Humanities Network, Winter 2010

0.72 MB·English

by  California Humanities (formerly California Council for the Humanities)

California Council for the Humanities Winter 2010
HUmaN/I’IeS
Featured in This Issue I \ 5
^
Literature brings compassion Humanities' role in today's world: Pilot program begins community
and understanding to medicine A conversation with new dialogue at Riverside County
at Fresno's VA Hospital NEH Chairman Jim Leach public libraries
Soldiers share stories,
heal wounds
New program offers perspective for health care providers serving veterans
Dr. Robert disorders manifest in people. Council. The California Council reading plays, short stories,
Hierholzer, Such experiences helped the for the Humanities is one of 14 poetry, fiction and personal
a psychiatrist residents better empathize state councils participating in narratives and sharing their
and the with their patients. an initiative funded by a grant reflections with colleagues.
humanities at the heart of health care
Associate from the National Endowment The program has been shown
Now with Council support, the
Chief of Staff for Research and for the Humanities to expand to have a significant effect
Fresno Veterans Administration
Education at the Department the nationally recognized pro¬ on the way health care profes¬
Hospital, which serves more
of Veterans Affairs Central gram to VA hospitals around sionals understand their work,
than 35,000 veterans, will be
California Health Care System the country. and consequently improves
the first in California to partici¬
in Fresno, often used literary their interactions with patients
pate in Literature & Medicine: The award-winning program,
works as teaching aids with and strengthens their relation¬
Humanities at the Heart of which has been employed in
his psychiatry residents. He ships with one another.
Health Care®, a scholar-led, hospitals and other health care
found that some writings,
humanities-based professional settings since 1997, deepens "The practice of medicine
such as those by author
development program for health medical practitioners' under¬ and health care is very stress¬
William Styron—who suffered
care professionals developed standing of their professional ful, demanding work," said
from depression—provided
by the Maine Humanities roles and relationships through
useful insight into how mental
continued on page 3
For ex-Marine Michael Baldrige, by a California Story Fund grant
coming home and recovering from the California Council for
from the traumas of war was the Humanities given to Loyola
in some ways as harrowing as Marymount University.
the firefights he experienced in
Vietnam. It took him nearly 30
continued on page 3
Scenes from "On the Front Line: Three Generations of Soldiers' Voices" include, left to right, actor
years to come to terms with his
Christopher Sweeney playing World War II Army veteran Vincent Migliazzo; actor Ken Narasaki as
Korean War Army veteran George Omi in front of a projection of Omi; and actor Luis Jimenez emotional scars.
portraying Iraq War Marine veteran Abraham Salazar Beruman. (Photos: Nathan Kornelis)
Baldrige was one of 11 veterans The California Council for the
PUT GIVES
from World War II, the Korean Humanities is a partner of the
War, the Vietnam War and
National Endowment for the
current conflicts in Afghanistan
VOICE TO SOLDIERS
and Iraq whose stories were Humanities. Humanities Network
dramatized in "On the Front is published three times a year and
Line: Three Generations of
mailed to anyone who requests it
Stories from the battlefield help vets heal,
Soldiers' Voices," an original
from the San Francisco office.
foster public understanding dramatic production supported
ww.calhum.org
_ _ WHEN CAN WE TALK ABOUT
THE UNSPEAKABLE?
By Ralph Lewin, President and CEO
WHEN I WAS AN UNDERGRADUATE AT from confronting ideas or actions that are painful, Royer went
UC SANTA BARBARA, the school's most to the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital to
popular course was "The Impact of the work with veterans from World War II through the current war
Vietnam War on American Religion in Afghanistan and explore the stories of what it means to be
and Culture" taught by Religious in a war and how it can define the lives of both veterans and
Studies Professor Walter H. Capps, the rest of us.
later a Democratic congressman from
The Council's new Literature & Medicine: Humanities at the
California. The nationally renowned
Heart of Health Care® program is taking place at the VA Hospital
course was covered three times on
in Fresno, which serves more than 35,000 veterans. Dr. Richard
"60 Minutes" and filled the campus's
Hierholzer, a psychiatrist and the hospital's Associate Chief of
900-seat Campbell Hall every semester.
Staff for Research and Education who is leading the program,
Why was this religious studies course so popular? Martin Luther talks about the power of reading literature, such as a piece by
King Jr. cautioned us, "Our lives begin to end the day we become William Styron, and how that simple act can improve the quality
silent about things that matter." The other students and I were of a veteran's treatment.
curious about the silence that enveloped our nation, a silence
These are just two examples of the important work that the Council
that shattered many of our loved ones, tore into families and
has undertaken. Also in this issue of Humanities Network, Jim
communities, and fundamentally shaped the country we knew.
Leach, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities,
We were drawn to the courage of someone who spoke about
talks about how the humanities can help us make wise geopolitical
the unspeakable and broke the silence.
decisions in the future. He told me, "History is needed to provide
Professor Capps' course taught us about war and its wounds. lessons for the here and now, literature to stretch the imagination,
It taught us how war can dampen the fire of the human spirit and philosophy and theology to provide a moral and social
and how the humanities—and the conversations they inspire compass." As you know, humanities perspectives are critical to
—can lift that spirit again. Two Council-supported projects, who we are and who we are becoming. The work we do together
described in this issue of Humanities Network, reminded ensures that these perspectives pierce the silence and illuminate
me of those important truths. the conversations we have about what matters the most.
Judith Royer, who directed the project "On the Front Line: Three Thank you for your continued support.
Generations of Soldiers' Voices," opens a dialogue about what
happened in war and how it impacts both individuals and society
—something that is critical to building an understanding of the
human experience. Despite the very human impulse to hold back
Two New Members Join Council Board
THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR THE HUMANITIES WELCOMES MARK L. FRIEDMAN AND CYNTHIA J. WORNHAM
TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark L. Friedman is a founder and president Cynthia J. Wornham is currently the vice
of Fulcrum Property, a Sacramento-based real president of marketing and communications
estate development and investment company for the Natural History Museum of Los
with broad experience in retail, mixed-use and Angeles County. In this role, she directs all
urban-infill projects. Fulcrum's projects address of the museum's strategic communications
some of the most interesting and urgent initiatives including branding, marketing,
problems facing cities today: the revitalization media relations, new website development,
of urban cores, the reuse of older buildings and the development strategic partnerships, publications and internal communications.
of new community centers.
Prior to her current position, Wornham was principal of her
Prior to entering the real estate field, Friedman was a director own strategic communications firm, Cynthia Wornham &
in the Merger and Acquisition Group of Salomon Brothers Inc., Associates, where she provided counsel to a number of cultural
with responsibility for transactions involving lodging, gaming organizations, including the Hammer Museum (Los Angeles),
and real estate companies. Honolulu Academy of Arts, the Annenberg Cultural Center
(Beverly Hills) and Michael Maltzan Architecture.
Friedman is an active participant in several charitable and
civic organizations. He is currently serving on the UC Davis Wornham has also overseen communications for the Sundance
Chancellor's Cabinet and the School of Education Board of Institute and Film Festival, Ruder Finn and the J. Paul Getty Trust.
Trustees. He is also a founding board member of Trans 2100,
A native of San Diego, Wornham holds a bachelor's degree
a coalition of environmental, governmental and housing
in environmental studies from UC Santa Barbara.
advocates promoting legal and policy reforms to make
development of urban infill projects easier and less expensive.
Friedman graduated with a bachelor's degree from Harvard
College, and also earned graduate degrees in business and
law from Stanford University.
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Literature Brings Compassioii. Understanding to Medicine
(nnntimjRd fmm page i)
Dr. Hierholzer, who serves as month at the VA facility for six particularly severe physical that you are not the only one
the VA hospital liaison for the months to read and discuss and psychiatric wounds. The who has confronted these
program. "Sometimes it can excerpts from two literary veterans being served often challenges."
feel like some of the humanistic anthologies developed for the struggle with post-traumatic
"Participants can approach
aspects of health care can get Literature & Medicine program— stress disorder (PTSD), physical
their experiences as caregivers
lost in the shuffle. "Imagine What It's Like: A Litera¬ disabilities, substance abuse,
through the prism of reading
ture and Medicine Anthology" chronic illness, homelessness
"I hope that the participants
a piece of literature and talking
and "Echoes of War." and poverty.
will find that [the program]
about how that illuminates
charges their professional Michael Clifton, an English Participants at the Maine and issues related to their practice,"
batteries, gives them renewed department faculty member Vermont VA medical centers said Felicia Kelley, senior pro¬
enthusiasm for their work and from California State University, report that the readings and gram officer for the California
helps them see things from a Fresno, is helping to choose discussions have given them a Council for the Humanities.
different perspective, whether the texts and will facilitate the deeper understanding of PTSD,
"I would guess that most of the
from another health care pro¬ informal discussions, which will greater patience and a higher
caregivers are not veterans. By
vider or the patient. I'm hoping be held over potluck dinners. tolerance for patients' anger
reading works of imaginative
that it will give people a differ¬ and volatility. "Multiple deploy¬
Literature & Medicine is literature and film, people can
ent outlook," he said. ments for troops are going to
expected to have a significant vicariously experience what it's
strain the resources of those
Starting in January, a diverse impact on health care providers like to be a veteran so that they
who care for veterans," said
group of 20 or so participants, at VA hospitals as work and can have a richer and deeper
Clifton. "Reading literature
including doctors, nurses, stress loads have increased understanding of that experi¬
that deals with difficulties and
administrators and volunteers, with the influx of wounded ence and more insight into the
dilemmas of medicine can help
along with clerical, technical and soldiers from Afghanistan needs of their patients and their
you cope because you find out
support staff, will meet once a and Iraq, many of whom face families," she said.
Play Gives Voice to Soldiers
(continued fmm page i)
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In the final scene of "On the Front Line:Three Generations of Soldiers' Voice" actors April Fitzsimmons, Actor James Hurd, left, plays Vietnam War Navy veteran Thad Rasuii Ballew while actor DeSean Terry,
Christopher Sweeney, Luis Jimenez, Jim Holmes, James Hurd, Ken Narasaki, OeSean Terry and Joyce right, portrays Malcolm X in “A Gentleman by an Act of Congress." IPhotos: Nathan Kornelis)
Guy portray World War II Navy veteran David Jenett.
Project Director Judith Royer, a writer or actor can give an University on Oct. 29 and The tell it. We get to hear what it's
Los Angeles-based director and aesthetic beauty to even Actors' Gang in Culver City on really like, as a human being,
Loyola Marymount University painful stories," Royer said. Nov. 10 and 11. to go to war."
theater professor, organized the "Your story becomes a work
Like many other veterans, those A panel discussion with the
team of writers and actors who of art."
who contributed their stories audience—featuring the lead
elicited stories from a diverse
The production employed a experienced a profound sense writer, workshop director and
group of veterans associated
workshop format, similar to of isolation that often only scholars—followed each perfor¬
with the West Los Angeles
that used by the New York- dissipates after they are able mance. Many of the veterans in
Veterans Administration Hospital.
based Tectonic Theater Project to share their experience. Play¬ the audience expressed appre¬
Stories from three Marine, two
in "The Laramie Project." Eight wright Doris Baizley said that ciation for the play and shared
Navy and six Army veterans
professional actors—six men she was both surprised and how it had enabled them to
were then transformed into a
and two women—told the heartened by the number of better reflect on and under¬
dramatic narrative that touched
veterans' stories through a veterans willing to step forward stand their experiences. One
on a wide range of issues
series of short monologues and to tell their stories. Originally, man said that hearing and
including equal rights, self-
vignettes during the two-hour, she and her team of writers seeing his story performed had
identity and dealing with the
two-act performance. While the intended to tell only six stories, allowed him to think and feel
long-lasting consequences of
lead actor dramatized his or her but ended up with almost twice about his experiences in a new
war. Many of the stories of the
veteran's story, the other actors that amount when 11 veterans way, and to attain new insight.
veterans included reflections
remained on stage seated on offered to share their tales. Several others spoke about
on the experience of racial and
tall stools throughout the per¬ the importance of having an
gender discrimination, as well "It's important for civilians to
formance in a reader's theater audience for stories like these
as the burden of guilt and hor¬ hear these stories because this
style. The production also and the value of knowing that
ror the soldiers suffered during is what we have sent [our sol¬
included an original musical someone is listening.
the war. Other stories dealt with diers] to do," said Baizley. "We
score and multimedia projec¬
the challenges and obstacles of are the civilians that they were "Our purpose was to let these
tions that served as a constantly
re-entering civilian life and the fighting for. For so many of us, voices be heard," Royer said.
changing backdrop for the
recurring nightmare of post- wars have become so distant. "Veterans rarely tell their loved
performers.
traumatic stress disorder. Even though we hear about ones their stories. And those are
Performances were held at wars on the news and over the the people who need to hear
"There is a healing that happens
the United States Veterans' Internet, we don't really hear them because they need to
when you hear your own story
Artists Alliance in Culver City the personal experience until understand and to open up a
told, particularly when a trained
on July 11, Loyola Marymount one combat veteran starts to dialogue about what happened."
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www.calhum.org
Jeremy Bernard (left). White House liaison to the NEH, looks on as NEH Chairman Jim Leach speaks with Council board members and staff on Sept. 17, 2009, at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
(Photo: Four Seven Photography)
A Conversation with NEH Chairman Jim Leach
NOMINATED BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IN JULY 2009 AND CONFIRMED BY THE U.S. SENATE IN EARLY AUGUST, JIM LEACH BEGAN
HIS FOUR-YEAR TERM AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES LATER THAT MONTH.
Leach served 30 years as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing southeastern Iowa from 1977
to 2007. During that time, he chaired several committees, including the Committee on Financial Services, and founded and co-chaired
the Congressional Humanities Caucus.
A graduate of Princeton and Johns Hopkins universities, Leach holds eight honorary degrees and has received numerous awards,
including the Sidney R. Yates Award for Distinguished Public Service to the Humanities from the National Humanities Alliance, the
Edgar Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club and the Wayne Morse Integrity in Politics Award.
In a recent conversation with California Council for the Humanities President and CEO Ralph Lewin, Leach discussed his thoughts
on the humanities and their role in today's world.
I, “History is needed to provide lessons for the here
and now, literature to stretch the imagination, and
philosophy and theology to provide a moral and
fllsocial compass.”
RL: Thank you for spending 'pox.'" In fear of smallpox, the RL: Why did you think it was what can they offer during these
some time to talk with us today, slave hunters back off and let important to found the Humanities challenging times?
Chairman Leach. I would like to Huck pass. After the incident, Caucus while you served in the
JL: Back in the '30s when we were
start by asking what book has Huck is remorseful. "I 'knowed' House?
in the direst of economic straits,
had a lasting influence on you? I done wrong," he says, but from
JL: I had come to the conclusion we devoted a greater percentage
the reader's perspective, Huck did
JL: As a young person, I was that there was a huge cost to society of resources to the arts and
right. The story was a wondrous
taken with Mark Twain. I was of shortchanging the humanities. humanities at the federal level than
example of a boy doing something
brought up on the Mississippi Our government was making we do today. We did this based on
instinctively moral against the weight
River. Twain was a riverboat cap¬ decisions about war and peace the premise that it was important
of the law. I know of no passage that
tain who traveled up and down without understanding what the for America to understand itself,
is a more meaningful reflection of
the river by the bluff where my implications of intervention in and it was important for those in
American history and values.
Iowa home was eventually built. the Middle East were. To fail to the arts and humanities to capture
Of all the stories in American In college, the "Alexandria Quartet" understand the cultural dimen¬ what was happening in America
literature, the one that stays by Lawrence Durrell influenced sions of the decisions to go to and shine a perspective on it.
in my mind is a scene where me. The four books were set in war and maintain a long-term
History is needed to provide
Huckleberry Finn and a slave Alexandria, Egypt, between the two occupational presence without
lessons for the here and now,
named Jim are floating down world wars. Each was a first-person knowing the ramifications of our
literature to stretch the imagina¬
the river on a raft. Slave hunters narrative of the same event, with actions was a profound and costly
tion, and philosophy and
approach and demand that Huck the story told from the perspective error for the United States.
theology to provide a moral
reveal if anyone else is aboard. of different characters. The moral
RL: With the greatest economic and social compass.
Huck knows that he should tell was that to get a sense of reality
crisis since the 1930s, global
the truth and turn Jim in, but one has to see things from more When it comes to war, policy
warming and wars abroad, why
instead he blurts out "only the than one pair of eyes. makers have become quite
do the humanities matter and
. continued on page 7
www.calhum.org
5BFFIA0IM v
STRIKERS. ABB POET*
SHAPER Ortt- UMBTttS
IK CALIFORNI A
Authors Stan Yogi and Elaine Elinson discussed their book, "WhereverThere's a Fight" at the Woodcrest and Cathedral City public libraries in Riverside County
as part of the "Making a Difference" program on civic dialogue.
Riverside County Libraries Make
a Difference with New Program
LIBRARY STAFF FOSTERS CIVIC programming, which consists program will run through June authors, Elaine Elinson and
DIALOGUE IN THE COMMUNITY of reading and conversation on 2010 and plans are to extend Stan Yogi. The Cathedral City
issues of current concern and it to other California library Library also held an author
Libraries are more than just
opportunities to make a differ¬ systems in the future. reading and discussion on free¬
repositories of books. They
ence in their communities. Ten dom of expression and LGBT
are increasingly becoming "This program gives us the
library staff members attended rights based on excerpts from
"community living rooms"— opportunity to push our pro¬
an intensive two-day workshop the book on Nov. 3.
places where people gather to gramming to a new level,"
organized by the Council to
learn about and discuss issues said Riverside County Library "My job is not to insert my
learn about ways to engage
affecting the world around Administrator Mark Smith. opinions, but to guide people
patrons in meaningful civic
them. A new California Council "As is typical with most library to the text and give them
dialogue. Participants received
for the Humanities program, programming, our staff doesn't free rein to discuss what they
training, a handbook and other
supported by funding from the really interact that much with want," Rynning said. "People
resources in the humanities-
Institute of Museum and Library program participants. We might really got into it. They were
based method of reflection and
Services—provided through the invite a performer, do the pub¬ involved and engaged and had
dialogue facilitation developed
California State Library—and licity for the event, introduce a lot to say. They said after the
by the Project on Civic Reflec¬
the National Endowment for them and thank them at the event that they really enjoyed
tion, a nationally recognized
the Humanities, will help librar¬ end, but that would be the end the deep conversation and
leader in its field. The librarians
ies foster thoughtful, informed of it. ["Making a Difference"] having the chance to get into
used speeches, fiction and
and civil community dialogue. directly involves the library staff something so important."
poetry—such as Dr. Martin
in part of the programming,
In early October 2009, the Luther King Jr.'s historic speech The majority of the libraries
in being able to dialogue with
Council kicked off the "Making "The Drum Major Instinct," will begin their programming
the community. This allows us
A Difference" program in "The Boy Without a Flag" by this month to coincide with the
to stimulate a different kind of
partnership with the Riverside Abraham Rodriguez Jr. and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
interest both with our staff and
County Library System, which "A Litany for Survival" by poet Future programs will take
the public."
serves urban, suburban and Audre Lorde—as springboards place in March and May, in
rural communities that are for dialogue. The first programs took place conjunction with Women's
growing at a rate more than in early November 2009 at History Month, Cesar Chavez
Over the next few months,
four times that of the state Woodcrest and Cathedral City Day and Memorial Day
web-based meetings will give
generally and where over 38 libraries. On Nov. 2, Wood¬ observances.
participating librarians opportu¬
crest Branch Manager Connie
percent of the population speak
nities to share their successes "The Council is trying to
Rynning led a discussion on
a language other than English
and challenges with each other, demonstrate that libraries are
censorship using a chapter
at home. The six branch librar¬
seek peer and expert advice, logical places for community
from the new Heyday Press
ies participating in the program
and continue to deepen their members to come together
book "Wherever There's a
range from Glen Avon, Home
practice. Each branch library to talk and interact with one
Gardens and Woodcrest in the Fight", about the history of
will be responsible for developing another. That's consistent
civil liberties in California.
western region to Cathedral
its programs and choosing dis¬ with what we think the role
The reading and discussion
City, Coachella and Palm Desert
cussion material, which could of libraries is going to be in
program was followed, two
in the east.
be anything from a written text the future," Smith said.
days later, by a lively public
The libraries are developing civic to a film or performance. The
reading conducted by the
engagement-oriented public "Making a Difference" pilot
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www.calhum.org
COUNCIL THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL spearheaded the project, and impressed by Youth Digital
FORTHE HUMANITIES WAS the teens worked with experi¬ Filmmakers, noting that the
RECENTLY AWARDED THE enced filmmakers, community project excelled in meeting
WINS
PRESTIGIOUS 2009 HELEN mentors and humanities all of the prize's criteria,
AND MARTIN SCHWARTZ scholars in making their films. which includes reaching new
PRIZE FOR ITS WORK ON THE The films covered a wide range audiences, forging unique
SCHWARTZ
HOW I SEE IT: YOUTH DIGITAL of topics, including the effect collaborations, building capacity,
FILMMAKERS PROJECT. THE of redevelopment on a San using technology innovatively
COUNCIL WAS ONE OFTHREE Francisco neighborhood; and demonstrating sustainability.
PRIZE
RECIPIENTS TO RECEIVE THE Cambodian-American youth The judges noted that the
NATIONAL AWARD PRESENTED growing up in an inner-city project's use of technology
BY THE FEDERATION OF STATE Oakland neighborhood; strug¬ to reach youth audiences was
HUMANITIES COUNCILS FOR gles with being LGBT in Concord; "innovative and inspiring." The
OUTSTANDINGWORK IN THE the effects of the Khmer Rouge final products were far-reaching
PUBLIC HUMANITIES. war on Cambodian-American and represented the breadth of
youth in Long Beach; the the state's social, economic and
Each year, the Federation
experiences of different cultural ethnic diversity, according to
awards up to three prizes,
communities in the rural the judges' statement.
which were named in honor
Central Valley; racism, teenage
of former Federation board Such accolades were not lost
drug abuse and cliques on
members Helen and Martin on the Council.
campus among Lodi High
Schwartz, to organizations
School teens; homeless teens "It is an honor to receive this
with programming that had
in Los Angeles; and growing national recognition for excel¬
significant impact on citizens,
up in isolated Siskiyou County. lence," said Council President
institutions, organizations or
The films were completed and and CEO Ralph Lewin. "The
communities in their states.
screened in 2008. Council is particularly grateful
The Council previously won
to the young people, the scholars
the award in 2001 and 2007. Youth Digital Filmmakers was
and the filmmakers from across
conducted in partnership with
The Council's award-winning California who were our part¬
the Digital Storytelling Institute
How I See It: Youth Digital ners in imagining and creating
of ZeroDivide and the Bay Area
Filmmakers project began in this wonderful project.
Video Coalition. The project
October 2007 when the Council
received major support from "We are also grateful to former
gave $30,000 awards to each of
the James Irvine Foundation staff member Raeshma Razvi
eight California organizations
and the We The People initiative for her leadership in this pro¬
to enable teens to create films
of the National Endowment for gram and to the board and staff
exploring the connections and
the Humanities. for believing we could develop
disconnections in their lives
a program that would stretch
and communities. In awarding the Council the
who we are and how we can
Schwartz Prize, the Federation's
Former Council Programs impact people's lives," he said.
four-judge panel was extremely
Manager Raeshma Razvi
Jon Carroll Named Council's
New Director of External Affairs
Carroll's career spans nearly legislative advocacy for the State Assembly and Senate
25 years in communications museum during a multimillion- and the U.S. Congress and a
and development. He began dollar, five-year renovation of 2008 honoree of the Fresno
his career in theatrical produc¬ the museum's nationally regis¬ Arts Council's Horizon Awards.
tion and general management tered historic building. Carroll Among his many community
in regional theater and Broad¬ has also served as chairman activities, he has served as a
way touring shows before of the board of directors and volunteer for All About Care/
joining Walt Disney Studios' festival director for Fresno Reel Camp Care, Valley Public Radio
film marketing division in 1994 Pride, a volunteer non-profit and Valley Public Television.
to develop national promotions organization that presents an
The California Council "Jon brings a wonderful mix
and partnerships for feature annual film festival of award¬
for the Humanities film releases from the Walt winning LGBT feature films, of experience, energy and
knowledge of California to
welcomes Jon Carroll Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood documentaries and short films.
help the Council grow and
Pictures and Miramax labels.
as its new director of
Carroll is the winner of several better serve all Californians,"
He later went on to launch Walt
external affairs. In this ADDY Awards for Advertising said Council President and
Disney Animation Studios'
role, Carroll will be in the Arts, a recipient of special CEO Ralph Lewin.
marketing and communications
recognition from the California
responsible for promoting group. Carroll left Disney to
and communicating assist in the opening of the
new Twentieth Century Fox
the importance of the
Film Animation studio.
humanities and the
For the last nine years, Carroll
Council's work, as well
was the associate director/
as raising funds to support
director of marketing and THE COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS ITS
these efforts.
communications for the Fresno GRATITUDE TO FORMER STAFF MEMBERS ALDEN
Metropolitan Museum, where
MUDGE, AMY ROUILLARD, MAURA HURLEY AND
he was directly responsible
RAESHMA RAZVI FOR THEIR EXCELLENT SERVICE
for marketing, publicity, fund¬
AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOTH THE ORGANIZATION
raising, development and
AND THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA.
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Culture Is Bigger Than Politics
(continued from page 4)
sophisticated in asking ques¬ JL: America is a national culture
tions about the appropriateness with a mosaic of subcultures. The
of overwhelming force doctrine, unresolved domestic question
about the sustainability of Ameri¬ is whether these differences will
can public opinion and the need prove to be unifying or divisive,
for endgame strategies. But left whether social cohesiveness is
out of decision making have been more vibrant if it is based on
cultural factors. Would it, after all, uniformity of lifestyles or diversity
have been helpful to have studied of peoples and values. As for our
the French experience in Algeria relations with the rest of the world,
before committing troops to Iraq America is increasingly rubbing
and Afghanistan? Would it have up against an enormous variety
been helpful to be steeped in the of cultures, many of which have
British and Russian experiences contributed immigrants to our
in Afghanistan? Culture is bigger society. The key to a prosperous
than politics and more sustaining and secure future will be whether
than institutions likely to be estab¬ we come to understand and
lished by force of arms. Beginning respect these cultures and
a conflict may principally be about value systems.
logistics, but regime change and
RL: Thank you, Chairman, for
governance building demand atten¬
your insights. We look forward
tion to cultural considerations.
to working with you on making
RL: Recently you've been talking the case that the humanities can
about "bridging cultures." What inform and shape who we are
do you mean by this? and who we become.
During his visit with Council board members and staff on Sept. 17, 2009, NEH Chairman Jim Leach discussed his goals as new chairman, emphasized the importance of
bridging cultures—both within the United States and internationally—and spoke about what it means to be a civil society. Top right: Kenya Davis-Hayes, Council board
member; Elizabeth Leach, arts education counselor to the National Endowment for the Arts' senior deputy chairman; Ralph Lewin, Council president and CEO; Jim Leach;
and Nancy Hatamiya, Council chairwoman. Bottom right: Jim Leach in conversation with Council board and staff members. Bottom left: Ralph Lewin; Elizabeth Daley,
dean of the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts; and Jim Leach at the home of Council Board Member Curt Sheppard and attorney Alan Hergott.
Help The California Council for the Humanities reached more than 16 million people in California
and across the nation last year, sharing fresh views and new perspectives that help us under¬
stand our world.
Make
We could not do this work without support from caring people like you. Join us and help
make California a better place.
California
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• Give to your community. Support community life by making a secure online donation to the
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Who We Are Staff
The California Council for the Humanities San Francisco Office JODY SAHOTA
External Affairs Coordinator
312 Sutter Street, Suite 601
connects Californians to ideas and one
San Francisco, CA 94108
JESSICA SANCHEZ
415/391.1474 Executive Assistant
another in order to understand our shared
RALPH LEWIN CARLOS TORRES
heritage and diverse cultures, inspire civic President and CEO Operations Coordinator
participation and shape our future. The JOIM CARROLL ANN YOSHINAGA
Director of External Affairs Development Officer
Council envisions a California where people KAREN RODRIGUEZ Los Angeles Office
Director of Administration
315 W. Ninth Street, Suite 702
know that the humanities are essential to and Finance
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213/623.5993
VANESSA WHANG
leading a meaningful life, understanding
Director of Programs
FELICIA KELLEY
the world and enriching the future. Senior Program Officer
JOHN LIGHTFOOT
Program Officer
For more information, visit www.calhum.org.
LUCY LE NGUYEN
Grants Manager
© 2010 The California Council for the Humanities
CCH Board Members
Board Chair KENYA DAVIS-HAYES MARSHA HIRANO-NAKANISHI LEONARD OLDS
NANCY HATAMIYA Assistant Professor Assistant Vice Chancellor Chairman, Liberty Education Forum
President of American History Academic Research and Resources Board of Directors
The Hatamiya Group California Baptist University California State University Laguna Beach
Davis Riverside Office of the Chancellor
Long Beach MARGARET SHELLEDA
Board Vice Chair BENJAMINT. DURAN Executive Director
PEDRO CASTILLO Superintendent and President DAVID JOHNSON California Federation of Teachers
Associate Professor of History Merced College Producer and Investor Oakland
and Provost of Oakes College Santa Monica
UC Santa Cruz ROBERT FEYER CURT SHEPARD
Partner, Public Finance HILLARY MENDELSOHN Director
CHRIS ABANI Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP Founder and President Youth & Family Services
Novelist and Professor San Francisco Purplebook Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center
of Creative Writing * Beverly Hills
UC Riverside MARK L. FRIEDMAN CYNTHIA J. WORNHAM
Founder and President CORNELIUS MOORE Vice President, Marketing
CINDI ALVITRE Fulcrum Property Co-Director, California Newsreel and Communications
Culturalist and Ph.D. Candidate Sacramento San Francisco Natural History Museum
Department of World Arts
of Los Angeles County
and Cultures LUIS HERRERA ALEJANDRO MORALES
UCLA City Librarian Novelist and Professor DAPHNA ZIMAN
San Francisco Public Library of Spanish and Portuguese Founder and Chairwoman
and Film and Media Studies Children Uniting Nations
UC Irvine Beverly Hills
California Council for the Humanities .
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HUmaN/TIeS
Winter 2010_
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312 Sutter Street, Suite 601
San Francisco, CA 94108
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