April 4: Listen to one of the country's major experts on global climate change


Christopher Flavin President of Worldwatch Institute, discusses global climate change.


When: Wednesday April 4 -- talk 11-12, lunch 12:00-12:45


Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

How much are human practices contributing to sub-stantial and irreversible changes to the environment? What effect are changes to the climate having in different areas of the planet? What response can the inter-national community adopt to lessen the impact of dramatic climate change?


As President of Worldwatch, Christopher Flavin is the Institute’s chief executive officer, serves on its Board of Directors, and represents the organization before a wide range of international audiences. In his long career at Worldwatch, he has helped guide the Institute’s development, serving as vice president for research and later as senior vice president. He was appointed president in September 2000.Christopher is actively engaged in international climate change and energy policy discussions, and participated in the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the Climate Change Conference in Kyoto Japan in 1997, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences Board on Energy and Environmental Systems, the Climate Institute, and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.
It's part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

April 11: Another chance to hear Pierre Atlas on the Middle East


Pierre Atlas, head of Marian College's Franciscan Center for Global Studies, discuses what can be done in the Middle East


When: Wednesday April 11 -- talk 11 AM to noon, lunch noon to 12:30

Where: Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.


Although the U.S. will remain engaged in Iraq during the next year, other factors have emerged to challenge stability in the region. Iran’s nuclear program, the outcome of the conflict in Lebanon, and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations will all play a key role. How will these issues shape the Middle East?

No one in Central Indiana explains these issues more clearly and humanely than Prof. Pierre Atlas of Marian College. Don't miss this talk. It's part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

April 18: Hear Steve Smith explain why Mexico is in crisis, and why we should care

Dr. Steve Jones of IUPUI discusses the causes and possible solutions of Mexico's crises

When: Wednesday April 18, -- talk 11-12, lunch 12:00-12:45
Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

The results of Mexico’s presidential election are nearly too close to call, how will this result effect the new Mexican administration’s policies? Can Felipe Calderon successfully reform Mexico’s policies on energy, trade and border security and strengthen relations with the United States?

Dr. Steven Jones, is Coordinator of the Office of Service Learning in the Center for Service and Learning (CSL) at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). Prior to joining CSL, he was the Associate Director of the Integrating Service with Academic Studies project at Campus Compact from 2002-2004. Steven received a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Utah in 1995 and was an associate professor of political science at the University of Charleston from 1995-2002 where he also served as the Director of the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Government Studies. He edited the second edition of Campus Compact’s Introduction to Service Learning Toolkit and is a co-author of two other Campus Compact monographs, The Community’s College: Indicators of Engagement at Two-Year Institutions and The Promise of Partnerships: Tapping into the Campus as a Community Asset. His most recent publication, with Jim Perry, Quick Hits for Education Citizens, is part of FACET's Quick Hits Series.

Steve's talk is part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

April 25: Susan Erickson discusses why we need to care about migration in a global economy

IUPUI's Susan Erickson explains why we need to care about migrations other than from Mexico to Indianapolis

When: Wednesday April 25, talk from 11 to noon, lunch from noon to 12:30

Where: Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

The movement of people across international borders can be initiated by conflict, economic reasons or the chance to achieve political freedoms. Migration issues have taken center-stage in the U.S. and EU, as citizens increasingly worry about job security and terrorism. What are the advantages and disadvantages for countries that are affected by migration?

Although Susan Erickson specializes in American politics, particularly in campaign finance and the media's role in politics, she also teaches courses on international relations and Asian politics. She has carried out extensive research in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Hungary, and Poland. Ms Erickson frequently appears as a political commentator on television, and is a great favorite of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com.

May 2: Finally take the chance to explore South Africa with Kelly Campbell

Kelly Campbell, Vice President of Operations of Ambassadors for Children, discusses what is happening in South Africa, and how each of us can make a difference

When: Wednesday Ma2, talk 11-noon, lunch noon-12:30

Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and has been an active leader on the continent, yet it still struggles with major issues in the post-Apartheid era. What are the political challenges facing South Africa? What impact is the AIDS epidemic playing on South Africa’s economy and society?






Kelly Campbell is Vice President of Operations for Ambassadors for Children. Ambassadors for Children (AFC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving children around the world through short-term humanitarian service trips and sustainable programs. Voluntourism trips are fast becoming the new way to travel. Voluntourism is the combination of voluntary service to a destination with the traditional elements of travel and tourism - arts, culture, history, geography, and recreation. Kelly has been with the organization since 2004 and have served as an intern, volunteer travel coordinator, and Director of Missions. She recently completed her Masters in International Relations at the University of Indianapolis. She was called out of the country unexpectedly and missed her talk to the Indiana Council on World Affairs ... don't miss this chance to hear her what she has to say.



Kelly's talk is part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

May 23: Help the World’s Endangered Children


When: Wednesday May 23 -- talk 11-12, lunch 12:00-12:45


Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St. Indianapolis


Dr. Chuck Dietzen
President and Founder
Timmy Foundation

Ensuring the safety and proper development of children is the stated goal of the global community, yet in some countries, children are exposed to unsafe labor practices, human trafficking, and participation in combat. What role do private donors, governments and international organizations play in ensuring health care, education and safety for the world’s children?


The Timmy Foundation began in 1997 as a deep personal commitment of Dr. Charles Dietzen (better known as Dr. Chuck) to assist the medically underserved children he met while conducting medical missions in Haiti and India. Named after his brother, Timmy, the Foundation’s work is dedicated to channelling resources to sustainable health projects in developing countries. The foundation is currently partnering with dynamic projects in nine countries, with the vision of a world in which quality healthcare and education are available to all children.


It's part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

Welcome to IndyBuzz

IndyBuzz provides information about Central Indiana's most stimulating and thought provoking events -- discussions and conferences, art exhibitions, films, music performances. It tells you what's happening … explains why you should be part of what’s happening. More than an events calendar, though, IndyBuzz tries to make events more meaningful for participants by suggesting an article or two to read before the event, recommending books or websites that will be sources of further information after the event, and pointing out related events that are worth attending.

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