Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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  • The Shifting Balance: Supreme Court Rulings and Their Impact on American Democracy

    Ed Spire, Co-lead, Restore our Democracy Project, NWSOFA-Indivisible

    The US Supreme Court is not just ensuring the laws are applied properly, and that they are constitutional, but the court is enacting policies they think are useful for our country - whether they are based on our constitution or not. MORE >

    Presidential Immunity and Accountability: One of the most consequential rulings was the Court's decision on presidential immunity. In a 6-3 judgment, the Court ruled that former President Donald Trump could be tried for actions taken as a candidate, but not for those taken while in office.

    Federal Regulatory Authority: In another significant ruling, the Court limited the regulatory authority of federal agencies. By overturning a precedent that had guided federal regulations for decades, the Court has made it easier for regulations to be challenged in court.

    Gun Control and the Second Amendment: The Supreme Court also made headlines with its decision to send several gun control cases back to lower courts for reconsideration. This move followed a major ruling that expanded Second Amendment rights, allowing for broader interpretations of gun ownership and use.

    Implications for American Democracy: These rulings collectively reflect a shift towards a more conservative interpretation of the law. The impact on American democracy is profound; will undoubtedly shape the future of American democracy for years to come.

    This presentation details the problems that SCOTUS is causing for our nation, and discusses what we can do about it.

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  • Democracy Under Duress

    Ed Spire, Co-lead, Restore our Democracy Project, NWSOFA-Indivisible

    Right-wing populism is rising in many western nations, but here in the US it is beginning to actually threaten our democracy. This presentation points out why this is happening uniquely here in the US: Because the country is becoming a true multi-racial democracy, a transformation that no other country is undergoing. And the US constitution actually empowers the minority that wishes to stop this transition. MORE >

    We will discuss why this is happening, and what we need to change in our governmental structures to alleviate this attack on our democracy.

    And we must address these very thorny issues, starting now. Because the US will become a multi-racial democracy - or it won't be a democracy any more.

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  • Don’t Pay the College Sticker Price!

    Joseph Orsolini, President, College Aid Planners, Inc.

    The program will highlight the three key areas of opportunity to reduce the overall cost of a college education. The presentation will focus on strategies to maximize need-based financial aid eligibility, target the right colleges for merit-based financial aid, and exploit tax-saving opportunities.

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  • Why the Student Loan Bubble is Now Your Problem

    Joseph Orsolini, President, College Aid Planners, Inc.

    If you thought the student loan bubble was only a Millennial problem, think again! The trillion dollar student loan bubble is bursting. This eye-opening program details the depth of this country’s student loan crisis, how it is spreading beyond the millennial generation, and why it is becoming your problem as well.

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  • Home Energy Savings Presentation

    Ivonne Rychwa, Director of Outreach, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Learn about your energy choices and ways to save money on your utility bills. During this presentation we will go over: Understanding your utility bills, Your energy choices, Energy efficiency programs that can help consumers save energy and money, and Solar options.

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  • Our Culture Wars: Intellectual Roots and Historical Precedents

    Mark McGarvie, J.D., Ph.D.,, Retired Professor of History and Law, College of William and Mary

    Professor McGarvie describes the development of pragmatism in the early 19th century as a critique of the individualistic and rights-oriented ideology of the Enlightenment. Pragmatism served as the basis for the first progressive movement, which was ultimately repudiated in the ascension of the Coolidge, Harding, and Hoover Republicans in the 1920s. How are today's progressives repeating the political errors of their predecessors? MORE >

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  • Exploring Careers with a Social Impact

    Matt Kinnich, CEO, Roland, Ruth & Mitchell

    This presentation is for individuals, teams and/or organizations that want to explore careers with a social impact. The presentation is a combination of Matt’s social impact journey and an interactive workshop for participants. Participants will engage in the following: MORE >

    • 1-2 things you hope to get out of today’s presentation
    • Matt’s social impact career journey
    • What are you Passionate about?
    • What are your Strengths?
    • Passions & Strengths – what’s the intersection?
    • How do I explore options & opportunities?
    • Individual/Group questions
    • What actions am I willing to do next?
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  • Get it SOLD with Home Staging

    GraceAnn Simoni, President & Premier Home Stager, Staging Redesign Group Inc.

    Selling your home now or in the future. When you’re ready to put you house on the market will you know where to start? Do you think the Realtor will do everything for you? Does the thought of getting your home ready for the buyer’s critical eye scare you? Are you willing to take a price reduction rather than investing a little into the house? MORE >

    Staging a home results in fewer days on the market and a higher selling price. Be one step ahead of the competition. Learn how to stage your home today! Get it ready now before even calling the Realtor!

    What can be done to get your house ready for little or no money?
    From the curb to the back door!
    What home Staging is and what it is not.
    What are buyers in this market looking for in their new home?
    How to shorten the time on the market and get the best offers.

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  • Early Childhood Literacy Will Save A Child from a Later Life of Poverty and Crime

    Richard Rosen, Rotarian and Literacy Chair, Rotary District 6440

    There is a clear cause to effect relationship between literacy versus crime and poverty. No matter what income level those who can read at 4th grade reading levels upon entering 5th grade, over 90% will graduate high school, many go onto college and end up as productive members in our community. On the other hand statistics show that 2/3 of those who cannot read at 4th grade levels will end up in poverty and/or crime. MORE >

    This presentation focuses on lower income families located within many of our communities. With program ideas, this presentation will show how you can directly make a difference and impact these households who lack books and to parents who lack the know how to teach their child essential literacy skills before entering kindergarten.
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  • The New Women: From Gibson Girls to Flappers in the early 1900s

    Mark McGarvie, J.D., Ph.D.,, Retired Professor of History and Law, College of William and Mary

    In the early days of the 20th century, New Women caused a media sensation in newspapers and magazines by threatening standards of sexual propriety, living alone while single, pursuing careers, and engaging in politics even before given the right to vote. These college-educated young women in their 20s forced a reconsideration of sexual roles in America that contributed to women's suffrage and the free expression existing several years later in the flapper movement. MORE >

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