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Arlan Berglas
We, The World Board Member
Arlan Berglas, former Executive Director of We, The World, has been a dedicated board member of We, The World since 2007. With a passion for catalyzing positive change, Berglas founded “Fundraising For a Better World,” a transformative initiative aimed at aiding qualifying nonprofits in raising essential funds for their causes.
With over 16 years of invaluable experience, Arlan has dedicated his career to mentoring Executive Directors of various nonprofits and empowering their board members to become effective fundraisers. His expertise and commitment to nurturing the nonprofit sector make him a “volunteer nonprofit turn-around expert.” Importantly, Arlan generously provides his services without charge, embodying the spirit of altruism and social responsibility.
Arlan’s unwavering dedication to making the world a better place through philanthropy and nonprofit empowerment serves as an inspiring example of the positive impact one individual can have on our global community.
Email:Arlan@WeTheWorld.org
Happiness is a profound and multifaceted concept!
Happiness is:
1. A positive emotional state: Feeling joyful, content, and satisfied.
2. A sense of well-being: Physical, emotional, and mental flourishing.
3. Fulfillment: Living a purposeful, meaningful life.
4. Gratitude: Appreciating life’s blessings and experiences.
Components of Happiness:
1. Positive Relationships: Strong connections with loved ones.
2. Good Physical Health: Taking care of one’s body.
3. Mental Well-being: Managing stress, anxiety, and emotions.
4. Purpose and Meaning: Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
5. Personal Growth: Learning, developing, and self-improving.
Types of Happiness:
1. Hedonic Happiness: Pleasure, enjoyment, and instant gratification.
2. Eudaimonic Happiness: Living a purposeful, fulfilling life.
Theories of Happiness:
1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Fulfilling basic needs to achieve self-actualization.
2. Positive Psychology: Focusing on strengths, resilience, and well-being.
Inspirational Quotes:
1. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama XIV
2. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius
3. “The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up.” – Mark Twain
Cultivate happiness through:
1. Mindfulness and self-care
2. Gratitude practices
3. Positive relationships
4. Purposeful activities
5. Personal growth and learning
What brings you happiness?
A true leader:
Inspires and Empowers
1. Visionary: Sets clear goals and direction.
2. Communicates effectively: Listens and articulates clearly.
3. Empowers others: Fosters growth, autonomy, and accountability.
4. Leads by example: Demonstrates integrity, ethics, and values.
5. Encourages collaboration: Builds strong teams and partnerships.
Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence
1. Self-aware: Recognizes strengths, weaknesses, and emotions.
2. Empathetic: Understands and respects others’ perspectives.
3. Resilient: Adapts to challenges and uncertainty.
4. Authentic: Genuine, transparent, and vulnerable.
Fosters a Positive Culture
1. Promotes inclusivity and diversity.
2. Encourages innovation and creativity.
3. Supports continuous learning and growth.
4. Celebrates successes and learns from failures.
Key Qualities
1. Integrity
2. Accountability
3. Adaptability
4. Humility
5. Compassion
6. Strategic thinking
7. Decision-making
8. Resilience
Types of Leaders
1. Transformational: Inspires change and innovation.
2. Servant: Prioritizes team needs and growth.
3. Authentic: Leads with vulnerability and empathy.
Inspirational quotes:
1. “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – John C. Maxwell
2. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
3. “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan
True leaders uplift, inspire, and empower others to ach
Here are alternative ways to say “smile and shine”:
1. Radiate joy and sparkle.
2. Beam with happiness.
3. Glow from within.
4. Light up the room.
5. Spread sunshine.
6. Share your brightness.
7. Illuminate your presence.
8. Shine your light.
9. Shimmer with positivity.
10. Brighten up.
More poetic options:
1. Unfold your inner sunshine.
2. Let your warmth illuminate.
3. Unleash your radiant energy.
4. Wear your happiness.
5. Emit joy.
Inspirational phrases:
1. “Sparkle, shine, and make it yours!”
2. “Own your light!”
3. “Shine on, beautiful soul!”
4. “Radiate positivity!”
5. “Be your brilliant self!”
Use these phrases to uplift and encourage others!
Some inspiring quotes:
1. “Smile, breathe, and go slowly.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
2. “You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14
3. “Shine your light, don’t hide it.” – Unknown
Spread joy and positivity!
Our choices and mindset significantly impact the quality of our life. Here are factors that can make life good or bad:
*Good:*
1. Positive Attitude: Focus on gratitude, optimism, and resilience.
2. Healthy Habits: Regular exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep.
3. Meaningful Relationships: Nurture loving connections with family, friends.
4. Purpose and Passion: Pursue goals, hobbies, and values-aligned activities.
5. Self-Care: Prioritize mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
6. Lifelong Learning: Embrace personal growth, learning, and self-improvement.
7. Gratitude Practice: Reflect on blessings, no matter how small.
8. Forgiveness and Letting Go: Release negativity, focus on moving forward.
*Bad:*
1. Negative Thoughts and Emotions: Dwelling on fear, anger, or sadness.
2. Unhealthy Habits: Substance abuse, poor diet, lack of exercise.
3. Toxic Relationships: Surrounding yourself with harmful influences.
4. Lack of Purpose or Direction: Feeling lost, unfulfilled.
5. Neglecting Self-Care: Ignoring mental, emotional, physical needs.
6. Stagnation: Resisting change, growth, and learning.
7. Holding Grudges: Allowing resentment to consume energy.
8. Poor Time Management: Wasting time on non-essential activities.
*Transformative Actions:*
1. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
2. Practice mindfulness and meditation.
3. Engage in acts of kindness and volunteerism.
4. Challenge negative self-talk and thoughts.
5. Cultivate empathy and compassion.
6. Embrace change and growth.
7. Foster meaningful connections.
8. Focus on the present moment.
Telling old friends you miss them can be simple and heartfelt. Here are some ideas:
In-person or Video Call:
Start with a warm greeting.
Share a fond memory or inside joke.
Express your feelings: “I’ve been thinking about you lately, and I miss hanging out.”
Catch up on each other’s lives
1. Send a personalized message: “Hey [Name], been thinking about you! Miss our good times.”
2. Share a nostalgic photo or meme.
3. Ask about their life: “How have you been?”
Phone Call or Voice Message:
1. Start with a friendly tone.
2. Share a brief update on your life.
3. Express your feelings: “I’ve been missing our conversations/conversations about [shared interest].”
4. End with a positive note.
Email or Handwritten Letter:
1. Begin with a warm greeting.
2. Share memories, gratitude, and why you miss them.
3. Update them on your life.
4. End with a heartfelt closing.
Example Messages:
“Hey [Name], hope you’re doing well! I’ve been thinking about our old times and missing you. Let’s catch up soon!”
“Hi [Name], it’s been too long! I’ve been reminiscing about our [shared experience]. Would love to reconnect.”
“[Name], I was just thinking about you and wanted to say hi. Miss our laughs and conversations.”
Tips:
1. Be genuine and sincere.
2. Respect their time and boundaries.
3. Be open to rekindling the friendship.
4. Follow up with actions (e.g., schedule a call or meetup).
Reconnect and nurture those meaningful relationships!
Inspiring quotes:
1. “True friends are never apa
Our choices and mindset significantly impact the quality of our life. Here are factors that can make life good or bad:
*Good:*
1. Positive Attitude: Focus on gratitude, optimism, and resilience.
2. Healthy Habits: Regular exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep.
3. Meaningful Relationships: Nurture loving connections with family, friends.
4. Purpose and Passion: Pursue goals, hobbies, and values-aligned activities.
5. Self-Care: Prioritize mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
6. Lifelong Learning: Embrace personal growth, learning, and self-improvement.
7. Gratitude Practice: Reflect on blessings, no matter how small.
8. Forgiveness and Letting Go: Release negativity, focus on moving forward.
*Bad:*
1. Negative Thoughts and Emotions: Dwelling on fear, anger, or sadness.
2. Unhealthy Habits: Substance abuse, poor diet, lack of exercise.
3. Toxic Relationships: Surrounding yourself with harmful influences.
4. Lack of Purpose or Direction: Feeling lost, unfulfilled.
5. Neglecting Self-Care: Ignoring mental, emotional, physical needs.
6. Stagnation: Resisting change, growth, and learning.
7. Holding Grudges: Allowing resentment to consume energy.
8. Poor Time Management: Wasting time on non-essential activities.
*Transformative Actions:*
1. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
2. Practice mindfulness and meditation.
3. Engage in acts of kindness and volunteerism.
4. Challenge negative self-talk and thoughts.
5. Cultivate empathy and compassion.
6. Embrace change and growth.
7. Foster meaningful connections.
8. Focus on the present moment.
Best friends play a vital role in our lives, providing
Emotional Support: Unconditional love, empathy, and encouragement
Trust and Loyalty: Reliable confidants who keep secrets and stand by you
Shared Experiences: Creating memories, laughter, and inside jokes
Personal Growth: Supporting self-improvement, learning, and goal achievement
Stress Relief: Offering a listening ear, advice, and comfort
Networking: Introducing new opportunities, social connections, and perspectives
Accountability: Encouraging responsibility, motivation, and healthy habits
Sense of Belonging: Feeling accepted, valued, and part of a community
Improved Mental Health: Reducing anxiety, depression, and loneliness
Fun and Adventure: Sharing excitement, spontaneity, and exploring new experiences
Longer lifespan
Stronger immune system
Increased happiness
Better coping mechanisms
Improved self-esteem
Being a good listener
Showing empathy and understanding
Being supportive and reliable
Sharing common interests
Communicating openly and honestly
Some inspiring quotes
Every day brings a chance to rise above our past, to learn from our mistakes, and to become a better version of ourselves. Embrace the fresh start, let go of regrets, and step into a brighter tomorrow.”
“Yesterday’s mistakes ≠ Today’s identity
Embrace the fresh start
Rise. Learn. Grow.”
• Self-reflection
• Personal growth
• Forgiveness (self and others)
• Resilience
• Hope
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
“You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” – Unknown
“Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath and start again.
❤️ Would Taylor Swift be a good Happy & Grateful spokesperson? ❤️
Taylor Swift would indeed be an excellent fit as a celebrity spokeswoman for the Happy and Grateful Fundraising for a Better World program! As a global superstar, Taylor Swift embodies the values of kindness, empathy, and generosity, aligning perfectly with the program’s mission.
Her vast fan base, spanning diverse age groups and demographics, would greatly benefit from her involvement.
Taylor Swift’s commitment to philanthropy
Taylor Swift’s commitment to philanthropy and social causes is well-documented, making her an authentic and passionate advocate for the Happy and Grateful program. Her endorsement would undoubtedly amplify the program’s reach, inspiring countless fans to support their favorite nonprofits and create a better world.
Taylor Swift’s impact on the Happy & Grateful Movement
Imagine the incredible impact Taylor Swift’s involvement could have! She could share her own experiences, encourage fans to participate, and even collaborate with Happy and Grateful on exclusive initiatives. The possibilities are endless!
Let’s hope this suggestion becomes a reality, and Taylor Swift joins forces with Happy and Grateful to spread joy, gratitude, and positivity worldwide!
We believe Taylor Swift’s values align with our mission, and we’re inviting her to be the face of this innovative program. By partnering with us, Taylor can inspire a wave of positivity and generosity, supporting countless causes without any financial commitment from her.
How does being an image for Happy & Grateful work?
– Taylor Swift lends her name and image to the “Happy and Grateful” program.
– We, The World handles all program development, marketing, and fundraising efforts.
– Nonprofits participate in the program, using our resources to raise funds without expenses.
– Taylor Swift’s involvement encourages a wider audience to engage with the program, amplifying its impact.
By being the face of “Happy and Grateful,” Taylor Swift can:
– Inspire a new generation of philanthropists
– Support a wide range of causes without financial commitment
– Enhance her reputation as a champion of social good
We’re not asking for any financial contribution from Taylor Swift or 13 Management. We simply invite Taylor to be the symbol of hope and positivity for this groundbreaking program.
If you’re interested, we’d be delighted to schedule a call to discuss further.
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Chifuyu
Executive Director for WE, The World & The WE Campaign
I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and a licensed RTT practitioner based in Vancouver, Canada. I grew up in Japan for the first 22 years of my life. I’m still deeply connected with Japanese culture. I have been supporting Japanese patients in communicating with medical personnel as a medical interpreter. My hope is to support as many people as possible now as a counsellor in finding their own path and a light at the end of their tunnel, however those tunnels are shaped in their life.
I have 40 plus years of life experiences, 20 plus years of free counselling and 10 years of medical interpreter experience. I’ve also graduated from Vancouver College of Counsellor Training and now acquired the skills for RTT, a method developed by the award-winning therapist Marisa Peer in the U.K. I’m here to hear your stories, understand what you need, find what you can let go and help you rediscover yourself. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey, journey to find a path to your wonderful happy life!
My Approach
My approach to counselling is “Heart-Centered”, your heart comes first. Because your heart is where your true self is. Your heart knows who you are and what you want. This is why feelings that come from your heart matter so much. You deserve to be heard without any judgement. I am here to offer a safe space for you to be completely open and honest with yourself and talk about whatever you need so that you can reconnect with your heart once again.
Counselling is not all about giving advice but help you find insights. It’s for you to safely explore and discover answers within yourself. Counselling can also be a place for you to be heard, welcomed and accepted for who you currently are and to be supported for your journey to your true self.
Everyone’s journey is different. So are the stress, issues, pains or whatever they’re facing in their lives. I might approach our sessions from various angles and various therapy styles in order to find what really works for each client.
Whatever it is that you’re facing, you have all the abilities and talents to overcome it. Everyone has their unique ability, everyone has their own pace to learn, and everyone is different in how to overcome their challenges. All they need is to remember how much power they have within themselves.
We are all here for a reason. Everyone is here because they’re supposed to be.
Thank you for coming into this world.
And thank you for letting me be your support during the tough times.
Jennifer
Executive Director for WE, The World & The WE Campaign
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Angel Short (She/Her)
Executive Director for WE, The World & The WE Campaign
Angel Short is the Executive Director of We, The World and Victim Advocate of Hopes Wings Domestic Violence Program. With a B.A. in Business Management, she is passionate about uplifting grassroots movements and supporting female entrepreneurship as a vital effort in creating a world that works for all. Angel has a penchant for finding creative solutions to promote equal access with a focus on sustainability. With several years experience in the behavioral and mental health fields, she has a keen interest in healing the inherent causes of global crises.
Email: AngelShort@WE.net
Rick Ulfik
Founder and Board Chairman of WE, The World
Rick Ulfik is the Founder and Board Chair of WE, The World, Founder and a Principal Coordinator of the WE Campaign, and Co-Founder and Principal Organizer of 11 Days of Global Unity Sept. 11-21, an annual convergence of more than 700 associated events in over 60 countries around the world launched by We, The World and global partners in 2004. Rick also co-produces Visual Voices a TV Series Co-Sponsored by We, The World which was originally featured on the Dish Network and available in 15 million homes. He has written, produced and directed two short films. Rick organizes and promotes scores of events and other better world activities, large and small, every year.
Rick has been a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) workshop facilitator and leader working with the New York Center for Nonviolent Communication. He has worked with NVC since 2004 and has participated in many workshops led by internationally acclaimed mediator and creator of NVC Marshall Rosenberg who joined the Advisory Board of We, The World.
Rick Ulfik is also an award-winning composer, musician (keyboards), songwriter and sound design specialist who, over the last 30 years, has written, produced, arranged and performed music for ABC TV, NBC, CBS, the Olympics, feature films, commercials, records, and he has performed with major recording artists including Queen Latifah, Phoebe Snow, Carlos Santana, Judy Collins, and Bernadette Peters.
WORK IN SOCIAL CHANGE ORGANIZING
Rick Ulfik is the Founder and Board Chair of We, The World, a non-profit organization that develops global networks of collaboration and action to build mass involvement in the work of creating a peaceful, caring, sustainable world. Advisors and supporters include Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Daniel Ellsberg, Dr. Riane Eisler, Bill McKibben, Robert Thurman, William Schulz (Amnesty International USA Executive Director 1994-2006), Patch Adams, Hazel Henderson, and about 70 others.
Rick is Founder and a Principal Organizer of the WE Campaign – www.WE.net This is a global campaign to unite and amplify the efforts of people, organizations and movements working for the common good. Rick is also Co-Creator and Principal Organizer of 11 Days of Global Unity Sept. 11-21, an annual promotion of peace, sustainability and transformation that annually includes as many as 700 associated events in over 60 countries around the world. In 2004 We, The World and partners launched 11 Days of Global Unity as a breakthrough platform for linking local awareness and action campaigns into an inspiring international movement to create a world that works for all.
From 2004 to the present, participants in 11 Days of Global Unity have included:
Visionary Leaders
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra, Daniel Ellsberg, Amy Goodman, Bill McKibben, Eve Ensler, Arun Gandhi, Marianne Williamson, Patch Adams, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Robert Thurman, Hazel Henderson, Riane Eisler, Jonathan Granoff, Lynne Twist, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Helen Caldicott, Indigenous Grandmother Agnes Pilgrim, Nina Meyerhof and many others.
Global Organizations
Amnesty International, Oxfam America, United Religions Initiative, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, the UN NGO Committee for the International Day of Peace, Earthdance, The Shift Network, The Compassion Games, Oprah Winfrey’s Belief Team, Pathways To Peace, Culture of Peace Initiative, World Peace Prayer Society, Children of the Earth, Peaceday TV, Ecofest, Benjamin Barber’s Interdependence Movement and thousands of other socially conscious organizations and businesses around the world.
In 2011 We, The World and partners took 11 Days to the next level with 11 Days of Global Unity – 11 Ways to Change the World which includes 11 Campaigns of Social Change.
11 Days includes concerts, festivals, webcasts and many other activities around the world. By combining artistic presentations, inspiration, consciousness-raising and taking action, 11 Days embodies our strategy of Inspire, Inform and Involve for moving humanity off the path of catastrophe and towards creating a peaceful, sustainable world.
Rick is the Host, Moderator and Principle Organizer of The 11 Days of Global Unity Tele-Summit 2014 and The 11 Days of Global Unity Tele-Summit 2015, which were co-produced with The Shift Network and promoted to over 300,000 people. The Summits featured some of the most visionary thinkers and activists of our time including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Eve Ensler, Deepak Chopra, Daniel Ellsberg, Amy Goodman, Bill McKibben, Patch Adams, Helen Caldicott and Eckhart Tolle.
Rick was also Co-Producer of the Better World Forum 2012 an online, virtual conference and exposition with seminars, screenings, interviews and panels featuring Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bill McKibben, Dot Maver, Deepak Chopra, John Perkins, Robert Thurman, Hazel Henderson, Jack Healey, Benjamin Barber, Rev. Deborah Moldow, Danny Schechter, Occupy Movement Organizers, Stephen Dinan and dozens of other leaders and teachers on the cutting edge of cultural, economic, environmental and political change.
MEDIA PRODUCTION
Rick co-produced Visual Voices a 13-part TV Series that presents voices in media, politics, culture and the arts who are shaping our world. It was broadcast on the Dish Network, available in over 15 million homes, and is currently running in New York City. He has also written, produced and directed two short films.
WORK IN MUSIC
Rick Ulfik is an award-winning composer, musician, sound design specialist and audio engineer who is well known and respected for his work in television, film, and many other media. During the last 30 years he has been a member of hundreds of television, film, commercial and other media production teams.
Composer Underscoring Credits include: The Fire Unleashed (ABC-TV 3-hour Prime Time Special with Peter Jennings), Growing Old in America (ABC-TV 3-hour Prime Time Special with Hugh Downs), Dangerous World: The Kennedy Years (ABC), Another World (NBC), Guiding Light (CBS), All My Children (ABC), The Olympics (NBC), French Tennis Open (NBC), NCAA Basketball (ABC), The Peace Corps (Harry Belafonte), Delta Airlines, VISA, Prudential Insurance, IBM, Estee Lauder, Sea World and many others.
Rick has done keyboard work, arranging, sound design and/or musical direction with the following artists: Queen Latifah, Phoebe Snow, Carlos Santana, Spike Lee’s film production “New Jersey Drive”, Kurtis Blow, Noel Pointer, DJ Mark James The 45 King, Samantha Sang, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Pete Seeger, Ester Satterfield, Judy Collins, Bernadette Peters, Jane Olivor, Rupert Holmes, Maureen Mcgovern, Musique “Keep On Jumpin’”, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Jimmy Owens, Lester Chambers and many others.
Songwriting Credits include: Firesign (Record Label: RCA, Artist: Cory). Rick was the co-writer of 5 of the album’s tunes, including the title track (which hit the Billboard and Record World Top 100 Charts).
AWARD RECOGNITION
Grammy Award nomination, Clio awards, and the Parents Choice, Kids First, and National Educational Media Network awards for excellence in musical educational materials.
AWARD JUDGING
Rick has served for many years and continues to serve each year as a judge for the Emmy Awards in the areas of News, Documentaries, and Music. He has also served as a judge for the Clio Awards and the NY Festivals Awards as well as the United Nations special UNESCO Award for excellence and social significance in documentary television.
SOCIAL CHANGE ORGANIZING BACKGROUND
For many years Rick has had a strong interest in being involved with groups that promote peaceful and fulfilling interactions. He was a co-leader and coordinator of the 1993 United Nations event “Celebration For the Children of The World” endorsed by Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
He was one of several principal organizers of Michael Lerner’s historic National Summit On Ethics And Meaning in Washington, D.C. in April of 1996 which was attended by 1,800 people and included David Korten, Corinne McLaughlin, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Marian Wright Edelman, Pete Seeger, Marianne Williamson, Daniel Ellsberg, Cornel West and many others.
He also was an organizer for the 1998 United Nations Gandhi/King Season For Nonviolence honoring the 50th and 30th memorial
anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. endorsed by the Dalai Lama and Kofi Annan with participation by close to 2,000 people including Jesse Jackson, Arun Gandhi, over 500 organizations, and events taking place in 115 cities.
As Co-Chair of the National Board of The Foundation for Ethics and Meaning, he was one of three principal organizers of Re-Imagining Politics and Society at the Millennium, a conference in May of 2000 which featured Wei Jingsheng, Cornel West, Michael Lerner, David Korten, Naomi Klein, Arianna Huffington, Mark Green, Patricia Ireland, Cora Weiss, Marianne Williamson, and over 200 other speakers from around the world.
Rick was the principal organizer of We, The World’s Videoconference Series Building Peace and Security in the 21st Century started in 2003 which connects schools with the United Nations and featured speakers from around the world. Interacting with inspiring speakers like Dr. Jane Goodall and Congressman and Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich, students and others are supported and encouraged to create a dream and vision of peace, and then put their dream into action.
The videoconferences each involved hundreds of students, faculty and others (close to 1,000 total). Students and faculty interacted with speakers and came away informed, inspired and motivated to participate in many different kinds of peace activities. Education Update (a newspaper that reaches 200,000 parents, educators, and students) has made our Sept. videoconference the Cover Story of their 8th Anniversary issue! Utne Magazine website ran a feature story at the start of the series entitled “All About Solutions”.
PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE
After college, Rick was a math teacher, math tutor, and music teacher in the New York City Public School System. He has served as a High School Executive Internship Sponsor.
Email:RickUlfik@wetheworld.org