Stop School shootings: Join the Empathy Center Visioning and Volunteers Empathy Circles. Fridays and Saturdays.
Edwin Rutsch
Greetings
The world has an empathy crisis. This is expressed by yet again another school mass shooting.
The culture is stuck in a dysfunctional endless loop. The same old patterns and solutions get trotted out.
1. A school mass shooting happens.
2. Messages of thoughts and prayers.
3. Democrats use the opportunity to advocate for gun control.
4. Republicans use the opportunity to call for armed resource officers and teachers.
5. Repeat.
A message that I think both Democrats and Republicans need to and could both get behind, is building a culture of empathy. Teach empathy skills and mutual empathy based cultural reform that addresses the alienation and violence in not only the schools, but in our culture. This takes commitment, perseverance and a movement.
The new Empathy Center in Santa Barbara is a special opportunity to build the Empathy Movement. We need to continue building a movement to raise the level of empathy in the world and you can help. This new center has the possibility of making a real local and global impact. Here are more links on how you can get involved. Join us in the Saturday Visioning Circles and the Friday Volunteers Visioning Circles. Also see the bottom of this message. I asked ChatGPT and Google Bard; “How can empathy training help to stop mass school shootings?”
Join me at the Santa Barbara Empathy Center. April 2 to around April 9.
If you are in Santa Barbara area. I’ll be at the Center Sunday April 2 to around April 9. A group of us supporters will be there. Do join us.. email me for details. Edwin...@gmail.com
See the Google Calendar of upcoming events and workshops
https://www.empathycircles.com/schedule
1. Drop-in Visioning Empathy Circles - Saturdays
Details: https://bit.ly/3Z1iYIX
Everyone Welcome
Time: 10am PST/ 1pm EST / 7pm CET
Location: Zoom https://zoom.us/j/9896109339
LinkedIn Event Link: https://bit.ly/SatVisoningCircle
Facebook Event Link: https://bit.ly/FBVisioningEC
Why Take Part
1. Learn about the Empathy Center
2. Help generate ideas and projects to build the Empathy Center and Empathy Movement
3. Learn the Empathy Circle process - the most effective foundational listening and empathy building process.
4. Meet with others who want to make a better world with mutual listening, empathy and dialogue.
5. Workshop leaders, trainers, facilitators - share how you can host in-person and online workshops at the center.
6. Learn how to get involved and join the project team
2. Volunteers Visioning Empathy Circle - Fridays
For those interested in volunteering on the project.
Details: https://bit.ly/VolunteersVEC
Topic: ‘What is your vision for volunteering to build the empathy movement and empathy based retreat center?
Details: https://bit.ly/VolunteersVEC
Dates: Every Friday - Drop-in no RSVP needed.
Time: 10am PST/1pm EST/7PM CET
Length: 2 hours
Location Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/9896109339
3. For Santa Barbara Community Visioning Circles - Mondays
We have a circle every 2 weeks or so for the Santa Barbara neighbors and community.
4. Lou’s Fridays Empathy Circle Facilitators Online Support Group 
See the Empathy Circle Google Calendar For Current Circles.
https://www.empathycircles.com/schedule
Location https://us02web.zoom.us/j/666624686
Upcoming dates are Every 2 weeks
· Time, 8-10 am Pacific Time
· FRIDAY, Mar.17
· FRIDAY, Mar. 31
· FRIDAY, April. 14
How can empathy training help to stop mass school shootings?
CHATGBT
Empathy training can potentially help reduce the likelihood of mass school shootings by increasing understanding and compassion for others.
One of the key factors that can contribute to mass school shootings is a lack of empathy for others. Individuals who perpetrate these acts may feel isolated, disconnected, and unable to relate to others, leading them to resort to violence as a way to express their anger and frustration. By cultivating empathy, individuals may be better able to recognize and understand the emotions of others, and be more likely to seek out peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Empathy training can take many forms, but some strategies might include:
- Teaching individuals to recognize and name their own emotions, so they can better understand and empathize with the emotions of others.
- Encouraging individuals to actively listen to others and seek to understand their perspectives.
- Providing opportunities for individuals to engage in perspective-taking exercises, such as role-playing scenarios, where they are asked to imagine themselves in someone else's shoes.
- Encouraging positive relationships and social connections with others, which can help foster empathy and a sense of community.
While empathy training alone cannot guarantee that mass school shootings will be prevented, it can potentially help create a culture of empathy and understanding that reduces the likelihood of violence. It is also important to note that addressing the root causes of violence, such as access to firearms, mental health issues, and systemic inequalities, is also critical in preventing mass shootings.
GOOGLE BARD
Empathy training can help to stop mass school shootings by teaching students to understand and share the feelings of others. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and anger, and make it more likely that students will reach out for help when they are struggling. Empathy training can also help to build a more positive and supportive school environment, which can make it more difficult for students to feel the need to resort to violence.
There are a number of different ways to teach empathy training in schools. Some schools have implemented programs that teach students about the importance of empathy and how to develop it. These programs often include activities such as role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions. Other schools have integrated empathy training into their existing curriculum, such as in social studies or literature classes.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether empathy training can help to stop mass school shootings. However, there is evidence to suggest that it can be an effective tool for preventing violence. A study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that students who participated in an empathy training program were less likely to report feeling angry or frustrated, and more likely to report feeling connected to their peers. The study also found that students who participated in the program were less likely to engage in bullying or other forms of aggression.
Empathy training is not a cure-all for mass school shootings. However, it is a valuable tool that can help to prevent violence and create a more positive and supportive school environment.
Warmly,
Edwin
Edwin Rutsch
Director: Center for Building a Culture of Empathy:
Building the Empathy Movement
San Francisco Bay Area, California
http://CultureOfEmpathy.com
http://BestEmpathyTraining.com
Connect /Friend Me:
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/edwin.rutsch/
Linked-In: http://Linkedin.com/in/edwinrutsch/
