since 2009, AC4 stepped into the place of CU-CRN), with special help from SIPA – Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) and The Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR)
Since 2004, CICR on behalf of CU-CRN and later AC4, together with the Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies (HumanDHS) network and, since 2011, also the World Dignity University (WDU) initiative, invites selected groups of scholars, counselors, conflict resolution practitioners, mediators, and teachers among other professions for a two-day workshop every year to explore issues of conflict and emotions and its application to actual negotiations and diplomacy. The aim is to particularly probe the role of the notion of humiliation from the two different angles of conflict and emotion.
The workshops are envisaged as a learning community gathering, interactive and highly participatory. The purpose is to create an open space to identify and sharpen our understanding of the discourse and debate on emotion and conflict and the role that might, or might not be played by humiliation within this field. We hope to be able to continue this effort in follow-up workshops in the future.
We see humiliation as entry point into broader analysis and not as "single interest scholarship." We are aware that most participants focus on other aspects than humiliation in their work and have not thought about humiliation much, or even at all. We do not expect anybody to do so beforehand. We encourage that everybody comes with his/her background, his/her theoretical concepts and tools, and that we, during the conference, reflect together. We invite everybody to use their focus and give a thought to whether the notion of humiliation could be enriching, or not, and if yes, in what way. We warmly invite diverging and dissenting views.
In our conferences, we choose a dialogical methodology that stresses interaction and participation, because we wish to create an atmosphere of openness and respectful inquiry through "dignity dialogues" or dignilogues and, when appropriate, the use of Open Space Technology. We believe that notions such as dignity and respect for equal dignity are important not only for conflict resolution, but also for conferences such as our workshops. The name Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies attempts to express this. We wish to strive for consistency between what we think are important values for conflict resolution, and the way we conduct our work and our conferences.
We believe in "waging good conflict" (Jean Baker Miller). We believe that diverging opinions and perspectives need to be expressed and not avoided, because diversity enriches. However, diversity only enriches if embedded into mutual connection and appreciation. If not harnessed lovingly and caringly, diversity has the potential to divide, create hostility, and foster hatred and even violence. In the spirit of our vision, we, the HumanDHS network, wish therefore to avoid the latter and foster an atmosphere of common ground and mutually caring connections as a space for the safe expression of even the deepest differences and disagreements, and the toughest questions of humiliation, trauma, and injustice.
Every dignilogue is being opened by brief remarks by each participant to present their entry points into the inquiry. In order to facilitate feedback, we wish to make available a brief synopsis of 1 to 4 pages, preferably with references, from each participant, prior to the workshop through this site so that all participants can meet virtually before meeting in person. Longer papers are welcome as well both prior and subsequent to our workshops, not least for the envisaged publications of the results of our conferences. Please notify us, if you wish to submit any of your papers also as a book chapter or as a journal article in our Journal of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies.
All participants are warmly invited to send in their papers as soon as they can. We would be grateful if you could help us by formatting your contribution as follows:
1. Title: bold and in a large font.
2. The author's name under the title, proceeded by a copyright sign 
.
3. In case the text is longer than one page: A footer for the name of the author, and a header for the title and the page number (in Word, you can use View > Header and Footer > Page Setup > Different first page, etc.).
4. Spacing: Single-spacing.
5.
For non-natural English speakers who need support to make a text readable, please let us know and we try to find help.
5. The final Word document needs to be transformed into a Pdf file (use, for example, convert.neevia.com), and given a name. Please use your family name, and then identify the conference, in case of the 2008 NY workshop, this would read as follows: "FamilynameNY08meeting."
6. Please send us both you Word and Pdf files. Thank you!
Peace Linguist Francisco Gomes de Matos commented on this format as follows (May 2, 2012): "It enhances RELATIONAL DIGNITY. Everyone will make the most of such dignifyingly used time! A great humanizing, interactive format: a little bit of MONOlogue, followed by much DIALOGUE, will help create DIGNILOGUE."
Morton Deutsch has been one of the world's most respected scholars and the founder of The Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR). MD-ICCCR was part of the Columbia University Conflict Resolution Network (CU-CRN), and since 2009 co-founded the Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity (AC4). Professor Deutsch has been widely honored for his scientific contributions involving research on cooperation and competition, social justice, group dynamics, and conflict resolution. He has published extensively and is well known for his pioneering studies in intergroup relations, social conformity, and the social psychology of justice. His books include: Interracial Housing (1951); Theories in Social Psychology (1965); The Resolution of Conflict (1973); Distributive Justice (1985); and The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (2000, 2nd edition 2006). Please note, in particular, Morton Deutsch's pledge titled Imagine a Global Human Community and its progress.
Morton Deutsch has been a Member of the HumanDHS Global Advisory Board since the inception of our dignity work in 2001, and, in 2014, he accepted, "with delight," our invitation to be our HumanDHS Board of Directors Honorary Lifetime Member. Morton Deutsch has also been the first recipient of the HumanDHS Lifetime Commitment Award, which he received at the 2009 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict. Furthermore, Morton Deutsch has been a Founding Member of the World Dignity University initiative.
Morton Deutsch founded this workshop series in 2003 and has been its Honorary Convener until his passing in 2017. We will honor his memory by conducting this workshop also in the future. The first "Annual Round Table of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies" (as we called it then) was convened by Morton Deutsch at the MC-ICCCR on July 7, 2003, with Peter T. Coleman, Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Janet Gerson, Andrea Bartoli, Michelle Fine, and Susan Opotow as participants.
We wish to give special thanks to Peter Coleman, Beth Fisher-Yoshida, and Janet Gerson for their ongoing substantive support for our dignity work since 2001. Andrea Bartoli inspired this workshop series and helped design it in 2003. He was at that time the Director of the Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, and Chairman of the Columbia University Conflict Resolution Network (CU-CRN). Andrea Bartoli is a Member of the HumanDHS Global Advisory Board since its inception. Also his successor, Aldo Civico, kindly supported this workshop, as did his successor,
Jean-Marie Guéhenno, who became the President of the International Crisis Group in 2014. We wish to give special thanks to all three for their kind support. Since 2015, CIRC is dormant and the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies (SIWPS) at the School of International and Public Affairs offers courses in specialization in conflict resolution (ICR Concentration).
Please see further down the papers/notes that participants send in prior to the workshop so that everybody can get acquainted with all others beforehand.
