ALA, Fetzer Institute join with Public Insight Network to expand Building Common Ground initiative

Chicago, October 25, 2011—The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office announced their collaboration with the Public Insight Network (PIN), a project of American Public Media, to expand the reach of Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion, a library programming initiative supported by the Fetzer Institute.

At a Momemt of National Divide, Fetzer Institute Sponsors Storycorps' National Day of Listening on November 26, 2010

Holiday tradition promotes listening and understanding by encouraging Americans to share their stories on the day after Thanksgiving

KALAMAZOO, MI, November 11, 2010—The Fetzer Institute announces its sponsorship of StoryCorps’ third annual National Day of Listening (NDL) November 26, 2010. The National Day of Listening is an effort to encourage Americans of all backgrounds to interview a friend, loved one, or member of their community about their lives on the day after Thanksgiving.

Fetzer Institute Survey Reveals America's Shared Perspectives on Love, Forgiveness and a Connection to the Global Community

KALAMAZOO, MI, October 28, 2010 – At a time when significant emphasis is placed on the issues that divide Americans, the Fetzer Institute’s “Survey of Love and Forgiveness in American Society” reveals the commonalities that bind us together.

Fetzer Institute Funds “God in America” Documentary
Explores History of Religion in America

KALAMAZOO, Michigan, October 4, 2010—The Fetzer Institute is a primary funder of the American Experience /FRONTLINE co-production of God in America, a six-hour documentary airing October 11-13, 9-11 p.m. EST on PBS. In addition to funding the series, the Fetzer Institute is supporting a robust outreach campaign for God in America, designed to allow viewers to explore their own religious and spiritual journeys through online resources, dialogue, and sacred site tours in select cities.

Lawrence Sullivan Named New Fetzer Institute President and CEO

KALAMAZOO, Michigan, April 26, 2010—The trustees of the Fetzer Institute are pleased to announce the appointment of Lawrence E. Sullivan as the Institute’s next president and CEO. Sullivan, who will assume the post July 1, has served as a trustee of the organization since 2004 and replaces Thomas Beech who retires in June.

Fetzer Institute Sponsors Charter for Compassion

KALAMAZOO, Michigan, November 12, 2009—The Fetzer Institute has joined with Ted.com and Karen Armstrong as the primary sponsor of the Charter for Compassion, a TED Prize project that launches globally today.

Author and scholar Karen Armstrong, winner of the 2008 TED Prize, joined religious leaders from around the world today at the National Press Club to unveil the Charter for Compassion (www.charterforcompassion.org).

$1.3 Million Fuels Compassionate Love Research

Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu Awarded First Fetzer Prize for Their Work to Advance Love, Forgiveness and Compassion

Fetzer Institute presents each a $100,000 prize at 2009 Peace Summit in Vancouver, Canada

KALAMAZOO, MI, September 27, 2009—His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu were awarded the Fetzer Institute’s Prize for Love and Forgiveness today at the 2009 Peace Summit in Vancouver. Each will receive a $100,000 monetary prize to support their work and they both were presented a handcrafted, inscribed journal. The Archbishop Emeritus was unable to attend in person and his daughter, the Reverend Mpho Tutu, accepted the prize on his behalf.

The Institute’s Prize honors the courage and persistence with which His Holiness and Archbishop Emeritus Tutu have both worked to bring love, compassion and forgiveness to all that they do, as well as their ability to inspire these same impulses in others around the world. “Love, compassion and forgiveness have the power to change, the power to heal and the power to transform any situation—no matter how violent or troubled—into something that is generative and life-giving,” said Tom Beech, president and CEO of the Institute. “The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu are renowned, revered, respected and loved the world over. In giving this award, the Fetzer Institute celebrates their humanity and the consistency with which their lives stand for compassion in the face of isolation, love in the face of fear and forgiveness in the face of violence.”