Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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

SORT: MOST RECENT | A - Z

  • The Case for Kindness

    Marie Genevieve Pawlak, Managing Principal , Prime Alchemy a division of Planning101 Group

    We all know the English proverb
    "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar" but what does it really mean in the world of today? Does it really pay to be kind? How does kindness really help us in today's fast-paced world? This talk will provide insight and humor to what it really means to be kind and how being kind is the secret ingredient to being successful. MORE >

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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 country’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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  • Proactive Planning When Living with a Chronic Medical Condition

    Matthew Margolis, Partner, Margolis Weldon LLC

    Learn about the vast importance of powers of attorney and why they are much more desirable than a guardianship. Understand that powers of attorney from the internet are not the right fit for most people and the advantage of having them drafted by an attorney who understands the needs of disabled individuals. Learn that a will simply isn’t enough. Leave with a better understanding of the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts and how they differ when it comes to asset protection planning. MORE >

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  • The History Connected to Celebrating Certain Days of the Year

    Marcella Davis, Retired CPS Teacher

    Human beings are social beings. We have certain aspects in our lives that re-enforce our commonality as people. One of those aspects is the celebration of certain times during the year. However, most of us celebrate those days, without really understanding the reason for making those days special, or why we eat certain foods on those days. MORE >

    For instance, Halloween is celebrated by wearing spooky costumes, telling ghost stories, or decorating with pictures of witches and goblins. We carve pumpkins, and go trick or treating. Every one of those aspects in the celebration of Halloween is tied to a belief, or a historical reason.
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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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  • Level Up: The Demand for Soft Skills Is the Future of Education

    Troy Sandidge, Social Media Jedi | Global Speaker | Storyteller

    Synopsis: LinkedIn’s 2018 Workforce Report found that the four most in-demand soft skills are within leadership, communication, collaboration, and time management. MORE >

    3 percent of HR Managers say technical skills are much easier to teach than soft skills—work ethic, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a whole host of personal attributes that are crucial for career success. What we find a bit frightening is that 44 percent of top executives report this skill set as the largest gap experienced in the workforce. And 14 percent believe this gap is most prominent when it comes to the crucial skill of leadership.

    Yes, technical skills will get you in the door today, but soft skills will open future doors. Team building, motivating, and delegating are all much easier for those with excellent soft skills. Still, however, the importance of these skills continues to be greatly undervalued.

    The biggest mistake companies seem to make is assuming that people know how to behave on the job.
    You wouldn’t hire a new software engineer without testing his or her technical aptitude, correct? So why not give the same consideration to soft skills? You cannot assume that everyone knows and understands the importance of being on time, taking initiative, being friendly, and producing quality work.

    Takeaways:
    - Soft Skill vs Technical Skill
    - Discover how far one can go with soft skill and lacking technical skills versus the opposite
    - Learn why now is the time to focus on soft skills
    - Strategies on how to develop soft skills for the next generation of leaders
    - Answer the question, why C students tend to be leaders of billion-dollar companies

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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 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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  • 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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  • Climate Change: The Earth Calls to Us

    Richard Treptow, PhD, Professor, Chicago State University (retired)

    Earth’s temperature has increased over the past century. Richard will review the causes, consequences and cures for climate change because we need to protect the world our children soon will inherit.

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  • History and current importance of drainage for a healthy and sustainable Chicago Region

    Richard Lanyon, Consultant, Retired Executive Director, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

    Richard will discuss how the flow in the Calumet and Chicago Rivers was reversed, why this is still important today to protect public health, and how current water infrastructure reduces flood damages, provides recreation, recovers resources and protects Lake Michigan as a clean and safe source of water. Richard’s topics can be tailored to your local interests. MORE >

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