In this Summit, empathy activists talk about how we can build the Empathy Movement to make mutual empathy a primary cultural value.

Join this Summit if you are ready to roll up your sleeves and help build the Movement. The Empathy Movement is a transformative force in addressing the growing fragmentation and polarization in modern societies. At its core, the movement seeks to reorient how individuals and groups relate to one another, shifting from transactional, adversarial and authoritarian interactions to ones rooted in mutual listening, deep dialogue, understanding, constructive collaboration and seeing our shared humanity. 

For empathy to become a primary cultural value, it needs sustained, coordinated effort across multiple domains. A movement brings all groups together across the social and political spectrum who support this vision.  It also provides the organizational structure needed for long-term cultural transformation rather than short-lived initiatives. 

Register Now

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Time: 9 am PT to 12:30 pm PT  -  World Times

Location: Zoom https://zoom.us/j/9896109339  
RECORDING:   Part of the event will be recorded and posted to social media for educational and promotional purposes. You have an option of being in a non recorded breakout group. 

INVITE FRIENDS

• LinkedIn Event 

• Facebook Event 

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS LIST
Become a summit partner, sponsor or volunteer.

Speakers and Hosting Team
Speakers will have 5 to 15 minutes to speak on some aspect of how to build the empathy movement. If you would like to be a speaker, email EdwinRutsch@gmail.com
Send a one sentence bio, the title of your proposed talk, a 2 or 3 sentence abstract for consideration,

Program: 

All times are Pacific Time

9:00 am PT  Introduction (5 min)
Host:  

Topic:  Why we need to build the Empathy Movement?
9:xx am - Speaker:  Edwin Rutsch (15 min)

• Bio:  Edwin Rutsch is the Founding Director of The Empathy Center, developer and long term "evangelist" of the Empathy Movement Circle practice.   (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website) 

• Topic:   Why we need to build the Empathy Movement?

• Abstract:   I'll give an overview of why I feel we need to build a strong and effective Empathy Movement. There is currently an Empathy Movement and we can accelerate it's growth and be more systematic in building it. We especially need to clearly define our terms, mission, requests, demands, and strategies. The goal of the Movement is to make mutual empathy a core cultural value which will; reduced conflict and polarization, create stronger social connections, improved health and well-being and create a more democratic society.

Topic:  A Clearer Empathy Definition for a Stronger Empathy Movement
9:xx am - Speaker:  Johanna (Jodie) Madsen Jensen  (15 min)

• Bio:  Johanna (Jodie) Jensen is an empathy researcher at Brigham Young University. She is pursuing a doctorate degree in social psychology and studies empathy in the broader context of positive psychology and character development.  (LinkedIn) (Facebook)  

• Topic:  A Clearer Empathy Definition for a Stronger Empathy Movement

• Abstract:  Empathy is a widely held cultural value. However, due to divergent definitions of empathy, recent critics have called empathy dangerous and toxic. Empathy advocates are left baffled by this outcry, wondering how anyone could criticize a practice that has such obvious relational benefits. As we work together to build an empathy movement, we must first seek to understand the perspective of those who oppose the movement. In this talk, we will dig into the various definitions of empathy to discover why this disconnect exists. We will then discuss how we can use this understanding to invite the critics to see the value of the holistic empathy model we promote. Finally, we will discuss the need for a clear, simple definition of the holistic empathy model that can be broadly accepted and operationalized. 

Topic:  Phoenix - Building A New Chapter in the Empathy Movement
9:xx am - Speaker:  Ingrid Hirtz   (10 min)

• Bio:   Ingrid Hirtz is on the Board of the Empathy Center and an Empathy Circle facilitator. (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)

• Topic:  Phoenix  - Building A New Chapter in the Empathy

• Abstract:   What does it take to build a solid core group that can grow and be a viable part of the movement. 

Topic:  Empathy Movement: Cultivating an Empathy-Based Society for Personal and Systemic Change
9:xx am - Speaker:  Maša Blaznik  (15 min)

• Bio:  Masha is a psychologist, independent researcher, and founder of the Empathy-Based Society Institute, an initiative dedicated to promoting the purposeful development of empathy at both individual and systemic levels for people, animals, and the planet.   (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)

• Topic:  Empathy Movement: Cultivating an Empathy-Based Society for Personal and Systemic Change

• Abstract:   Neuroscience shows empathy and violence are neurologically linked and suppress one another. We have normalized violence towards people, animals, nature, and the planet, and built an economic system on this foundation. Saving the planet and creating a better future for all beings requires more than innovation and investment in sustainable solutions; it demands a fundamental shift in how we relate to all living beings and the planet.
  
  This is where the Empathy Movement steps in: by teaching empathic connection to people, animals, and nature, we directly address the problem of normalized violence at individual, community, and systemic levels. The movement also provides a unifying framework for sectors that often operate in parallel but disconnected efforts, such as social justice, animal advocacy, and environmental action. By reconnecting these sectors through a shared foundation of empathy, the Empathy Movement amplifies their collective impact and builds the foundation for lasting societal transformation.

10:00 am PT 
Host:  

Topic:  From Math Circles to Empathy Circles: Building a Bottom-Up Movement
10:xx am - Speaker: Felicia Darling (15 min)

• Bio:    Dr. Felicia Darling is a Math/Ed Professor at UC Berkeley and SRJC and author of Empathy Unchained: Heal Your Trauma. Uplift the World. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)  (Website)

• Topic:   From Math Circles to Empathy Circles: Building a Bottom-Up Movement 

• Abstract:   A true global Empathy Movement must grow both top-down and bottom-up. In my course Playing with Mindfulness and Math, we use Empathy Circles to foster collaborative problem-solving, deeper connection, and compassionate engagement—even in math. When empathy is integrated into daily life and learning, we begin to build lasting change from the ground up.

Topic:  TBD
10:xx am - Speaker:  Catherine Cooley   

• Bio:   Catherine Cooley is an organizational communication and conflict coach and trainer, certified in NVC (Nonviolent & Compassionate Communication).  (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)

• Topic:  

• Abstract:   

Topic:  Building the Empathy Movement in Schools: Reclaiming Human Connection in Educational Spaces
10:xx am - Speaker:  Cait Kamins  (15 min)

• Bio:  Cait Kamins is the founder of The CoMethod, co-creator of Full Circle, and a national leader in independent school communities--she brings sixteen years of experience in social-emotional learning, school culture, and educator development.  (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)

• Topic:  Building the Empathy Movement in Schools: Reclaiming Human Connection in Educational Spaces 

• Abstract:   What would it take for empathy to become a true cornerstone of global education, not just a classroom practice or buzzword? This session considers how schools can move beyond isolated programs to create environments where empathy is woven into the fabric of teaching and leadership. By focusing on the needs and strengths of educators, the empathy movement becomes both scalable and sustaining. 

Topic:  
10:xx am - Speaker:  

• Bio:    (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)

• Topic:  

• Abstract:   

Empathy Summit: October 4: Links

Website: http://EmpathySummit.com

Event Page: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/oct-4-2025-movement

World Times: https://tinyurl.com/ES10-04WorldTime 

Registration:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OVuBLVwxJyC51Iv7CcaI-YlqqvqDS6ILBJlQRhObrqo/preview 

Partners: http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors 

Volunteers: http://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers

LinkedIn Event: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7318473307262013440/ 

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1335176494445330 

Feedback: https://tinyurl.com/ES11-04Feedback 

Final Report Location: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/oct-4-2025-movement

Sample Building the Empathy Movement Topics
(The topic and abstract must be about how we can build an Empathy Movement in some way. It is sharing your vision, insights, strategies, tactics, hands on projects, on how to build the movement. It is good to use the words Empathy Movement in the title and abstract.)

Theory & Vision

• The Future of the Empathy Movement: Vision, Values, and Pathways Forward

• Why the World Needs an Empathy Movement Now More Than Ever

• Building the Empathy Movement: Lessons from Social Movements Past and Present

• The Philosophy Behind the Empathy Movement: Roots, Ethics, and Intentions

• Empathy Movement as a Cultural Revolution: Shifting Norms and Narratives
  
  

Practice & Implementation

• Activating the Empathy Movement in Schools, Workplaces, and Communities

• Empathy Circles and Dialogue: Core Practices of the Empathy Movement

• Training the Trainers: Scaling the Empathy Movement with Facilitation Models

• Digital Tools for the Empathy Movement: Technology with Heart

• Art, Storytelling, and the Empathy Movement: Creative Pathways to Connection
  
  

Communication &  Media

• Spreading the Empathy Movement Through Media, Messaging, and Memes

• Narratives that Move: Storytelling Strategies for the Empathy Movement

• Social Media for Social Healing: Amplifying the Empathy Movement Online

• Journalism and the Empathy Movement: Reporting with Care and Depth
  
  

Research & Evidence

• What the Science Says: Research Supporting the Empathy Movement

• Evaluating Impact: Measuring Success in the Empathy Movement

• Cross-Disciplinary Insights: Psychology, Neuroscience, and the Empathy Movement
  
  
  

Inclusion & Global Reach

• Global Voices of the Empathy Movement: Insights from Around the World

• Centering Equity and Justice in the Empathy Movement

• Indigenous Wisdom and the Empathy Movement: Learning from Traditional Practices

• Bridging Divides: The Empathy Movement Across Political and Cultural Boundaries
  
  

Collaboration & Strategy

• Building Coalitions: Uniting Forces Within the Empathy Movement

• Funding the Empathy Movement: Philanthropy, Grassroots, and Hybrid Models

• Youth Leadership in the Empathy Movement: Cultivating the Next Generation

• Designing the Infrastructure of the Empathy Movement: Networks, Hubs, and Ecosystems

Invitation to Speak at Empathy Summit on:
How Might We Build the Empathy Movement?

==== Speaker Application =======
Online Via Zoom Empathy Summit
Topic: How Might We Build the Empathy Movement?

To Be A Speaker/Presenter, Copy and Fill out this Application
and email it to EdwinRutsch@gmail.com

(  ) Yes ( ) No - I’d like to be considered to be a speaker
( ) Your Name: 

(  ) Your Email: 

Select Speaking Dates:

(x)  Saturday, October 4, 2025
( )  A series of Summits on this topic will also be held in 2026. Dates TBD. 

( ) Your LinkedIn Page:
(we will grab your image from this page. or send us your image)

( ) Your Facebook Page:
( ) A website URL or place you like to have linked to:

( ) One sentence bio:

 ( ) Title of your proposed talk:
(The topic and abstract must be about how we can build an Empathy Movement in some way. It is sharing your vision, insights, strategies, tactics, hands on projects, on how to build the movement.)

( ) 2 or 3 sentence Abstract for consideration:

( ) Desired length of talk

   ( ) 5 min

   ( ) 10 min

  ( ) 15 min

( ) Yes,  I agree to invite all my LinkedIn and Facebook friends to the events.

See:
How to Invite LinkedIn Contacts to an  EVENT: https://youtu.be/QUA-pD02rOg

How To Bulk Invite People To Your LinkedIn Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5qj1640myM

( ) Comments or Questions: ?

Possible Topics List

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