{"id":852,"date":"2018-06-01T14:24:46","date_gmt":"2018-06-01T14:24:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fighting-to-understand.us\/\/old\/?page_id=852"},"modified":"2023-10-26T06:48:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T06:48:18","slug":"meet-the-collaborators","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fighting-to-understand.us\/\/old\/meet-the-collaborators\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet The Collaborators"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Meet The Collaborators<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The original 20 collaborators agreed to read drafts of the book, agreed to include their world view in that creation, agreed to wrestle creatively, and agreed to be recorded for video learning segments, among other contributions. The original 20 are growing. We endeavor to add additional collaborators so to ever-expand our fight to understand the American Experiment. Because the collaborators are, at their core, seekers of truth beyond the self, they are frequently invited to participate in discussion of \u201cdifficult issues.\u201d We welcome adding you as a collaborator. Please email us to discuss further.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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While the table below shows some of our differing persuasions, we all desire meaningful spaces for citizens to safely interact and influence change.\u00a0 There is no way the 11 Secrets would have come to pass without the helpful insights by the 20 New Patriots listed here. The 11 Secrets are imperfect, we are imperfect, and we don\u2019t agree on all points.\u00a0 But we realize it is\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

far better to be imperfectly together than to be both imperfect AND alone.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>

For the sake of something bigger than ourselves, the American experiment, the 20 of us remain eager, despite our differences, to engage.\u00a0 We hope you will too!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

First a summary table of the collaborators, followed by individual introductions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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In addition to the 20 of us listed here, there were over 180 other interviews conducted for the book!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharesha Barrett<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Charesha Barrett is the founder and president of CHARP Education Consulting (CHARPED), a nationally recognized diversity and inclusion (D&I) consulting and training firm. After 20 years witnessing first-hand how educational disparities contribute to school-to-prison and cradle-to-career pipelines, Barrett was prompted to launch CHARPED in 2014.<\/span><\/p>

Barrett\u2019s mission is to ensure that historically marginalized individuals are provided with a level playing field as it relates to social mobility. She illustrates her commitment to this cause through fostering collaborative partnerships with community organizations to design customized two-generational programming that simultaneously addresses the needs of both the children and the adults.<\/span><\/p>

The foundation of Barrett\u2019s experience was developed from her domestic and international roles in academic leadership, staff development, and program planning. She is a former instructional coach, learning coordinator, and teacher. In response to America\u2019s demographic shift and increasingly divisive political climate, Barrett decided to expand her activities to include diversity and inclusion<\/span><\/p>

Through her roles as advisor, trainer and facilitator, Barrett consults with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and educational institutions on meeting their performance and D&I goals through building and sustaining inclusive work environments for both their employees and clients. This sought-after speaker has spoken nationally on teacher leadership, implicit bias, racial equity and cultural competency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Her company\u2019s commitment to action, \u201cExcelling Hispanics to Prosperity,\u201d was accepted by the White House Initiative on the Educational Excellence of Hispanics. The subsequent year, she published her first chapter titled \u201cUsing Mentorship to Transition Black Males to Prosperity\u201d in the \u201cClosing the Education Achievement Gap for African-American Males\u201d book. As a YWCA-trained social justice facilitator, she cultivates empathetic leadership for communities and businesses with intentional and productive dialogue. Barrett addresses these pressing issues through having individuals negotiate their own social identities to establish common ground that values diverse perspectives. Through building alliances with organizations like Fighting-to-Understand, she can fulfill her mission to eliminate barriers and build bridges for all.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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I am first and foremost a Believer and follower of the LORD Jesus Christ.\u00a0 I was born and raised in a two-parent Christian home with 9 other siblings. So I learn early to talk and work through differences.\u00a0 Growing up in the Deep South we also learn to respect ourselves and others. I moved north as a young adult and after a few small jobs, I landed on the force of the Cleveland Police Department in the early 80s.\u00a0 There I worked answering calls and complaints from the citizens of Cleveland for the first ten years and for the next twenty years I was an investigator of sex crimes and child abuse.\u00a0 This was a rewarding job that I gained much insights into human behavior. It goes without saying that the job taught me how to listen and ask the right questions.\u00a0 Throughout my career, I was dependent on a good God that kept my heart and mind. In 2010, I began a different chapter in my life as a stay-at-home wife and a grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren.\u00a0 In order to keep up with these rambunctious little ones, I resumed playing Racqueball at the Kohl YMCA.\u00a0 There I met a great group of people, one being Ted Wetzel.\u00a0 He introduced me to a great new idea, Fighting-To-Understand, at a time of political division in our government and society was worth investing time and energy in. I believe if we are ever going to get a reasonable sliver of peace in our neighborhoods, we’re gonna have to be willing to listen to each other and focus on what we have in common in order to start a conversation.<\/span>
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I\u2019m not going to point to any particular areas of Ted\u2019s book at this time. But I will say this which I think surprised Ted when we first met on a flight from Cleveland to Nashville. It was obvious to him I was a black male. What he didn\u2019t see was my very conservative ideals and a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. Thus the stage was set for a very interesting conversation for the hour and a half flight. Permit me to take the rest of this time to tell who Neroy Carter is.<\/span><\/p>

Introduction: <\/b>Rev. Carter was born in Myrtle Beach S.C. in a little area called Pine Island. He presently lives in Kingsville, Ohio with his wife of over 44 years, Nadena. They have three children and one grandson.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

He has been privileged to teach and preach in Athens, Greece; London, England; Jerusalem, Israel; Berlin, Germany; Kakinada India; Managua, Nicaragua as well as in the countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria and Cameroon, Africa.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Education:\u00a0 <\/b>He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic.\u00a0 During this time he completed some college work with the University of Maryland and Ohio University.\u00a0 While serving in Thailand he studied the Thai language (didn\u2019t make it to fluency but was able to converse effectively) and taught English to Thai Nationalist. He continued his education once he was honorably discharged in 1972.\u00a0 His studies and travels have taken him to the Middle East over a half dozen times, Africa over a dozen times and Switzerland once. One of such times he studied at the Institute of Holy Land Studies; presently know as College University, in Jerusalem. He received his Bachelor of Theology in Apostolic Studies from Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota.\u00a0 The Apostolic period of the New Testament was his major. Early childhood development was also a strong aspect of his studies. He\u2019s certified through the State of Ohio Department of Education to function as administrator, supervisor or teach in any private school in Ohio. He is also a certified Housing Manager for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).<\/span><\/p>

Community Involvement: <\/b>He served on the boards of: Ashtabula County Medical Center for sixteen (16) year, three of those years as Chairman of the boards, and presently a member of their ethics Committee. Rev. Carter is a member of the Hospice of the Western Reserve Board, Ashtabula County Senior Levy Broad, and the founder and developer of both Ridgeview Terrace, a 50 unit Senior Housing complex and Terra Quest, housing for the physically challenged.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

He and his wife, Nadena, served as foster parents for a number of years caring for over 45 children in their home. He is a \u201993 Leadership Ashtabula graduate. He also served as a chaplain for Hospice of the Western Reserve for over 25 years and presently is chaplain for Sheffield Volunteer fire department.<\/span><\/p>

Vocation:\u00a0 <\/b>Pastor Carter is Pastor Emeritus of New Hope Ministry International formerly <\/span>New Hope<\/b> Pentecostal Church <\/b>having severed as senior pastor for 22 years. He and his wife are still active in the congregation, serving in a support and leadership role.\u00a0 Under his leadership the church was the primary sponsor of a 50 unit senior housing complex, <\/span>Ridgeview Terrace<\/b>.\u00a0 The 4.2 million dollar project was his vision and received the full support of the congregation.\u00a0 A second building, <\/span>Terra Quest, <\/b>for<\/span> the<\/span> physically challenged received it\u2019s first residents on May 1, 2007. He severed as the Executive Director of both facilities of which he was the founder and developer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Pastor Carter\u2019s involvement in Africa has been and remains extensive.\u00a0 He and a London colleague \u00a0 went to Nigeria in 1996. The mission was to start a school and orphanage.\u00a0 During that first trip they acquired land and started the building process. The school historically had nearly 200 students and 16 orphans. A small community hospital is also part of this mission at which surgical procedures are performed and babies are delivered.<\/span><\/p>

Pastor Carter and his London colleague partnered with Free Wheelchair Mission from Irvine California and received and distributed over 1,000 free wheelchairs to those in need, both Christians and Moslems, during the past years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

2004 took Pastor Carter to India for the first time. During this trip, foundation stones were laid for an orphanage in the east coastal city of Kakinada. He still has a burden to see the orphanage come to reality. A second trip in March of 2005 was in part a follow up to tsunami support, 10,000 dollars was given from the Ashtabula community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

His latest endeavor is RETIREMENT, which is proving to be a full time job. Oh yes, and there is the book!\u00a0 \u201cGod\u2019s Blood – A Natural Guide to Health and A Spiritual Guide to Life\u201d which he is writing and is suppose-to-be done by the end of this year. OOOKKK. . . .<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>When Ted first came to visit us in the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Cleveland Service Center, he immediately demonstrated his openness and earnest in understanding the Principle of this Buddhism based organization! We had a very pleasant and inspired discussion about the current needs in “Fighting to Understand”<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I have been a volunteer at Tzu Chi, (<\/span> a Taiwanese international humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGO) with over 10 million members worldwide throughout 51 countries) since I retired from Cleveland Clinic in 1998.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I used to be a Medical Microbiologist and <\/span>Immunogeneticist<\/span><\/a> at the Cleveland Clinic. However, I’m more interested in understanding the Meaning and Purpose of life Journey. It is quite important for me to live a life worthwhile. Living in peace and harmony has always been my dream and aspiration! Yet, it has to be sincere and honest! Buddhist teaching is to realize the way to alleviate the suffering by walking on the path in Kindness, compassion, true joy and selfless giving (equanimity). We need to treat all sentient beings with empathy and understanding!<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As I’m a very simple minded person, I admire Ted’s analysis of our complicated and cyclic world phenomena. However, if we can always reflect on ourselves and look the universe as a whole, we shall soon understand to benefit each other is the only way to go! We need to have a worldly view of the current extreme unbalance condition! How do we start from ourselves to live a life with balance and harmony? The mindset has to be cultivated and educated at a very early stage of our life! How do we unlock our habit of wanting power and fame to become serving and contributing! It actually starts with our daily behavior in interacting with people and handle personal or public affairs properly. We need to have a clear awareness of our intention, speech, and action! Without having a constant positive energy flow (be beneficial), we would soon deviate to the road of destruction! Let us hold our hand in hand and work together to exuberant the Human Race!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I hope we can explore and develop our good human nature to the fullest Then, the world can and will be a place for all to live and flourish cooperatively and harmoniously.<\/span>
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<\/span>I like to end with\u00a0 Pico Lyer saying\u201d What does it mean to be Human: It really means to be connected, make contact, Try to find the best part of yourself and beyond yourself and share with everyone you care for!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

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https:\/\/radiopublic.com\/OnBeing\/ep\/s1!7477d<\/span><\/a> Pico Lyer with Krista Tippett <\/span>ited]\u00a0<\/b><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJamal Feerasta<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Tolerance<\/span><\/i> is one of the fundamental edict of every major religion. However, the interpretation and practice of tolerance, is as varied as the individuals you ask. Is it because of socio-cultural factors, economic reasons, political leanings, role modeling, and sense of entitlement, feelings of deprivations, poor locus of control, and other reasons? None the less, throughout history, some form of religious extremism, fundamentalism, and fanaticism have existed. The root cause continues to be lack of <\/span>tolerance<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

My views will focus on the major religions and pivot towards current political discourse that is tearing apart the fabric of our society in one way or another. There are ample evidence, to support the notion that these religions are not evil. It should not come as a surprise to know that every major religion, emphasizes <\/span>tolerance <\/span><\/i>of the other.\u00a0 The problem is the interpretation of the practices and beliefs. Many preachers in their selfish interest play up the sentiments. These preachers either are not knowledgeable about the basic foundations of their religion or knowingly manipulate the followers, and politicians jump into the frenzy. Religion has also been a major revenue generator (tax free) for the preachers and their abode of practice. Emotional theatrics, sentimental presentations, and pilgrimage, are major sources of funds. <\/span>Tolerance<\/span><\/i> has merely become the tool of convenience and open to never ending interpretations.<\/span><\/p>

The democratization of internet and social media have been force multiplier in spreading news and information across the world. Aided by AI, digital development and production would make it impossible for average individual to differentiate between real and surreal. The world is becoming a theatrical stage creating and responding to hunger for sensational entertainment \u2013 irrespective of the human cost. The meaning and value of <\/span>tolerance <\/span><\/i>is eroding and giving way to political shenanigans and demagogues, reigniting a lethal combination of socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and religious intolerance – history documents the catastrophic outcome. It seems that we are forgetting the lessons of history, and may be, doomed to repeat the mistakes.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Tolerance <\/span><\/i>is also a key foundation for civil discourse. What is happening in our midst, is alarming erosion of civility, and emergence of tribalism. The places of worship and sanctuary of hope, are becoming pulpits for tribal voices. Willingly or non-willingly, individuals are participants or confounded spectators to assault on human dignity and values. Today, there are individuals who believe that fear mongering, racial and religious divide, and demagoguery practitioners are a group of people with problems. Let us not forget that one of the darkest period in human history, started with the notion that members of the Nazi party were a group of people with some problems. Soon, the people with problems engulfed the world with devastating practices of genocide and destruction. We should revisit the sayings of <\/span>Berthold Brecht:<\/span><\/p>

\u201cFirst of all, they came to take the gypsies<\/span>
<\/span>and I was happy because they pilfered.<\/span>
<\/span>Then they came to take the Jews and I said nothing,\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>because they were unpleasant to me.<\/span>
<\/span>Then they came to take homosexuals,<\/span>
<\/span>and I was relieved, because they were annoying me.<\/span>
<\/span>Then they came to take the Communists,<\/span>
<\/span>and I said nothing because I was not a Communist.<\/span>
<\/span>One day they came to take me,<\/span>
<\/span>and there was nobody left to protest.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIhsan Ul Haque, MD; FACC; FHRS; FASNC; CCDS.<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Born in a village in Punjab, Pakistan. Studied medicine in Pakistan.<\/p>

Came to USA 43 years ago. Trained in Surgery and Internal Medicine in New York, New Jersey and Michigan. Cardiology training at Cleveland Clinic.<\/p>

Engaged in private practice of Cardiology in Akron, Barberton & Wadsworth for 35 years. Summa & Cleveland Clinic Akron General & Medina Hospitals.<\/p>

Membership and Leadership in Summit County Medical Society, American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Heart Association, Ohio State Medical Association and Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America.<\/p>

Involved with Islamic Community Centers in Cleveland, Canton, Akron and Kent. Involved in interfaith and peace work. Learning to understand and get along with people of different opinions and outlooks. Member ACLU, ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) and CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations).<\/p>

Married with children. Grown Boys and Girls doing their things.<\/p>

Hoping to leave a better world for children and grandchildren.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBernadette Imburgia <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

I grew up in Parma, Ohio.\u00a0 I attended three colleges, Akron, Cuyahoga Community College, and finished a bachelor\u2019s degree at Baldwin Wallace.\u00a0 My father\u2019s parents immigrated from Sicily. I worked as a secretary on an inpatient surgical floor at Parma Hospital for over 14 years.\u00a0 I was born with a muscle disease that has left me with some limitations, but I am always willing to try something first and not just assume it is not possible.\u00a0 I have performed in local theatre, enjoy singing, drawing, sculpting and a huge animal lover \u2013 just ask my cat Gracy.<\/span><\/p>

My connection to the book topic is wanting change in our country.\u00a0 I am a concerned citizen and feel a need to get involved. I have a hope that every citizen would care enough to question the direction our country is headed.\u00a0 Some people seem to have an apathetic view of government activities. Some might view what they see on TV as entertainment \u2013 that there is nothing that needs to be done.\u00a0 The increase in communicating by text or by social media causes more isolation and a lack of unity. As if there is not need to come together or interact.<\/span><\/p>

Growing up, we were always told to not discuss politics.\u00a0 That everyone has their opinions and it leads to arguments. But it seems people used to still be civil when discussing their differences. People now seem more fanatical in their thinking.\u00a0 Rather than just an opinion, we can fall into the belief of being the only one to be right. Many people I encounter don\u2019t even give me a choice about discussing the issue and seem to be determined to change my mind.\u00a0 I can be treated as if I cannot think for myself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Every life has meaning.\u00a0 If someone feels their life is pointless, that can lead to depression and hopelessness and that is dangerous.\u00a0 Sometimes we may look to someone and think their life is sad. Then they do something to show you how special they are.\u00a0 We all have a need for acceptance.<\/span><\/p>

It has become easier and easier to isolate.\u00a0 Not only did people of my parent\u2019s generation love to socialize, but they took pride in the groups they belonged to.\u00a0 My father bragged about being on the same bowling league for 40-years. My mother belonged to a group for people with disabilities. As children, my brother and I would accompany my parents to their social events.\u00a0 When my father started attending Disabled American Veterans meetings, my mother joined the auxiliary. I think it would be a great idea to get back to a time when people enjoy spending time together.<\/span><\/p>

We need to evolve into a better society.\u00a0 I feel that as Americans we can improve \u2013 we have the ability.\u00a0 We need to learn to work together, compromise, and resolve issues civilly, and not argue like two, 5-year-olds fighting over a toy.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBill Lyons <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Is a brother and son, husband and father. In his spare time he is also a Professor of Political Science, Director of the Center for Conflict Management, and Associate Dean for the Social Sciences at the University of Akron. \u00a0His first book, <\/span>The Politics of Community Policing: Rearranging the Power to Punish<\/span><\/i>, was published by the University of Michigan Press in 1999. \u00a0His third book (with Julie Drew, same press), <\/span>Punishing Schools: Fear and Citizenship in American Education<\/span><\/i>, came out in the spring of 2006, followed soon after by (with Julie Drew and Lance Svehla) <\/span>Sound Bite Saboteurs: Public Discourse, Education, and the State of Democratic Deliberation<\/span><\/i>, was published by SUNY Press in 2010. And his most recent book is <\/span>The Akron Story Circle Project: Rethinking Race in Classroom and Community<\/span><\/i>, which was published by the University of Akron Press in 2017.<\/span><\/p>

Bill keeps putting off starting research on new book project tentatively titled <\/span>Engage with Love: Christian Approaches to Conflict<\/span><\/i>. \u00a0Bill is a life-long Red Sox fan, who loves to play volleyball, ping-pong, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and card games, to body surf, garden, hike and bike, juggle, fence, and cook (because of the direct connection to eating). \u00a0He was selected by the students at the University of Akron as <\/span>Faculty of the Year for 2003<\/span><\/i> and by his peers as <\/span>Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2009<\/span><\/i>. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>

He earned a BA in Economics and Chinese Language from the University of Massachusetts, an MALD from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a PhD from the University of Washington. After completing his doctorate he was hired as Director of the Research & Grants Division at the Seattle Police Department. In 1980 Bill was among the first cohort of Americans to study in China after the US recognized Beijing and he ended up staying for three years in the 1980s, living in Beijing, Xian and Nanjing and playing two years of college basketball! \u00a0In 1992 Bill taught in Pecs, Hungary as a Soros Fellow for an academic year and in 2000-2001 he spent a fourth year in China at Beijing Foreign Studies University as a Fulbright Scholar.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTheresa Mallinak<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

A lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, Theresa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Kent State University. She has 25 years\u2019 experience as a home educator, Sunday school teacher, and active member of her local church and community. She is a wife of 35 years to Michael, mother of seven, and grandmother of three (as of this writing). At 23 years of age Theresa had a life-transforming encounter with Jesus Christ and has enjoyed a living relationship with her Lord ever since. She values robust, respectful, and informed dialogue about the issues of our time with all-comers to the discussion table.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTy Olson<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Ty\u2019s (Tyler Olson) utilizes his background is in conflict resolution, dialogue processes, higher education, and leadership to oversee and teach in an academic certificate program in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies program at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. At the College he also serves in leadership roles on the Racial Justice Committee, the Advancement of Women in Equity and Inclusion Taskforce, and the Sustained Dialogue Initiative. In addition to his work at the College, Ty is the founding partner of (re)Frame Conflict, LLC, an organization which specializes in consulting and training on conflict resolution and conflict transformation processes for organizations and communities.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Ty is originally from the Pacific Northwest and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in 2013. From 2007 to 2009, he lived and worked in Honduras, Central America, which fortified his passion and commitment to social justice-oriented work. He holds a Master\u2019s degree in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University and is a PhD candidate in Antioch University’s Leadership and Change program. His doctoral work is focused on understanding how consciousness plays a role in leaders\u2019 capacities to navigate conflict constructively during periods of organizational change (specifically in the context of higher education).<\/p>

\u200b<\/p>

Ty\u2019s guiding values are intrinsically linked to the advancement of social justice (e.g., racial equity and justice, gender equality and inclusion, and criminal justice reform). He promotes these values by teaching and training, facilitating community building and engagement, and empowering folks to create positive and sustainable change in their own contexts. He lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, with his partner and their cat. In his limited spare time, he enjoys yoga, travel, running, and reading nonacademic literature.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAshok Roa <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

On October 4 1976 I reached Memphis Tennessee after leaving Bangalore India on October 1 1976.\u00a0 The freedom to express yourself existed in India but under\u00a0very rigid patriarchal system guidelines. It was refreshingly exciting and different in the USA. This refreshing engagement has significantly declined over the last 10 years and citizens have stopped talking, listening and questioning appropriately. Hopefully “we the people” will change this “state of the union”.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeham Sayed<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

My name is Seham Sayed, I am an Egyptian and American citizen. I graduated from Kent State University with two master degrees in Education & Teaching English as a Second Language in 2013. I worked as an English as a Second Language instructor at Kent State University from 2013-2017. I am currently teaching Arabic at the university of Akron. I am a passionate person and I always do what I love. I enjoy teaching, volunteering, and helping my community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

I believe in democracy and freedom. I believe in helping people no matter what are their race or religion….etc. I believe that we don\u2019t have to be homeless to help end homelessness. We don\u2019t have to be poor to help end poverty. We don\u2019t have to be unemployed to help end unemployment. We don\u2019t have to be American citizens to end discrimination. We only have to be human beings to help and make a difference. I believe in the importance of freedom of speech and religion as in the first Amendment. I believe that we are all different. That\u2019s the beauty of it. We should celebrate and appreciate our differences instead of judging each other by color, religion, …etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As a Muslim, I believe that\u00a0<\/span>acts of violence by some Muslim extremists claiming to be Muslims have raised fears and created confusion and misinterpretation about Islam. My true religion Islam\u00a0\u201cIslam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives.\u00a0 There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Here is The Fiqh ( the body of the Islamic law) Council of North America\u2019s statement affirms the following Islamic principle: \u201d All acts of terrorism, including those targeting the life and property of civilians, whether perpetrated by suicidal or any other form of attacks, are haram (forbidden) in Islam.\u2019\u2019 Islam means peace NOT violence and hatred. As an American Muslim, I am a member in the interfaith ( Christians, Jews, Muslims) group in which we are all working together to a future of peace and understanding of each other. So instead of having fears from the other, we work to get together and understand and respect each other. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>

I have a dream like \u2018Martin Luther King\u2019, that we all live united not divided, we live with love not hatred, and we celebrate our diversity in peace and justice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t John Spiccia <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

I have had a unique opportunity to get glimpse of one of the most underserved populations in the country. The number of individuals who have some form of serious mental illness is greatly underestimated. The vast majority of the mentally ill receive little or no treatment. As a result of their illness they become isolated from family and have few if any close relationship. They are often homeless, hungry and unwashed. There are a distinct lack of facilities available to provide basic necessities and long term residential care facilities (nice name for psychiatric hospitals) are disappearing at a rapid rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Based on my experience the vast majority of these individuals are the product of dysfunctional families and are at a disadvantage from the day they are born. The individuals that I have worked with that have had the support of family and friends are most likely to receive and accept treatment, thus become able to function and thrive in the community. It must be noted that even those individuals with strong family support struggle. I worked with a young man whose family was extremely supportive and tried everything to help him only to lose him to an overdose at the age of 23.<\/span><\/p>

In order to thrive as a country we must be willing to discuss our problems and work on solutions that are in the best interests of everyone. We must not succumb to self interest or petty arguments that pander to the fringe elements.\u00a0 We need to get back to the family and perhaps work less and spend expend more effort on raising our children. We must be accountable and wiling to listen more than speak, to act more than speak, to speak and act against injustice. We must be able to provide life, liberty and the pursuit of justice all the time, not just when it is convenient or easy or when it meet our purpose.<\/span><\/p>

We should all serve a greater good. National service for a period of two years should be required of all. This would be excellent way to learn sacrifice and to meet a diverse group of individuals thereby gaining perspective. Perspective is one of the most important attributes a person can have. Perspective enables a person to see their life in a different light.\u00a0 We need to stand in someone shoes in order to understand how they think and what they need.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTom Spear<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

The problems we face in the world today are complex and their solutions require collaborative efforts now more than ever.\u00a0 Americans want only two things from their government \u2013 (1) a sense that the people elected are working in their interest, and (2) a sense that they\u2019re involved.\u00a0 Real issues (issues affecting your day-to-day life, or your children\u2019s) often become diluted in context. When the important issues appear front and center and generate attention, the narrative often becomes entangled in political he-said\/she-said propaganda driven by individual agendas where the hard facts get mixed in with yesterday\u2019s hash.\u00a0 What happened to compromise, problem-solving, and sound policy-making in the public sector? We need legislators and political leaders to spend more time defining and executing long-term game plans to address important national issues, and less time in front of the cameras promoting their agendas in order to win today\u2019s news cycle.<\/span><\/p>

Greater political partisanship seems to have, in fact, led to weaker political parties.\u00a0 Political factions within parties weakens their overall message to the national electorate.\u00a0 We tend to make our policies more complex, opening up loopholes that leads to more dilution and confusion.\u00a0 Many of these political debates today center around change, which we all know is inevitable. How we deal with it is important, whether it\u2019s a change in the job market, a change national\/neighbor demographics, changes in the tax laws, changes as to where your tax dollars are going, or determining whether climate change is real or not.<\/span><\/p>

Can you honestly say that you know the hard facts on both sides of these issues?\u00a0 I know I\u2019m still fighting to understand, and it\u2019s not easy. Ask yourself\u2026 Do we <\/span>make<\/span><\/i> enough time to understand the truth?\u00a0 Do we care? Or do we accept opinions of celebrity athletes or TV\/movie stars?\u00a0 If the answer to this last question is \u2018yes\u2019, it sheds a sorry shadow on today\u2019s electorate.<\/span><\/p>

It seems as if today\u2019s politicians do less and less legislating and more self-promoting.\u00a0 Constituency doesn\u2019t just include voters, but all branches of government that politicians serve or influence.\u00a0 Ideas presented to the public are delivered fast and furiously, but actual <\/span>solutions<\/span><\/i> seem to be slow to evolve\u2026at least to my satisfaction. Many ideas meant to cut to the heart of any issue lack substance and sound research, nor do these ideas provide sound, defined plans to promote success.\u00a0 We need more problem-solving types in charge of our public policies who go beyond empathetic voices and whose constituency holds them accountable for their ability to deliver.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

We\u2019re in an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity that shouldn\u2019t be taken for granted \u2013 an information age with an unlimited demand of questions and a limited supply of practical answers.\u00a0 Yet in a in a world that\u2019s so information savvy, as a society we seem to be so disconnected and detached, transaction heavy and relationship light.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Regardless of my politic ideology I have always firmly believed that we needed leadership in Washington (as well as in state and local governments) who has good business acumen and can put the country back on a positive economic trajectory.\u00a0 We are achieving this goal, but at what cost? Increased political partisanship? Stronger-than-ever socio-economic divides? Increasing detachment and disengagement between governments and We the People?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Fighting-to-Understand matters because it encourages all of us to re-engage and re-attach.\u00a0 It\u2019s a platform that serves as a means for the American people to take back their country through inquisitive unbiased and thoughtful understanding of the issues that matter most to us.\u00a0 Filter out the media, big business influences and political mumbo-jumbo. It\u2019s not easy in this day of social media and digital technology. Ted claims it won\u2019t be easy. It\u2019s figuratively the road less traveled.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As a society can we continue down the path we\u2019re on today?\u00a0 What catastrophic event will eventually demark a transition from government distrust to trust?\u00a0 A deflection from civil discourse to social civility? From an individual sense of hopelessness to a sense of empowerment?\u00a0 Generational solutions are needed to make them sustainable. This requires education, filtering of diverse opinions, and a return to higher individual standards of respect, humility, integrity, drive, commitment, passion, optimism, self-reliance, and delayed satisfaction (vs. on-demand gratification).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

I\u2019ve known Ted for a many years, recently as a member of The Traveling Circus of Knuckleheads \u2013 a group of guys who get together each Fall to enjoy college football and tailgating across the U.S.\u00a0 As a longtime friend of Ted\u2019s, I know wholeheartedly that he is authentic in his motives and truly believes in the methodology he proposes to help people find a better way to understand how to cut through the weeds to find meaningful and sustainable solutions to what ails us.\u00a0 FtU starts with individuals, but can\u2019t fester in isolation. Ted\u2019s approach is one that brings about true collaboration and trust with the end goal of using this information database for the common good. Idealistic? Perhaps.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Maybe it takes a knucklehead like Ted to lead the charge.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBob Wetzel<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

I am blessed to be married to my best friend and high school sweetheart.\u00a0 We raised two successful young men.\u00a0 I earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, a Master of Science in Aerospace Sciences, served twenty-seven years in the Air Force as an officer and pilot, and am currently enjoying a second career as an Engineering Manager for a major defense contractor.\u00a0 I have enjoyed my many opportunities to lead others and learned much from the experiences.\u00a0 I believe all people seek happiness, are called to improve, and value justice.\u00a0 To be happy, individuals need to be challenged and adequately valued.\u00a0 We are called to continually improve ourselves and communities.\u00a0 To live in a just society, we must pursue wisdom through knowledge and reflection, and have the courage to act.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTed Wetzel<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

I am the luckiest guy in the world! Renee and I have been married for 35 years, we are part of a large loving family, we have great healthcare (saved my life 3 times), and we live in a great, free country that is full of possibility. Being lucky does not always make things easy.\u00a0 Working hard was modeled for us from a young age. Renee and I are a great team because we are opposite in many ways. And we drive each other crazy too (sort of like America!). So don’t be surprised to learn that Renee is the real expert in conflict transformation! Haha. Our greatest accomplishment: raising 3 remarkably rooted and loving adult children, Christina (and Eric), Rob (and Holly and grandchild), and Tim (and Jennifer).\u00a0 We so enjoy watching them flap their wings.<\/p>

I am a bit of a generalist.\u00a0 I have had 4 different careers, including 5-years as manufacturing engineering in the Fortune 500 world, 17-years in sales, marketing, senior management in the medium sized manufacturing world, 11-years in small service business ownership,\u00a0 all for-profit. And now writing about the simply complicated. I don\u2019t have an advance degree, but I read and I pay attention. Or so I try. As a generalist, there are many authors, ideas, classes, journals, discussions, events, seminars, people and places visited, and other life experiences that have stuck to me and are now baked-into-the-book. As a generalist, I fall prey to the 80\/20 rule\u2026which is to say that the remaining 20% of the understanding that I am missing would take me 4x as much time and effort to obtain. Which is further to say that if you are an expert in one of these areas, you are invited to \u201cfill in the blanks\u201d (and accept my gratitude for your investing the extra 4x effort to understand at the expert level).\u00a0 In still other words, I have attempted to maximize our impact here by focusing on the 20% of causes that seem to produce 80% of the effect.<\/span><\/p>

Aside:\u00a0 the 80\/20 rule comes from 19<\/span>th<\/span> century economist, Pareto.\u00a0 His \u201cLaw of the vital few\u201d basically says that for many problems, 80% of the effect comes from 20% of the causes.<\/span><\/p>

The one area I have been a consistent \u201cseeker\u201d most of my life has been in the search for wholeness at the psychological and spiritual levels.\u00a0 \u00a0 One might say that I have had the garden variety psychological and spiritual struggles, and one might say that I tend to scratch at them longer than the average person.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Politically I lean left on some issues, right on others, and centrist on others\u2026 so I suppose that makes me a moderate. In my younger days I was prone to conspiracy theories and catastrophizing.\u00a0 I grew up in a devout Roman Catholic family, 1 of 7 children, in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I am the 4<\/span>th<\/span>, with 3 older sisters, which makes me the middle of 7 and the oldest boy . . . therapists earn their pay with me! \u00a0 My first job was a carrier for the afternoon Cleveland Press newspaper (the printing presses have been idle for decades).\u00a0 I experienced my first recession when my paper route customer base fell from 58 daily to 49. To pay for college, I commuted to Cleveland State, my parents paid half, and I worked at a local shopping center cleaning the sidewalks, emptying the trash cans and painting the parking lines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Although I try to pride myself on being \u201cself-made\u201d, upon reflection realized that is never possible.\u00a0 I now view being \u201cself-made\u201d to be one of our traps.<\/span><\/p>

Spiritually I consider myself simply loved by God.\u00a0 It makes complete sense to me that God would strive to be revealed to many different people at different periods in history, including through Moses, Jesus, Mohamed, Buddha, Confucius, to name a few\u2026 as well as a lovely sunrise or a walk in the woods.\u00a0 It also makes sense to me that God would not want a follower of one of these spiritual leaders to believe they were better than another.<\/span><\/p>

I enjoy humor.\u00a0 I sometimes use it to avoid pain, but for the book and website I hope you find that the humor used was useful for perspective, and to acknowledge that the left and right brain is needed.\u00a0 The humor is not intended to make light of very serious topics.<\/span><\/p>

\"\"<\/span><\/p>

Me and my dad, Eugene Wetzel, at Bob\u2019s Barber Shop, Solon, Ohio, 2017.\u00a0 Dad, RIP 9\/21\/2018. A man with abundant faith in God\u2019s love for him, such that he laughed every day, including his last.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeorge Williams<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Following a 30+ year Information Technology career within corporate, civic and non-profit environments, now shares these experiences as an independent business counselor, career coach and licensed financial services advisor.\u00a0\u00a0In doing so, works first-hand with business owners, career professionals, families and students to supplement and enhance their talents, ideas and opportunities toward their potential \u2013\u00a0with a personal touch<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

A native of Cleveland Ohio, a graduate of its public school system, John Carroll University and the Tuck School of Business, has simultaneously been active as a mentee, mentor and champion for diversity in employment, procurement and entrepreneurship.\u00a0<\/p>

Has served as the Cleveland and National President of Black Data Processing Associates, as a Co-Founder of the Consortium of African American Organizations and as a Founding Member with the Information Technology Senior Management Forum.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In addition, continues to volunteer as board member and community liaison to civic organizations including the Metro Health Hospital System Institutional Review Board, the American Heart and Stroke Association, The Cleveland Church and Fighting To Understand.<\/p>

In November 2017, was elected by the residents of Mayfield Village Ohio to be their Ward Councilman.<\/p>

By blending experience and opportunity, his professional career has transitioned with ever-changing technologies, business practices and societal cultures – with a purpose to assist others in today\u2019s competitive global economy.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLaurie Zuckerman<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

My work life has taken some unusual twists and turns. I moved to Akron, OH from Long Island for a job: to save the world by designing nuclear power plants. (I know this is controversial to some, but I still think they\u2019re better for our health and environment than fossil fuel power plants.) After a few years, I became more interested in the business aspects of how companies are run, and moved into business development and program management. At age 32, I hired a career counselor to figure out what I really, really wanted to do with my life. He helped me see that I could do what fed my passions, and thus I began a circuitous journey to my current work in the world \u2013 as an executive coach who helps leaders and their teams develop the skills, presence, and wisdom to be effective leaders and humans. Most of my clients report that this helps them at home too, and that pleases me greatly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

My path along this journey has evolved in some surprising ways. I studied Gestalt psychology and organizational behavior for fifteen years and taught it for 5 years; I\u2019ve read many books on human and spiritual development and taken a few classes in Spiral Dynamics, a specific form of human development; I\u2019ve become certified in Nervous System Energy Work, a form of hands-on energy healing; and I have (so far) participated in 5 Buddhist silent meditation retreats and have studied Buddhist psychology. Most of these endeavors are considered pretty \u201cout there\u201d for someone with a Civil Engineering degree and an MBA. To me, this speaks to a strong dynamic tension in me between my analyzing\/organizing self vs my connecting\/developing\/spiritual self. I live in this tension, and often feel pulled by it in opposing directions. Maybe that\u2019s why I\u2019m often asking myself \u201cWho am I really?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

I was taught by some mentors in Akron to serve our community, and I jumped in with both feet. Part of my journey has been coming to the realization that I want to help create the world that I want to live in. In my desired world, everyone has strong, supportive social connections so no one feels lonely, left out, or separate, and everyone has equitable opportunity to take advantage of the best this world has to offer. To create this world, people need support and they need very specific skill sets.<\/span><\/p>

When Ted approached me with his ideas, I was impressed by the amount of thought he\u2019d put into the rEvolution concept and even more by his willingness to listen to fresh ideas that bumped up against his already-developed thoughts. He lives into the ideas in the book. I was able to bring my whole self to our conversations, my analytical mind as well as my connecting\/developing\/spiritual self. In this book, Ted has developed a unique and important framework for building connections and understanding within the political sphere. Like me, Ted wants to create the world he wants to live in, and like me, he wants people to connect around their differences rather than be separated by them. I\u2019m delighted that the ideas, processes, and skills described in this book have the potential to move our country in this direction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Two more things to include in this brief bio: I have been married to the same wonderful man for almost 38 years, and we have two adult daughters, both productive citizens who love their careers and are doing their part to change the world. We are very proud parents! And lastly a shout-out to the stigmatized world of psychotherapy. I would not be where I am without 20+ years of therapy in which five very competent therapists helped me learn to be a skillful (mostly) adult.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Collaborators after 1st book publication:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMark Dischert<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

I am finishing up a +35 year run in the medical device business as a sales and marketing executive.\u00a0 I have been blessed to be part of 4 companies that commercially developed and sold, life-enhancing orthopedic and neurosurgical products.\u00a0 My career has allowed me to travel to 45 states and 10 countries but most importantly has provided the ability for my wife and I to raise and launch our children and serve our community.\u00a0<\/p>

My greatest personal achievement is my 38-year marriage to a great spouse and mother to our children.\u00a0 Secondly, I was able to somehow spend a tremendous amount of time with our kids, coaching them, playing sports with them (Tae Kwon Do\/Golf\/Cycling\/Basketball), tons of community volunteering, worshipping with and being an integral part of their development.\u00a0 My wife reminds me that we did NOT sleep much between 1990-2015!!<\/p>

I am a conservative, Roman Catholic from the Midwest, St Louis area.\u00a0 I identify as being a Christian existentialist:\u00a0 Character and meaning are derived from ACTION!\u00a0 In a nutshell, someone that aspires to be better every day and to make those around me better.<\/p>

My wife and I were raised by the greatest generation; You remember, but may have not read about in public school history books; They won a World War, defended the homeland, built the great industrial powerhouse that we have today, created and sustained engaged communities, but more importantly, raised their families with Christian values and ambitious dreams, and in general carried the mantel for us seeking our own way.<\/p>

Politically-speaking I am not interested in merely litigating my conservative views with those on the other side of the aisle as point-counterpoint.\u00a0 In my many, many friendships with people who are in opposition to my views, common ground can be met and help but it takes effort, empathy and wisdom.<\/p>

We all can agree that now more than ever that opposing view, zero sum \u201cdiscussions\u201d are pointless.\u00a0 Where we can start is not from the standpoint of how can I make my party\/tribe, etc better but how to make the US better.\u00a0 But the ground is moving beneath us, as we have more than ever, people in gov\u2019t, pervasive media, academia, entertainment and national zeitgeist those that DO NOT have this country\u2019s best interest at heart.\u00a0 My goal is to NOT dialogue with these people but to call them out and attempt to diminish their ability to damage our country.\u00a0 Regardless of your religious and politically views If you are against the idea of American exceptionalism I will challenge you on this and NOT seek a limp compromise.<\/p>

Another issue that we can collectively address is this never-seen-before epistemological meltdown that is happening in our country:\u00a0 Your truth is different from my truth and worse; all truths are relevant!!\u00a0 This has to be stamped out along with it\u2019s deep rooted moral relativism underpinnings.<\/p>

Despite all of this, I am sanguine about the future of our country and I do not see us as divided over race, politics, religion or ideology as the corrupt media portrays us.\u00a0 I see much greatness coming out of my generation\u2019s children not the opposite.\u00a0 Our generation needs to continue to problem solve and be stronger and more morally resolute leaders.<\/p>

Ted Wetzel asked me to be a part of this excellent grass roots movement and I have humbly accepted.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTom Hach<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Tom Hach is a native of Northeast Ohio, and he has been very involved in his community serving as a member of the Advisory Board for the local Salvation Army, leading several conservative organizations and he is in his third term as a member on his local school board.<\/p>

He is retired from the US Navy Reserve and worked for over 20 years as an IT program manager for the Department of Defense.\u00a0 He has a BS in Chemistry from Miami University (Ohio) and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.<\/p>

In his spare time, he pursues expanding his understanding of the world by reading about political theory, philosophy and organizational behavior.\u00a0 Not a complete nerd, Tom hangs out with some interesting people, is an avid bicyclist and he has been known to have an off-the-wall sense of humor.<\/p>

Politics:\u00a0 R<\/p>

Age:\u00a0 50’s<\/p>

Profession:\u00a0 Volunteer<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Meet The Collaborators The original 20 collaborators agreed to read drafts of the book, agreed to include their world view in that creation, agreed to wrestle creatively, and agreed to be recorded for video learning segments, among other contributions. The original 20 are growing. We endeavor to add additional collaborators so to ever-expand our fight […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"on","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-852","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"yoast_head":"\nMeet The Collaborators - Fighting To Understand<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Meet the collaborators of Fighting To Understand. 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