Facts, myths, and opportunities related to Earth’s climate and our species include key concepts of weather and climate, greenhouse gases, carbon footprints and policy options. St. Louis enviro-educator Green Jean Ponzi weaves these threads with perspective on human patterns and impacts toward finding paths to just, responsible action. Local examples offer courage to engage and persist in change-making.

Jean Ponzi serves as green resources manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. A 29-year veteran of the Garden’s EarthWays Center team, Green Jean currently applies her sustainability expertise as manager of the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, operator of the Garden’s Green Resources Info Service, and on the leadership team for the regional initiative BiodiverseCity St. Louis. Her enviro-interview show Earthworms has logged over 33 years of conversations through KDHX St. Louis Community Media, as her volunteer community service. Jean is in demand as a speaker, writer, and media spokesperson, offering her audiences both practical options and ecological inspiration.

This Platform will feature music by Adam Rodgers.

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Many thanks to all our members who have already submitted their pledge for the upcoming fiscal year. If you haven't yet, please turn in your pledge form by April 30. If you are unable to contribute a financial pledge this year, please contact office@ethicalstl.org for a waiver - we just need to know you're still an active member! Thank you all for being the vital roots that allow our community to flourish.

A Celebration of Life for Carol Bartell will be held in Monday, April 22, at 1 p.m. at the Steppenwolf Theatre on the main stage, 1650 N Halsted St., Chicago, IL. There will be a Zoom option for those who would like to join virtually.

The job posting for the Leader position indicated, “To be guaranteed consideration, applications are due by April 5, 2024. Applications received after that date will be considered until the position is filled.” With that in mind, we have begun reviewing applications, without closing down the possibility of receiving additional ones. We have also been working on reducing and finalizing our bank of interview questions.

We cherish the earth and all the life upon it: it is one of our core values. That is, we cherish everything except weeds. Spring is here! The flower and tree beds around the Ethical Society building need your help to look their best during the growing season. Two teams of gardeners are being formed to start beautification in mid-April. One will work Tuesday mornings before 10 am, and the other will work Saturday mornings. Each team will have a Master Gardener team leader. One or two mornings per month per team of clipping and weeding should be enough to create a great environment. Tools will be provided. Contact Stephanie Sigala at stephanie.sigala@sbcglobal.net to volunteer or ask questions.

Join our team! We're looking for an enthusiastic and personable Membership Coordinator to improve visitor experience and enhance member connections. Check out the listing and submit a letter of interest, resume, and 2-3 references to Interim Director Amy L. Miller at amiller@ethicalstl.org if you would like to apply.

We are also hiring a Sunday Host and an Event Assistant. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Adam Presswood, Rental Coordinator for the Ethical Society of St. Louis. (314) 991-0955. apresswood@ethicalstl.org.

Please note, we can't hire members for these jobs.

We will be meeting on Sunday, April 28, from 5–8 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Hanke Room, and dinner will be provided in the Becker Room. You can BYOB or whatever you'd like to drink. Snacks or desserts to share are also welcome, but not required. If you attended the event in December, please refrain from signing up so that other members can attend. 

We will be ordering pizza. Please RSVP, and let us know if you eat vegetarian or meat pizza. Please send responses by April 17.

We welcome member feedback about Platform, as well as any ideas you have for future speakers. Please email Platformteam@ethicalstl.org. And did you know? You can also volunteer to give Opening Words by emailing us!

On Saturday, April 27, please join the Climate Action Now team, in support of Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign, at a family friendly parade and people's hearing, calling on Ameren Missouri to switch to renewable sources of energy. Advance registration is required. For time, location, more details and to register, follow this link.

Calling all Virtual Travelers. Our next presentation will be on Friday, April 19 at 7 PM in the Hanke Room. We also plan to Zoom the presentation (#395 547 1091). The presenters will be Steve Harris and Jane Schaefer, who visited Greece on a tour led by Michael Fuller, an archaeology professor at Meramec CC. They flew to Athens and then by coach visited Thermopylae, Mycenae, Delphi, Corinth, Epidouras, Olympia, and Patras before returning to Athens. Please join us to hear about their exciting adventures. Bring a snack to share and your own beverage. Feel free to bring your friends. Everyone is welcome!

The May Veggie Potluck (May 3, 6:30 p.m.) will be hosted by Stephanie Sigala and Jim Rhodes at their home, 550 Hollywood Place in Webster Groves. The theme is Cinco de Mayo so bring your fiesta attitude and Hispanic cuisine. Bring a veggie dish serving at least eight people, serving utensils, and a beverage of your choice (BYOB). We are hoping for a good weather patio party outside, but will be inside in case of rain. RSVPs are important since space inside is limited to 20.Contact Stephanie Sigala stephanie.sigala@sbcglobal.net with questions or to RSVP.

Are you a person in religious transition? Find peer support in our weekly meeting at the Ethical Society, 7 p.m. on Mondays in the Hanke Room. Whether you’re transitioning out of religion or have been out of religion for years, it can help to discuss some of the insights and challenges of this experience. You can also join our Facebook group.

The Finding Connections Book Club will NOT MEET on Sunday, April 21. We will next convene the following Sunday, April 28, at 12:30 p.m. in the Butterfly Room. At the April 28 meeting, we will discuss the first 3 chapters of Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath. Contact: Alan Easton ameast89@yahoo.com.