Current Events   

Bringing awareness to general terminology and misunderstanding of biases. Often, we are not aware of cultural and systematic biases that effect the community. We are not aware of simple and unintentional behaviors that make others feel uncomfortable or unable to participate. This is an informational session to bring awareness to the community and open discussion in a positive, unthreatening environment. Join me in communication efforts to benefit all and help make our community inclusive to all. Information is scientific, research-based and will be helpful in understand others. Communication and awareness are essential in getting along with other fellow workers, family, and friends. Hope to see you here to start discussions!

In the future, wars will not just be fought by soldiers, ships and planes. They will also be fought with the click of a mouse a half a world away that unleashes carefully weaponized computer programs that disrupt or destroy critical industries like utilities, transportation, communications, and energy. Such attacks could also disable military networks that control the movement of troops, the path of fighter planes, and the command and control of warships. Our entire way of life, from communication to commerce to conflict, fundamentally depends on the internet, and the resultant cybersecurity issues affect everyone. There is perhaps no issue so important as cybersecurity that is so poorly understood. This presentation will help you better understand the issue.

An exploration of the characteristics of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and those developments happening in American society today and those on the horizon. These include media manipulation of citizens, free use of mind-numbing drugs, escapist media, and genetic hacking of the human mind and body. Note: It is recommended to be familiar with Huxley's book Brave New World, published in 1932, for class.

As Zach Stein, a philosopher of education, has said, “Education today must prepare us for the future, even though the future is a moving target.” Whether we’re talking about competing in the global marketplace, preventing dire climate outcomes, or preparing the workforce of the future, the qualifications for success have changed. The future’s only certain aspect is its increasing complexity and unpredictability. Consider that the average age of an S&P 500 company is under 20 years, down from 60 years in the 1950s. At the current churn rate, about half of S&P 500 companies will be replaced over the next ten years. In addition to solving known problems, we face unprecedented challenges that will require individuals and organizations alike to become more adept at innovation and transformation.In this pre-recorded talk, we'll hear how agile learning and organization provides the opportunity to drive economic prosperity and liberate human potential at scale.

Speaker Jennifer Gresham is the founder of Work for Humanity, a nonprofit dedicated to helping workers develop the self-confidence, independence, and technical skill to teach themselves nearly anything and demonstrate their capacity for more valuable and meaningful work. She is a Ph.D. scientist, Air Force veteran, sought after career and business coach, and successful entrepreneur. She formerly served as the Assistant Chief Scientist of the Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory, helping to guide a $100M research portfolio spanning the fields of biology, psychology, and technology. She currently lives in Seattle with her husband, daughter, and 3 cats.

Join a group of individuals who want to look "behind the headlines" and discuss the important events of the day.

Two facilitators will lead the way to better understand what is happening in regard to national and world events. The goal is objectivity without judgment.

Join a group of individuals who want to look "behind the headlines" and discuss the important events of the day.

Two facilitators will lead the way to better understand what is happening in regard to national and world events. The goal is objectivity without judgment.

Once a month we will have an in-depth discussion on a current issue. The purpose of this class is not to change minds but to gain knowledge from each other. We will strive to understand other people's thoughts and beliefs. Except for the first month, participants will select the topics to discuss.

Currently, in some places as Florida, the teaching of slavery in schools, is under attack. Adults more than children should know its history, but most had little in-depth exposure. The Founding Fathers sanctioned slavery, a root cause of why we lack "domestic tranquility" today. Slavery was not unique to America but it developed a pernicious form. Unfortunately, slavery today as human trafficking throughout the world is second to drug trafficking.

If there is one word which sums up the American experience, it is equality. When Jefferson proclaimed "all men are created equal," it was only aspirational. He claimed it was "self-evident." But it wasn’t.  Few initially understood its ramification. Not all Americans in the past or today subscribe to equality. This presentation examines the struggle to move beyond the more evident sense of hierarchy. The gift of America to the world is its historical struggle to make equality a reality in law and practice.

The 1790 Naturalization Act was biased in allowing only free white persons to become a citizen of the new republic. All others need not apply. There has been a persistent effort to keep America white. This presentation demonstrates the historical effort to keep America white. Despite this, the struggle also enjoined an America of diversity.  E Pluribus Unum can be interpreted two ways: homogeneity or heterogeneity. America has become a primer for other nations today who are struggling with issues of homogeneity and heterogeneity.  America has become a petri dish.