The Society’s Youth and Family programs empower young people and their parents in their ethical development, personal relationships, service to their communities, and social activism.
Activities blend ethical learning, creativity, community service, interfaith connection, and civic engagement.
All
Programs
Ethical Explorers
Free
Ages: 3+
Sessions raise issues of personal identity and integrity, appreciation and respect for others, and knowledge of philosophies and social concerns. Topics are explored in an age-appropriate way through discussion, storytelling, dramatization, music, art, games, and field trips.
With Audrey Kindred and Simba Yangala.
Coming of Age
Free
Ages: 12-16
A safe and creative environment empowering tweens and teens to discover their ethical grounding through projects, peer discussions, and community service as they transition into adulthood.
With Christian Hayden.
Night Rangers
Free
All-ages (families welcome)
New program dedicated to protecting the night sky by understanding and reducing light pollution. Practical, community-driven solutions that help New Yorkers use light more wisely–while making new stellar friends.
With Leader Curt Collier.
Beyond our weekly gatherings, Youth + Family initiatives engage young people in real-world ethical action—from interfaith dialogues and civic engagement workshops to United Nations youth observances. Families also participate in hands-on service-learning, including preparing meals for the unhoused as part of our Ethics in Action Midnight Run program. Partnerships with organizations such as YVote and The Together Project deepen these opportunities for leadership, reflection, and community connection.
These offerings reflect the Society’s commitment to ethical development, intergenerational connection, and real-world engagement for young people.
PARTNERS
Audrey Kindred
YOUTH + FAMILY PROGRAM COORDINATOR
>>> akindred@nysec.org
Audrey creates our ethical education programs for children, teens, and families, and produces intergenerational gatherings, performances, and festivals that bring Ethical Culture’s values to life.
She co-chairs the Ethical Education Committee of the American Ethical Union, serves as President of National Ethical Service representing the movement at the United Nations, and participates in spiritual and religious life advisories at Columbia University and NYU. With more than 25 years in the Ethical Culture movement, Audrey is currently pursuing leadership training and has led ethical education programs in two Societies.
Education & Training
-
Bennington College – Undergraduate studies
-
SUNY Empire State University – Master’s Program (thesis: Human-I-Tree, on mindful climate justice education)
-
Sunbridge Institute – Waldorf Elementary Teacher Education
-
American Ethical Union – Lay Leadership School (graduate)
Certifications:
-
Integral Yoga Center
-
Bent on Learning (yoga in public schools)
-
Jillian Pransky’s Restorative Yoga training
Additional Training:
-
Extensive study and practice in Compassionate Communication
-
Ongoing engagement in somatic, artistic, restorative, and community-based learning practices