All Topics in Chicago

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  Democracy Under Duress

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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  Right-wing populism is rising in many western nations, but here in the US it is beginning to actually threaten our democracy. This presentation points out why this is happening uniquely here in the US: Because the country is becoming a true multi-racial democracy, a transformation that no other country is undergoing. And the US constitution actually empowers the minority that wishes to stop this transition. MORE >

  We will discuss why this is happening, and what we need to change in our governmental structures to alleviate this attack on our democracy.

  And we must address these very thorny issues, starting now. Because the US will become a multi-racial democracy - or it won't be a democracy any more.

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  Decarbonizing Your Home

  Ivonne Rychwa, Director of Outreach, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  CUB will dive into ways renters and homeowners can access energy efficiency and cost-saving programs and appliances. During this presentation, you will receive information on: Building Decarbonization, The benefits of building electrification, New tax credits and rebates for home energy improvements available through the Inflation Reduction Act, Alternatives to gas appliances, and Free programs designed to save you energy and money
  MORE >

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  Data Analytics for Financial Crime Prevention

  Jiaqi Chen, Business Intelligence Analyst

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  In this comprehensive session, discover how cutting-edge data analytics transforms financial crime prevention in today's digital landscape. Jiaqi Chen demonstrates how organizations can leverage advanced analytics to detect, prevent, and respond to sophisticated financial crimes.

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  Cyber Threat Survival Guide Protecting Your Business from Harm

  Christopher Higgins, Cyber Security Analyst, CCS Technology Group

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  In this dynamic and engaging presentation, we will take a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Join us as we review the current threat landscape, educate you on common cyber attacks, explore the motivations behind these hacking endeavors, and, most importantly, equip you with practical strategies to protect yourself and your business from the lurking bad actors. MORE >

  With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated by the day, it is crucial to understand the risks you face. Our presentation will shed light on the tactics employed by hackers, helping you decode their methods and motives. We will explore the inner workings of various cyber attacks, from phishing scams to ransomware, all presented in a conversational and approachable manner that even non-technical audiences can grasp.

  Armed with this knowledge, you will learn how to fortify your defenses and mitigate vulnerabilities. We will share key cybersecurity best practices and actionable steps, empowering you to safeguard your digital assets. From implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to educating your employees about social engineering techniques, we will cover it all.

  Join us for this eye-opening presentation and take the first step towards building a resilient cybersecurity posture. Don't wait for the bad actors to strike - together, we can overcome the cyber threats that loom in the digital realm.

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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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  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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  Courage Is The Master of Fear

  Cherise N Ragland, Producer, Actress, Public Speaker, Author

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Motivational

  Cherise Nicole speaks from a Chapter in her book "You Can Soar" on Courage Being The Master of Fear. Sometimes life's blows damage people's confidence and leave them with a broken or bruised wing? How can one soar when they've been broken on the inside? Cherise will motivate people to move out of their comfort zone and extinguish the excuses and lies that cripple people from moving forward in life. She motivates listeners to action! MORE >

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  Connecting People and Purpose: Rethinking Employee Engagement in Mission-Driven Organizations

  Anthony Bolden and Charles Cammack, Co-founders, BridgeWork LLC

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  In this interactive talk, we’ll explore the often-overlooked aspect of nonprofit leadership: the importance of putting people first to achieve mission success. You’ll learn why aligning organizational goals with the personal and professional growth of your employees is not only beneficial but essential for long-term sustainability. We’ll challenge the traditional narrative that places the burden of engagement solely on employees, shifting the focus to leadership's role in fostering a culture where both the organization and its people can thrive. MORE >

  Key Takeaways:
  - Understanding "Developmental Reciprocity": Discover how investing in your people creates a legacy of growth that extends beyond your organization.
  - Illustrating the BridgeWork Framework: Explore a proven approach to optimizing employee experience and driving organizational success through the phases of joining, learning, growing, and leaving.
  - Practical Insights: Engage with seven critical questions designed to help you evaluate and enhance your current workforce development strategies.
  - Actionable Steps: Learn how to balance your mission-driven goals with the needs of your employees, creating a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce.

  Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, HR professional, or team manager, this talk will provide you with the tools and insights needed to build a thriving, purpose-driven workplace. Join us to rethink how we can better connect people and purpose in the nonprofit sector.

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  Congress Doesn’t Care What You Think

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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  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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  Concussion Roulette

  Anthony Surrusco, D.C., Clinic Director, Clarendon Chiropractic

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Health & Fitness

  Did you know these alarming statistics? 70% of Players Played with Symptoms of Concussions; 40% of Coaches Didn’t Know About the Injury; 33% of Concussions Occur at Practice. A 10 to 30 minute presentation for coaches and parent meeting on the seriousness of concussions and how performance can be affected for athletes.

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  Computer Security Essentials

  Jody Jankovsky, Founder and Managing Member, Black|Line Consulting

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  Black|Line's Security Essentials presentation focuses on the most common computer security issues facing people and businesses today. The talk describes the 4 primary threat categories and a series of technologies and best practices to protect yourself. The presentation can be made to fit a 30-60 minute format.

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