AUGUST ~ 2008

I. INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINARS

Discussion of Readings On Economic Development and Moral Philosophy, Part III
Monday, August 6, 6:30-8:30 pm
Ellen Furnari, WISR PhD Student, Vera Labat, MPH, & John Bilortorsusky, PhD, WISR Faculty, Facilitators

We will review analyses of writings by the philosopher, John Rawls, and of the Nobel Prize winning econoist, Amartya Sens. Sens applied some of Rawls' ideas of social justice to look much more expansively than most at economic development. As an economist, Sens is not just concerned about income and the like, but also with issues of freedom, equality and the environment. This is an ongoing discussion group, providing an opportunity to reflect on and discuss some common readings on social theory and philosophy, as related to practical concerns and our larger interests in social change. Snacks will be provided. Contact WISR for a copy of the recommended reading.

WISR Produced Film: Viva Chile M...!
Thursday, August 28, 6:30-8:30pm
John Bilorusky, PhD, WISR Faculty, Facilitator

John Bilorusky, PhD, WISR Faculty, Facilitator. We will watch and discuss the insightful documentary film about Chilean poet, Fernando Alegría. The film is a humanistic portrayal of one of the most influential literary and political figures from 20th century Chile, and a key figure in the advancement of Latino culture in the United States of America. We will recite together, Alegría's poem, "Viva Chile Mierda," the most recited poem in Chile in the 1960s, the era of Salvador Allende, the only communist who was democratically elected to be head of state. Producer/Director and WISR Phd Alumnus, Uwe Blesching will talk about film making for social change. Co-Producer, Marcia Campos, will share insights on Fernando Alegría and his life's work. (See below for more info.)

II. MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY (MFT) SEMINARS

These seminars are designed for students pursuing an MFT license. Other interested persons are welcome to attend but are requested to RSVP.
The MFT seminars are on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm and include a short break to eat a bag lunch.

Conceptualizing Private Practice - Part 2
Saturday, August 2, 10:00am-2:00pm
Ronald Mah, MA, MFT, WISR Faculty

Ronald Mah, MA, MFT, WISR Faculty. Marketing or selling yourself or your agency is about articulating to potential clients what to do, why you do it, and what makes it work for them. "Who" you are marketing is clear (you are marketing your or the agency's name, yourself), while "what" you are marketing is distinctly different. Private practice hopefuls or agency promoters may publish articles, present workshops, and network adequately and they may adequately present their names to potential clients, while inadequately presenting anything in particular that is distinguishing, provocative, applicable, or possibly effective to motivate those potential clients to give them a call for therapy or programs. The workshop will teach how to market yourself or your agency in a practical manner that resonates with the needs of potential clients. This seminar will be held at Ronald Mah's office at:

433 Estudillo Ave., #305, San Leandro, CA 94577-4915.

For directions go to www.RonaldMah.com for a Yahoo Map link, or call Ronald at (510) 614-5641.

(Upcoming monthly Saturday seminar(s) with Ronald Mah will be Sept. 13, October 11th, and November 15th.)

Alcoholism & Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency Issues, Part I
Saturday, August 30, 10:00am -2:00pm
Carole Morton, MFT, WISR MA Alumna, Faculty

We will study of theories and research on addiction and abuse of a variety of substances, including alcohol, prescriptions and illegal drugs. We will review theories, problems, issues and strategies used in the treatment of alcoholism and other forms of chemical abuse and dependency. (Upcoming seminar(s) with Carole Morton will be September 20 (All School Gathering-see below), October 25th and November 22nd.)

III) OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING /EVENTS

WISR Produced Film: ¡Viva Chile M...!
Thursday, August 28th, 6:30-8:30pm
In anticipation of September 11, the date of the coup of Salvador Allende's leadership in Chile, we will watch and discuss Viva Chile M...! an insightful documentary film about Chilean poet, Fernando Alegría. The film is a humanistic portrayal of one of the most influential literary and political figures from 20th century Chile, and a key figure in the advancement of Latino culture in the United States of America. We will recite together, Alegría's poem, "Viva Chile Mierda," the most recited poem in Chile in the 1960s, the era of Allende, the only communist, democratically elected to be head of state. Fernando Alegría was a professor at Stanford and UC Berkeley and was a founding member of the board of trustees for the Western Institute for Social Research (WISR). Producer/Director and WISR Phd Alumnus, Uwe Blesching will talk about film making for social change. Co-Producer, Marcia Campos, will share insights on Fernando Alegría and his life's work.

As an academic, visionary, writer and revolutionary, Alegría brought prestige and legitimacy to the Spanish language in the United States of America at a time when children were punished in schools for speaking their native tongues. Fernando Alegría's works capture the spirit of the people and places they depict. His gift of being able to articulate the feelings of a people in a witty, reflective, and lyrically beautiful manner, endeared Alegría to his countrymen and earned him recognition from many literary and cultural icons such as Thomas Mann, Allen Ginsberg, Angela Davis and Joan Baez.

A limited number of copies are available to purchase at WISR to benefit WISR but they can also be purchased at the film's website, http://www.vivachilem.com/buy/

Movie Night: It's Elementary
Saturday, September 19, 7:00pm
Cynthia Lawrence, PhD, WISR Faculty and Noah Stein, WISR BA Student, Facilitators.

In It's Elementary, we witness first-hand how Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) education can be appropriately and effectively integrated into elementary and middle school curriculum. The film portrays educators in a variety of public, private, and charter schools across the country in action, with a focus on how students respond to the LGBT and anti-bias lessons. It's Elementary challenges the notion that young learners are not ready to be introduced to LGBT issues, and shows us children are not only ready for such education, but that it is a necessity in today's classrooms.

All School Gathering
Saturday, September 20, 9:45am -1:00pm

Come and meet with other WISR students, faculty and an occasional board or alumnus/alumna. All WISR learners and faculty are expected to make every effort to attend! Alumni, Board, friends and people interested in attending WISR are encouraged to participate. Volunteers will be needed to help set up and clean-up. Please bring finger food snacks to share. For MFT students, attending this seminar will count as having attended an MFT seminar for the month of September.

*If you prefer to receive this announcement by email, please contact WISR and keep us updated with your addresses for monthly emails and occasional snail mails.

**Prospective students and others wishing to learn more about WISR are invited to attend these seminars. WISR is on Sacramento at Harmon Street, one block north of Alcatraz. ~ mail@wisr.edu

***Contact WISR if you need a ride or can offer one