FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF HUMANITY
I N S T I T U T E
JAMES S. GORDON MD. ON MONDAY, JUNE 26TH:
Transforming Trauma in Ukraine with Keynote Speaker James S. Gordon, MD. Hosted by the Highland Institute on Monday June 26th, 2023 at 6:00pm MT.
In February 2022, our world was forever altered as Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered unimaginable human suffering and widespread devastation. The scars run deep - not only in lost lives and physical destruction, but also in the indelible impact on Ukraine's collective mental well-being.
While the restoration of peace will allow life to gradually resume, the journey of healing the invisible wounds of trauma is a colossal challenge that Ukraine is determined to face. With the support of their First Lady, Olena Zelenska, Ukraine seeks global aid for a comprehensive, nationwide response to heal the psychological trauma of their people.
Our keynote speaker, Harvard-educated psychiatrist James S. Gordon, MD, is renowned for his work in healing population-wide psychological trauma. Fresh from Ukraine and leading The Center for Mind-Body Medicine's efforts there, Dr. Gordon, the author of Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing shares his inspiring message.
Vision Statement
Built on the foundation laid by Highland City Club in Boulder, Colorado, Highland Institute for the Advancement of Humanity ("Institute”) strives to advance and improve the lives of others by channeling the technical, intellectual, and financial resources available to it and its membership. The Institute aspires to be a modern-day American Philosophical Society, founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin.
Boulder is considered the Athens of the West for housing two universities, thirty-four national labs, and ready access to an international airport. Coupled with a thriving technology sector, Boulder is ideally situated to gather, envision, design, and build various elements of humanity’s next evolutionary cycle.
Such drives the spirit of the Institute's embrace of big ideas. Evolution is marked by a history of fits and starts, with the most profound leaps often manifesting during the more challenging times. Think of Egypt 3500 years ago, Athens 2400 years ago, and Philadelphia 250 years ago, where the seeds of the American Revolution were planted.
The work of the Institute is carried out by a select group of members who, having achieved their own lot in life, strive to apply their talents, time, and/or financial resources for the benefit of others. The group’s collective power is the driving force behind the Institute’s mission to advance humanity, in the spirit captured by the words of Rabbi Hillel two millennia ago, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?"
Hillel’s simple words animate the Institute’s resolve to help foster a global Renaissance while striving to remain open to new ideas, stay non-partisan, and prioritize action over talk.
Again, Hillel, "If not now, when?!
Mission Statement
Striving to think globally but act locally, Highland Institute engages with public, private, and academic entities to create a safe space to explore solutions for complex but critical local and global issues. If you resonate with the Institute’s Vision and want to participate in its Mission, please share your thoughts and suggestions, and sign up for our free weekly Newsletter.
Boulder Center for Performing Arts
Highland Institute is engaged in a Public/Private partnership to support the development of what we hope to be a world-renowned Cultural and Performing Arts Center on a 27.5-acre campus in the heart of downtown. First envisioned by Fredrick Law Olmstead Jr. in 1910, modeled after Central Park in New York, the Institute was founded in the belief that dedicated space for artistic and cultural expression is a prerequisite for the advancement of Boulder as a transformational global hub in both thought and action.
Previous Keynote Speakers
The following are recaps of the Institute’s recent events, a glimpse of our aspirations, how we work, and where we are headed. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with interested individuals and organizations that seek to co-create a better future.
On June 29, 2022, Highland Institute hosted Dr. David Tusek to discuss Moving Beyond the Pandemic; What It Means to Be a Healthy Human and Have a Healthy Community. David was joined by Dr. Will Van Derveer, Rev. Cathy Whelehan, and Dr. Deepa Patel as Keynote Listeners. The event was a hybrid of an in-person audience hosted in Boulder, Colorado, as well as online viewers around the globe.
David Tusek is a visionary doctor, entrepreneur, and health pioneer who is working on the front lines of the healthcare system to create exciting new models of holistic care, leading to better patient outcomes. As a recognized leader in healthcare transformation, David has been invited to the White House to discuss the future of American medicine. You can read David's vision and practical ideas for a new north star in healing and related societal systems, or, if you missed the Livestream, the recording is available for your viewing pleasure below:
HOSTED ON TUESDAY AUGUST 31ST, 2021:
On August 31, 2021, Highland Institute hosted Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado to discuss Climate Change Induced Infernos; A Call to Action. Informed citizens are aware of the planet's imminent climate crisis, including the danger of massive wildfires. We were honored to host Congressman Neguse, who was joined by five distinguished Keynote Listeners, along with an online national audience, who presented questions and comments afterward.
Congressman Neguse is deeply engaged in the national and local response to climate change. Among his other leadership positions in Congress, he Chairs the Natural Resources Sub-Committee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, and is frequently on the ground in Colorado meeting with firefighters and citizens impacted by forest fires. Rep. Neguse is an optimist by nature and his call to action provides practical and necessary steps to respond to the unprecedented situation of climate change-induced infernos.
HOSTED ON TUESDAY MAY 3RD, 2021:
On May 3, 2021, Highland Institute hosted Boulder City Councilman Bob Yates to deliver a keynote talk entitled Boulder homelessness: A Vision and a Path. He was followed by four distinguished Keynote Listeners who commented on the talk and asked a question.
Bob Yates has a long-standing interest in effectively and compassionately addressing the subject of homelessness. As a Boulder City Councilman, he is focused on increasing access to affordable housing, economic vitality, and ensuring Government accountability and transparency. Bob is an active community member engaged in numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, and his incisive monthly Boulder Bulletin is read by over 6000 citizens.
As Boulder and other cities around the country strive to find a balance between law enforcement and the natural compassion to act as our Brother’s Keeper, the goal of this gathering was to craft a shared future vision for homelessness; a vision that is both desirable and possible, together with specific and practical actions to further this vision.
HOSTED ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2020
On Monday, September 21, 2020, Claudine Schneider, a five-term Congresswoman from Rhode Island delivered a Keynote talk titled Towards a more perfect union in the post-pandemic world; moving with purpose and pace. Claudine is a seasoned businesswoman, educator, Emmy Award recipient, and a citizen activist for climate solutions and the enhancement of our democracy.
Her distinguished and productive time in Congress is highlighted by the revenue-neutral Global Warming Prevention Act of 1989 - a roadmap for prevention, for which she secured 140 bi-partisan co-sponsors. Fighting for justice and equality, she introduced the Civil Rights Restoration Act when a fellow republican colleague attempted to dismantle Title IX to the Education Act.
After leaving Congress, Claudine taught leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School and spent two years speaking around the world on climate mitigation strategies.
Keynote Listeners: Sam Weaver: Mayor, Boulder, Colorado. Mark Kennedy: University of Colorado, President. Lori Bergen: the University of Colorado, Dean of College of Communications, Media and Information. Maeve Conran: KGNU News Director. John Thayer: President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce
HOSTED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST, 2020:
On Monday, August 31, 2020, Highland Institute for the Advancement of Humanity held its inaugural event by hosting Chief Maris Herold who painted a picture of what the post-pandemic world of policing could look like, and how to get there. As a social worker for over twenty years, and now acting as Boulder's Chief of Police, Chief Harold shared valuable insights on how the police force and other arms of the City of Boulder can work together to best serve the community.
Through this series of events, Highland Institute strives to re-imagine the post-pandemic world, paint a new picture of what is possible, and how to get there by inviting experts from all walks of life to address topics related to liberty and justice for all, and how we can create a more promising tomorrow for everyone.