PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Building Cultures of Peace with Social Justice
The Josephine "Scout" Wollman Fuller Award
The Josephine “Scout” Wollman Fuller Award was initiated in 2008 by Psychologists for Social Responsibility and the parents and family of “Scout” to honor the memory and life of “Scout” who passed away in 2007 following her struggle with cancer. Scout was only eight years old when she passed away. The Award will be given annually to an individual or organization involved with peace and social justice for children. “Scout” was the daughter of Neil Wollman, a well-known peace advocate and activist and a longtime member of PsySR. Throughout her brief but caring life, Scout was a strong voice for peace in her school and community. As the award states: “‘Scout’ was wise, caring, and concerned for the needy of the world. She was both a learner and a teacher.” PsySR is honored to sponsor The Josephine “Scout” Wollman Fuller Award. The Josephine “Scout” Wollman Fuller Award is announced Annually in May
The Red Chair Project: Creating a World that Listens
Presented by Dr. Rain Warren, PhD
The idea for the Red Chair Project emerged after years of work in the areas of peace-building, dialogue,
facilitation, and transformation. I have traveled to over 100 countries around the world observing and
listening to people on their own ground and territory. And, for many years I have worked with youth,
some of whom came from very wealthy backgrounds and some from below the edge of poverty, or from
war zones, or areas of complete devastation — yet willing to offer their energy and voice to create peace
in this world. I was, unknowingly, preparing myself to be with people from all walks of life.
Then, my dear friend Netanya invited me to journey to Rwanda with a group of Zen Buddhist
Peacemakers to attend the 16th Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi which occurred
there. After listening to stories of genocide survivors, rescuers and even killers, my life was forever
altered. I began to see life in a different way, to appreciate all that I had and to really get the distinction
that all is impermanent, that all we have is the now moment. I went into deep inquiry with my very spirit
and soul and asked what is my purpose for being here on this planet and how can I serve. It became
clear to me that I was to dedicate myself to a life of service and that a part of my mission is to bear
witness to human beings’ capacity to do great good and also inflict great harm. Thus, I am a keen
observer of life, my own and of all of that which shows up around me. I listen also for opportunities to
serve life in ways that promote peace, understanding, kindness, love, and beauty. This listening led me
to continue my education and complete my doctorate degree in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in
Community, Liberation, and Ecopsychology. When it came time to select a research topic for my
dissertation, no other ideas came except to return to Rwanda. After completing that circle, I returned
home to find my family in crisis. And as best I could, I looked after my sister who was dying of cancer,
and I became care-giver to my 87-year old mother who needs companionship and support as she
learns to embrace her wisdom years. It was also, time for me to sit in Silent meditation, to listen, and
listen and listen and follow the simple directions.
One morning in meditation, I saw in my mind’s eye a green field, and in the middle of the field I
saw 5 Red Chairs in a Circle, and that I was to invite people to sit with me. My job was simply to listen
to them with nothing to fix, advise, or direct; just simply – listen. I thought about the many people I have
worked with around the world and that often when conflicts and misunderstanding occurred, if they were
willing to sit with each other and allow time for each person to speak, knowing that they too would have
their time to be listened, often the concern or issue would be resolved just in the listening. I also thought
about my time in Rwanda. As I interviewed survivors who shared stories of profound horror, all I could
do was listen. Often I found myself listening with my entire body. From the top of my head to the bottom
of my feet I was engaged in listening. And, at the end of each session, I felt myself a kindred spirit,
profoundly connected to each and every person’s humanity. As a result, something in me got healed
and also something healed in the person to whom I listened. So, perhaps this is my lifelong focus and
my contribution to the table of humanity: to continue to train myself to listen and to support others in
doing the same