NAINConnect 2008 Workshops

Theme: Making a Difference
ASSEMBLY 3 - WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

WORKSHOP SUMMARY
Plenary Session - All Attending

What is the alchemy that transforms good intentions into a new and better world? In this workshop, we turn to three Bay Area interfaith pioneers, women representing different religious backgrounds who have made a difference in this region. After briefly telling their stories, they will weigh in on what is most important when we implement our dreams to create a better world. Dr. Singh, himself an interfaith activist in Ohio and the world, will moderate this panel and lead the discussion that follows.

PRESENTERS
Nahid Angha, Rita Semel, Grace O’Brian, and Tarunjit Singh Butalia (moderator)

Dr. Nahid Angha is an internationally distinguished Sufi scholar and teacher, responsible for 14 books of poetry, discourse, and translation. With her husband Shah Nazar Seyed Dr. Ali Kianfar, Dr. Angha founded and now serves as co-director of the International Association of Sufism. She has taken a pioneering role as a Muslim interfaith activist in the Bay Area, having served as President of the Marin Interfaith Council and the Interfaith Center at the Presidio.

Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia is the Chairperson of the Interfaith Committee of the World Sikh Council - America Region, Moderator of Religions for Peace - USA, Vice-Chair of NAIN, and member of Board of Trustees of Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions. In Central Ohio, he is the Secretary of the Sikh Educational and Religious Foundation, Secretary of Interfaith Center for Peace, Co-convener of Faith Communities Uniting for Peace, and member of Religious Advisory Council of the Mayor of Columbus.

Rita Semel’s pioneering leadership in the Bay Area religious community emerged in her years as Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council. She is a founder of the San Francisco Interfaith Council and the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, served a number of years as Chair of the United Religions Initiative Global Council, and continues on the Board of Directors of Graduate Theological Union and a dozen other nonprofits.

Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian is the Founding Minister and Spiritual Director of the 27-year-old Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (CSE) in San Jose, an interfaith ministry, including a small seminary, in the tradition of Kriya Yoga. Her several books include Living the Eternal Way: Spiritual Meaning and Practice in Daily Life. She has been awarded for her human rights leadership and peace activism. She serves on the Advisory Council of the Association for Global New Thought and the Board of Trustees of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions.