Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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  • Making Cents of College Costs

    Joseph Orsolini, President, College Aid Planners, Inc.

    For most families college tuition is the largest expense they will face. Unfortunately, many families go into this stage in life uninformed and unprepared. Learn strategies that enable families of all income levels (not just low or moderateā€income) to make a college education more affordable and less of a financial burden.

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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 just a Millennial problem, think again! The trillion dollar student loan bubble is bursting and the millennial generation will not be the only ones feeling the repercussions. This eye-opening program details the depth of this countryā€™s student loan crisis, how it is spreading beyond the millennial generation, and why it is becoming your problem as well. MORE >

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  • How to Create Resilient Equitable Communities in a COVID-19 World

    Kelwin Harris, City Planner and Community Development Strategist

    The Chicago region faces serious threats. Growth is uneven. Downtown is booming while many neighborhoods are struggling. Streets are erupting in racial uprisings and COVID-19 has made existing inequalities worse. Many residents are giving up altogether and leaving. Now more than ever, Chicago must address racial equity and provide strategies for prosperity for the good of everyone. Kelwin uses an urban planning and equity lens to discuss multiple facets of the issues including systematic policies that produced housing segregation and the unequal distribution of opportunities to build wealth. Drawing from his experience as a community leader on the South Side of Chicago, he offers strategies and interventions for the road ahead. MORE >

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  • Carbon Pricing ā€“ Whatā€™s In It for You?

    Mike Zanillo, Illinois State Coordinator, Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL)

    **** COVID-19 Note - Available as Virtual Session via Zoom **** Thereā€™s growing support for carbon pricing as a necessary step to address climate change. Itā€™s supported by 88 countries and a broad array of public interest groups yet most Americans know very little about carbon pricing. MORE >

    The discussion related to Climate Change can be confusing to many. Often, there is uncertainty of what Climate Change is, what are its effects and what can be done about it.

    The Citizens Climate Lobby, is a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization that provides presentations to groups such as Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, League of Women Voters groups, college clubs and other local groups.

    The presentation will educate, enable, and entertain your group members. The presentation can include short videos, slides, stories and time for audience questions. While the length of the presentation is at your discretion, the following topics will be covered.

    Come to learn how Carbon Pricing:
    ā€¢ Is viewed as the most effective policy for climate action
    ā€¢ Will speed a transition to renewable energy
    ā€¢ Considered as being a fair and just policy
    ā€¢ Provides co-benefits of economic growth and jobs
    ā€¢ Is gaining support on a bi-partisan basis
    ā€¢ How you can support a carbon pricing policy

    After participating in our meetings, participants often feel more informed, energized and hopeful for a future stable climate. There will be no solicitation of donations or attempts to sell anything.

    Please contact me if you would like to discuss this opportunity for a presentation of this timely topic.

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  • Start Early, Start Smart: How to Choose a Motivating College Major

    Georgia Koch, Community Outreach Coordinator, Career Vision

    Is it possible for students to identify potential college majors and career directions while still in high school? You bet! Students and parents will learn what they need to know before choosing a college, and how identifying a college major and career direction can build a student's motivation and confidence while reducing college expenses. MORE >

    Receive information and resources to guide your student and take the stress out of making these important decisions. This program is for parents and students of high school and college age.
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  • The Medicare Puzzle: Do You Know Your A, B, C, & Dā€™s ?

    Tom Kedzie CFPĀ®, MBA, Financial Planner, RetireWell

    In this presentation you will learn:

    * How Medicare enrollment periods work and how to avoid late penalties.
    * What you can expect to pay after going on Medicare.
    * What Medicare covers and doesn't cover.
    * Why you must plan for higher health care costs in retirement.
    * What about Long Term Care?

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  • Long Term Care: Donā€™t Go Broke!

    Tom Kedzie CFPĀ®, MBA, Financial Planner, RetireWell

    In this presentation you will learn:

    * How to protect your house and income.
    * What Medicare and Medicaid cover.
    * Types of care: home, assisted living, and nursing home.
    * How to pay for long term care without paying annual premiums.

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  • A Consumer’s Guide to Going Solar

    Christina Uzzo, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Are you interested in going solar? Learn if solar is right for your home and how to get the most value out of your solar system from consumer advocate experts. In 2019, CUB staffers gave over 70 solar presentations, and we are excited to answer all your solar questions! MORE >

    CUB is very excited about new solar incentives available to homeowners in Illinois. However, we know that with all the new advertising and high pressure sales pitches it can be confusing to know what is best for you. At this presentation we will go over solar basics, including:
    ---why now is the best time yet to go solar,
    ---how solar panels work with your home and the grid,
    ---an overview of state and federal incentives,
    ---why it is almost always better to purchase, rather than lease solar panels.

    Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.

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  • The 3 Biggest Problems with Utility Bills

    Christina Uzzo, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Most Illinoisans are overpaying for gas and electricity and donā€™t even know it! In this engaging lecture, Iā€™ll show you how to decode your bills, spot errors, and take advantage of real programs designed to save you money. MORE >

    CUB is a non-profit, statewide utility watchdog organization created in 1983 to work for lower gas, electric and telephone rates. CUB has been on your side for 30 yearsā€”blocking utility rate hikes, winning consumer refunds and helping to pass important consumer protection laws. Our outreach team has spoken at hundreds of community meetings across Illinois and would love to come to yours.

    Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.

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  • Energy Efficiency, Utility Bills, & Your Home

    Christina Uzzo, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Wouldnā€™t it be great to do your part to save the environment, and save money at the same time? Here in Illinois, itā€™s possible--thanks to a number of statewide policies that CUB fought long and hard for. In this talk, Iā€™ll give you the lowdown on how you can benefit from cost saving energy efficiency programs. MORE >

    CUB is a non-profit, statewide utility watchdog organization created in 1983 to work for lower gas, electric and telephone rates. CUB has been on your side for 30 yearsā€”blocking utility rate hikes, winning consumer refunds and helping to pass important consumer protection laws. Our outreach team has spoken at hundreds of community meetings across Illinois and would love to come to yours!

    Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.

    Request This Free Speech