Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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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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  Immigration and our economy

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

  There's a lot of discussion about immigration - legal and otherwise - since our two major parties have very different plans in this area. This presentation focuses on the economic impact of foreign-born workers - whether they are a net positive or a net negative for our economy, how they interact with programs like Social Security, etc. MORE >

  The discussion makes the point that immigrant workers are a critical component of our strong ecomony, and we should welcome them for that reason.

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  Understanding Project 2025

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

  Project 2025 is a huge document. It's very difficult to consume and understand. This presentation makes details available, but focuses more on HOW they intend to implement these unpopular policies, showing that their methods themselves are a direct attack on our Democracy.

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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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  Rising Economic Inequality: how much, why it happens, why it matters, and what we can do about it.

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

  Economic inequality has been rising in the US for decades, damaging our economy and society in the process. This presentation will discuss how high it has become, why it happens, how it damages our country, and what we can do about it.

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

  Kelwin Harris, Urban Planning, Race, Civic Engagement Speaker

  Our cities face serious threats; growth is uneven; neighborhoods are struggling; and streets are erupting in protest as COVID-19 has made existing inequalities worse. Now more than ever, we must address racial equity and provide strategies for prosperity for the good of everyone. Drawing from his experience as a community leader on the South Side of Chicago and as an urban planner, Kelwin Harris uses an equity lens to discuss multiple facets of systemic racism that persist and offers strategies and interventions for the road ahead. 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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  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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  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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  The Medicare Puzzle: Do You Know Your A, B, C, & D’s ?

  Tom Kedzie CFP®, 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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