WINONA, Minn. – The author of a book in Winona State University’s Common Book program this fall, Jamil Zaki, will speak on campus in October. In the meantime, bZaki’s “The War For Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World” is being incorporated into curriculums campuswide through the Common Book program. Zaki’s keynote, October 13 at 7 p.m. will be part of a three-week program with the book as its centerpiece. April Herndon, Common Book director, outlined the program intended to encourage dialogue on Zaki’s lesson: The importance of fostering connections, especially in difficult times.
Zaki. Director of Stanford University Neuropsychology Lab.
Ideas for empathy. Zaki sees empathy is not a fixed trait but rather an acquired skill that can be strengthened.
The program
September 28. TED Talk: “The Stories We Tell,” on Zaki’s chapter 4. 2 p.m.
October 11-15. Weeklong kindness challenges — an “empathy gym,” as Herndon calls it
October 13: Jamil Zaki in residence for keynote address.
October 18, 7 p.m. Screening: “Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops,” on two San Antonia cops who are changing how police respond to mental health calls. Miller Auditorium, 7 p.m.
October 19, 7 p.m. Campus conversation: “Does Empathy Emerge from Fractured Spaces?”
October 20: Meditation Workshop: Paul Stern, from Zen Garland River Dharma River Community. Kryzsko Commons, Purple Rooms. 7 p.m.