We are delighted to offer this series of monthly conversations with pioneers serving the Common Good and actively sowing seeds of a better world at every opportunity.
We find ourselves in a period of transition between two Ages when old structures and beliefs are dying and new ones are emerging. Sometimes it is difficult to see the hope-filled shoots of new possibilities amid the disarray of a society in upheaval.
The intent behind this new series is more than just naming projects around the planet that are giving birth to hope – its deeper purpose is to create a portal through which the presence of Fiery Hope can enter and ignite the heart of our humanity. It is an invitation for us to act as true Gaians and be active agents of Hope and Healing wherever and whenever we find ourselves – encouraging us to step up and offer our unique gifts in response to the call of the Soul and the urgent need of the times.
Our guests for the June 13th Signs of Hope broadcast are David Wick and Irene Kai (Co-Founders of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission). Michael Lindfield hosted the session on behalf of Meditation Mount.
Duration: 57 Minutes
Irene Kai
Co-Founder – Ashland Culture of Peace Commission
An internationally known artist, author, and speaker, Irene Kai was born and raised in Hong Kong. At age 15, she came to New York City Chinatown with her American born mother. She received her BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC and MFA from the Royal College of Art in London and was an Instructor of Design at Penn State University. Her work has been shown in galleries in London, New York, Los Angeles and southern Oregon. Irene was also a West Coast Regional Karate Champion at age 50.
Irene served as president of the Southern Oregon China Connection and coordinated the Oregon Legislative and Business Delegation for Trade Mission to China. As a longtime supporter of peace initiatives, Irene designed the logo for the Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI), a United Nations Peace Messenger Organization, and her inspiring Peace Dove image hangs in the United Nations building in New York City. Irene Co-Founded the leading edge Ashland Culture of Peace Commission (ACPC) and is actively engaged in the commission’s local-global activities.
Irene’s two published books – The Golden Mountain: Beyond the American Dream and What Do You See? have been chosen for course studies in major universities and have won numerous awards.
David Wick
Co-Founder – Ashland Culture of Peace Commission
David Wick holds the vision and values of personal and societal evolution towards our highest and best and has over 30 years of executive and management training and organizational development consulting experience. In 1983 David helped launch the United Nations NGO, Pathways To Peace (PTP) which had assisted the adoption of the UN’s International Day of Peace in 1981. He has been a leader in organizing the celebration of the International Day of Peace since 1984 and currently serves as a PTP Director. David is currently the Team Leader of the global Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI), a UN-designated “Peace Messenger Initiative”. He also serves as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission (ACPC), and along with ACPC Co-Founder Irene Kai, he is engaging the Ashland community in new ways of thinking and behavior and developing a model that other cities may benefit from. In 2018 David was invited to join the forward-thinking Rotary EClub of World Peace and on July 1, 2021, he will lead this Rotary EClub as President. His years of experience are culminating to bring a greater focus on peacebuilding to this greatest civil society organization of service in the world.
Michael Lindfield
Board President – Meditation Groups Inc.
Michael is a highly regarded consultant and coach helping unleash the creativity of the human spirit to meet the needs of our times and the call of the future. He learned his craft from a range of experiences that include: a 14-year residency as a gardener and as Director of Education at the Findhorn Community in Scotland; small-scale organic farming in western Sweden; conducting seminars and presenting at conferences around the world on the theme of ‘transforming self and society’ and as a senior organization development consultant with The Boeing Company from 1989-2005.