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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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. -
How to Stay in Your Home as Long as Possible and How to Plan for it When You Can’t
Matthew Margolis, Partner, Margolis Weldon LLC
Learn about the importance of Powers of Attorney, especially as we age. We will discuss the various caretakers one can hire in the home and how to pay for them, knowing that things might need to change when the money starts to run low. Learn about the various long term care communities and their pay structure as well as the available benefits that can be applied for (both in the home and in long term care communities). MORE >
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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. -
How to Create Resilient Equitable Communities in a COVID-19 World
Kelwin Harris, Racial Equity and Justice Speaker
The Chicago region faces 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, Chicago 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 persists and offers strategies and interventions for the road ahead. 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. 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.
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Planning for Old Age is Fun! Said No One Ever.
Renee N. Duba, Founder, Sonder Private Wealth Management
"Live fast and hard, die young and have a good looking carcass!" Noel Duba, my father. MORE >
It really does seem as though no one plans for what may happen as they age. If you have ever cared for an aging parent, then you know how important having a plan for aging can be. This fun, somewhat irreverent talk will provide audience members with a complete guide to establishing a plan for aging that will support family and caregivers should the time come. We will cover the legal, financial and other issues that make up the components of a good plan. -
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. -
Estate Planning 101: Trusts Aren’t Just for the Pritzkers
Matthew Margolis, Partner, Margolis Weldon LLC
Learn the difference between Wills and Trusts and why a will isn't enough protection. Understand the vast importance of powers of attorney and the consequences of not having them in place.
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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 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.