Free Educational Topics in Chicago

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.
Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.

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  Can we print fake mail ballots? (not really)

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

  There's lots of talk about how easy it would be to flood an election with fake mail ballots. Let's take a look at what it would take to do that...

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  The 3 Biggest Problems with Utility Bills

  Kate Shonk, Sustainable Communities Liaison , Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

  Most Illinoisans are overpaying for gas and electricity and don’t even know it! In this engaging lecture, I’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 years—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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  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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  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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  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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  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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  How To Think and Act Decisively!

  Will (William) Ramey, President, ABBA Teaching Institute

  A leader that is respected by his peers demonstrates phenomenal qualities. Normally a leader that garners such attention is respected in and outside of the organization in which they lead. My program will show leaders the various leadership styles available then help them craft an effective leadership style. MORE >

  Participants will learn: the four common leadership styles, surefire solutions to end timid behavior, and several reasons leaders fail at decisiveness.

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  Illinois permanent vote by mail list

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

  This presentation reviews the 2021 laws establishing a permanent vote by mail list in Illinois, with special attention to how this new list relates to voter registration activities.

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  Energy Efficiency, Utility Bills, & Your Home

  Kate Shonk, Sustainable Communities Liaison , Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

  Wouldn’t it be great to do your part to save the environment, and save money at the same time? Here in Illinois, it’s possible--thanks to a number of statewide policies that CUB fought long and hard for. In this talk, I’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 years—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
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  Congress Doesn’t Care What You Think

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

  this presentation addresses the problem of unlimited political money corrupting our democracy. We explain the problem clearly, and discuss the causes and possible solutions, including steps that we can take in our own communities to begin addressing this structural problem in our country. The presentation is non-partisan and brings issues to light which are of concern across the aisle. MORE >

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