Topic: Why Think in Terms of Building an Empathy Movement?
Speaker: Edwin Rutsch (10 min)
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Bio: Edwin Rutsch is the Founding Director of The Empathy Center, developer and long term "evangelist" of the Empathy Movement Circle practice. (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)
Topic: Why is it Beneficial to Think in Terms of Building an Empathy Movement?
Abstract: This talk makes the case for seeing our work not as isolated projects, but as part of a larger Empathy Movement. A movement lens gives us energy, unity, and vision—it reminds us that we are not alone but building something bigger together. By naming it a movement, we create a call to action: to connect, to collaborate, and to stand for empathy as a constructive growth promoting cultural force. I will share why this framing is so powerful and how it can help us grow a movement that heals and transforms relationships, communities, and society.
Question Asked of Participants:
Why is it beneficial to think in terms of building an Empathy Movement?
Shared Purpose: Instead of just holding individual empathy based workshops, events, activities or interactions, a movement unites people around a common goal or vision, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. This clarity drives motivation and sustained effort. - Edwin
Provides a framework to work together. - Bill
A movement says we are going somewhere. - Daniel
MLK said: “Those who want peace need to learn to organize as effectively as those who want war.” A movement helps get on the same page in terms of caring for one another; and organizing - Janna
A movement, a systemic change, is necessary to embed empathy in our culture in any kind of meaningful and sustainable way. - Catherine Cooley
A movement is dynamic, something that can spread organically. It expresses inspiration and passion, instead of new forms and roles - Deanne
In terms of empathy, a movement suggests that participants build an empathetic community–one of mutual understanding. - Josh
Teaching people to listen fully with their hearts.
https://otter.ai/u/9pw8uUzXBgQEiuO5nUnZVhyxNRg?view=summary
Edwin Rutsch, founder of the Empathy Center, discussed the benefits of building an empathy movement. He emphasized the importance of a shared purpose, community, and intrinsic motivation that a movement provides. Rutsch highlighted the resilience of a values-based movement over one led by a single figure. He noted the need for systematic change to embed empathy in culture and cited comments from participants, such as Bill's framework for collaboration and Catherine Cooley's emphasis on dynamic, organic growth. Rutsch invited others to join the movement and participate in future empathy summits held every four months.
[ ] @Edwin Rutsch - Become a speaker at a future empathy summit.
[ ] @Edwin Rutsch - Organize the next empathy summit in January.
[ ] Add thoughts on why it's beneficial to think in terms of an empathy movement to the Google Doc.
Speaker 1 introduces Edwin Rutsch, founder and director of the Empathy Center, and developer of the Empathy Circle practice and movement.
Edwin Rutsch thanks Kara and comments on the beautiful background of the Eco Village in Eugene, Oregon.
Edwin announces the first of an ongoing series of Empathy Summits, held every four months, to build the Empathy Movement.
He invites participants to become speakers and share their ideas and projects related to empathy.
Edwin Rutsch explains the importance of thinking in terms of building an Empathy Movement rather than just promoting empathy individually.
He highlights the shared purpose and sense of connection that a movement provides, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Edwin discusses the intrinsic motivation that comes from shared values and collective identity within a movement.
He emphasizes the long-term, sustainable change that a movement can bring, contrasting it with short-term, isolated efforts.
Edwin Rutsch talks about the various empathy initiatives in education, business, healthcare, and other fields.
He mentions how empathy can unite different organizations and tribes working on empathy-related projects.
Edwin compares a movement based on shared values to one led by a single leader, noting the resilience of the former.
He stresses the goal of changing the culture through the Empathy Movement, creating laws and embedding empathy in society.
Edwin Rutsch reads comments from participants in the Google Doc, highlighting the benefits of thinking in terms of a movement.
Bill comments that a movement provides a framework for working together effectively.
Daniel says a movement indicates a sense of direction and forward motion.
Jenna quotes Martin Luther King, emphasizing the need for effective organization to achieve peace.
Catherine Cooley notes that a movement is necessary for systematic change and embedding empathy in culture.
Edwin Rutsch appreciates the comments and reiterates the importance of a shared vision and framework for organizing.
He invites participants to become speakers in future Empathy Summits.
Speaker 1, Kara, expresses gratitude for Edwin's insights and shares her own reflections on the importance of shared actions for concrete change.
Kara emphasizes the renewable energy of passion and the potential for the Empathy Movement to spread organically and create lasting impact.