:: Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum

Addressing Issues Confronting 21st Century Families

The Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum provides educational and entertaining programs throughout the year for family members of all ages.

Alexandra Robbins,
best selling author, "The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth"
Opening our Forum series this year will be bestselling author Alexandra Robbins, who will speak about her latest book, “The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth: Popularity, Quirk Theory, and Why Outsiders Thrive After High School,” at JBSC on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm.

The New York Times has said, “Ms. Robbins has built her career giving voice and shape to the lives of teenagers....Their stories beautifully demonstrate things we know intrinsically: that being popular is not always the same as being liked, that high school is more rigid and conformist than the military, and that the people who are excluded and bullied for their offbeat passions and refusal to conform are often the ones who are embraced and lauded for those very qualities in college and beyond — what Ms. Robbins has dubbed Quirk Theory.”

Alexandra Robbins is the author of three New York Times best sellers, including "Pledged" and "The Overachievers." Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and other publications. The recipient of the 2007 Heartsongs Award for contributions to the mental health of children and young adults, Robbins has appeared on numerous television shows, including 60 Minutes, The Today Show, and Oprah. For more information contact Rachel Benperlas, rbenperlas@whctemple.org or 301-354-3223.

Adam Braun,
founder of "Pencils of Promise"
As a college student backpacking across the globe, Adam Braun asked a small boy begging on the streets of India what he wanted most in the world. The answer — a pencil. When Adam reached into his backpack and handed the boy a pencil, he saw a wave of possibility wash over the child's face. Over the next five years, Adam backpacked through more than 50 countries, handing out thousands of pencils. Those pencils led to powerful conversations with local parents and children, and Adam realized that a different kind of educational system was needed.

In 2008 with one $25 donation, Adam began Pencils of Promise (PoP). With the hope of building just one school, PoP set out to mobilize villages and local volunteers in an effort to create a greater educational opportunity.

Pencils of Promise is now one of the fastest growing nonprofits in the country. They have built more than 25 schools in Laos, Nicaragua and Guatemala —with another 20 planned or in development — and trained young leaders to actions at home and abroad.

Adam's presentation during our Shabbat service on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 6:00 pm is part of WHC's annual "Clash of the Classes" weekend. The entire Congregation is invited to join us for this special event, and all 8–12 graders will take part in a dinner with Adam following services. For more information, contact Ira Miller, imiller@whctemple.org or 301-354-3209.