The Social Uplifters

The Social Uplifters examines the Social Gospel among Canadian Presbyterians prior to the First World War. The book explores the theology, social context, and the strategies of the leaders of the Presbyterian Board of Evangelism and Social Service (C.W. Gordon, James A. Macdonald, Robert Falconer, T.B. Kilpatrick, George Pidgeon, and John G. Shearer). Brian Fraser describes how these men used popular fiction, the secular press, the university, the theological college, the pulpit, and political organization and lobbying to spread their ideas and ideals for a Christian civilization in Canada at the turn of the twentieth century and will be of interest to students and scholars alike.

Amidst the violent racism prevalent at the turn of the twentieth century, African American cultural elites, struggling to articulate a positive black identity, developed a middle-class ideology of racial uplift. Insisting that they were truly representative of the race's potential, black elites espoused an ethos of self-help and service to the black masses and distinguished themselves from the black majority as agents of civilization; hence the phrase 'uplifting the race.' A central assumption of racial uplift ideology was that African Americans' material and moral progress would diminish white racism. But Kevin Gaines argues that, in its emphasis on class distinctions and patriarchal authority, racial uplift ideology was tied to pejorative notions of racial pathology and thus was limited as a force against white prejudice. Drawing on the work of W. E. B. Du Bois, Anna Julia Cooper, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, Hubert H. Harrison, and others, Gaines focuses on the intersections between race and gender in both racial uplift ideology and black nationalist thought, showing that the meaning of uplift was intensely contested even among those who shared its aims. Ultimately, elite conceptions of the ideology retreated from more democratic visions of uplift as social advancement, leaving a legacy that narrows our conceptions of rights, citizenship, and social justice.

In 1933, the Banff School opened in the stunning surroundings of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. From its beginnings offering a single drama course, it has since grown into the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, a renowned cultural destination. Uplift traces its first four decades as it generated ideals of culture and liberal democratic citizenship intrinsic to the development of modern Canada. In an era of unstable cultural policy and state support, Uplift draws welcome attention to the continued place of the arts, culture, and the humanities in public education and a life well lived.

This collection of inspirational narratives, curated by the popular founder of Uplifting Content, is sure to change your perspective—and maybe even restore your faith in humanity. If you can’t bear to watch the news lately, you’re not alone. Luckily, Ione Butler is here to offer you an alternative—and maybe even restore your faith in humanity. As the founder of Uplifting Content, a social media platform followed by over 1.4 million people, she has interviewed some of the most inspiring people in the world. Here, she shares their remarkable stories and the lessons they’ve learned to help you through life’s many challenges. Among the amazing folks you’ll meet is Kyle Maynard, a motivational speaker and the first quadruple amputee to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro without the aid of prosthetics—thanks to his “no excuses” attitude. You’ll also meet Destiny Watford, a high school student whose passionate activism helped save her town, once dubbed “the most polluted zip code in America,” and Kouhyar Mostashfi and Greg Smith, two men from Ohio with completely opposing political views who have done the seemingly impossible and set aside their differences to become great friends. At the end of each story, you’ll also find exercises to help you take action in your own life—whether by asking deeper questions about what’s important to you, forging new connections and nurturing existing relationships, or reflecting on the contributions you wish to make in the world. The stories explore themes like human connection, service to others, and the pursuit of passion. Butler, who struggled with depression herself, firmly believes that focusing on the good in the world helped bring her back from the brink. Uplifting Stories reminds you that the world is still full of great people—even if their voices sometimes get lost in the noise.

The OFFICIAL Drunk Yoga book by the rebel behind the viral phenomenon! The Drunk Yoga craze is taking over… not even your bookshelf is safe! The official Drunk Yoga book includes 50 fun (and funny!) variations on traditional yoga poses including: Merlot-sana Vino-yasa WERK-Sasana Shot-a-runga Sip-da-Vino-sana Malbec-asana Bottle-konasana and so much more! In addition, you’ll learn the Drunk Yoga rules (so you don’t make any pour decisions), partner activities (so you won’t have to drink alone), hilarious fun facts, crazy stories from real Drunk Yoga classes, poems, drawings, and other fun surprises! Full of wine, yoga, jokes, and joy, Drunk Yoga is for the experienced yogi, the average barfly, the social butterfly, and the wallflower who needs a few sips of liquid courage. It’s about wine. And yoga. And not taking yourself too seriously. Already a huge hit for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and even office and team-building activities, this official book is founder Eli Walker’s newest way to bring Drunk Yoga to you, wherever you are. Drink wine. Do yoga. Be happy.