Martha Gallahue: Colloquy on Birthdays

All participants of this colloquy are invited to bring in an inspirational quote regarding birthdays. We will then provide some birthday reflections based upon experience. Do we sometimes send harmful signals in the way we celebrate them? We will imagine together what an ideal birthday would look like. Will we continue to celebrate individual birthdays? What does it mean to celebrate an organization’s birthday, in particular the birthday of the UN on October 24th? What is the difference between a birthday and an anniversary? The purpose of this colloquy is to ponder upon the place of the individual in the larger world we live in. Ethical Culture states as one of its ethical premises that we agree to treat individuals as ends not means but can we always? And what outcome can we expect if we pursue this approach while ignoring the common good. During September, Martha gave considerable attention to preparation of the UN High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace convened by outgoing President of General Assembly John Ashe along with the celebration of International Peace Day, September 21st. The High Level Forum marked the 15th anniversary of the passage of UN Declaration on Culture of Peace and Programme of Action. Her starting point will be based upon her take-aways from these events. Everyone who comes will receive a birthday present.