Reports on Provide education in ethics (Ethical Literacy)

You can do a lot with money: buy houses, drive fast cars, shop top brand stores of the world, visit a few islands with a yacht ... or set up a foundation and support charitable projects. ArndWeil chose the latter. Mr Weil was our guest speaker at our latest PhiloBrunch and gave insights into his life and shared hismotivations for the decision: from "top manager" to
"societal drop-out".

After studying electrical engineering Mr. Weil had a clear focus. Fascinated by "Speech Recognition" he begins his work as a service technician in this field, paving the way for his future career. Mr. Weil went from product management to his current position as vice president and general manager of the automotive division of Nuance Communications, a billion dollar software company, global leader invoice control. He himself describes the various stages of his career as luck; being in the right place at the right time. New positions required him to acquire plenty of new skills. Obviously, he has closed these knowledge gaps with flying colors. Mr. Weil is very successful in what he does and he could easily continue to be so for years; bathing inappreciation, and growing his fortune. But Arnd Weil will be leaving the business at the end of 2018. What motivates such a successful businessman to give up a dream job and a top position at the height of his career?

Arnd says the explanation lies in three central questions:

Who am I?
What do I stand for?
Who do I like to be?

Arnd grew up in the Hunsrück (Germany) in modest circumstances, which has shaped him to this day. Of course, when he talks about his life, he is proud of his achievements. He has always approachedhis tasks with ambition and fun. Otherwise he would not be where he is today. But he has always remained humble. His parents gave him corresponding values. He emphasizes: "What I believe in deep in my heart" that's what he stands for. And he is certain: we are not here on Earth by mere chance; we all have the mission to bring about positive things. He has had the "luck of being on the sunny side of life," as he says himself. And he wants to pass some that on. Instead of continuously improving his standard of living, he has put money aside. But not in order to practice "consumerism" as he calls it. But to support people whose staring position is less fortunate. And so, together with his wife, Mr. Weil set up a charity: The "Bridge of Hope".

Eleven years ago, when he accepted the position as Vice President, he did not already have "the master plan". The only thing he already knew then: He would hold this office for 10 year then he would leave. Said and done. In the course of this time, the concept became more and more concrete. Inspired by a billboard advertisement, he began to focus on "development cooperation". Also, how they chose the country, which should be promoted, has an exciting background. His wife still owns a book from her childhood days. Back then she was fascinated by pictures of Africa. She still carries this positive impression within. And so the charity is now supporting education in Tanzania, specifically, two schools in different regions (school buildings, sanitary facilities, access to drinking water, sponsorships, etc.).

The location of the school is, what it looks like, who builds it - that's all in the organizational care of Tanzania. People on the ground know best what is needed. Nothing is imposed, but closely supported by the charity. Arnd has already been there and is workingclosely with the local authorities. He radiates a great deal of contentment and calmness - despite having such a responsible job at the head of his corporation. He knows where he has come from and exactly where he wants to go. And it has made him what he is today: humble, down to earth and with a strong sense of justice.

Inspired by his story, a case study was discussed at the Philobrunch focusing on the question:

The collaboration not only involves exchanging ideas , but also discussing various ethical topics in the context of events. Martina Münch-Nicolaidis, CEO of the Nicolaidis Young Wings Foundation, for example, took part in a PhiloBrunch last year on the subject of mourning. "For me, it is always inspiring to get together with the people at Ethica Rationalis, who are workingfor the research and dissemination of ethical action on such different levels," says Martina Münch-Nicolaidis. The Nicolaidis YoungWings Foundation also focuses on societal issues: As a nationwide non-profit organization, the foundation offers young mourners targetedadvice and long-term support in their mourning.
Individual and long-term help for young mourners

Festivals that connect: Spring Festival 2018 of the
Nicolaidis YoungWings Foundation.

The loss of a loved one can throw young mourners out of emotional balance and often to the brink of financial existence. In Germany alone there are about 800,000 children who have lost father, mother or both parents, and about 500,000 adults up to the age of 49, whose life partner has died. As different as people are, so different their dealing with grief can be. All the more important to find out together with children, adolescents and adults how to best support in dealing with the loss of a loved one.

This is exactly where Nicolaidis YoungWings Foundation comes in - and has been for 20 years. In 1998, the Nicolaidis Young Wings Foundation was founded after a tragic personal event. Today, the foundation consists of 19 full-time employees and 63 volunteers, who work for the needs of young mourners. CEO Martina Münch-Nicolaidis explains: "The focus of our work is on individual and long-term support. We see grief as a process necessary to rearrange life after a loss."

Creative offers: Young mourners share self-written 
texts and listen to the reading by author and cabaret 
artist Georg Koeniger.

Supporting young mourners for over 20 years

The individual support services are aimed at both adults up to the age of 49, whose life partner has died, as well as children, adolescents and young adults up to the age of 27 who have lost one or both parents. The offerings include not only a telephone or personal bereavement support, self-help groups or common leisure activities, featuring games, exercise and creative tasks.

Youths on a hike with donkey.

Depending on the phase of life and individual needs, the Foundation offers other services that are geared to young people's lives. This includes, for example, the Online Counseling Young Wings, the Career Advice STARTSmart, the Sebastian Scholarships or creative projects such as the short film project Young Creatives-Film.