Standing on the bluff overlooking the largest landfill in Latin America evoked to Hugh Taft-Morales an image crafted by Felix Adler, founder of Ethical Culture:

We stand, as it were, on the shore, and see multitudes of our fellow beings struggling in the water, stretching forth their arms, sinking, drowning, and we are powerless to assist them. 

This describes spiritual pains that Adler insisted we must overcome in order to be more effective agents of change.  To save a few, we must understand the suffering of many.  

Hugh Taft-Morales [1], Leader Intern at our Society for 2008-2009, in his first Platform address of his internship. Hugh will discuss his goal of bringing out the best during his family's time in Guatemala. This magnificent country, scarred by a tragic history and widespread poverty, struggles to rebuild its social, economic, and political system. For seven months it offered the Taft-Morales family opportunities to honor the inherent worth of individuals by supporting Guatemala's rejuvenation. Through work with US AID democracy programs, a center helping the impoverished inhabitants of the largest landfill in Latin America, and an orphanage, Hugh and his family were rewarded beyond their expectations. The experience reinforced Hugh's commitment to Ethical Culture's call for relationships that bring out the best in all.