WHY DO WE NEED THE JEFFERSON CENTER?

Many contemporary people have found hope and solace in the vibrant and invigorating words of many of our finest philosophers and thinkers:  anthropologists, sociologists, ethicists, scientists and others that are today on the “cutting edge” of critical thinking.

We see the issues that confront us in an era of globalization and rapidly developing technology: particularly an increasing alienation among peoples because of dogmatic religious, tribal, and cultural attitudes that lead to prejudice, civil strife, terrorism, war and death, and the encroachment of religion into the halls of governments.

The old ways of religion and religious thinking, especially in Western societies, have lost their meaning for millions of people.  Critical thinking, intellectual honesty and freethought are increasingly relevant to the issues facing our world.  It is our hope that The Jefferson Center will become fertile soil for these new ways to address the issues, meeting the needs and addressing challenging issues in today's technocratic society.  

Ashland, Oregon provides an ideal venue for The Jefferson Center, especially for our Thomas Jefferson Memorial Lecture Series, our Salon groups, and our Book Discussion Group, all of which meet in Ashland.  This marvelous small city is home of the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, five other "Off Bardway" theatre groups, fascinating art galleries, intriguing bookstores, fine wineries, and close to the world-class Britt Festival in historic Jacksonville.  We are also complemented by Southern Oregon University.  What better location could there be than this magical place nestled in the valley between the delightful Siskiyous and the mighty Cascade mountain ranges. 

Ashland is located on Interstate 5, a major north-south artery running from the California-Mexican border to the U.S.-Canadian border.  We are therefore within easy reach of the San Francisco Bay Area, of greater Portland, and metropolitan Seattle, and all points in between.  Commercial air service by several major airlines is provided through the Rogue Valley Airport in Medford, only fifteen miles from Ashland.