Without an empathic citizenry, you cannot have a caring society. A caring society aspires to leave no one out. Its citizens respond to the needs of others, understanding that it strengthens the whole. When our societies are more empathic, they are more caring, resulting in less aggression, improved mental health, and more equality — whether at the level of the classroom or the boardroom. Although humankind might be able to solve global issues, such as climate change, homelessness and hunger, we won’t have the motivation to do so if we don’t care about one another.
On June 20th, don’t miss these speakers talk about the importance of nurturing empathy towards a more caring world:
Dr. James Orbinski (Keynote speaker) is a professor and the inaugural Director of York University’s Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research. He is also a medical doctor, a humanitarian practitioner and advocate, a best-selling author, and a leading scholar in global health. He accepted the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Médecins Sans Frontières for its pioneering approach to medical humanitarianism, and most especially for its approach to bearing witness.
Dr. Thupten Jinpa (Featured Speaker) holds a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, where he also worked as a research fellow. He is also the Founder of the Compassion Institute, an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University, Montreal, and Chairman of the Mind and Life Institute. Since 1985, he has been the principal English translator to H.H. the Dalai Lama and has also authored several books on compassion and mindfulness, making him a prominent figure in the field of contemplative studies and a leading voice for ethical leadership and education worldwide.
Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard (Speaker) – Proud member of the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, the first Aboriginal Trudeau Scholar and former President of the Ontario Native Women’s Association. Currently the Director for First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University.
Mary Gordon (Speaker) is the Founder and President of Roots of Empathy. She is recognized internationally as an award-winning social entrepreneur, educator, best-selling author, child advocate and parenting expert who has created programs informed by the power of empathy.
There are 2 ways to attend: In-person at the Globe and Mail Centre, doors open at 12.30 pm and finish at 4 pm (tickets $25 with light refreshments) OR the event will be Live-Streamed for Free between 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets only available through registration here