Parker J. Palmer

   

Good work is done with heart as well as knowledge and skill, done with a depth of commitment that brings integrity and courage to the workplace. But workplace culture can make it risky to reveal our hearts. So we hide them – and sometimes lose them. By supporting teachers, medical professionals, clergy and others who want to reclaim their hearts, we bring new life to them, their work, and the people they serve.

-Parker J. Palmer

Parker J. Palmer (born 1939 in Chicago, Illinois) is an author, educator, and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. Palmer received the Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1970. A member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker), he lives with his wife, Sharon Palmer, in Madison, Wisconsin.

He is the founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal, the national organization of which Courage & Renewal – North Texas is an affiliate. He developed the circles of trust model with the Center through his work with public school teachers.

Dr. Palmer has visited the metroplex on a number of occasions during the last decade, offering his support to the local work of our organization. His presentations at TCU, Texas Wesleyan University, SMU, UTA, and other venues across the metroplex under the auspices of Courage & Renewal – North Texas have introduced the value of reconnecting who you are with what you do with thousands of leaders from across sectors.  He came to the metroplex in December of 2007 to participate in the celebration of North Texas' 10 year anniversary.  Hear his address to reunion participants in Fort Worth.  Click here.

The following links to the Center for Courage & Renewal offer access to the work of Dr. Palmer: 

Parker Palmer's Writings

Speeches and Interviews with Parker Palmer

Podcasts with Parker Palmer

Links related to Parker Palmer and his work