Free Miscellaneous Topics in Chicago

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  • Politics in Chicago: The Experiences of an Alderman in one of Chicago’s Prominent Wards

    James Balcer, Retired Alderman, 11th Ward, Chicago

    Hear firsthand the experiences of former Alderman James Balcer, who served as Alderman of Chicago’s 11th Ward from 1997-2015. Former Alderman Balcer was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1997. This would be the beginning of a successful and passionate career serving the residents of the 11th Ward and beyond. MORE >

    Hear Former Alderman Balcer speak on all aspects of his career, from the importance of being out the community, drafting and passing city-wide ordinances, working with all city departments and successfully winning four elections by large margins.

    His passion for the neighborhood he grew up in, and still calls home, remains just as strong as when he served as Alderman. Growing up, he did not anticipate a career in politics, but found that it aligned with his passion for helping others and advocating for those in need. He will speak on how to leverage passion and politics for the good of residents, neighborhoods, and the city.

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  • Mental Freedom

    Agha Maisam, Client Partner

    My self-realiztion journey started during Covid. It started to overcome the biggest fear anyone would have, fear of death. On this journey I started from reading all the major holy scriptures like Bible (old and new testament), Quran, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching. MORE >

    After reading these books and learning about different believes I realized that in the end everything comes down to our choices. I also learned that the only difference between all believes are the practices that comes with it. People cling on to the practices and not the teachings.

    Whatever choice we make in life comes from or mind. So if one wants to master themselves, they need to master their mind. Mind is like an untamed horse and most of us drag behind it throughout our life. True power is when you learn how to sit on that horse and ride it for your benefit.

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  • Questions That Matter

    Roger Breisch, Speaker / Provocateur, Dancing With Chaos

    In his book, Questions That Matter, Roger Breisch writes, “Putting aside deceitful questions—whose cadence and tone imply an answer—all questions matter. Sentences that end with the ubiquitous squiggle atop a period open the future to new possibilities. Sentences ending with just a period condemn the future to limitation and constraint. Answers have a way of ending discovery and learning; captivating questions open us to unimagined possibilities.” MORE >

    After spending more than 3500 hours answering calls on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Roger has learned a great deal about what questions truly matter in creating a life that matters.
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  • Domestic Violence: Treating the Abuser

    Rob Johnson, LCPC, Crossroads Counseling of Chicago

    It is not widely recognized that the perpetrators of domestic violence need help. In Partner Abuse Intervention, participants learn skills for handling conflict. Rob will discuss the background, curriculum and outcome of this intervention.

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  • The Experiences of a United States Marine from the Vietnam War to Present

    James Balcer, Retired Alderman, 11th Ward, Chicago

    In 1967, at the age of 17, James Balcer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps — a decision that would impact every aspect of his life and lead him to a decades long mission to advocate for veterans and the military. Hear firsthand his experiences as a young recruit, a mortar man in a unit that endured so many causalities they were referred to as the “walking dead,” and a Vietnam Veteran in a turbulent social climate. MORE >

    During his service in Vietnam, his valor and bravery in helping to carry dead and wounded Marines up a 900 foot mountain, while under enemy fire, resulted in being awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V Device. He was also awarded three Purple Heart Medals for wounds sustained during his service.

    His experiences during the Vietnam War, the time period after, and present-day advocacy are not only remarkable, but inspirational. In a world where veteran and military issues, particularly honoring veterans and ensuring that their legacies are remembered, former PFC Balcer remains dedicated to remembering the past and looking towards the future.

    He will not only speak on his experiences in the United States Marine Corps, but his work, and leadership within, various veteran and military organizations, memorials, and parades. Further, he will share his experiences as a strong advocate for the veterans and the military during his tenure as Director of Veterans for the City of Chicago and Alderman of the 11th Ward in Chicago.

    Semper Fi!

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  • The Bible and the Ballot – A New Vision for Christian Political Engagement

    Ted Williams III, Political Science Faculty, City Colleges of Chicago/WYCC PBS

    Faith is an increasingly controversial topic in US politics. Can diverse faith and secular communities find common ground on our nation’s most pressing issues? Should faith remain personal or can people of faith contribute to US politics? Ted’s non-partisan and holistic conversation offers a new vision for faith-based civic engagement.

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  • Changing the Course of Human History

    Roger Breisch, Speaker / Provocateur, Dancing With Chaos

    Neil Postman once said, "Children are the living messages we send to a future we will not see." When we change the life of a young person, we change the course of human history.

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  • Take the Mystery Out of Selling Your Home

    Dale Tippett, Managing Broker, DALE D. TIPPETT, Licensed Real Estate Managing Broker

    Especially if you haven't moved for a long time or feel overwhelmed with change, you will learn how to deal with the challenges home owners face when they are hesitant to sell their homes, even though they know that they should. Join the discussion on what to do and how to do it to make your next move less stressful. MORE >

    We'll talk about the process of selling your home, getting help with your stuff, the professionals involved and more... A must for adult children and Baby Boomers.
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  • Spirituality and Meditation

    Agha Maisam, Client Partner

    I was introduced to Spirituality and meditation in 2019 and it become my love very quickly. I started finding answers to key questions I had throughout my life but no one was able to answer them. Questions like, what is one's purpose in life? What is 'I' and 'Ego'. How can I really become a good human being? etc. MORE >

    I also understood that in order to really learn something, first step was to unlearn. Learning was easy, but unlearning was the real challenge. Spirituality and Meditation helped me unlearn so that I can truly learn the hidden yet always available lessons of life. I want to offer the same to people and help them a truly happy life.
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  • Fatal Incident

    Jim Proebstle, Author

    Inspired by the true events of an Air Transport Command aircraft disaster in Alaska in 1944, Fatal Incident reveals the dark secrets of a WW II conspiracy and cover-up of how twenty U.S. military deaths have gone unsolved for over 70 years. The story will attract men and women interested in intrigue, Russian espionage, and heart-pounding drama; as the human emotions and lives of people in love, separated by war, are changed forever. MORE >

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