Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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SORT: MOST RECENT | A - Z

  • 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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  • On the Trail of the Ancient Ones

    Terry Poppleton

    Join Terry as he takes you on a journey to another place and another time. The place is the Four Corners region of the U.S. and the time is a thousand years ago. On this journey we will visit such storied places as Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Hovenweep. Discover how this remarkable culture flourished, changed, and survived in the challenging environment of the American Southwest. MORE >

    During the presentation, he will answer the following questions:

    Who were the Anasazi “Ancient Ones”?
    Why was their culture remarkable?
    How did this culture change?
    Why did they leave the Four Corners area?

    The presentation takes approximately 30-45 minutes. I will need a computer projector and screen.

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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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  • 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.

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  • 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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  • Our Antiquated Electoral College

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

    Learn why we elect the US president via the Electoral College, how our Electoral College damages our demcoracy - and what we can do about it.

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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 moderate‐income) to make a college education more affordable and less of a financial burden.

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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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  • Targeting Colleges for Affordability

    Joseph Orsolini, President, College Aid Planners, Inc.

    The presentation will focus on strategies to target colleges for merit-based financial aid. Armed with this understanding and knowledge of the college aid process, a college education may become more affordable.

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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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