OUR STORY
Publishing. Consulting. Education.
Helping purposeful ideas become lasting contributions.
Zeitgeist West is an independent publishing, consulting, and educational organization committed to the vitality of civil society and to the role individuals, communities, and institutions play in shaping it.
Through publishing, educational programs, workshops, presentations, online courses, and selective consulting, Zeitgeist West explores ideas and practices that encourage individual agency, strengthen communities, foster civic engagement, and expand our capacity to shape the world we share.
OUR MISSION
Zeitgeist West believes that individuals have the capacity to influence the world around them and that their actions, joined with those of others, can strengthen communities and civil society. Its mission is to create opportunities for ideas, experience, and knowledge to be shared, explored, and put into practice.
WHY "ZEITGEIST WEST?"
The name honors Zeitgeist Music Publishing (ASCAP), founded by the late songwriter and musician Tony Scheuren. More than a tribute, the name reflects a conviction that every era is shaped by its ideas, creativity, and the people willing to bring those ideas into the world. Zeitgeist West continues that tradition by fostering consequential work that contributes to the intellectual, cultural, moral, and creative life of our time.
Claire E. Scheuren
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Claire E. Scheuren founded Zeitgeist West to bring together publishing, consulting, and education in service of thoughtful ideas that contribute to meaningful and lasting change.
Throughout her career, she has worked with nonprofit organizations, educators, authors, community leaders, and foundations to develop initiatives that strengthen individuals, organizations, and communities. Her work reflects a longstanding interest in civic engagement, ethical leadership, public health, education, literature, and the creative exchange of ideas.
As an author, editor, educator, and nonprofit leader, Claire has explored one enduring question: How do thoughtful ideas become meaningful action? Whether through publishing, civic education, nonprofit leadership, oral history, or the One Plus One Theory of Change, her work has focused on helping individuals and organizations transform ideas into lasting contributions.
Today, she continues to write, publish, and lead educational programs through Zeitgeist West. Her workshops and presentations encourage people to recognize the influence of individual ethical action and the ways thoughtful choices can strengthen families, organizations, communities, and society.