The Myrin Institute is a nonprofit organization engaged in programs that are educational in the broadest sense of the word. These initiatives address critical issues of modern life.
Founded in 1953 by H. A. W. Myrin, an international businessman and humanitarian, and Franz E. Winkler, a physician and author, the Institute began as a forum in which scientists, educators, political leaders, economists, and religious leaders could exchange views on matters of current interest and offer constructive criticism of each others' initiatives. In 1954 the first Proceedings was issued and contained the following words by Mr. Myrin.
In the ensuing years the Institute has sponsored publications, conferences, and model projects. Working alone and in partnerships with colleges and universities, public service groups, corporations, religious and environmental groups, it has served as a catalyst for change in wide-ranging areas of concern.
Recognizing the need
for healing in our relationship with nature, in
1982 the Myrin Institute began publishing Orion
Nature Quarterly. This magazine, now called
Orion, pulls together the best writers and
best thinking to address how we can develop an ethic
of humane earth stewardship. As the reach and stature
of this publication grew, The Orion Society was
formed in 1991, and in 1997 it became a separate
501(c)3 organization. Since then the Society's activities
have expanded and now include, for example, the
Orion Grassroots Network with over 600 local environmental
organizations.
The American Council for Drug Education grew out of another Myrin initiative. It too came to have an independent, but still affiliated, existence.
In all its endeavors the Myrin Institute integrates varied perspectives and emphasizes the need to balance analytical inquiry with insights drawn from the intuitive wisdom in which art, religion, and ethical values have their source.