With Compassion

Catch the opening keynote from the Compassionate Action Conference! David Sloan Wilson is an influential evolutionary thinker, SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology and Anthropology at Binghamton University, and the President of ProSocial World. His organization’s mission is “to consciously evolve a world that works for all”.

His foundational contributions to evolutionary science expand the field beyond biological living systems to include human cultural living systems. Wilson has consistently championed the idea that human evolution thrives not just through competition, but more importantly, through collaboration and our collective capacity to care for one another.

Key elements of his work include:

* ProSocial Framework ProSocial is a global initiative that integrates evolutionary theory, behavioral science, and Elinor Ostrom’s principles for managing shared resources. It serves as a practical, science-based framework for strengthening groups, cultivating collective well-being, enhancing cooperation, and aligning actions with shared values. He views compassion as a powerful evolutionary strategy for creating resilient, adaptive societies, not just a “soft ideal”.

* Publications His books include This View of Life and Darwin’s Cathedral. He also wrote the novel Atlas Hugged as a counterpoint to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, grounded in relational wisdom, interdependence, and mutual responsibility.

* Media and Collaborations His 2020 conversation with H.H. Dalai Lama was featured in the Mind & Life Institute documentary, “The Evolution of the Heart”.

At the Compassionate Action Conference, David Sloan Wilson is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on May 13, 2026, at 12 PM, titled “Evolving a Living Framework for Compassionate Action”.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation exploring the evolution of the Charter for Compassion - already signed by more than two million people - into its next chapter, Compassion 2.0.

At a time when compassion couldn’t be more needed, Sue Cooper, explains how the Charter is evolving to meet the interlocking crises our world is currently facing.

Join us in this powerful conversation with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian doctor, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and author of I Shall Not Hate. Amidst unimaginable tragedy, he offers hope and strategies rooted in compassion and responsibility that can transform individuals and societies.

Key Topics

* The concept of “social diseases” like hatred and their impact on peace and health

* The importance of personal responsibility in overcoming pain and promoting forgiveness

* How the “Pandemic of Compassion” can spread globally, healing divisions

* The significance of accountability, truth, and justice in conflict resolution

* Practical steps for individuals and communities to deepen compassion through action

* The role of systemic change in healthcare, justice, and international relations

* The power of hope and collective action during crises and ongoing conflicts

Resources & Links

* I Shall Not Hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish

* Charter for Compassion

* Institute for the Study of Social Endemic Diseases

* Magna Carta

* The Charter of the Forest (1217)

Connect with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish

* LinkedIn

* Twitter

Closing Inspiration: Hear Dr. Abuelaish read the Charter for Compassion 2.0, emphasizing that compassion is a shared human duty, capable of transforming our world through courage, action, and systemic change.

Join us in this enlightening episode as Jennifer Nadel engages in a profound conversation with Haneen Khalid, a distinguished leader and advocate for peace and women’s empowerment in South Asia. Haneen, who has been honored with the prestigious Gorbachev/Shultz Legacy Youth Award for her advocacy, shares her inspiring journey from her early life in Pakistan during turbulent times to her current role as a global peace advocate. Together, they explore the transformative power of empathy, humility, and human connection in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including nuclear proliferation and gender equality in politics.

Key Topics

* Haneen Khalid’s personal journey from growing up in Pakistan during the war on terror to becoming a global peace advocate

* Lessons learned from supporting over 80 women parliamentarians in Pakistan about gender, power, and leadership

* The critical role of empathy and compassion in transforming security and nuclear policy issues

* Bridging divides through human connection, shared values, and recognizing common emotional landscapes

* The importance of humility, openness, and relinquishing attachment to fixed ideas for effective peacebuilding

* Navigating global crises like nuclear proliferation and conflict with a sense of connectedness and shared responsibility

* The power of youth movements and cross-border dialogue to foster understanding and peace

* Maintaining hope and resilience amidst global suffering, emphasizing life’s potential for renewal

* Moving toward a planetary sense of common cause by expanding our view beyond national frameworks

Resources & Links

* Charter for Compassion

* Obama Foundation

* Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

* Youth Peace Movements

Connect with Haneen Khalid

* LinkedIn

* Twitter

Additional Notes

This episode underscores the transformative power of humility, empathy, and collective action in navigating some of the most pressing issues of our time. Haneen Khalid’s insights invite us all to lead with our full humanity and work towards a more compassionate and connected world.

This bonus clip from the With Compassion Podcast features Erik Brandt, a graphic designer and artist from Minneapolis, discussing the protest art he created in response to ICE operations in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.

Erik describes the origin of his “Ice Out MSP” yard sign campaign, which began when a local foundation approached him to create communications opposing ICE. Inspired by the ubiquity of yard signs in Minneapolis–St. Paul politics, he designed the “Ice Out” sign — a phrase that doubles as a regional colloquialism for the spring thaw when ice leaves the lakes. Though initially rejected by the foundation, the design went viral after being posted on Facebook.

The signs became a fixture of the Minneapolis–St. Paul landscape, appearing at homes, marches, and large-scale installations downtown. Erik freely shared the design files with people across the country and around the world, with the adaptable airport-code format (MSP) allowing easy localization for other cities.

Eric also describes a public-facing art installation outside his home that he has used for years to display political messages, including responses to the murders of George Floyd, Jamar Clark, and Philando Castile.

The clip concludes with Erik reflecting on the massive community response — from the Women’s March to gatherings of over 100,000 people in downtown Minneapolis — noting both the joyous solidarity and the fear many community members felt, emphasizing that those who marched did so to give voice to those who couldn’t.

In this episode of the With Compassion podcast, we delve into the heart of Minneapolis, where community resilience and compassion are driving responses to federal immigration enforcement. Hear from activists, community leaders, and artists as they share stories of mobilizing against ICE raids, the impact of immigration enforcement on local residents, and the power of grassroots mutual aid. Discover how the community's response to the George Floyd protests has inspired rapid organization and resistance, highlighting the vital role of women and marginalized groups. This episode is a testament to the strength of collective action and love in the face of systemic oppression.

Resources & Links:

* Immigrant Defense Network

* Copal

* Monarch

* George Floyd Justice Platform

* Charter for Compassion

* Refugees International

* Amnesty International

Connect with the Guests:

* Edwin Torres de Santiago - LinkedIn | Twitter

* Eric Brandt - Instagram | Website

* Anne Halvorsen - LinkedIn

* Mary Ann Bowe - Global Health Care Team - Charter for Compassion

Support and Take Action:

* Donate to community organizations involved in immigrant defense and mutual aid initiatives.

* Share information about local resistance networks and training programs.

* Engage in advocacy to push for police and federal enforcement accountability.

* Participate in local marches, panels, and civil rights commemorations, like the Selma march on Bloody Sunday.

Closing Thought:

This episode exemplifies how collective love, bravery, and coordinated community efforts can challenge systemic violence and push for justice. Supporting immigrant communities is a vital part of building a more compassionate and equitable society.

Discover how empathy can transform leadership, diplomacy, and political systems. Dr. Claire Yorke shares insights on the role of empathy in conflict reduction, effective governance, and building meaningful international relationships, all backed by her extensive research and experience in international relations.

Key topics:

* The importance of empathy in political decision-making and diplomacy

* How empathy influences military strategy and conflict resolution

* Systemic barriers to empathetic leadership within different electoral and political frameworks

* Skills essential for practicing empathy: listening, curiosity, humility, and strength

* The gendered perceptions of empathy and its implications in leadership

* Signs of hope: grassroots movements and shifts toward power with rather than power over systems

Resources & Links:

* Empathy in Politics and Leadership by Claire Yorke (search for “Empathy in Politics and Leadership Claire Yorke” on Amazon)

* Chatham House

* Deakin University Centre for Future Defence and National Security

* Jacinda Ardern’s leadership and Christchurch response

Connect with Dr. Claire Yorke:

* LinkedIn

* Twitter

* Personal Website

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Scilla Elworthy shares her extensive experience in peace building, highlighting the importance of women’s roles, the impact of fear on conflict, and the necessity of compassion in dialogue. She reflects on her journey from observing injustices in Southern Africa to facilitating crucial discussions among global leaders, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence and listening in peace efforts.

In this enlightening conversation, Satish Kumar shares his profound insights on nonviolence, love, and the interconnectedness of humanity. He reflects on his journey as a peace pilgrim, emphasizing the importance of compassion in addressing global conflicts. Kumar advocates for grassroots movements and the need for a shift in education and economic systems to foster a more equitable and sustainable world. He encourages listeners to embrace diversity and actively participate in creating positive change, highlighting the power of hope and community engagement.

In this episode of the With Compassion podcast, Dr. Janus Adams, an Emmy award-winning journalist, historian, and author, shares her insights on the historical and ongoing struggles for racial equality and justice. She discusses her personal experiences growing up during the civil rights movement, the impact of historical narratives on current societal issues, and the importance of reclaiming stories and voices that have been marginalized. Dr. Adams also highlights the significance of figures like Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks in shaping the fight for equality.