Forum for the Future

Using the systems thinking 'iceberg model' to explore the civil rights movement shows us how different parts of a system interact and influence one another. It becomes clear that no single event started the movement, but rather it evolved through collaboration and decades of perseverance. By working together, we can change how power and privilege it is allocated, we can design societies that are free, democratic and support everybody on the planet to flourish.

The Black Lives Matter group has been fighting to be heard since 2013 - and the phrase itself is now being seen on streets and screens all around the world after the killing of George Floyd. (News report, June 2020, Channel 4, United Kingdom)

Prominent scientist, Sir David King – former chief scientific adviser to the UK government from 2013-2017 – talks to the Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative (C2G) about how research on climate-altering technologies in the Arctic might be governed. Sir David King joined two sessions hosted by C2G on October 10th at the 2019 Arctic Circle Assembly, where scientists, policy experts, indigenous activists, youth representatives, and other civil society representatives explored some of the toughest questions facing decision-makers today as they contemplate the future of the Arctic. 

Learn more here.

Prominent scientist, Sir David King – former chief scientific adviser to the UK government from 2013-2017 – talks to the Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative (C2G) about how research on climate-altering technologies in the Arctic might be governed. Sir David King joined two sessions hosted by C2G on October 10th at the 2019 Arctic Circle Assembly, where scientists, policy experts, indigenous activists, youth representatives, and other civil society representatives explored some of the toughest questions facing decision-makers today as they contemplate the future of the Arctic. Learn more here.

Portland Interfaith Clergy Resistance sponsored a prayer vigil at Terry Schrunk Plaza, across from City Hall, on Juneteenth, a day to commemorate emancipation from slavery in Texas on that day, June 19th in 1865. This film observes the 8 minutes, 46 seconds of silence and we suggest our viewers take the opportunity to reflect on the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, when Minneapolis police officers took a series of actions that violated the policies of the Department.  The situation turned fatal, leaving Mr. Floyd unable to breathe, even as he and onlookers called out for help. Participating clergy included: Rabbi Ariel Stone, Shir Tikvah and PDX Interfaith Clergy Resistance; Rev. Jon Aney, United Church of Christ; Rabbi Debra Kolodny, Portland United Against Hate; Rev. Aric Clark (he/his); and Davina Bookbinder, Rabbinical Student

Host Marcia Alvar speaks with Wilma Mankiller, Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1983-1995. Ms. Mankiller (1945-2010) discusses her experiences as related in her book, "Mankiller: A Chief and Her People." She describes her early political activism as well as her eventual return to her home (Oklahoma) which led to her involvement in the Cherokee tribe. Also includes her election as tribal chief as well as her time in office, and, now that she is stepping down, her reflections on the experience. (1994 Interview)

Trudell is a 2005 documentary film about American Indian activist and poet John Trudell. The film traces Trudell's life from his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska, through his role as a leader of the American Indian Movement. It also covers his rebirth as a musician and spoken word poet after his wife died in a house fire suspected as arson. Heather Rae produced and directed the film, which took her more than a decade to complete. Trudell aired nationally in the U.S. on April 11, 2006 as part of the Independent Lens series on PBS. Actor: Robert Redford, Kris Kristofferson, Sam Shepard Director: Heather Rae

Visit John Trudell's first CD, HeartTaker, Owl Dance Song, on YouTube here.

Scott Warren Provided Food & Water to Migrants in Arizona; He Now Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison.

Democracy Now! Published on May 29, 2019

An Arizona humanitarian aid volunteer goes to trial today for providing water, food, clean clothes and beds to two undocumented migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. If convicted, Scott Warren could spend up to 20 years in prison. Warren, an activist with the Tucson-based No More Deaths, is charged with three felony counts of allegedly “harboring” undocumented immigrants. For years, No More Deaths and other humanitarian aid groups in southern Arizona have left water and food in the harsh Sonoran Desert, where the temperature often reaches three digits during summer, to help refugees and migrants survive the deadly journey across the U.S. border. Warren was arrested on January 17, 2018, just hours after No More Deaths released a report detailing how U.S. Border Patrol agents had intentionally destroyed more than 3,000 gallons of water left out for migrants crossing the border. The group also published a video showing border agents dumping out jugs of water in the desert. Hours after the report was published, authorities raided the Barn, a No More Deaths aid camp in Ajo, where they found two migrants who had sought temporary refuge. We speak with Scott Warren and his fellow No More Deaths volunteer and activist Catherine Gaffney in Tucson.

#DemocracyNow

Left Out: [FULL EPISODE] Stephanie Kelton on MMT and debunking budget deficit myths, March 8, 2018

In this episode, Professor Kelton debunks budget deficit and government spending myths, and explains why understanding how our monetary system works is crucial to making the political and economic case for important programs like universal health care, free public higher education, infrastructure investment, and more. We also explore some current economic issues, including how we might be able to cancel all public and private student debt in the U.S., and lastly the role and challenges of women in economics.

Stephanie Kelton is a leading American economist and a Professor of Public Policy and Economics at Stony Brook University. Kelton was Chief Economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee and Economic Advisor to the Bernie 2016 presidential campaign. She's most known for being a pioneer of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT).

Left Out: [FULL EPISODE] Stephanie Kelton on MMT and debunking budget deficit myths, March 8, 2018

In this episode, Professor Kelton debunks budget deficit and government spending myths, and explains why understanding how our monetary system works is crucial to making the political and economic case for important programs like universal health care, free public higher education, infrastructure investment, and more. We also explore some current economic issues, including how we might be able to cancel all public and private student debt in the U.S., and lastly the role and challenges of women in economics.

Stephanie Kelton is a leading American economist and a Professor of Public Policy and Economics at Stony Brook University. Kelton was Chief Economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee and Economic Advisor to the Bernie 2016 presidential campaign. She's most known for being a pioneer of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT).