Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.

  • Trump’s Tariffs – a social media dialogue

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

    This presentation focuses on Trump's tariffs and their impact on our country -
    not only the economic consequences, but also how they play out in the larger
    picture of trade, manufacturing, and everyday costs for families. MORE >

    In addition to exploring the topic of tariffs, Ed Spire will be sharing a look
    "behind the scenes" at how he use social media and artificial intelligence tools
    to develop presentations like this one. These digital strategies make it easier to
    gather solid information, sharpen our messages, and connect more effectively
    with the communities we serve.

    I hope you'll join us for a session that's part civic education, part skills-building,
    and fully focused on empowering us all to better understand the challenges—
    and opportunities—we face.

    Request This Free Speech

  • Deportation Nation

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

    In "Deportation Nation: America's Immigration Crossroads," Ed will analyze
    unprecedented changes in federal immigration policy, shedding light on how
    these actions impact families, communities, and the very fabric of our society. MORE >

    The Trump administration's approach to immigration marks a sharp departure
    from historic norms. With an enormous escalation in funding directed at
    enforcement measures, the federal debt continues to rise as resources are
    diverted towards policies that disrupt lives and separate families—including
    many U.S. citizens. These measures have not only caused immense personal
    suffering but have affected businesses, labor markets, and the broader
    economy, undermining the stability upon which our nation thrives.

    In this interactive session, Ed will present a contextual overview, showing how
    our nation's current actions stand apart from prior policy and tradition. By
    examining the history of American immigration, we'll explore the roots of our
    nation's strength: inclusion, opportunity, and the promise of a better life. Ed will
    pose thoughtful alternatives and policy ideas that align with our founding
    values and point toward a more humane and pragmatic future.

    All who care about the direction of our country and the well-being of our
    neighbors are encouraged to attend.

    Equip yourself with truth and perspective so that together, we can advocate for
    policies that reflect our best traditions and put an end to destructive, divisive
    practices. Bring your questions—and your hope for a more just America—to
    what is sure to be an enlightening and empowering event.

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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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  • Rethinking the Colonizing of North America

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

    European colonialism recently has been presented, both popularly and scholastically, as an evil that decimated native populations, destroyed native cultures, precipitated extensive wars, and caused irreparable environmental harm. Avoiding judgment in favor of understanding, Professor McGarvie will develop the context for European discovery of the New World in the intellectual, technological, political, and cultural contexts of both the Native Americans and the European explorers in the 16th - 18th centuries. MORE >

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  • Creating A Private Sector: Contract Law & The Constitutional Protection of the Right of Conscience

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

    Professor McGarvie is considered one of our leading authorities on the separation of church and state. His ground-breaking thesis articulated in 2004 with the publication of One Nation Under Law has gained tremendous support and led to invitations to write successor volumes and essays for both Oxford and Cambridge University Presses and to speak on the subject across the country. MORE >

    In this presentation, Professor McGarvie will explain how the separation of church and state resulted from the Founders' creation of a private sector through the contract clause of the Constitution. Contract law revolutionized the relationships between citizens and their governments. Placing religion in the private sector required its separation from government and the removal of churches from performing public functions in education, poor relief, and record keeping, for which they had responsibility in the colonial era.
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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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  • 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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  • Navigating Solar Options

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

    A presentation on solar and the benefits of clean energy. Listen to a CUB expert explain different solar programs and incentives you can get involved in, why clean energy is more affordable and reliable, and how policies like CEJA (Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) and the Inflation Reduction Act benefit consumers. MORE >

    During this presentation, you will receive information on: how solar panels work with your home and the grid, an overview of state and federal incentives, how consumers can benefit from renewable energy, and programs like Community Solar and Illinois Solar for All.
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  • Cable Options and Reducing Robocalls

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

    A presentation about your cable options and reducing robocalls. During the program, a CUB representative will discuss: The different choices in the TV market, ways to cut your cable costs, streaming services available to consumers, how to avoid common robocall scams, call-blocking services and what they mean for your pocket, and new federal legislation passed helping to reduce robocalls.
    MORE >

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  • Decarbonizing Your Home

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

    CUB will dive into ways renters and homeowners can access energy efficiency and cost-saving programs and appliances. During this presentation, you will receive information on: Building Decarbonization, The benefits of building electrification, New tax credits and rebates for home energy improvements available through the Inflation Reduction Act, Alternatives to gas appliances, and Free programs designed to save you energy and money
    MORE >

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