Appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in 2017, the UUA Commission on Institutional Change served through June 2020. Widening the Circle of Concern: Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change represents the culmination of the Commission’s work analyzing structural and systemic racism and white supremacy culture within Unitarian Universalism and makes recommendations to advance long-term cultural and institutional change that redeems the essential promise and ideals of Unitarian Universalism. The members and staff of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change were Chair Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Mary Byron, Cir L’Bert Jr., Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore, Dr. Elías Ortega, Caitlin Breedlove, DeReau K. Farrar, and Project Manager Rev. Marcus Fogliano.

Widening the Circle is a passionate, even radical argument for creating school and classroom environments where all kids, including children labeled as “disabled” and “special needs,” are welcome on equal terms. In opposition to traditional models of special education, where teachers decide when a child is deemed “ready to compete” in “mainstream” classes, Mara Sapon-Shevin articulates a vision of full inclusion as a practical and moral goal. Inclusion, she argues, begins not with the assumption that students have to earn their way into the classroom with their behavior or skills, it begins with the right of every child to be in the mainstream of education, perhaps with modifications, adaptations, and support. Full inclusion requires teachers to think about all aspects of their classrooms—pedagogy, curriculum, and classroom climate. Crucially, Sapon-Shevin takes on arguments against full inclusion in a section of straight-talking answers to common questions. She agrees with critics that the rhetoric of inclusion has been used to justify eliminating services and “dumping” students with significant educational needs unceremoniously back into the mainstream with little or no support. If full inclusion is properly implemented, however, she argues, it not only clearly benefits those traditionally excluded but enhances the educations and lives of those considered mainstream in myriad ways. Through powerful storytelling and argument, Sapon-Shevin lays out the moral and educational case for not separating kids on the basis of difference.

An autobiography by the influential ecologist and philosopher covering her life from her childhood in a rural area of western New York State to her marriage, travels, involvement in environmental activism, and spiritual journey through Buddhist faith and practices.

From the teachings of the world-renowned Buddhist leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, comes a practical, seven-step guidebook for developing your love for others and transforming each and every one of your relationships in life. Widening the Circle of Love offers readers a simple and illuminating programme for transforming self-centred energy into outwardly directed concern. Basing his views on the human capacity to improve, and drawing on exercises and techniques established in India and then refined in Tibetan monasteries over more than a thousand years, the Dalai Lama's teachings are supremely relevant to our lives today: ·The First Step: Recognising Friends ·The Second Step: Appreciating Kindness ·The Third Step: Returning Kindness ·The Fourth Step: Learning to Love ·The Fifth Step: The Power of Compassion ·The Sixth Step: Total Commitment ·The Seventh Step: Using the above in the service of others Filled with personal anecdotes from His Holiness's own experiences, as well as centuries-old wisdom, Widening the Circle of Love is a major book which will rival the Dalai Lama's seminal - and bestselling - The Art of Happiness in offering us an accessible, practical path towards personal growth.

A seven-step guidebook for developing love for others and transforming relationships draws on Tibetan techniques to help readers confront their own behaviors, develop positive attitudes, engage in kindness-based interactions with others, and become dedicated to a love-based way of living. Reprint. 60,000 first printing.