Blouke Carus is a distinguished chemist who revolutionized the production of the vital environmental chemical, potassium permanganate. After graduating from Cal Tech and the University of Freiburg, he transformed production techniques at Carus Chemical in La Salle, Illinois. At this time he began a lifelong preoccupation with teaching, literacy, and books for both children and adults. In 1961, with his, wife Marianne, he launched the Open Court Integrated Language Arts Program to improve children’s reading comprehension; the program is now part of McGraw Hill. Blouke also helped develop the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in the U.S. His company Carus Books carries on the legacy of Open Court Publishing, established in 1887, where Blouke’s grandfather, the scholar and visionary Paul Carus, was the first editor and also helped organize the 1893 World Parliament of Religions. At its Convenings the Parliament gives the Paul Carus Award to one or more recipients for “exemplary and visionary efforts in the promotion of interreligious harmony and cooperation.”
The Charter for Compassion is a declaration to restore compassion and the Golden Rule to the center of our moral and religious traditions. In 2008 acclaimed scholar and bestselling author Karen Armstrong received the TED Prize and made a wish—to help create, launch, and propagate a Charter for Compassion. After much work and the contribution of thousands of people, the Charter was launched at the United Nations in 2009. The Council of Conscience helped to formulate the Charter for Compassion document. The Charter for Compassion provides an umbrella for people to engage in collaborative partnerships worldwide. Its vision is “A transformed world where all life flourishes with compassion.” Its mission is to bring to life the principles articulated in the Charter for Compassion through concrete, practical action in many different sectors by connecting, cultivating, and encouraging networks of compassionate action. Millions of people have affirmed the Charter and the movement has attracted followers worldwide. Over 440 cities and communities in 54 countries, are developing and promoting compassionate initiatives. See: https://charterforcompassion.org
The Circle of Friends for VRG Vision is a group of Jains inspired by the vision of Virchand Raghav Gandhi (VRG), who represented Jainism at the historic World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 and brought Jainism into a dialogue with other faiths which has continued ever since. Through VRG and his legacy, Jainism has inspired leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and many others with the modern relevance of the Jain values of Nonviolence (Ahiṃsā), Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha) and Non-Absolutism (Anekāntavāda) – all key tenets for a peaceful, just, sustainable and loving world. Jains are proud to carry forward the torch lit by VRG and to develop programs and initiatives that will spread in the world the message of the Tīrthaṅkaras or “Makers of the Crossing”, including Mahāvīr, the 24th in the ancient Jain lineage of great enlightened beings.
For over 30 years, the First Analysis Institute of Integrative Studies (FAI) has been dedicated to advancing educational programs centered on an integrative triune theme. Our work explores the intersection of personal development, scientific discovery, and spiritual traditions. By integrating insights from philosophy, psychology, science, and spirituality, we develop programs and educational opportunities that foster deeper self-awareness, promote thoughtful engagement, and cultivate mutual understanding among diverse communities.
New Thought Ministries is comprised of a group of global ministries dedicated to the principles and practices of New Thought philosophy. The teachings are based on ideals that consciousness shapes reality, humanity is interconnected, and spiritual awareness can influence societal progress and positive social change. Early New Thought figures, including Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore, attended the historic 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Since that time, New Thought leaders have remained active contributors to Parliament Convenings, continuing a tradition of interfaith dialogue, service and support. In 2025, New Thought Ministries reinforced their dedication to universal values through support of the Parliament’s signature document, the Global Ethic supporting the advancement of peace, justice, and sustainability initiatives worldwide. This partnership continues to strengthen efforts toward cultivating a compassionate and harmonious global community.
Wayfarer Pathways is an independent Bahá’í-inspired organization dedicated to operational excellence in service of a greater mission: actively promoting the oneness of humanity and contributing to global healing. Its name reflects its commitment to paving the way for positive community-building. Programmatic areas of particular interest to Wayfarer Pathways’ Bahá’íinspired giving include addressing racism, advancing women’s equality, promoting harmony of science and religion, religious cooperation, social change through the arts, and youth and education. Its core values are unity in diversity, consultative decision-making, striving for excellence, service, and justice. Wayfarer Pathways warmly welcomes partnerships with like minded groups from all backgrounds who share its commitment to fostering a better world for everyone.
